The Elite [Audiobook Review]

The Elite is the second book in a series. This review assumes you’ve read The Selection.

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Narrator: Amy Rubinate
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian
Pages: 336
Audio: 7.7 hours
Year: 2013
Publisher: Harper Audio
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Book Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 4/5

(I’m not usually a big cover connoisseur, but aren’t these covers just gorgeous?)

Summary:

There are only 6 girls remaining in the Selection. Six girls competing for Prince Maxon. America is still torn before her feelings for Maxon and Aspen, her present and her past. While America is put to the test as a potential princess, the rebel attacks are growing more frequent and intense. There is never a dull moment for the Elite.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed The Selection and I was very much looking forward to The Elite, and Cass delivered with more of the back story as I hoped. We learn about the creation of the caste system, the implementation of the monarchy, and the origins of the Selection.

The Elite is a little darker and more serious. America struggles to figure out where she belongs (and with whom). I would have liked a little less he-loves-me/he-loves-me-not from America and a little more progress in the actual Selection itself, but overall I am still enjoying this series.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Amy Rubinate continues to handle a tough gig (first person YA). Definitely check out the audiobook for this one.

The Sunday Salon [4.21.13]

The Sunday Salon.com

 Boy was this a stressful week, what with everything going on in Boston. Not only does my dad live in one of the suburbs that was on lockdown Friday, but my mom had flown to Boston to see my cousin run the marathon. Any other year and I may not have had any family there, but this year I had a lot. Those few minutes before my mom texted me back to say they were safe in a restaurant a few blocks away were some of the worst minutes of my life. While my family is all safe, some of my family’s family was injured, and I know they all appreciate the thoughts and prayers from all of you on twitter (I told my uncle I had “taken to the internet” for him). In some ways, I think we are all getting desensitized to the mass violence that occurs in our society, but having it directly affect me has been eye-opening.

Anyway, there was not much reading going on while I was closely following this marathon story, but I am currently reading Lauren Graham’s Someday, Someday Maybe and listening to Hand Me Down by Melanie Thorne.

And, finally, we had a big milestone yesterday. Evan, who had been taking a step or two here and there suddenly decided it was time for some full-on walking. Here’s a video of one of his very first attempts:

If that video doesn’t work, you can see it over at Evan’s blog (I have little time to figure this out today).

I am glad this week is over. I am ready for a much less “exciting” one now.

The Burgess Boys [Book Review]

“He had no memory of life without Jim being the brightness of its center.”

Title: The Burgess Boys
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 336
Year: 2013
Publisher: Random House
Source: Review copy from publisher
Rating: 2.5/5

Summary:

The Burgess Boys, Jim and Bob, have long since left their sister, Susan, in Maine for bigger and better things in New York City. Jim married a wealthy woman, raised three kids, and became famous from an OJ-like trial, while Bob – always in Jim’s shadow – is divorced, childless, and works at Legal Aid. When Susan’s son, Zach, throws a pigs head into a Mosque during Ramadan, the brothers must return to Maine. A family who has long since stopped being a family is forced together once more.

My Thoughts:

Oh, I have rather sad news today, readers. I did not love The Burgess Boys.

I am actually really bothered by the fact that I didn’t care too much for this one. Like in a breakup, I want to say, “it’s not you, dear book, it’s me. I didn’t spend enough time with you or focus on your needs.” And this is definitely at least part of it.  Because the last few weeks have been so busy, it took me a long time to read this book. And at some point finishing this book became a chore. But it wasn’t all me.

I went into The Burgess Boys expecting sadness, heartbreak, and struggles, which I got. But I also expected excellent writing, Elizabeth Strout set the bar VERY high for me with Olive Kitteridge. This one, apart from a few gems (see above and below) just didn’t live up to those expectations for me. I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters   By the time Bob became someone relatable and likeable, I’d already given up finding a connection with anyone. Finally, I found the book lacked that interesting “thing” that pulls me into a story.

So, readers, I tried, and maybe I didn’t try hard enough, but I think, like a REAL breakup, the fault lies with both The Burgess Boys and myself.

As a counterpoint, I urge you to read Jen’s review over at Devourer of Books – she loved the book.

“And it was too late. No one wants to believe something is too late, but it is always becoming too late, and the it is.”

Being There [Audiobook Review]

This year, I am particpating in the Armchair Audies. I am listening to every book in the Solo Narration – Male category. This is one of the nominees.

Title: Being There
Author: Jerzy Kozinski 
Narrator: Dustin Hoffman
Genre: Satire
Audio: 2.9 hours
Year: 2012 (originally 1971)
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Source: Personal Collection
Book Rating: 3.5/5
Audio Rating: 3/5

Summary:

Being There is the story of how Chance, a simple gardner in an old man’s estate becomes Chauncy Gardiner, economic aide to the President of the United States.

My Thoughts:

This book is actually very clever, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. Chance’s only knowledge about the outside world comes from television, so when he is suddenly sent out into the world on his own, he knows everything will work out, like it is scripted. His straightforward responses to questions get misunderstood and deemed “genius” and “visionary.” It’s a satire about the political world that works just as well in 2013 as it did in 1971.

Audiobook Thoughts:

I assume Dustin Hoffman was chosen because of his role in Rain Man, but I’m not sure he has the right voice for audiobooks beyond this one.

***

Hmm…my reviews just keep getting shorter. I guess a short review is better than no review.

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet [Audiobook Review]

Title: The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet
Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrator: Mirron Willis
Genre: Nonfiction; Science
Pages: 224 pages
Audio: 4.4 hours
Year: 2009
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Source: Library
Book Rating: 3.5/5
Audio Rating: 2.5/5

Summary:

Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. Neil deGrasse Tyson walks us through the history of Pluto, from its discovery to its demotion to dwarf status.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book I’ve read on Pluto in the past year and I enjoyed this one much more than How I Killed Pluto. Neil deGrasse Tyson is always entertaining and informative. He has a unique way of boiling things down without dumbing them down.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Eh, Willis isn’t my favorite narrator. Something about his narration seemed forced.

***

Well, this turned into a mini-review. Short and sweet, just like the book.

Me and My FitBit

A few weeks ago, the other lawyers in my firm and I were at lunch discussing how we all need to get back in shape. By the time we were walking out the door, a competition was born. We’ve each purchased FitBits to track our steps (and encouraged our staff to play as well). Between April 1 and June 30, we are competing to see who can take the most steps.  We’re 11 days in and I am in 3rd place (but getting better each day!).

So far the FitBit has taught me two things: (1) I don’t walk nearly as much as I should and (2) I actually sleep more than I think. The FitBit tracks your steps and the quality of your sleep (and you can manually input some other data points, like weight and blood pressure). I am currently averaging 8,227 steps a day (a little over 4 miles), 7.3 hours of sleep, and I’m already down 2.6 pounds. Even if I don’t win this competition, the FitBit has made me more aware of my activity. I’m going to keep working to get my average up to the recommended 10,000 steps (and I’m hoping that this gets me running again).

Screen shot 2013-04-09 at 9.11.37 PM

I know a bunch of other book bloggers who have FitBits and I’ve had a lot of encouragement from them(as always). If you’re on FitBit and want to be friends, click here.

The Art Forger [Audiobook Review]

Title: The Art Forger
Author: Barbara Shapiro
Narrator: Xe Sands
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 368
Audio: 10 hours
Year: 2012
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Source: Personal Collection
Book Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 5/5

Summary:

In 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen from the Gardiner Museum in Boston. The crime remains unsolved.

After her involvement in a scandal that left her blacklisted in the art world, Claire Roth makes her living creating reproductions of famous paintings.

When Aiden Markel pays her a visit, she discovers that he is in possession of one of the stolen paintings, Degas’ After the Bath. And Aiden wants her to reproduce it. But as she works on the forgery, she begins to suspect that the stolen painting may be a forgery itself.

My Thoughts:

Stolen paintings, forged artwork, love affairs, and deceit. The Art Forger is a compelling story and one that I only reluctantly put down.

The book alternates between three timelines: the present – where Claire is forging the stolen Degas, the past – where Isabella Gardiner corresponds with her niece about her interactions with Edgar Degas, and the more recent past – where Claire scandalizes the art world.

I was instantly drawn to Claire, and I really felt the injustice of her situation, even as she makes decisions that may not be in her best interest.

I immediately recommended this to my husband and he enjoyed it nearly as much as I did. I think this one will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Audiobook Thoughts:

My first experience with Xe Sands was sadly with a book I didn’t care much for, but I like her so much on Twitter, I desperately wanted to love her as a narrator. Well, she was fantastic in The Art Forger. This is definitely a book to listen to.

The Sunday Salon [4.7.13]

The Sunday Salon.com

Well life continues to be busy busy busy. We are finally guest free after hosting three different sets of visitors in the last month. Yet I still don’t seem to be able to find much time to read.

Next weekend is busy for a bookish weekend. We’re heading over to Orlando for the UCF Book Festival.

We’ve been every year since its inception though I’m not sure we’ll get to sit in for too many panels this year with the baby. I’m most excited to catch up with a few of the Orlando-area bloggers.

In the meantime, I am reading The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout and listening to The Absolutist by John Boyne.

How’s the weekend treating you?

Latest Books on the TBR

I haven’t done a post like this in awhile. Here are recent or upcoming releases that I am dying to read:

Summary:

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

Why I want to read it:

Sounds a bit like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In a Dystopian YA. Win.

Summary:

Dancing with someone is an act of trust. Elegant and intimate; you’re close enough to kiss, close enough to feel your partner’s heartbeat. But for Vanessa, dance is deadly – and she must be very careful who she trusts . . .

Vanessa Adler attends an elite ballet school – the same one her older sister, Margaret, attended before she disappeared. Vanessa feels she can never live up to her sister’s shining reputation. But Vanessa, with her glorious red hair and fair skin, has a kind of power when she dances – she loses herself in the music, breathes different air, and the world around her turns to flames . . .

Soon she attracts the attention of three men: gorgeous Zep, mysterious Justin, and the great, enigmatic choreographer Josef Zhalkovsky. When Josef asks Vanessa to dance the lead in the Firebird, she has little idea of the danger that lies ahead – and the burning forces about to be unleashed.

Why I want to read it:

A paranormal ballet book? Yes, please. Erica Barmash did a pretty good job pushing this one.

Summary:

“Bono met his wife in high school,” Park says.
“So did Jerry Lee Lewis,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be,” she says, “we’re sixteen.”
“What about Romeo and Juliet?”
“Shallow, confused, then dead.”
”I love you,” Park says.
“Wherefore art thou,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be.”

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Why I want to read it:

This one just sounds delightful: first love in the 80s and music talk.

Summary:

Moss takes us inside the labs where food scientists use cutting-edge technology to calculate the “bliss point” of sugary beverages or enhance the “mouthfeel” of fat by manipulating its chemical structure. He unearths marketing campaigns designed—in a technique adapted from tobacco companies—to redirect concerns about the health risks of their products: Dial back on one ingredient, pump up the other two, and tout the new line as “fat-free” or “low-salt.” He talks to concerned executives who confess that they could never produce truly healthy alternatives to their products even if serious regulation became a reality. Simply put: The industry itself would cease to exist without salt, sugar, and fat. Just as millions of “heavy users”—as the companies refer to their most ardent customers—are addicted to this seductive trio, so too are the companies that peddle them. You will never look at a nutrition label the same way again.

Why I want to read it:

Maybe I don’t. Will I still be able to eat ice cream and french fries?

****

So what new releases are you excited to read.

Parlor Games [Audiobook Review]

Title: Parlor Games
Author: Maryka Biaggio
Narrator: Leslie Carroll
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 352
Audio: 13.7 hours
Year: 2013
Publisher: Random House Audio
Source: Jen
Book Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Through the use of two story lines – her trial in 1917 and her life story beginning in the 1880s – May Dugas takes us from her hometown in the upper penninsula of Michigan to Chicago, Shanghai, London, Denmark, Monte Carlo, and Mexico. Is May a con artist? Is she just a woman looking for love and success? Parlor Games lets you be her judge.

My Thoughts:

This book has a great opening. I was drawn in immediately and needed to know just what made May the “Most Dangerous Woman….”

May is an unreliable narrator, but aren’t those the best kind? For anyone with wanderlust and a desire to elevate their place in the world, Parlor Games will be a delightful journey and May will steal your heart, whether she deserves it or not.For anyone with wanderlust and a desire to elevate their place in the world, Parlor Games will be a delightful journey and May will steal your heart, whether she deserves it or not.

Random thought while reading this book: What happened to train travel in the U.S. since the early 19th Century? May zips around the country by train. I want to do that. So let’s make this happen, ok?

Audiobook Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Carroll’s narration. It took me about half the book to figure out who the voice reminded me of – Susan Lucci. And Susan Lucci could TOTALLY play May Dugas.