What's Making Me Happy This Week

(idea shamelessly stolen from NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, which also makes me happy every week.)

The kids and I got to spend Mother's Day with my mom, my sister & brother, and my niece. It's rare for us all to be able to get together, so this was very special.



"So I took her phone from her and tossed it." 

This is the best thing I've read all week. There are too many rude people, and I support actions like this 100%.





So You Think You Can Dance is back! This show is the highlight of my year - oh, how I wish I could dance!

THIS!! This means something in my garden is actually growing! This is my first year to try to plant vegetables, and gardening with two-year-old "helpers" is a shady proposition at best. But these little sprouts mean something I put into the ground is really growing - I'm so excited! Now I just hope I can keep the predators - four-legged AND two-legged - away long enough for a vegetable to show up! 


What's making YOU happy this week? Share with me in the comments - we all need a little happy sometimes.

Book Thoughts - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
audiobook read by Davina Porter
published 1991


Synopsis from publisher -

The year is 1945. Claire Randall is traveling with her husband when she touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is hurled back in time to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord 1743. Catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, she soon realizes that an alliance with James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, might be the only way to survive. Thus begins a work of unrivaled storytelling that has become a modern classic.

My thoughts -

It's so hard to even review something like this - it seems less a novel and more a life event, particularly after you've spent SOOO much of your life with these characters. (This book is long, folks!) And I would be lying if I said I loved every minute of it - there was a time around hour 15 that I was pretty seriously wondering why I'd decided to tackle this monstrosity. But something kept me listening, and then suddenly I was completely sucked in.

There were definitely parts of the novel that didn't sit quite right with me. There seemed to be A LOT of introductory stuff in the beginning - I realize it's a bit of a complex plot, but holy moly, just get to the good stuff already. And I realize that Claire is a "contemporary" women thrust back into a foreign time, but she says and does really stupid things REALLY often. Honey, learn the lesson - it's not 1945 anymore, and people will kill you.

Overall, though, I have to admit I enjoyed it. Once Gabaldon finally got the ball rolling, Claire and Jamie's relationship was a lot of fun to watch blossom. I love her cast of characters - particulary Jenny and Ian, and hope to revisit them in future novels. Claire gets herself into a whole litany of crazy escapades, and Jamie seems to manage to save her from them all - what more could you want in a novel?

I very much enjoyed the narration by Davina Porter - what a fantastic voice for this novel! She expresses so much with just a slight differentiation of tone - the perfect choice for this book. Again, the quality of the audio was a bit sketchy - I could clearly hear coughs and traffic noises in the background as Porter was reading.

Will this be the best novel I read all year? Probably not, but it was certainly entertaining while it lasted, and I will most likely be picking up the next in the series before the year is out.

Finished - 5/12/13
Source - Audible.com
MPAA rating - R for a lot of violence and adult situations
My rating - 8/10

Sunday Shorts

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
182 pages
published 1979

Synopsis from publisher -

When an eccentric millionaire dies mysteriously, sixteen very unlikely people are gathered together for the reading of the will...and what a will it is!

My thoughts -

Another selection from the top 100 Chapter Books read-along, The Westing Game is probably my least favorite of the novels so far. Part of it might be just a general reading malaise - I am having a hard time finding anything that is really catching my interest right now. I didn't find any of the "quirky cast of characters" particularly interesting, and the mystery itself seemed pretty easy to solve. 

Finished - 5/1/13

Source - South side library

MPAA rating - PG-13 for some violence

My rating - 6/10

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

published 1/31/13

432 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London; working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward; both of whom she is deeply drawn to; Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius - and madness - in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

My thoughts -

This novel perhaps suffered from a bit of over-hype - I'd read a LOT of good reviews, and so had extremely high expectations. When I read it, however, I found it to be good but not as compelling as I'd hoped. I think it's a fascinating idea, but somewhat lacking in execution. The love triangle was not at all compelling, and I thought it took away from what were some really interesting ideas that didn't get fleshed out. Apparently this is the first of a trilogy - I will wait and see if I am interested enough to pick up the second novel.

Finished - 5/3/13

Source - South side library

MPAA rating - Holy hard R - vivisection, people.

My rating - 6/10

Book Thoughts - The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau

The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau
485 pages
published March 2013

Synopsis from publisher -


In 1538, England’s bloody power struggle between crown and cross threatens to tear the country apart. Novice Joanna Stafford has tasted the wrath of the royal court, discovered what lies within the king’s torture rooms, and escaped death at the hands of those desperate to possess the power of an ancient relic.

Even with all she has experienced, the quiet life is not for Joanna. Despite the possibilities of arrest and imprisonment, she becomes caught up in a shadowy international plot targeting Henry VIII himself. As the power plays turn vicious, Joanna realizes her role is more critical than she’d ever imagined. She must choose between those she loves most and assuming her part in a prophecy foretold by three seers. Repelled by violence, Joanna seizes a future with a man who loves her. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot escape the spreading darkness of her destiny.

To learn the final, sinister piece of the prophecy, she flees across Europe with a corrupt spy sent by Spain. As she completes the puzzle in the dungeon of a twelfth-century Belgian fortress, Joanna realizes the life of Henry VIII as well as the future of Christendom are in her hands—hands that must someday hold the chalice that lies at the center of these deadly prophecies. . . .

My thoughts -

There were a lot of things I liked about The Chalice. I think Joanna Stafford is an extremely interesting heroine - Bilyeau has created for her an intriguing history and back story, and it is always entertaining to see what she will decide to do next. Bilyeau's pacing and narrative flow are perfect for this type of novel - nearly every chapter ends with me hardly able to wait to turn the pages.

And I LOVE that Bilyeau has found a way to do Tudor England historical fiction without the novel being about THE TUDORS. Because really, haven't we all read about 1,230 novels about Henry and Anne and Elizabeth at this point? By making the Tudor family drama mostly just part of the background, Bilyeau brings something new and fresh to a very heavily laden table. It's been a long time since I've thought about the Reformation from the Catholic perpective, and it's a fascinating and refreshing change.

However, I have to admit I was not as impressed with this novel as I had been with Bilyeau's first. There were just too many times that I felt the action nearing on implausible. Sometimes it seemed as thought Bilyeau was piling on danger after danger, just to figure out a way for Joanna to escape. I was quite intrigued by the broad story arc, but some of the individual scenes just read as too much high coincidence for me.

Since I enjoyed her first so much, however, I will definitely give the next book in the series a try. And, really, there are a LOT more glowing reviews out there that don't agree with me, so if it sounds like an interesting premise, give it a try!

Finished - 4/27/13
Source - review copy from publisher - thank you!
MPAA rating - R for violence and adult situations
My rating - 6/10

Tried It and Tossed It

Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson
published 3/13
352 pages

Synopsis from publisher -


When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

My thoughts -

I think perhaps I just OD'd a little bit on young adult novels, because I just COULD.NOT.CARE about this one. It just seemed too predictable too quickly - I've read a few good reviews of it, though, so I have a feeling it was just the wrong book at the wrong time.

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
published 1/15/13
320 pages

Synopsis from publisher -


In Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, novelist Jennifer Chiaverini presents a stunning account of the friendship that blossomed between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Keckley, a former slave who gained her professional reputation in Washington, D.C. by outfitting the city’s elite. Keckley made history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln within the White House, a trusted witness to many private moments between the President and his wife, two of the most compelling figures in American history.

 My thoughts -

For some reason it felt like I was thrown into the middle of a story when I picked up this book - it just seemed like something was missing from the beginning to orient me to the story. I couldn't settle in to the rhythm of the novel, and it just didn't hold my interest.

Book Thoughts - Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
published 1971
240 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

My thoughts -

What an absolute delight! I can't believe I didn't read this as a child - it seems like just the sort of book my mom would have had lying around for me to discover. I will definitely have a copy for my kids to pick up one day.

Both storylines are equally strong, but the story of the rats and their experiences and eventual escape from NIMH is quite fascinating. The idea of making the rat be a sympathetic character is unique, and O'Brien does such an excellent job - I fully believed Nicodemus when he explained just how remarkable these rats were.

Mrs. Frisby was a courageous heroine, and I loved her quiet strength and determination. I liked the way O'Brien took care with each character to make them feel like something individual and unique - each of the rats had their own personalities, and even Mrs. Frisby's children were distinct in their own way.

I loved every minute of reading this book! Thanks to Kristen and her 100 Chapter Books Readalong over at The Estella Society - I'm sure glad I had a reason to try this fabulous novel.

Finished - 4/23/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - PG maybe? for some violence
My rating - 9/10

Sunday Shorts

When We Wake by Karen Healey
304 pages
published 3/5/13

Synopsis from publisher -


Sixteen-year-old Tegan is just like every other girl living in 2027--she's happiest when playing the guitar, she's falling in love for the first time, and she's joining her friends to protest the wrongs of the world: environmental collapse, social discrimination, and political injustice.

But on what should have been the best day of Tegan's life, she dies--and wakes up a hundred years in the future, locked in a government facility with no idea what happened.

Tegan is the first government guinea pig to be cryonically frozen and successfully revived, which makes her an instant celebrity--even though all she wants to do is try to rebuild some semblance of a normal life. But the future isn't all she hoped it would be, and when appalling secrets come to light, Tegan must make a choice: Does she keep her head down and survive, or fight for a better future?

My thoughts -

I have to admit I'm enjoying this dystopian future YA trend SO much more than the vampire/mermaid/werewolf YA trend. There seems to be a lot of good offerings lately, and it's been fun to read them. When We Wake is definitely darker in tone, with very definite religious and political opinions. There were times when the story took just a bit of a turn to the soapbox, but in general I found it to be entertaining, and I would love to read another in a series.

Finished - 4/5/13
Source - South side library
MPAA Rating - PG-13 for violence and adult situations
My rating - 8/10

The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black
published 1/31/2013
268 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

Photographer Clare Porterfield's once-happy marriage is coming apart, unraveling under the strain of a family tragedy. When she receives an invitation to direct an exhibition in her hometown of Galveston, Texas, she jumps at the chance to escape her grief and reconnect with the island she hasn't seen for ten years. There Clare will have the time and space to search for answers about her troubled past and her family's complicated relationship with the wealthy and influential Carraday family.

Soon she finds herself drawn into a century-old mystery involving Stella Carraday. Local legend has it that Stella drowned in her family's house during the Hurricane of 1900, hung by her long hair from the drawing room chandelier. Could Stella have been saved? What is the true nature of Clare's family's involvement? The questions grow like the wildflower vines that climb up the walls and fences of the island. And the closer Clare gets to the answers, the darker and more disturbing the truth becomes.

My thoughts -

I don't think it's a great sign that I finished this novel less than 12 hours ago and I already can't think up much to say about it. I think the author has a lot of potential - the writing here is quite good - but her story meandered and I just didn't find myself motivated to read. I would certainly read more by this author, even though this particular book couldn't really catch my attention.

Finished - 4/13/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - R for adult situations
My rating - 5/10

The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau
published January, 2013
409 pages

Synopsis from publisher -


Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake. Defying the rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her cousin’s side. Arrested for interfering with the king’s justice, Joanna, along with her father, is sent to the Tower of London.

While Joanna is in the Tower, the ruthless Bishop of Winchester forces her to spy for him: to save her father’s life she must find an ancient relic; a crown so powerful, it may possess the ability to end the Reformation.

With Cromwell’s troops threatening to shutter her priory, bright and bold Joanna must decide who she can trust so that she may save herself, her family, and her sacred way of life. This provocative story melds heart-stopping suspense with historical detail and brings to life the poignant dramas of women and men at a fascinating and critical moment in England’s past.

My thoughts -

Oh, this is just the best kind of historical fiction. A fascinating mystery, a plucky and intriguing heroine, the Tudors with being THE TUDORS - I just loved every minute of this. I can't wait to start the next novel about the delightful Sister Joanna. Highly recommended.

Finished - 4/19/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - PG-13 for adult situations and violence
My rating - 9/10

The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
first published 1904
287 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

First issued in 1904, L. Frank Baum's The Marvelous Land of Ozis the story of the wonderful adventures of the young boy named Tip as he travels throughout the many lands of Oz. Here he meets with our old friends the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, as well as some new friends like Jack Pumpkinhead, the Wooden Sawhorse, the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug, and the amazing Gump. How they thwart the wicked plans of the evil witch Mombi and overcome the rebellion of General Jinjur and her army of young women is a tale as exciting and endearing today as it was when first published over eighty years ago

My thoughts -

Ugh. I'm really particular about reading a series in order, and because I want to get to Ozma of Oz for the 100 best chapter books readalong, I had to read this one first. I did NOT care for this novel - as much as I enjoyed The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I did not enjoy this one. I understand that the entire novel was basically just a set up to discover the origins of Ozma, but it was too slap-sticky and ridiculous, and frankly more than a little misogynistic. It just seemed like an excuse for Baum to throw out every odd character he could think of, without much of a plot to tie them together. Here's hoping Ozma will be a more entertaining read.

Finished - 4/20/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - PG? I don't know, this is pretty tame, but the scarecrow does get un-stuffed a bunch of times.
My rating - 4/10