what 1.5 days without power looks like

 

I don't know about the rest of you living in North Jersey but I was only expecting a little bit of snow.  Instead, we got a freaking blizzard and around 4pm the power went out in my house (as I was in the middle of mixing up a batch of red velvet chocolate chip cookies, of course). So until the power came back yesterday at 10pm (!), I didn't do much but stay warm, snack, clean up my room, re-read books (no Internet access = no new books on my Nook) and hang out with Benaiah, who refused to let me nap. 

I think my favorite moment of the whole debacle was on Saturday night.  I was quickly running out of ways to entertain my nephew so I grabbed a pint of green tea ice cream & two spoons, sat us down in the kitchen and ate while he talked on and on (mostly about how he keeps getting yellow notes from his teacher for talking too much).  Even though I miss the days when he was still a baby, I do love the way he calls me Mama Rachel, loud and clear, and makes me laugh with his stories.  

Things that kept me sane this week

The view when I walk out of my building

• The anticipation of new books coming out (which I had marked on my calendar like a nerd).
• Finding a good song and playing it over and over and over (Florence + the Machine - Shake It Out, Beirut - Postcards from Italy)
• Knowing someone gets (and calms down) my frustrations, even when I start to doubt myself and wonder if I'm what's wrong in the situation.  
• Hilarious twitter conversations between friends.
• Watching Brothers & Sisters on Netflix when I get home from work.  Dave Annable is my new celeb crush. 
• Catching up with a friend from high school that I haven't seen in five (!) years and being able to pick up right where we left off. 
• The fact that Friday is finally here. 

What kept you sane this week? 

Latest Read: The Iron Knight

Here are the basics ...
Books: The Iron Knight 
Author: Julie Kagawa
Blog: http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy

Note: This is the 4th book of the Iron Fey series (which I reviewed here).  If you haven't read the other books yet but want to, you might not want to read this review.  I'll try not to spoil too much! 

My thoughts ...

One sentence summary:  Ash, the last remaining prince of the Unseelie Court, is on a quest to find a way to be with Meghan in the Iron Realm.  

The good: I loved the previous three books and it ended on an.. ambiguous note.  So I've been eagerly awaiting this book to find out what happened to them - Meghan, Ash and Puck.  It was different reading from Ash's point of view, especially when I was so used to Meghan's.  And even though I prefer her narrative - it was also a nice change to get inside Ash's head and hear HIS story.  His past is definitely touched upon throughout the series, but in this book the readers learn everything.  As the author herself has said, this book is for Team Ash (like me!). 

The bad: It felt a little predictable at times and I knew what the outcome of the book would be from the beginning.  But, at the same time, it was the outcome I wanted so I can't really complain.  Still, my favorite part of this story has always been the relationship between Meghan and Ash and I was a little disappointed that we didn't get more scenes with them together.

Do I recommend?: If you've read the series, then you'll want to read this book.  All your questions will be answered and even though I said the book was a little predictable at times, the author does throw in some unexpected twists. 

Happy reading!

Latest Read: Wither

Here are the basics ...
Books: Wither (Book 1 of the Chemical Garden Trilogy)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Blog: http://www.laurendestefano.com/blog/
Category: Young Adult








My thoughts ...
One sentence summary: Rhine Ellery lives in a world where genetics have gone wrong (men only live until 25, women until 20) and to counterbalance the decreasing population, young girls are kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.  

The good: Amidst all the "paranormal" YA fiction out there, there's also a lot of dystopian type fiction (the best being The Hunger Games and the not-so-great being The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher).  This falls somewhere in the middle.  It actually reminded me a lot of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.  The book is well-written and well-paced.  I loved the "sisterhood" that forms between the wives, especially when it would've been so easy to look out for only themselves.  You feel a degree of sympathy for all these characters (aside from the obvious bad guy).  But.. 

The bad: .. something was missing.  I reached the end and thought myself - "Okay, and?" The book felt like the prologue to what is going to be a really interesting story.  There should've been more about the world - the way it was before genetics got all screwed up, how it was in the aftermath and how it is now.  I mean you're given an idea but I think she could've put in so much more detail into the world she created.  

Do I recommend?: It was okay.  I expected a lot more and if you have other books on your to-read list, I'd recommend buying those first before this one.  Something tells me that once all three books for this trilogy are out, it would be best to read them one after the other.  


Happy reading!

Life lately, according to my iPhone

I admit, I got the idea from another blog to do these kind of posts.  I felt a little guilty about copying but then I saw that a bunch of blogs do this! So now I feel less bad but just to cover all my bases - whoever came up with this idea.. you're awesome and thanks.






(Left to right): Lobster mac & cheese from Madison Square Garden EATS.  Dinner with the besties. Dunkin donuts coffee, Saturday morning. Local designer market in Soho.  C.Wonder grand opening. Free flowers to send to anyone in NYC or Brooklyn courtesy of C.Wonder. Traditional beef pie from the Tuck Shop at Chelsea Market.

Latest Read: The Fever Series

It's been a week since my last book post and you're probably wondering what happened.  Did I take a break from reading?  Forget to blog?

Nope.

Been reading a five book series and I just finished an hour ago.  So here I am, ready to review!

Here are the basics ...
Books: Darkfever (#1), Bloodfever (#2), Faefever (#3), Dreamfever (#4), Shadowfever (#5)
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Blog: http://karenmariemoning.blogspot.com/
Category: Fiction - Science Fiction & Fantasy / Romance

My thoughts ...
Three sentence summary (no way I can sum this up in one!): MacKayla Lane was just a small-town southern girl who loved the color pink, shopping and her family.  Then her sister is murdered in Ireland and her entire life changes. What begins as a journey for answers quickly turns into a deadly war between The Fae and she's the only person who can save the world from them. 

The good: I read this book because a friend recommended it to me and I trust her taste in books completely (probably because we like the same ones).  She said it was about faeries and since I had just read the Iron Fey series, I might like this. I checked it out, skimmed the summary and downloaded it onto my Nook immediately.  I had assumed that it was another Young Adult series but quickly realized it was for adults (no way I'd let my teenage daughter read it).  It's not easy to categorize this book.  It's kind of a rollercoaster actually.  It's very, very dark at times and then there are these unexpected moments that had me laughing out loud because I could just picture the scenes so clearly in my head (the author has a way with words).  It's got this detailed Faerie mythology, a romance (I use the term loosely; this relationship is volatile, chock full of chemistry and dangerous) and characters that you love and frustrate you completely, all at once.  It's definitely a world to get absorbed in and you want them, especially MacKayla, to persevere.  

The bad:  The female protagonist and heroine, MacKayla, evolves a lot over the course of five books and I actually loved her character.  But in the beginning, she was just a pretty girl who wanted to get married, have babies while living next door to her sister and of course, shop & suntan.  And the author doesn't let you forget it.  I mean, I understand that MacKayla's roots are important but the author would go into excruciating detail over what she was wearing, right down to the name of her nail polish color.  Not once, not twice, but multiple times.  She could've, and should've, cut back on that.  Then.. I mentioned the series was dark and what I'm about to say isn't necessarily a bad thing but I just wasn't expecting it.  There's a lot of sex in these books.  Think True Blood / Game of Thrones graphic. Often times it's pertinent to the the story and how the Fae are portrayed, other times gratuitous.  I'm just saying that if reading that sort of thing, sexual innuendos and lots of references to people's body parts makes you extremely uncomfortable - you probably won't want to read this. (It doesn't start off that way immediately but gets progressively so as you continue onto each book.)

Do I recommend?: I'm torn.  I mostly want to say yes because well, clearly I enjoyed the series (and plan to read more of her books).  I couldn't put it down and read all five books in seven days.  The cliffhangers are so sudden, that you're left wanting more immediately.. and trust me, once you start you will want more.  (At least I did.)  But I can see how it's not for everyone.  For me, it's a yes.  And if you like shows such as True Blood or Games of Thrones, enjoy fantasy and romance - then it's probably a yes for you too. 

Happy reading! 

Apple picking!

I went apple picking with my family this past weekend for the first time in YEARS.  Unfortunately we went a little late in the season but it was still a lot of fun.  We had apple cider and freshly made sugared donuts (delicious!), picked apples (and took pictures with pumpkins) and then all went out for dinner at a local restaurant.  

Also - this was my first full day with my lovely new iPhone 4S and Instagram, my new favorite app. Expect lots of photos coming this blog's way.  

Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

I'm craving..

Escargot

and

Macaroons (from Ladurée)

A strange combination I know but I obviously wouldn't eat them at the same time.  Just the same day.. preferably soon.  

(And while doing so, I'll pretend I'm still in Paris.) 

Latest Read: Where She Went

Here are the basics ...
Books: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Blog: http://www.gayleforman.com/blog/
Category: Young Adult

My thoughts ...
One sentence summary: Mia, a talented cellist, and Adam, a rock star and celebrity, cross paths in New York for the first time in three years and spend an entire night together revisiting their past. 

The good: I literally just finished the book and when I looked up the Amazon link to use for this entry, I realized that this book is a sequel! I had no idea.  Honestly, as soon as I started reading, I was immersed in their story.  It's a simple one but that's what I like about it.  These two lost souls who loved each other once and couldn't let that love go, even when it seemed like they'd never see each other again.  Most people just hope for closure when a relationship ends; but second chances can be rare. I loved the idea of them walking around New York (and naming places I know very well) and talking all night - I could just picture it in my head.  Plus it was all very Before Sunset-esque which added to the appeal.  

The bad: Nothing bad per se but I do wish I had known it was sequel before I started reading it.  It isn't necessary because they do talk about the past throughout the book - but I think knowing the weight of their history beforehand would've added more.. urgency and importance to this chance night together.  I also wanted to read more of their conversations together.  Like I know it doesn't take two seconds to get from Point A to Point B in the city, so what are they saying to each other to fill the silence? 

Do I recommend?: Yes.  I really enjoyed it although, I recommend reading the first book, If I Stay, first. 

Happy reading!

Latest Read: The Winter Sea

Here are the basics ...
Books: The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Blog: http://www.theheroineaddicts.blogspot.com/
Category: Fiction - Historical

My thoughts ...
One sentence summary:  Carrie McClelland is working on her next historical novel (based on James Stewart's return to Scotland to reclaim his thrown) but as she writes, the line between fact and fiction begins to blur.

The good: I enjoyed how the book alternated between past and present because both heroines, both sets of characters and both relationships were all so engaging.  I have to admit, it took me a while to get into the book (which I'll explain soon) but the characters kept me going.  They were very well-written and you feel so many of their emotions through the author's words (at least, I did!). 

The bad: The main character is a historical novelist writing her book and many of the people around her are also into history.  Then the main character set in the past is witness to a political upheaval so many of the people around her are discussing war and the monarchy.  But to be honest, I really wasn't interested in any of that.  Sometimes the historical facts would go on for pages and I mostly skimmed over them because I wanted to get back to the heart of the story - the characters.  I think there should have been less history and more fiction.  

Do I recommend?: Halfway through the book I started to think about this review and how I would answer this question.  At the time, I was learning towards no but I think my answer is yes. I do recommend it.  If you want a lighter read, then you might want to read a YA novel instead but if you're willing to read through the history lesson-like aspects of the book, it is a good read.

Happy reading! 

Latest Read: Thirteen Reasons Why

Here are the basics ...
Books: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Blog: http://jayasher.blogspot.com/
Category: Young Adult 

My thoughts ...

One sentence summary: Clay Jensen arrives home to find a package of cassette tapes sent from a classmate, Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide. 

The good: It's a really moving story, told in an unconventional way.  Since it's told from Clay's point-of-view, you feel like you're finding out the truth with him, which makes her words that much more powerful.  All day, I've been looking up reviews of the book and I was surprised by the comments regarding the cruelties she faced.  That some of the "pranks" she endured weren't that big of a deal.  But I disagree.  They were a big deal to HER and I think, at that age, the things you experience make a huge impact on you.  I think her story is sad and that people shouldn't take for granted the impact your words/actions can have on others, especially if they're cruel. 

The bad: Sometimes the chain reaction of certain events felt almost.. too much (then again, you never know).  And I wanted more of an ending.. more reflection.  It felt kind of abrupt.  

Do I recommend?:  Definitely.  I read it in one sitting.  Once you start, you immediately want to know where it's all headed and why her story ended the way it did.


Happy reading! 

has it really been six years?

Since yesterday, my project manager has said that (a) I'm crazy and (b) acting really weird.  Well here's an option (c).  I'm actually just irritable and completely fed up with work (oh you know, that's all).

But I am not crazy.. and I'm not acting weird.  I'm honestly so overwhelmed by my (many!) projects and frustrated by the way things are run at work.  A lot of the time, I feel like I don't have a single person on my side.  Which never used to really bother me until the last year or so. (Maybe because I've always had good relationships with my bosses and my current boss, while very nice, kind of sucks.)  But the longer I'm at this company, the more I realize that it's important to have some sort of comraderie (even if it doesn't extend outside the office).  It's nice to be able to vent to someone and not have that someone make you feel like you're nuts (which, can I just reiterate, I am not!).

Or maybe the real reason why this is all coming up is because -- it's officially five days until my 6 year work anniversary.  Which is four years longer than I expected to be here.  Gosh, I can already hear my friends yelling at me to get started on my portfolio.  And I will.  I swear, I'll get there!

But until then, happy early anniversary to me.

Latest Read: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Here are the basics ...
Books: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Blog: http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/
Category: Young Adult 

My thoughts ...

One sentence summary: Mara Dyer wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there; all she knows is that three of her friends are dead and she somehow made it out alive.

The good: It's unlike any YA book I've read recently.  It's not about a normal girl (no Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moments here) but it's not fantasy either.  But I will say that even though half the time you're not sure what's going on or where the story is headed, the characters and story reel you in and leave you wanting more.  Plus I love, love, love the romantic relationship in this book.  The way the author writes about their scenes together (and the guy) - you can feel the chemistry through her words. 

The bad: The cliffhanger (and only because I have to wait a year before finding out what happens next!).  But, in all seriousness, if I had to nitpick about something, I'd say that towards the middle of the book the plot gets a bit convoluted.  There's a lot going on and a lot for the reader to piece together.  

Do I recommend?: Yes! You won't regret it! 


Happy reading! 

Latest Read: The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa

Here are the basics ...
Books: The Iron King (#1), The Iron Daughter (#2), The Iron Queen (#3)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Blog: http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy

My thoughts ...
One sentence summary: The series follows Megan Chase as she discovers that she's the daughter of a faery king on her 16th birthday and a pawn in a faery war.
The good: Um, everything! A female protagonist I can get behind? Check. Well-detailed, magical world that's easy to get absorbed in? Check.  Love triangle? Check.  A male character that the female protagonist and let's face it, the female readers, can fall in love with? Check.  And my other favorite aspect of the book is that it incorporates Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, which gives it a unique twist.
The bad: There are a couple cheesy scenes that got slightly repetitive and Megan is a teenager, so she's got her moments.
Do I recommend?: I read the entire series in less than a week so my answer to this question is definitely yes.  Plus there's a 4th book (The Iron Knight) coming out on October 25th and I'm very excited about that.  If you're into young adult books and fantasy, this is a series worth checking out.

Happy reading!