Book News for the Week of July 19

July 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Some big name authors have just released new titles and here are just a few (all book links are Amazon links):

Private by James Patterson (Description) – Jack Morgan, a former Marine and CIA agent, inherits his father’s renowned security and detective business. Getting to the bottom of an NFL gambling scandal and an unsolved LAPD investigation into 18 school girl slayings would be enough. On top of all that, Morgan takes on solving the horrific murder of his best friend’s wife.

Fly Away Home: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner (Description) – From the #1 “New York Times”-bestselling author of “In Her Shoes” and “Good in Bed” comes a novel about a family of women who seek refuge in an old beach house.

Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity by Drew Brees (Description) - After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, many wondered if the city would ever come back? With their stadium transformed into a refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned whether the Saints could ever come back? Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees knows well how to turn adversity into success.

And, true to our tradition, here is the list of Best Sellers in Non-Fiction (from the NY Times List)

  1. —- MY DAD SAYS, by Justin Halpern. A coming-of-age memoir organized around the musings, purveyed on Twitter, of the author’s father.
  2. MEDIUM RAW, by Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain, the author of “Kitchen Confidential,” looks critically at changes in the food and restaurant cultures.
  3. COMING BACK STRONGER, by Drew Brees with Chris Fabry. The N.F.L. quarterback recovered from an injury to play for the New Orleans Saints.
  4. SLIDING INTO HOME, by Kendra Wilkinson. The life of the reality TV star and former Playboy cover model.
  5. THE BIG SHORT, by Michael Lewis. The people who saw the real estate crash coming and made billions from their foresight.
  6. CHELSEA CHELSEA BANG BANG, by Chelsea Handler. More humorous personal essays from the comedian.
  7. WAR, by Sebastian Junger. The intense lives of American soldiers in a lethal corner of Afghanistan, by the author of “The Perfect Storm.”
  8. EMPIRE OF THE SUMMER MOON, by S. C. Gwynne. The story of Quanah Parker, the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.
  9. HOME TEAM, by Sean Payton and Ellis Henican. The head coach of the New Orleans Saints describes the team’s Super Bowl victory, which raised the city’s spirits four years after Hurricane Katrina.
  10. OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. Why some people succeed, from the author of “Blink.”

And the Top 10 of Best Selling Fiction Books from the NY Times list are:

  1. THE SEARCH, by Nora Roberts. The only survivor of a serial killer has found peace in the Pacific Northwest, but her life is shaken by the appearance of a new man and a copycat murderer.
  2. THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST, by Stieg Larsson. The third volume of a trilogy about a Swedish hacker and a journalist.
  3. PRIVATE, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. The head of an investigation company pursues the murderer of his best friend’s wife.
  4. SIZZLING SIXTEEN, by Janet Evanovich. The bounty hunter Stephanie Plum comes to the aid of a cousin with gambling debts.
  5. THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett. A young white woman and two black maids in 1960s ­Mississippi.
  6. THE OVERTON WINDOW, by Glenn Beck. A public relations executive and the woman he loves expose a dangerous conspiracy.
  7. THE PASSAGE, by Justin Cronin. More than a hundred years in the future, a small group resists the vampires who have taken over North America.
  8. FOREIGN INFLUENCE, by Brad Thor. The covert operative Scott Harvath joins a new spy agency and investigates a bombing in Rome that killed American students.
  9. THE LION, by Nelson DeMille. John Corey, now a federal agent, pursues a Libyan terrorist.
  10. THE ISLAND, by Elin Hilderbrand. A woman, her daughters and her sister take refuge from life’s complications on a tiny island near Nantucket, but their time there is far from quiet.

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The Aloha Quilt: A Book Review

July 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Aloha Quilt CoverI’m a big fan of Jennifer Chiaverini and her Elm Creek Quilts series. I’ve been known to quilt here and there (but certainly not as much as I would like to) and the thing I like about it most is the community feel of the activity; it tends to be more fun to work on a quilt with other people especially if you are making a quilt by hand.

Jennifer does an excellent job of showcasing the quilt craft as an art form as well as the women in her stories who create them. The thing I like about Jennifer’s books is that you never know which direction she’s going to take her next story. She likes to jump back and forth between eras (such as present day and the Civil War period) and she also changes which character she focuses on each time.

I’ve read all of the Elm Creek Series so far, so when I saw that she had a new book called The Aloha Quilt, (Amazon Link) I pre-ordered it. I was thrilled that it showed up just before I left for vacation to Ireland. I look forward to the main character’s struggle and how they address it. I love how the women join together to help the main character and I appreciate the insights as they find the solution.

This particular book revolves around Bonnie who is going through a nasty divorce and needs some relief. She heads to Hawaii to help a friend set up a quilt camp very similar to Elm Creek Quilts and tries to sort out her life and what she wants. Throw in a crazy soon-t0-be-ex-husband and you’ve got a pretty good, easy read.

Jennifer is a talented writer and I recommend this series if you like “chick books” or anything that revolves around crafting in general. Be sure to start with The Elm Creek Quilts Sampler which is the first three books in the series and you’ll be on your way (Amazon Link).

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Viral Loop: A Book Review

July 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Viral Loop CoverIf you’re like me and you’re into Internet Marketing, Social Media or anything related to that, I highly recommend the book Viral Loop by Adam Penenberg.

There is a lot of buzz out there about things going “viral” and everyone wants a piece of the action. If you’re looking for a how-to book on creating Viral Campaigns, this is not the book you want. However, this book is full of fascinating case studies on how other items have gone viral.

To give you an idea of what’s covered in this really great read, here’s a sampling of the some of the case studies you’ll find in it:

Netscape and Firefox
eBay
Hot or Not
PayPal

Intrigued yet? I figured you were. Adam has a straightforward way of telling a story but also giving you some analytical insights as to why the Viral Loop occurs. This book will give you lots of ideas for your own business as well as some valuable insights into how consumers think when it comes to items like that. Perfect for people you know who are in business or obsessed with the internet (like me).

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Where The Heck Have I Been?

July 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I know, I know, it’s been way too long since you’ve read one my brilliant beloved honest book reviews. And I apologize about that. I really do.

The truth is, a better question to ask is what haven’t I been up to. It would probably take a lot less time to answer.

I’ll tell you the most fun thing I’ve done though is go to Ireland. My life long dream was fulfilled when I landed on Irish soil a few weeks ago. I wandered the streets with my wonderful husband, soaked in the accents and, of course, hunted for books.

Photo of a street in Dublin

And I definitely found some good ones. Which is great for a book blogger, right? And it’s great for you too. Because you know what that means…

I’ve been reading. Just a bit. Or a ton. Take your pick.

So stay tuned. Book reviews and more are on the way!

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Steven Kenworthy Poetry: A Review

January 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’m a bit obsessed with addicted to involved on Facebook and I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with some old friends from high school along the way. Recently, I logged in and saw a note from an old friend of mine, Steven Kenworthy about some of his writings. I was blown away. Steven was always the creative type and he’s always had an insightful soul. So, while reading up on some of Steven’s writings I realized he’s published a couple of poetry books. So I ordered them and I wanted to share them with you (and p.s. I don’t think he knows I’m doing this so hopefully it’s a nice surprise for him).

It takes quite a bit for me to sit down and read a poetry book. My attention span these days has been spotty (it happens when you have two kids ages 6 and 4) but I was enraptured by Steven’s writings. His book electronic Vietnam (Amazon link) has an

eclectic feel to it, each poem practically a saga in its own right, even if it is only a few lines long. Two of my favorites in this book include “i follow you” and “Pleasestay Bay.” Although I will admit that I’m a big fan of “let’s order takeout note” as well.

The second book I got is called youtv, lions & 811dreams (Amazon link) and it is equally sensational. This book’s poetry pieces are much longer than electronic Vietnam, but they are equally beautiful. I love the poems “Janet” and “& drive” andSteve has a way of writing that draws you in and holds you captive until you absolutely need a break. Each word has been carefully chosen and there is no question in my mind that Steven is a phenomenal writer.

These books are beautiful and powerful and the more you get into them, the more you will want to read. Keep on the lookout for Steven as I’m sure he’s just getting started. And Steven, for what it’s worth, I’m very proud of you!

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Rules of Thumb: A Book Review

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

rulesofthumb

I’m back on a business book kick and have some pretty good stuff I want to share with you. For now, let me introduce you to Alan Webber. If youhaven’t met him yet, I have to tell you; he’s a pretty fascinating guy with an interesting perspective on life. Among other notable things, Alan founded Fast Company (one of my favorite business-related magazines out there) and he’s had the opportunity to meet and work with some great people.

Alan has a habit of carrying around index cards and when something interesting happens or he hears something that he wants to remember, he jots it down on one of his cards. (Side note: I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this idea. And yes, I bought a pack – or two – of index cards as soon as I finished this book.) From those cards, Alan came up with the idea of Rules of Thumb (Amazon link).

There are 52 of Alan’s Rules in total. At first, I figured I would read one rule a week. But that did not happen. Each chapter is very engaging through stories that Alan tells and the underlying principle of each rule really makes you stop and think.

One of my favorite rules is “Don’t implement solutions. Prevent problems.” That has always been one of my mottos and Alan lays it out magnificently.

I’ll admit that not every rule got me excited about work and I don’t feel that every rule applied to me directly. But when 75% (at least) of a book hits home with you, that says a lot. This book is great at making you evaluate how you are approaching business and how you want to fit work into your life rather than making work your life. Highly recommended for anyone in business at any stage of the game.

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Book News: December 28, 2009

December 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

books3Did you miss our regular book news chats? I know I did. So let’s jump right back into it!

Some new releases in fiction you should keep an eye on (all Borders links):

- Pirate Latitudes (Michael Crichton): This irresistible tale of swashbuckling pirates in the New World offers a classic story of treasure and betrayal. “Pirate Latitudes” was discovered as a complete manuscript in Crichton’s files after his death in 2008.

- Breathless (Dan Koontz): “New York Times”-bestselling author Koontz delivers a thrilling novel of suspense and adventure, in this story of a world where good itself is an endangered species and one man will risk his life–and more–to save it from extinction.

And some goodies in the non-fiction genre:

- Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal (Lance Armstrong): “Comeback 2.0″ is Armstrong’s first-person photo-journal of his 2009 comeback season. Heavily illustrated with color photos, this work features journal-like entries that describe the cyclist’s training and racing regimen.

- It’s Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams, and Increase in God’s Favor (Joel Osteen): The “New York Times”-bestselling author of “Become a Better You” shares a much-needed message of hope with readers: By using faith as a cornerstone, it’s possible for people to find a new place in their lives where they are happy, secure, and fulfilled.

There have been some great books released in 2009 and here are the current top sellers according to the New York Times for Hardcover Fiction:

  1. THE LOST SYMBOL, by Dan Brown. Robert Langdon among the Masons.
  2. I, ALEX CROSS, by James Patterson. Tracking the murderer of a relative, Alex Cross discovers a wild Washington scene with explosive secrets.
  3. UNDER THE DOME, by Stephen King. When a Maine town is trapped by an invisible force field, a sanctimonious and hypocritical politician takes over.
  4. THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett. A young white woman and two black maids in 1960s ­Mississippi.
  5. U IS FOR UNDERTOW, by Sue Grafton. Kinsey Millhone investigates the case of a 4-year-old girl who disappeared 21 years earlier.
  6. PIRATE LATITUDES, by Michael Crichton. In the 17th-century Caribbean, a British pirate attacks a Spanish galleon; this manuscript was found in Crichton’s files after his death in 2008.
  7. FORD COUNTY, by John Grisham. Stories set in rural Mississippi.
  8. THE LAST SONG, by Nicholas Sparks. A 17-year-old girl spends the summer with her divorced father in North Carolina and finds many kinds of love.
  9. THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER, by Glenn Beck with Kevin Balfe and Jason Wright. A boy learns from his disappointment with his mother’s gift.
  10. THE LACUNA, by Barbara Kingsolver. A young American growing up in Mexico becomes friends with artists and radicals; later, in the United States, he is menaced by ­McCarthyism.

And for the top sellers in Hardcover Non-Fiction:

  1. GOING ROGUE, by Sarah Palin. A memoir by the former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate.
  2. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, by Mitch Albom. A suburban rabbi and a Detroit pastor teach lessons about the comfort of belief.
  3. ARGUING WITH IDIOTS, written and edited by Glenn Beck, Kevin Balfe and others. The case against big government.
  4. STONES INTO SCHOOLS, by Greg Mortenson. Building schools, many of them for girls, in northeast Afghanistan; takes up where “Three Cups of Tea” left off.
  5. OPEN, by Andre Agassi. The tennis champion’s autobiography.
  6. SUPERFREAKONOMICS, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. A scholar and a journalist apply economic thinking to everything: the sequel.
  7. TRUE COMPASS, by Edward M. Kennedy. The late senator’s autobiography.
  8. WHAT THE DOG SAW, by Malcolm Gladwell. A decade of New Yorker essays.
  9. A BOLD FRESH PIECE OF HUMANITY, by Bill O’Reilly. The Fox News commentator on his upbringing and career.
  10. OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. Why some people succeed, from the author of “Blink.”

I hope you enjoy this little tidbit of news from the book world. But I have a question for you – What was your favorite book of 2009?

Photo credit: http://grizzlymedia.wordpress.com/2007/09/

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Confessions of a Shopaholic: A Book Review

December 20, 2009 By 1 Comment

One my favorite guilty pleasures in life is a fiction book that is well written and endearing. Call it chick lit, call it pop culture, call it whatever you want. There’s nothing better during the cold months of the year than a book you love to curl up with.

Throw in a book that throws around some British humor and I’m in heaven.

I recently picked up Confessions of a Shopaholic (Amazon link) on a whim and as soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I totally adored this book. I haven’t seen the movie and to be the honest, I’m in no hurry because inevitably, I find fault with book-based movies especially when I love the lead character.

Becky Bloomwood is a financial writer who has a dark secret of an ever-accumulating pile of debt. She has a soft spot for shopping (or rather an uncontrollable urge to buy everything she sees) and decides that she needs to turn her life around. She tries the “spend less” route than decides the “make more money” route is better suited to her lifestyle.

Through one misadventure after another, Becky finds herself navigating a financial world that she’s only written about. She’s a girl with a heart of gold and her fantastical daydreams about fame and fortune made me laugh out loud.

Sophie Kinsella is an amazingly talented writer. She’s so good that right after I finished this book, I headed to my favorite library and got Shopaholic Takes Manhattan and Shopaholic Ties the Knot (Amazon Links).

There are at least two more books in the series and I’m looking forward to devouring those as well. Need a last minute Christmas gift for the book lover in your life? I highly recommend this series for anyone who really enjoys some good old fashioned Chick-Lit.

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Trust Agents: A Book Review

November 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

There are a whole lot of people who know Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. They are both social media and trend experts who have joined forces to write Trust Agents, a book all about how to not only understand social media, but use it to enhance your online reputation.

There are a ton of social media books out there that try and tell you how to use online tools to get more business. But few of them talk about how to build your influence and earn trust. Sure, reputation is a big thing for social media experts, but trust is earned. And the premise of Trust Agents is not only how to earn trust, but also how to spread that trust into various online aspects and enhance your business model that way.

I’ll admit, I’ve read a lot of social media books out there. And the more I read, the more I realize I already know. When you’re immersed in the social media realm from a professional perspective every single day, it’s easy to pick up on things figure out what works and what doesn’t. And this book enhanced a lot of the things I already knew. But this book is truly great for two reasons:

1. It has all the essential information in one book. You could buy two or three books that touch on all the topics in Trust Agents, or you could just buy one. This one.

2. It’s excellent for consultants in that it provides illustrations on how to better educate your clients and give examples of things that you can use to further explain your strategies. Same goes for business owners.

If you’re new or experienced in social media, you’ll enjoy this book. You’ll probably learn a lot or at least get reinforcement for what you already know. I highly recommend it for anyone in business who works in social media or is thinking about it.

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This is Not How I Thought it Would Be: A Book Review

October 31, 2009 By 1 Comment

I was sent This is Not How I Thought it Would Be: Remodeling Motherhood to Get the Lives We Want Today by Kristin Maschka. (Sidenote: I LOVE getting books in the mail. It’s just like Christmas!) I was actually in the middle of another book but picked this one up on a whim and read the first page. Every word was something that I could identify with. So I kept reading. And reading. And, well, you get the idea.

Kristin Maschka has written a book about her struggles as a new mother and figuring out what her role was supposed to be. She struggled (just as I did) to feel at ease being predominantly focused on being a mom. She traded in a corporate job to stay home with her daughter but felt that the work at home was being unevenly divided. She had a hard time dealing with her new identity and with the guilt of those feelings on top of that.

Boy can I relate.

I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t over the moon with my new role and daily duties and I didn’t know why I kept fighting with my husband. The never ending guilt and frustration plagued me every day. And it plagued Kristin too. So she wrote a book about how to make it better.

Kristin talked a lot about Mind Maps and how they affect our perceptions on things. Here are a few:

  • Moms who work are selfish
  • Moms who stay home are not cultured or intelligent
  • Moms should be the primary caregiver because they’re naturally better at it
  • Dads who work shouldn’t have to do any of the house work duties when the moms stay home

I’ll admit it; I struggled with this book. Clearly, I have very defined Mind Maps that dictate my perceptions in this arena. But it’s made me stop and think. I won’t give too much away but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your new role as a mother or know someone who is, grab this book. It’s written in a thought-provoking way to make you evaluate how you truly view motherhood and gives you tools to change things if you decide you need to.

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