Have to say I’m pretty surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. My 14yo daughter was reading it and kept talking about how good it was, so I decidedHave to say I’m pretty surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. My 14yo daughter was reading it and kept talking about how good it was, so I decided to see what the big deal was. She said she had a few nights of staying up way too late reading it, and I quickly saw why. It’s definitely a page turner and a great mystery. Lots of uncomfortable teen behavior, though the two main characters aren’t involved in it. The main main character Pippa is hugely likable. I’ll probably read the sequel at some point. My daughter wants to watch the movie on Netflix now, but I’m hesitant for her to see that “uncomfortable teen behavior” on the screen rather than just on the page. We’ll see. ...more
With bright, snappy dialogue, characters so real they jump off the page, and a Charleston setting to swoon over, Southern By Design is a sparkling debWith bright, snappy dialogue, characters so real they jump off the page, and a Charleston setting to swoon over, Southern By Design is a sparkling debut! Walz is going to win fans with this sweet story of big dreams, to-die-for design, and real love....more
I have no idea what I just read, but it was a pretty fun ride. A little Vanilla Sky, a little Interstellar, a little I don’t even know what! A huge, sI have no idea what I just read, but it was a pretty fun ride. A little Vanilla Sky, a little Interstellar, a little I don’t even know what! A huge, sprawling, crazy story....more
This book has been on my radar for years, but for a long time couldn't bring myself to read it. I generally shy away from things that make me sad, andThis book has been on my radar for years, but for a long time couldn't bring myself to read it. I generally shy away from things that make me sad, and I don't like to read or watch things that make me cry. Naturally, I thought a book about a woman figuring out life after her husband suffers a horrific accident that causes a TBI that completes changes him would fall into the "nope, no way, too sad" category for me. But at this (new) phase in my life, I saw the book pop up on someone else's Goodreads page and I thought, "I actually might be ready for that one now."
But this book wasn't sad--that was the kicker! I think one of the reasons we read is to see how other people handle certain situations, whether an accident, the death of a loved one, a heartbreak, a rejection, whatever. Not all books fall into this category--some are just purely escapist or entertainment--but this one definitely did that for me. I gave me a woman in an impossible position (faced with living apart from her beloved husband as he is taken care of by others because she can't physically or emotionally take care of him herself) and how she learns to piece her life back together. I loved the ramblingness of the essays (especially because grief and loss can make you feel so very rambling and aimless), I loved how her dogs brought her comfort, I loved how she found comfort and solace in small things like groceries from the corner market ("shopping is hope") and discovering and buying "outsider art." In short, I was moved way more than I thought I'd be. I actually loved it, a lot. I underlined quite a few lines and passages and will revisit this one, I’m sure.
(It also made me more thankful for our dog and the quiet, steady love she offers.)...more
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