Yikes, right? The first time I heard about this book, I giggled nervously, but boy was I intrigued. I heard about it on Facebook, but then forgot about it until I saw it on NetGalley. I, of course, requested to read/review it.
I think, for those of us as parents, remember or are living the frustration of trying to get our children to sleep. My son is 9 and still struggles at night sometimes.
This book is written in rhyme (I know!). I was surprised at that, but i don't really know why. What was I expecting with a title like that? I didn't realize how many words rhyme with "sleep" or how many ways you can use the "f" word in this context, but Mansbach does it swimmingly.
The illustrations were wonderful. They reminded me of the sleepytime books i used to read to Eddie, my son. So the rhyming and the pictures told one story, but the words told a completely different one.
The book is entertaining and real - I loved how the frustration built and you can almost FEEL the tiredness seeping from the author as the book continues. I was reminded of times when I would get Eddie to sleep, tiptoe out of his room, only to have him awakened by a household noise not 5 minutes later. We've all been there as parents, and Mansbach has taken what many parents have thought in their heads, but (hopefully) haven't uttered aloud. I think he has put it out there to let parents commiserate and laugh about something as simple (and mindblowingly hair tearing) as getting your children to sleep.
So I give it 4 stars, but here are some caveats. If you don't like swearing, steer clear. If you are one of those parents whose children brush their teeth, wash their faces, snuggle into their made up beds, read for 5 minutes and then obligingly obey at the "lights out" command, steer clear of normal parents. No one wants to hear it.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride
This was my first read on my new Kindle! I was able to view it through Netgalley, and here is my review.
It was a quick read. I liked the characters and some of them, like Russel, were darn interesting. I would have liked to have seen more info on him. The story was typical, but had some surprises and I enjoyed the additional wedding information and the recipes at the beginning of the chapters. As I told Amber, it was like cookies for my eyes. Sweet and quick.
3 stars!
It was a quick read. I liked the characters and some of them, like Russel, were darn interesting. I would have liked to have seen more info on him. The story was typical, but had some surprises and I enjoyed the additional wedding information and the recipes at the beginning of the chapters. As I told Amber, it was like cookies for my eyes. Sweet and quick.
3 stars!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Stars: 4
Hourglass was fun, interesting and very well thought out. I anticipated reading this book and I'm so glad I jumped on it.It started a little slow at first but I think it is partly due to interuptions. The writing is easy to follow and the timeline of events is precise, well executed.
Quote:(PAGE 8,e-book)
"You know, Scarlett, Rhett didn't give a damn, and frankly, I don't either."
I loved that quote, reminding me of one of my favorite childhood movies. It was relevant due to the fact that Emerson our protagonist can see ghosts (rips as she calls them). Since her parents passed away in an accident, Emerson now is living with her brother Thomas and his wife Dru. Both Thomas and Dru are fantastic characters.There really is an undeniable love there between themselves and with Emerson. I love that they took her in under their wings.
Emerson has been through a whole lot of tramatic events in her young life and she has been close lipped about not taking her medication to her brother and Dru. Her brother has been trying to find someone to help Emerson with her particular "problem". The only person Emerson really talks to is her friend Lily. She is the only one who has been there for her and accepts the way she is. Lily also has a fun sense of humor and has a little secret of her own...
Dru and Thomas restore old buildings which is unfortunate for Emerson due to the fact that people from the past seem to be popping up around her. Thomas had a contact who might be able to help Emerson. He works for a place called Hourglass.
In walks her so called "consultant", Michael Weaver. (He sounds like a super yummy, attractive guy and oh so swoon worthy). There seems to be a connection between them somewhat early on in the story. Michael doesn't want to mix business with pleasure and throughout the story he reminds Emerson even though deep down you know there are intense feelings being harbored.
I got a little agitated with the "no fraternizing' issue, but after I was further along in the book it made sense. As much as I wanted them to unleash on each other, I understood why Michael had to stay strong. You will understand as well once you read the story.
Emerson's eyes are opened up to a whole lot more than she ever could have imagined. There's a creeper named Jack who appears in her room, a mysterious death, time travel, scandal, romance, and so much more.
This story will captivate you and bring a few giggles too. All in all, a very good story and I would recommend it to anyone.
The story unfolds beautifully and there's some unexpected twists that will have you gasping out. The ending was everything I could have hoped for and more. I admit, I had tears in my eyes, but happy tears.
Quote:(PAGE 8,e-book)
"You know, Scarlett, Rhett didn't give a damn, and frankly, I don't either."
I loved that quote, reminding me of one of my favorite childhood movies. It was relevant due to the fact that Emerson our protagonist can see ghosts (rips as she calls them). Since her parents passed away in an accident, Emerson now is living with her brother Thomas and his wife Dru. Both Thomas and Dru are fantastic characters.There really is an undeniable love there between themselves and with Emerson. I love that they took her in under their wings.
Emerson has been through a whole lot of tramatic events in her young life and she has been close lipped about not taking her medication to her brother and Dru. Her brother has been trying to find someone to help Emerson with her particular "problem". The only person Emerson really talks to is her friend Lily. She is the only one who has been there for her and accepts the way she is. Lily also has a fun sense of humor and has a little secret of her own...
Dru and Thomas restore old buildings which is unfortunate for Emerson due to the fact that people from the past seem to be popping up around her. Thomas had a contact who might be able to help Emerson. He works for a place called Hourglass.
In walks her so called "consultant", Michael Weaver. (He sounds like a super yummy, attractive guy and oh so swoon worthy). There seems to be a connection between them somewhat early on in the story. Michael doesn't want to mix business with pleasure and throughout the story he reminds Emerson even though deep down you know there are intense feelings being harbored.
I got a little agitated with the "no fraternizing' issue, but after I was further along in the book it made sense. As much as I wanted them to unleash on each other, I understood why Michael had to stay strong. You will understand as well once you read the story.
Emerson's eyes are opened up to a whole lot more than she ever could have imagined. There's a creeper named Jack who appears in her room, a mysterious death, time travel, scandal, romance, and so much more.
This story will captivate you and bring a few giggles too. All in all, a very good story and I would recommend it to anyone.
The story unfolds beautifully and there's some unexpected twists that will have you gasping out. The ending was everything I could have hoped for and more. I admit, I had tears in my eyes, but happy tears.
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