A Post: Wedding Bells & Other Jazz

Hi! I'm going to come right out and say it: I don't know how to begin this post.

I've shared so many moments in my life these last three years, and have always received encouragement and support, and I thank you for that. Especially since most of us have never met in real life. To state something I've said again and again, it's just one of the reasons I'm so happy I decided to start blogging. You guys are awesome!

I'm actually bringing good news despite what the introduction might suggest. You see, I'm still somewhat in a haze of what this transition means (if anything) and can barely accept the enormity of the task that now lies ahead.

So... here it is: I'm an engaged woman! Yes, we've gone and done it. J got down on one knee and stumbled through all the things he had planned to say to me in that moment. We were shaking and blushing. It was clumsy and completely awkward and perfectly perfect for us. To say I'm happy is an understatement.

I'm just going to give a short bio: J and I are the type of couple most people hate. Hey, you've probably thought it yourself once or twice while reading something gushy I've shared. No shame. Some examples: we haven't used our real names to address one another since we met (our families find this especially entertaining), we make up new nicknames for one another (and our cats) every couple of months, we frequently hug, kiss, and even slow dance in the aisles of the grocery store (SERIOUS PDA), and have an arsenal of inside jokes and weird cat voices that no one finds funny except us. So! If you've decided to stop reading my blog from this point moving forward, I'll understand. However, we're generally really fun to be around and enjoy a good adventure.

We were introduced, through friends, four years ago and quickly realized we were kinda AWESOME together. We started hanging out A LOT and just decided to keep doing our thing, you know, together. And here we are.

I won't go into the details of how awkward we both were while Justin looked up at me from one knee, or discuss the way he barely managed to get the words out, or, you know, mention the fact that I had one new sandal on my right foot and a Van authentic on the other when he spun me around. Yes, all of these things are true. Honestly, it was a moment that passed before I even had a chance to grasp it. I can sit and mope about the fact that it was a total blur, or I can recognize that this just means I'm committing to years and years of these type of moments with this man for the rest of my life. I'm going with the latter with an occasional mope.

SO... I've just emailed a venue about dates! Can you believe that? I didn't even think about it until every person we shared the news with immediately questioned when they would be expecting an invite. Yeah, we didn't really think that far ahead. To be perfectly honest, I haven't been planning this day since I was a little girl. Now it's in front of us and I refuse to let what lies ahead lead to a level of stress that is beyond healthy, or forget what the whole thing is really all about (a really epic PARTY!!). Ok, ok... A commitment and love and all the other important stuff.

For now, I'll look at places to have it. I'll stare at my obnoxiously fancy ring. Dream of all the beautiful dresses I'll soon be trying on. And then continue to put off all the other detail stuff until a much later date.

Without further ado, here are some gratuitous photos of the stunning sparkler I'll be sporting from now on:

To a life filled with happiness and love! 

A Review: BBC's North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

HOLY MOLY! I am going to admit something here that doesn't leave this blog. Ever. I didn't know  what North and South was about. True statement, folks. I'd heard of it and knew it was something I should probably think about reading sometime BUT had NO idea that it would be this. It's like Charles Dickens BUT enjoyable. Actually, I can't say that for sure because I've never read Gaskell and I have read Dickens, but it seems that they're sort of on the same page. Yes, it's a love story, but more importantly, it's about the rise of industrialization in England, the prejudices against those living in the north vs. the south, and the conditions factory workers were forced to endure.

I could have done without the actress that played Miss Hale. Let's talk about finding someone that makes more than ONE face. Ok? Ok.

And BATES, people!!! Ok, ok Brendan Coyle. Still. Love him!

Shout out to my lovely mother, Lisa, who recommended this one about a thousand times and then managed to tell me every movie Richard Armitage has ever been in because she's thinks he's a super hunk. What can I say? She's got good taste.

Yes, there were parts that were uber-cheesy. And then there are parts that are so good you can't believe you're watching a BBC period drama (let's be real, people). I also learned from my Mom that the ending is completely changed in this adaptation and could have been better. It seemed a little fishy... but I'll let you decide for yourself.  

So.. watch it!

Also, I watched Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma this weekend while the bf was out of town. And I kind of liked it too. 

A Post: Long Time No See

This is a picture of my lovely cat, Stevie; although, it could very well be a picture of me because that's all I seem to be doing these days once I pick up a book.

It all started when I got an email stating that five (four of those featured below) books were available for pick-up at the local library. I had been waiting MONTHS for these and they all came at once. It seemed like a terrible conundrum because I just sat and stared at the pile. I had no idea how to go about choosing the one I'd read first. So, naturally, I let them sit on my coffee table for a few days. I'd casually walk by, pick one up, read a paragraph or two and then set it down. Finally, I decided to dive into the The Investigation because A) it was totally different than anything I'd read this year, B) the author is a male and I've been slacking in that department, and C) I'd been eyeing it longer than any of the others and this was my chance.

The Investigation by Philippe Claudel

I'm still not finished with The Investigation. Don't get me wrong; it's a great read, but I'll be the first to admit that the author's intentions are completely over my head. The overall message and social commentary are quite in your face, but that doesn't mean I completely understand what Claudel is trying to express exactly.

Read any smartypants review of the title on Goodreads and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Well crafted, but not totally engrossing. It's on my nightstand. I get about 5 pages in before I zonk out.








Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

This was my second most anticipated library score. I'm over halfway through, even if it has taken me two weeks, but know I'll really love this one when it's all said and done. The author is incredibly talented, the story heart-breaking and engaging. It's been hard keeping up with this one when it hits close to home. Family loss is always so hard and Brunt expresses it perfectly.












Homeward Bound: Why Women Are Embracing the New Domesticity by Emily Matchar

Guilty as charged. I love baking from scratch, learning to knit, and the idea of canning. Yes, I am totally the target audience for this read. Matchar explores the rise of interest in the "good ol' days" and how these fads are changing society. Written like an ethnography, I was sucked in before realizing I was reading five thousand other books. I've got some time because this one comes out in May.












Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto

I don't know much about this title other than it focuses on women who took pictures in the past. I like taking pictures, I'm a woman, and I enjoy reading about the past, so it seemed like a win.















Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann

Another of those highly anticipated titles. I had this one on my library list for about six months. Yes, six months! It was that popular. Then the system wonked out and never sent me the e-mail telling me to come pick it up. I lost my spot and had to request it again! Fortunately, the hype had died down a bit and it arrived much earlier. Maybe a bit too early?












For someone who absolutely detests reading more than one book at a time, I'm shocked that this many books are even lying around as a possibility at this point. Don't even get me started on my review list over on Netgalley. I should be banned from requesting more books. No, seriously. Or maybe even the site... you know, until I finish those already awaiting my attention.

What are you reading? Anyone else feeling the spring slump???

A Review: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Ursula Todd is born to an ordinary family on a snowy evening in 1910. However, Ursula's no ordinary girl, because while she lives in one life, she dies in another. Kate Atkinson allows readers to witness the alternative lives one woman leads while experiencing two great wars in different locations in Europe. Unfolding through an intense series of chain of events, the story is sure to leave readers reeling long after they finish.

In the past I've seen novels hyped to the point where I would have been happy to not ever see the title again. I initially heard about this one through Twitter--it seemed like everyone was reading it or talking about reading it--and I took the bait. I listened to people sing its praises, but deliberately kept myself ignorant of the storyline. So... in the spirit, I'm not going to divulge too much.

Set amidst two calamitous world wars, Life After Life depicts some rather weighty topics, giving the reader an intimate glimpse into this era. Atkinson provides gritty details and the ruthlessness that festers during trying times. I was thoroughly impressed with her depiction of the WWII effort because I found it to be presented in such a different light than most war novels that often romanticize the period.

First, I want to emphasize that the hype didn't kill this one. When I finished reading the digital ARC I received from Little, Brown and Co., I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy so I could reread as soon as possible. I strongly suggest getting a hard copy of this one, if you can. I've grown to love my Kindle, but there are some books that just go down better in physical form. It's the type of novel that will have have you flipping back and forth in order to absorb every detail.

I want to offer more because I absolutely fell in love with this novel, but honestly can't give you what you deserve without a reread. While I will admit that it did take me several chapters to get sucked in, I was unable to start anything long after after completing because I couldn't stop thinking about Ursula and her incredible lives. Atkinson proves that she is a creative genius, offering multiple outcomes so vivid and varying that you'll find yourself lost in each new situation. Completely different than anything I've ever read, I can't recommend Life After Life enough. Read it!

A Review: The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne

I've always been very interested in Russian history, but I think I've stated this fact again and again. I mentioned it when I reviewed Richard Massie's Catherine the Great, Kathryn Harrison's Enchantments, and Rebecca Makkai's The Borrower. I'm sure there's more posts than these. If I can't go anytime soon, I'll read about it and dream about it. When I read the plot summary of this one I was immediately drawn to the promise of adventure and the descriptions of Russia's beauty. Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, is a new writer to me, so I didn't really know what to expect. I can say I was impressed and will definitely be looking out for future work.

Daniil Jachmenev is taken from the small Russian town of Kashin before he has time to realize what has happened. Saying goodbye to his family, whom he'll never see again, he is hurriedly transported to the Winter Palace to begin work as a bodyguard and companion to the young Tsarevitch, Alexei, who suffers from hemophilia. All seems to be well until revolution forces Nicolas II to abdicate and move his family to a spot known as the house of special purpose. Removed from his duties, Daniil does whatever he can to locate the Romanov family and see his beloved Anastasia (the Tsar's youngest daughter). Sixty years later, Daniil is living in England, spending his days as an employee of the British Library, and married to the woman he fled Russia with all those years ago. Desiring to visit to his homeland one last time, Daniil must face the tragic event that changed his life forever and decide if it's safe to return.

The novel is told from Daniil's perspective, moving between his life in the palace, and that of a reflective 80-year-old man who's survived difficult circumstances. The most appealing quality of the title was that Boyne really does a superb job of offering authentic voices during the two stages of Daniil's life. The reader sees his character move from young man, with a fiery temperament and juvenile desires, to a responsible older man, engaged in serious reflection. I find that many titles using this method generally can't believably pull off the same character at two very different times of their life.

The novel isn't short, and I found that Boyne's descriptions were beautiful, yet long-winded. The story went on and on, offering every detail of Daniil's current life, with short glimpses of his life at the Winter Palace, to the point that I thought he might not ever actually address the event that forced him to leave Russia in the first place. While I guessed the ending of the story far before it was actually revealed, I was anticipating a conclusion with a little more bang. It seemed to build and build, but the climax just didn't deliver. Furthermore, the ending really requires a serious ability to suspend disbelief, which made it a little less enjoyable for me. There were many moments that seemed highly unlikely that occurred so perfectly as to keep the story afloat.

While I certainly had my issues with this title, I won't swear Boyne off forever. I thought his characters were well-developed, and his subject interesting. I suggest reading an excerpt to decide if it's a title for you.

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can expect to see this novel in stores on April 2, 2013. Listen to the author read an excerpt, or pre-order a copy. 

Interview with the author available at Shelf Awareness.

A Post: Literary Tattoos

There seems to be a lot of talk about literary tattoos as of late. I find that I see articles and posts on the subject on my twitter feed quite regularly now. I can't say I'm surprised by this development as tattoo culture seems to be less and less taboo. However, I have a feeling that most of the people posting images of their ink and their love for the art probably don't really care if society's accepting and were doing it long before it was cool. So. I'll admit that I have more than a few tattoos. Yes, I got them when I was younger. No, I don't necessarily regret the decision. Not all anyway. But when it's done, it's done and there's really no going back.

When I read over this awesome post by Book Riot over the weekend I was finally convinced that despite my no-more-tattoos rule, I had to get something from one of my favorite books. I sat there thinking... how could I not have a single literary tattoo? Well... I guess I have a pretty lame explanation. While I've always loved reading. Always. I was, like most young adults, really into my music. So into my favorite music, in fact, that virtually all of my tattoos are lyrics or interpretations of songs. For instance, take a peek at 23-year-old Beth. Yes, this photo is seeing the light of day despite that fact that this expression is a little too close to the dreaded duck face for comfort. But. It gives you a good glimpse of this Beatles-inspired piece I had drawn based on the song "Dear Prudence."

I wanted mother earth and sunshine and all things beautiful. I wanted a tattoo that would make me smile on the darkest days. My love for the Beatles actually precedes my love of reading because I totally jammed to "Twist and Shout" before I could even speak properly.

I have others... some in places that aren't visible when I'm walking down the street (I bet you would love to see those). And then some like this bit of a Bright Eyes song on the inside of my arm that people can't seem to refrain from asking me to read. BEWARE: 21-year-old Beth is even scarier and maybe COOLER than 23-year-old Beth. Don't even get me started on what this line actually means to me. No, people can't kill people and be in the right in my mind. Jeez. I'm looking at you, Mom and Dad.

Hopefully if you've been having a bad morning these photos are totally turning all that around.

The whole point of this post was to work through whether or not I should get a tattoo to reflect my love of reading. But is this even a question!? No, it's not, and yes, I should totally get another one. I knew the title I'd pick up immediately. Most of my regular readers probably know too. I thumbed through my battered, highlighted, dog-eared, and post-it-noted (totally made up) copy of The History of Love and located some of my favorite quotations. I think I've got it narrowed down to two quotations. Hell, I might even get both.

What's your opinion on the subject? Don't be afraid to speak up! What would you get if you could get any literary piece? Would you stick with a line, or go for a full out interpretation? Feel free to link up if you already have some so we can all see!

Note: 28-year-old Beth definitely frowns upon the provided photo decisions of younger Beth. Ugh. You live, you learn.

A Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I'll admit that I missed the initial hype on this one. I actually didn't even hear about it until it had already been out several weeks and came across Brenna's nod. I found the novel to be a quick, enjoyable read that addressed some tough emotional and political issues.

When young Lou Clark loses her comfortable job as a barista in the cafe of the castle that is her town's largest attraction, she begins a desperate search to find something quickly. Her family, relying on her income to live, are a curious bunch that deem Lou the misfit, a lesser individual than her younger, and smarter, sister.When Lou realizes she doesn't have skills to perform many of the jobs available, she applies to be a caretaker to Will Traynor, a wealthy businessman turned quadriplegic in a motorbike accident. When Will attempts to exercise the only power he believes he has left, Lou must convince him that life is still worth living.

Moyes slowly reveals layers of each character to make the story believable and quite touching. Lou's character, in particular, moved me because she was obviously quite bright, yet so incredibly sheltered. When I grew bothered by her tendency to shrug things off before actually giving them thought, or her avoidance of confrontation despite the nagging in her gut, I understood that Lou wasn't exactly sure who she was, and was struggling with perceptions of herself from those around her. Will, on the other hand, is often caustic in his approach to meeting new people and wears his contempt outwardly. In the end, it's Lou's determination that makes the relationship a success, refusing to give up during Will's worst moments. Moyes provides vivid details of Will's daily life and the routines that allow him to live and breath, and definitely make his impudent actions comprehensible.

For such unassuming cover art, Me Before You really packs a punch. Will, the quintessential adventure man, has realized his worst fears. After the accident, he's left unable to care for himself in any capacity; moreover, he's lost his job, his fiancee, and the will to live. As Will and Lou work to get past the awkward and somewhat rude exchanges that make up their introduction, they eventually grow quite fond of one another. With Will's guidance, Lou recognizes her own potential and realizes there's a whole world waiting for her. However, she also understands that as she finds herself, Will is slowly sinking. Moyes sheds light on highly political issues, like assisted suicide, exhibiting the emotions his own family must face when accepting his fate, as well as the political and social repercussions that accompany the act. The title is a great example of fictional situations that really force readers to put themselves in these situations and contemplate their own decisions.

I highly recommend this title if you're looking for a well-written novel that's sure to stick with you long after you've finished.

I received a copy of this novel from Penguin Group Viking via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Review: The Pigeon Pie Mystery by Julia Stuart

The Pigeon Pie Mystery is Julia Stuart's third novel and another favorite on my list. After reading The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise a while back, I was pretty excited to see that she had released another recently. I was lucky and found the sole copy on a trip to Malaprop's in Asheville, North Carolina. Note: I read this last year - so shame on me for waiting so long to finally post this review. Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2012!

Mink is left with more debt than she can manage when her father, the Maharaja of Brindor, is found dead. To make matters worse, the scandal surrounding his death is sure to promise that she'll be left in a very compromising situation. Before things actually hit rock bottom, the Queen of England allows Mink to move into one of the apartments at Hampton Court Palace (thought to be haunted by numerous historical figures) and her comfortable life is suddenly filled with awkward conversations and taxing financial planning. Just when she begins to accept her new situation, Pooki, her beloved maid, is accused of the murder of a fellow neighbor by serving him a pigeon pie at a luncheon. Mink must work to prove that Pooki is innocent by learning intimate details about her new neighbors, while also staving off a humorous budding romantic relationship.

Stuart doesn't disappoint. I'm quickly becoming one of her biggest fans. While this novel wasn't as strong as The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise, it certainly contained all of the quirk that Stuart so brilliantly weaves in her often outlandish stories. Most events are so very absurd, but funny and quite clever, that it all works to create a fun story a reader can get lost in. While the characters' appearances are quite brief, effectively creating an awkward atmosphere, Stuart brings each of them to life with their own peculiar habits and histories. Overall, the novel was an enjoyable read that I recommend to readers looking for a little fun and loads of laughs.

I recently picked up Stuart's debut novel: The Matchmaker of Perigord, so look out for another review featuring this author in the future.

A Recipe & Review: Cocoa Almond Granola by Joy the Baker

If there's one blog you absolutely need to be reading, it's Joy Wilson's Joy the Baker food blog. People, she is hilarious, and her recipes are always incredibly tasty. I think most of her subscribers secretly want to be her best friend. Right?! If you're thinking about getting a cookbook that offers sweet treats, baked goods, and green smoothies, this one has to be on your kichen shelf! 

As part of my decision to start including recipe books in my review list, I've been confronted with the dilemma of how one actually reviews a cookbook. Do you try everything single recipe and then report back? Or, do you try a few things, give it a yay or nay, and call it a day? 

The latter seemed like the most reasonable option because if you're anything like me you probably have a ton cookbooks-- some you rely on to make a few delicacies on special occasions, gifts that are beautiful but too scary to actually bake from, and then all the others that are totally reliable companions (save from a fire type books). So, with all that being said, this recipe will be the first installment of three recipes sampled from one title. 

*Note: I would never actually save a cookbook from a fire, or any book for that matter (gasps), but I would certainly get my cats out. 

I decided I'd tackle a recipe that's popular, seldom made at home, and perfect for gifting. 

GRANOLA

Yes, granola. I love the stuff. I eat it sprinkled over my oatmeal or cereal, I mix it in greek yogurt, or scoop it up for a quick snack. The crunch is such a beautiful thing. Plus, granola is incredibly easy to make and doesn't require a lot of time. Win!

Recipe from Joy the Baker Cookbook: 100 Simple and Comforting Recipes

Cocoa Almond Granola  

  

4 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup raw whole almonds

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp butter

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Place racks in the center and upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. (I used one large baking sheet and a silpat liner.)

In a large bowl, toss together oats, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, honey, oil and butter. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour the warm sugar mixture over the oat mixture and toss with a wooden spoon. Toss until all of the oats and almond bits are at least moistened by the sugar mixture. Spoon mixture onto prepared baking sheets and place in the oven.

Bake granola for 30 minutes, removing from the oven to toss and stir 2 to 3 times during baking. Granola is done when it is toasted around the edges and fragrant. 

Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe: 4.5 stars out of 5 (reliable companion).

Give it a try! I'm sure you'll love it. 

A Review: Enchantments by Kathryn Harrison & Giveaway

When Grigory Rasputin's body is found in the frozen waters of the Neva, tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna immediately sends for his daughters Masha and Varya in the hopes that they have the same healing powers as their father. Masha, the eldest and most like Rasputin, is asked to take charge of the future tsar Alexei, a young boy who suffers from hemophilia and whose greatest challenge is to live to see the next day. However, Masha and Varya arrive just as the Romanov family have relinquished their titles, are swept away by Bolshevik soldiers and forced into house arrest, leaving them with more than enough time to question their fate. Aware that she does not possess the same healing powers as her father, Masha embarks on a 1001 Nights-esque journey with young Aloysha to distract him from the pain his disease inflicts and the thought that his family will soon meet their end.

I've been fascinated with Russian history as long as I can remember. My hopes to visit this vast landscape have grown stronger with each passing year. When I expressed excitement over TLC Book Tours offering this title, I found a copy in my mailbox a few weeks later. After having just finished John Boyne's (author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas) The House of Special Purpose*, another novel taking a look at the tragic lives of the Romanov family, I was completely ready to dive into another title that looked at the same situation from a different light.

While Enchantments is completely fictional, the subject of the thoughts and feelings of the imperial family while prisoners in their own home is interesting. So little is known of their imprisonment (or has been entirely exaggerated since) as much of it was either destroyed by the family or those that opposed their position that Harrison had the opportunity to be really creative. Out of all the historical novels I've read on the subject, Harrison's novel seems the most realistic. Furthermore, Masha's tales for the young tsarevich explore everything from his parent's courtship, to the crowning of his father, to the sexual exploits of Rasputin in the hedonistic city of St. Petersburg. Exploring a budding sexuality, Masha and Aloysha slowly form an unlikely relationship that the audience will root for despite knowing the tragic outcome.

Beautifully detailed prose, the reader is swept up into the world of Russian society and into the freezing landscape of one of the last places the Romanovs would call home. If you enjoy historical fiction, or Russian history, or imaginative prose, Enchantments is the perfect title! My favorite TLC title to date, I will be recommending this one to everyone I know.

*Pub Date: April 2, 2013.

I received a copy of Enchantments from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review of the title.

 

Learn more here: Random House Reader's Circle http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/rc/

TLC is offering one lucky reader a chance to win a copy of Enchantments!

*open to US/Canada only

a Rafflecopter giveaway