Thursday, April 25, 2013

Moving on. Moving Up.

Moving on, moving up.

Well.  I finally did it.  I launched a website, with a new blog, complete with my name.  Hah.  It's been fun posting semi-anomously while I figured everything out and worked on my book.  If you would like the link, just leave me a message in the comments and I'll be happy to send you there.  Thanks for allowing me to grow and learn with you along the way!

dizzylittlechatgirl


Thursday, April 11, 2013

here's how I see it- a review of "Cutting for Stone"


Cutting for Stone Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really a 4.5 rating.  I didn't know anything about this book when I began and the best way for me to describe the writing style is that of a fast flowing river that has many eddies along the way.  I would be floating along, just starting to really get into a certain character, or what was happening in the story and then suddenly I was off on the side, slowed down by going into detail about another character.  At first this was really bothering me, and I admit, if I wasn't listening to the audio version, I may have put it down.  But once I figured out the writing style and embraced it, and as I learned more about all the characters, I really fell in love with this book!

There are very strong medical and cultural influences throughout which I really enjoyed learning about, especially given Abraham Verghese's expertise and background.  I have no idea how he came up with such an elaborate storyline filled with so much turmoil over the years.  I thought it was very interesting that Verghese decided to begin the story even before Marion and Shiva's births, and I loved the hint of mystery over a pregnant nun and her run-away lover.

I love love loved Hema and Ghosh.  They represent everything parents should be and their love for Marion and Shiva is beautiful.  I love that the birth of the little twins is what finally brings the two of them together.  I also love how they each had their own strong identities, but they were such in sync partners.  I think it was so sweet that for as talented as Hema was with her work, at home she was just Mama- she never wanted her boys to think her love for them could be divided or lessened by her work.  I can't imagine how haunted she was for so long over the possibility that Thomas Stone could come back and claim the twins.  I love how Ghosh never contacted Stone out of respect and love for his wife.  He was a great husband as well as a father.  

Marion and Shiva- the way Verghese describes their connection as twins is so beautiful.  I love their foreheads touching as boys and how that piece comes full circle in the hospital at the end.  The description of them as on Shiva-Marion was really interesting and sweet.  I saw a lot of Thomas Stone in Shiva's personality, and thought how different of a book this would be from any other perspective- especially Shiva.

Genet's character was so tragic.  Eventually I just felt sorry for her.  I couldn't believe what she had to go through at her mother's hand, and it made me furious that Shiva never owned up to his part in it.  I wanted closure with her in the end, and I guess there is the hint of that, but I wanted her to mend it better with Marion.  Although, her tragic life, wreaking havoc in her wake wherever she went, was a huge part of the story.  ANd how awful for Marion to have such a love-hate relationship with her and never be able to rid himself of her spell.

I think the search for redemption was a huge theme in the book.  Thomas trying to find it after abandoning his sons and then being able to do the surgery, Sister Mary Joseph Praise traveling to find it under the guise of a nun and penning the letter on her deathbed, Gosh never searching out Thomas but leaving the letter for Marion to find all those years later, Shiva for what he did with Genet seeking redemption by giving up his liver to his brother.

Even though the pace was meandering for me at times, I'm so glad I read this book and really enjoyed the story and characters.  I found myself wishing that this was one of my book club's selections because there would be so much to discuss.  I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a bit of a challenge that will be worth your effort.






dizzylittlechatgirl

Friday, March 29, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of The Fault In Our Stars


The Fault in Our StarsThe Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think everyone should read this book!  It was the perfect mix of emotion- a serious topic intermixed with a witty, sarcastic teenager's voice, who might be falling in love and is just trying to breathe.  This book was so easy to fall right into, where you feel like you just know Hazel Grace (because how can I call her anything else after hearing Augustus Waters say her name that way?).  It pulls at all your heartstrings- as a teenager wanting to be normal and experience love, as a mother wanting to protect and comfort your child, and just as a human not wanting to be sick or lose people you love.  There were several times in this book where I would well up with tears and laugh out loud all within a few sentences of each other.  I think I read it in two days, it was such an easy and compelling read.  This is a great book for anyone, as there's no way you won't be touched by it.  This is going to be my go-to recommendation for a while!  I loved this book and kind of feel like Hazel... I might track down John Green to find out what happens to Hazel Grace  :)



dizzylittlechatgirl

here's how I see it: a review of The Kitchen House


The Kitchen HouseThe Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!  I was swept right up into this story, with all of its twists and turns, captivated by the inner workings of the big house and the kitchen house and moved by the intricate relationships between everyone.  I really couldn't put it down.

The plot was so interesting as it spans through the lifetime of this family, starting when Lavinia's parents die on the ship to America and she is separated from her brother.  She is brought and adopted by the slaves of the Kitchen House and basically grows up as the white girl among these loving and hard working slaves.

I was so moved by Mama, who just embodied her title, just the right amount of firmness along with a whole lot of love.  The family situation among them was so interesting to me- they all really took care of one another even if they weren't immediate family.  I loved hearing how they would be so kind to one another 's children, or on the other hand give them a talking to if they needed it.  They worked so hard and were so appreciative of the little things,  It is so appalling that slavery was ever allowed to exist and this is just another testament to endurance and the human spirit.  I love that Lavinia never sees them as anything other than her family.  I especially love how she wouldn't call her Mama and Papa anything else until it is completely forced on her.

The amount of loss is staggering- so many hardships everyone had to endure on so many levels.  One that sticks out to me as especially awful is when Jaime is taken from Belle.  I can't even imagine having a child taken away.  Not to mention all of the deaths (especially of the babies!!) throughout the book, or the defiling of the women.  I just don't even know how people go on in the face of crisis that is depicted so common place here.  Maybe they were strong because they had no other choice.  Even from a young age Lavinia is taught not to cry and when to hide her emotion.  

It was interesting to watch Lavinia grow up and eventually make it back to Tall Oaks.  I could just feel her excitement upon arriving and the sinking devastation as she realizes her husband is not who she thought, and she isn't going to be able to help her family in the Kitchen House like she's wanted.  I can't imagine how lonely she feels.  You can see it coming when she starts drugging herself like her mother in law, and you want to stop her, but you can see how she gets to such a dark place.

Marshall's character is complex because of the abuse when he was young, and then the incident with his sister.  I don't think I was ever clear on exactly what he was doing when he caused Sally's death.  Why was he pushing her so hard??  The poor boy was so traumatized and then his father was never home and Rankin was such a horrible influence, and marshall always thought Belle was his dad's mistress!  It was like the perfect storm to corrupt a young impressionable boy.  And then he never can pull himself out of his vices.  I felt so bad for Lavinia as she realizes just how mean Marshall can be.  I kept wanting her to fight!  But I could see how, especially at that time, she wouldn't feel like she could.

There were so many layers with this story- it seems like I could go on forever.  This would be a great book for a book club because there is so much to discuss and so many controversial things that happen.  It is an amazing book, not only the story itself, but it was beautifully written.  The story of how the author came to write it is very interesting, if you haven't read about  it on her website, you should.

The emotion of this book and the characters will stay with me for a long time.  I recommend this book to anyone that wants a hearty, heartwarming and heart-wrenching story that depicts both the nastiness and  loveliness of family.  Loved this book!!




dizzylittlechatgirl

Friday, March 1, 2013

same song second verse

Been doing a lot of wake. coffee. eat. clean/feed/playwithbaby. write. edit. audiobook. workout. wine. sleep.  I feel like I'm in a process loop- or same song-second verse, as my late great grandma TuTu used to say.  I haven't been posting very well because I'm in the middle of a big edit and I just want to FINISH, so every single spare second I snag my macbook air and write until my fingers bleed.  Whenever I  have to do stuff around the house or drive somewhere, I'm listening to an audiobook, which is awesome because it makes the time fly by and I get through a lot of books quickly, hopefully sharpening my writing skills along the way!

My hubby finally finished and gave me a bunch of feedback on my book- hence the big edit I'm inundated with, so I want to publicly thank him for all of his help and suggestions.  He's sort of a freaking genius.  

A little while ago I mentioned how bad I've been wanting to get out of town and now we're doing it!  We are going to Cabo at the end of this month sans baby doll, which I'm totally freaking out about, but trying not to.  He will be with my mother, who raised 6 kids... so that should go ok right?  I'm trying so very hard to be ok with it...  I console myself by thinking how he won't even remember it.  Is that bad that's the only way I can get around it?  I'm a first time mama- I'm letting myself off the hook.

I went to an AMAZING conference with the motivational speaker named Danille Laporte, who I LOVED!  I learned so much from her and I'm reading her book now called, "The Fire Starter Sessions."  I typically shun anything self-help-ish... I don't know why they always rub me the wrong way, but this one was fantastic.  Totally got me motivated!  I'll have to do an entire post dedicated to what I've learned from her sometime.

But for now... on to editing!  I've never been more exited about FINISHING my book than right now!  I'll try to post more regularly!  Have a great weekend!!

dizzylittlechatgirl

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of A Thousand Splendid Suns


A Thousand Splendid SunsA Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think it deserves more of a 4.5.  This book was another tough subject matter, dealing with two women and their ravaged lives during wartime in Afghanistan.  Told from two female perspectives that eventually intersect, this was a sobering look at some really tough things women have to go through.  The worst part is that these things are happening right now, modern day, during my lifetime.  It made me very conscious of the freedoms I have as a woman, and so very thankful that I had the freedom to choose who I married, and I am treated as an equal with respect.  I had no idea just how much is demanded from these women.

The book itself was, in true Hosseini style, a beautiful and haunting tale.  It spans an entire lifetime against the backdrop of war ravaged Kabul, and depicts the lives of two women who end up married to the same man.  It is a story of  friendship born under the worst of circumstances, and I loved the moment when these two women finally open up to each other, becoming allies instead of enemies.  Both Miriam and Liala went through such awful things that it made it that much sweeter when they found their friendship.  I knew one of them would have to kill Rasheed but I thought it was going to be Liala.  I like it better the was it was written, allowing Miriam to give her life, turning it into a life of honor, a life that meant something, and allowing Liala to escape with Tariq.

The love story between Tariq and Liala as best friends in childhood then being separated all those years and finally reunited was beautiful.  A true love story.  I also loved how little Zalmai ends up having a sweet relationship with Tariq, and I adore Tariq for loving him unconditionally.  I loved the ending, where I mourned for Miriam, but also felt her strong spirit live on and through Liala in making the orphanage a better place.

I thought it was a beautifully written book, full of deep and complex characters who will live on in my mind for a long time.  Khaled Hosseini has a beautiful way of writing rich stories that weave themselves into your heart.  I can't wait for his new book.



dizzylittlechatgirl

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of Room


RoomRoom by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's really more of a 4.5 but I can't do that on here.  Brilliant in it's delivery of a very hard topic matter, Room is a beautiful read. I was amazed by Emma Donoghue's portrayal of Jack and his thoughts and feelings.  I have no idea how she came up with all of the nuances of a five year old to make him sound so authentic.  My heart breaks for his Ma, and all that she had to go through.  I zipped right through it because I couldn't wait to see what was goign to happen next.  Fabulous!



dizzylittlechatgirl

here's how I see it: a review of The Kite Runner


The Kite RunnerThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a heartbreakingly haunting tale that I will never forget.  The characters wrap their way around your heart and don't let up as you watch their lives unfold.  I love books that evoke emotion and this one tugged at my heart the whole way through.  I have no idea how I haven't read this one earlier and I am planning on reading A Thousand Splendid Suns right away.  Khaled Hosseini is brilliant in his delivery and beautiful with his prose.  I almost feel a let down after finishing the book because I want to keep going along with the characters on their life journey.  I recommend this book to anyone, as it delves into human emotion, consequences of living with our decisions, complex family dynamics, deep heartbreak and redemption- all things that make people better for having learned about them.  Everyone should read this book.


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dizzylittlechatgirl

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of "Before I Go To Sleep


Before I Go To SleepBefore I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book!!  Gripping, twisty and a fantastic debut book for S.J. Watson.  The premise is that Christine has amnesia, so every day she wakes up with memories starting as if she were in her early 20's, but she's 47.  At the urging of a neuro doctor, she begins keeping a secret journal so she can try to make sense of everything around her, which ends up making her question everything around her, including her husband, Ben.

I couldn't put it down!  I love all the questioning because I was trying to figure everything out along side her.  A huge portion of the book is her journal entries.  So you're never sure if she's a reliable narrator, or if what others are telling her are true or not.  I loved it!  This is one of those books you don't want to say much about because you don't want to spoil the ride for anyone else!  Just read it. :)



dizzylittlechatgirl

Friday, January 18, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"


The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book!  I didn't really know much about it going in, but it's the story of how the author came to learn about Henrietta Lacks.  Henrietta's story is the unfair and tragic tale of a woman who develops cancer and dies- but the cultures taken from her before her death were the first ever immortal cells, known as HeLa.  They are still used all over the world today, but Henrietta was virtually unknown or recognized for her contribution to science.  Rebecca Skloot spent years tracking down Henrietta's family members, and anyone who knew anything about Henrietta or her cells, trying to get correct information to honor Henrietta's memory, in the form of this book.

The book takes on the form of an investigative journalist and I zipped through it really fast because I felt like I was on the hunt with her.  I can't believe all the horrible things Henrietta's family went through and I also can't believe how long the author continued trying to write the story!  I loved the relationship she formed with Henrietta's daughter, Deborah and really enjoyed hearing about how much it meant to Deborah to find out the truth about her mother.

When Deborah dies near the end, before the book has come out, I was totally caught off guard!  I wasn't ready to say goodbye to her and I couldn't believe she never got to see it in print! At least she spent the last years of her life learning the truth about her mother.

This was such an interesting book and I'm really glad I learned about Henrietta Lacks and her contribution to science. I totally recommend this book, and I think it would be a great book to discuss in a book club!



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 dizzylittlechatgirl

gotta get outta town!

I've been feeling the need to get out of town!  I'm pretty sure its the time of the year for me- holidays are over, its been cold for a few months now... and I'm ready for SUN and the BEACH and SUMMER.  But, I still have... oh... at least 4 months of winter left here!

My husband found this cool website called Airbnb that features homes all over the place that you can rent out for a day or a few days or whatever, instead of hotels.  You can choose to stay somewhere that the owners of the place live and they will host you, or you can book a place all to yourself.  It looks like a fun alternative to staying at a hotel, and with a young baby, I think it would be much less stressful!  We looked around and there are some pretty cool places in really fun cities.  Hopefully my husband's interest in Airbnb will transfer into a trip!

As a follow up of my vision board for 2013, I really had a good start on it.... but my downfall was that I went with a magnet board... and soon after, my baby decided that magnets are the BEST toy ever.  And he's just so funny playing with it, that it kind of turned into his toy.  BUT I still have a picture of it in my mind and I WILL be reaching my goals this year!

I've been "reading" a lot lately... and by "reading" I mean listening to audiobooks!  How have I never thought of this before??  I just put in little ear buds in and then I can be cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, running errands, driving, grocery shopping etc.... and it all goes by SO fast!!  That's why I've had so many reviews lately!  I find that reading so constantly is really helping me with my own writing as well.

I finished a full edit on my book and I'm working on my query letter while my husband and my sister (who has written her own fabulous book!) are editing my book.  Well, my sister is... we will have to see if my husband finds time to do it before the deadline I gave him- which is the end of the month.  I really want him to read it because he's FABULOUS at catching holes in movies or book or any kind of production.  It's always interesting to hear what he thinks about a movie because he like to figure out what he would have done differently, or what character didn't work etc and he has these brilliant ideas.  So, it's both exciting, and very nerve racking to share my book.  Hope he makes his deadline!!!

That's all for now!! Hope everyone has a great day!

dizzylittlechatgirl

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of: A Casual Vacancy"


The Casual VacancyThe Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book, I really did.  But I totally didn't.  In all fairness, I am putting it down before I get to the end, although I'm not far off.  I felt like the storyline had good movement in pieces, but not enough to pull all the good segments together.  There was so many characters and I felt like I kept getting who was related to whom or what their relationships were confused, and normally I'm really good at that.  Which means, I didn't feel enough of a connection to the characters.  I feel like the idea of the plot worked, but the execution didn't.  I feel bad saying that J.K. Rowling, but that's really what I thought.  If anyone thinks I would have a completely different opinion if I just stuck it out til the very end... let me know.


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dizzylittlechatgirl

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of "The Alchemist"


The AlchemistThe Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ok so.... it's not really THIS book that doesn't speak to me... it's just books like this in general I don't ever feel very attached to.  All of the philosophical and meandering questioning just leaves me wanting something more.  I did like the idea of a personal legend and I agree that not many people still seek to find theirs.  If they do, I agree that they encounter a lot of resistance and that it gets harder towards the end. This book does have many little one liners that could inspire discussions, so it's probably a good book club book.  I'm sure many people will enjoy it, it's just not for my personal taste.


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 dizzylittlechatgirl 

Friday, January 4, 2013

vision board for 2013

The last few months for me have been exhausting and full of just surviving.  NOT what I want!  I am feeling ready to get excited about life again, filled with family, memories and happiness!  One of my good friends makes a vision board so that she can see every day what's important to her, and to help her prioritize and stay motivated through the year.  I'm a very visual person and this sounds like much more fun than a new years resolution list!  So this weekend, I'm going to make one.  I'll take a pic when I'm done so you can see. :)

Just wanted to throw it out there!

See ya soon!
dizzylittlechatgirl

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

here's how I see it- a review of: "Unbroken"


Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and RedemptionUnbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If there is one inspirational book you read all year, it should be the amazing story of Louie Zamperini.  I don't often get completely swept up in biographies, but this book was fabulous!   I am in complete awe of Louie and his overwhelming desire to survive, his ability to see the silver lining and to endure.  I cannot believe that one man went through all of this.

In the beginning I loved hearing all about his mischievous youth.  He was such a trouble-maker!  But I loved that it underscores his stubborn personality. I enjoyed hearing about his success as an olympic runner and all that went along with it.  I loved Pete- such a great brother to him.

As it continues, set against the horrors of WWII, the atrocities of war are front and center.  I did not know the stories of the POWs in Japan during this time, and I am so glad I got to learn about them, to honor their memory.  I was on the edge of my seat during all of the flights and the crashes.  I am horrified that they were even allowed to go up in the Green Hornet!  I can't believe he actually went up... after Superman crashed.  Well, I guess I can, as it was a rescue mission.

The endurance on the raft... the only word that comes to me is unbelievable.  I am floored by his good attitude throughout, his ability to overlook the chocolate being eaten, to continue to come up with new ways to try to survive, to realize the necessity of keeping their minds sharp- to endure.  I loved how they told stories of his mothers cooking time and time again until they all knew every tid bit of every dish.  I loved the moments in the doldrums.  Laura Hillenbrand did a fantastic job of portraying the dire situation.  I am amazed by their sheer will to live.

Once that part was over, I thought surely things would calm down and there would be some happiness for him.  But, then came their capture and The BIRD.  The Bird was unimaginable to me.  I cannot comprehend such human indecency and cruelty.  Seriously, I cannot believe things like that happened, its jus too awful.  I am horrified by the things all of the POWs had to endure, and staggered by the propaganda.  It drove home again for me just how inhumane wartime can be.  I felt so terrible for Louie, how he feared and despised the Bird, and the things he was forced to endure.  At the one part where the Bird went to the other camp, I felt like cheering for Louie, and could just imagine his immense relief.

But then to be sent somewhere new and then have The Bird walk in- it must have been the lowest moment for him.  My heart just sunk when I got to that part.  I can see how they would get to the point where they felt like they had to kill him to save themselves.  When the war finally ended, I was elated for them.  But then I realized that in some ways, the war never ended for them.

The after effects from the war sound like they were inescapable.  I don't know how someone can pick up the pieces and just be thrown into life after something like that.  It must feel so unsettling.  I'm so glad he was able to find a nice girl to help him battle his demons.  I thought she was going to leave him for sure though.  It was interesting how he found God and then was able to forgive.  I am astounded that he was able to send that letter to the Bird.  I think he is a bigger person than I would be.  I kept hoping for the Bird's capture and imprisonment. I wanted some justice for what Louie and all of those POWs had gone through!

I'm sure it was freeing to Louie to be able to forgive.  After so many years of enduring all that he did, and then feeling as though he had to get revenge and searching for the Bird with no success, must have ben completely draining.

I love that Louie was finally able to find another purpose for his life after the war.  I love that he helped all those boys.  His life story easily could have turned into a tragedy if he wasn't able to get past his need for revenge, and if he couldn't put the bottle down.  I love that was able to get through everything and find some good.  I love that he was still out doing all sorts of stuff until he was very old.  I picture him as this funny old man with a zinger personality, just out and about, beating all the youngin's at something or other.

I think Laura Hillenbrand did a phenomenal job with this book.  And the title is perfect.

Louie truly was UNBROKEN.  I feel honored to "know" this man, and hope that a little of his spirit can rub off on me.  I recommend this book to anyone, always, as it is purely inspirational story and can only leave you a better person for having read it.



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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

here's how I see it: a review of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"


A Tree Grows in BrooklynA Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty  Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book!  I immediately loved Francie's voice, optimistic outlook and her tenacity.  She is lovable and fierce at the same time.  All of the characters of this story are complex and felt so real to me.  The story is set against staggering poverty and heart-wrenching circumstances that make you root for Francie and her happiness all the way through.
There were situations in this story all the way through that tug at your heart, especially as a mother.  There are many times when Francie's mom would appear as hard or unfeeling with the things she expects from her children and her demeanor towards them.  But then you see things through her eyes and you understand how it hurts her to do this, but she feels it's her responsibility as their mom to prepare them for the hardships the world will bring.
This coming of age book is rich and meandering, and you truly fall in love with the characters.  I see how this book has become so beloved over the years.  Even through all the hard situations Francie and her family are faced with, I am amazed at their positive outlook and will to make the best of things.
This book made me incredibly grateful for my own circumstances, more thankful for my family and determined to emulate the positivity in my own life.  Loved this book and I recommend it for anyone who wants to fall into a book and forget themselves for a while.


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