I really loved this book! It was a unique concept that explored many current issues in our nation: treating people differently because of their color and preconceived notions of what they did and why they did it; pro-choice vs. pro-life as regards to abortion; the separation of church and state, or the lack of in this case; living under the watchful eye of Big Brother through tracking devices that allow every movement to be advertised for all to see. Hello Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,smart phones, iCloud, Google Maps, etc. We seem to already be on our way.... ;) The author said she got the idea for this book from a comment made by a family member. He said that drugs should be legalized and funded by the government, but whenever someone used drugs they should turn bright blue so everyone else can see who is high on drugs and be able to avoid them. What a clever idea! Hence, the idea for "When She Woke" was born.
I loved "watching" the transformation of Hannah as she evolves from an obedient, faithful, single-minded young woman to a brave, spirited, free-willed, open-minded young woman. The author threw in a couple of curve balls I didn't expect (hello Simone!), but they cemented the fact that Hannah was growing as a person and opening her mind to the possibilities. Since Hannah was discovering herself - and making decisions based on each discovery, many times "in the moment", I really didn't know how it was going to end. I was never really sure what Hannah would decide to do, but the decisions she made were consistent with her development as a character. Hannah had to make some difficult decisions, but I think they were the right ones for her. She was able to break out of the "box" once and for all.
I thought it was interesting that the author felt the need to hit us upside the head with the comparison of Hannah Payne to Hester Prynne, even to the point of Hannah having an affair with a minister and naming her aborted child Pearl. Wow. Maybe not everyone has read The Scarlet Letter, so it wouldn't have been so obvious to all readers. Maybe. ;) Anyway, as a society we always seem to want to put the transgressions of others on public display. It could be wearing a scarlet "A", having red skin, or advertising it on social media - it's one and the same. I was very happy that Aidan did the right thing though! Wasn't sure he was brave enough to follow through with it, but he did, and that made the story even better in my opinion. Why should Hannah be the only one to suffer the consequences of their actions?? At the end, the one person I still felt really sad about is Hannah's father. I wish he could have had some closure - some knowledge of Hannah's plan and/or destination. Something.
Now I will absolutely have to read Mudbound, Hillary Jordan's award-winning first novel!
Wendy's Rating: *****
Thursday, March 24, 2016
The Fit Mom Project by Heidi Rivers Marshall
The full title is: "The Fit Mom Project, A 465-Day Guide to Overcoming Thigh-Gap Obsessions and the Embarrassment of Peeing Your Pants When Jumping Rope."
I certainly identified with some of the author's feelings about her body, and how people can be so focused on imperfections in their body that they miss "being in the moment". I thought one really poignant example of this was when HRM talked about being focused on the fat rolls in her stomach while she was nursing her child. I could so relate to that. I grew up with a father who was incredibly focused on the aesthetic appeal of people. Most often he commented on people's weights, but he also liked to point out other "imperfections" as well. If these "imperfections" were noticed in his family members, his advice was always to "fix the problem" through plastic surgery or other means, depending on the "problem". I used to think that his lifelong observations didn't affect me, other than my annoyance of them, but I now know that isn't actually true. I, also, can be super focused on my weight - to the point of not enjoying myself if I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror while out, and the glimpse is an unflattering one. I then think about my clothing choice for the day rather than enjoy what I'm doing. Why?? Who cares?? Obviously, I care - and I hate that I do.
I could not identify with HRM's motivation for Cross-Fit however!! I can say with 100% certainty that I would never get up every morning - or every other morning - or even once a week to attend a 5:30am workout!! I absolutely admired her determination though. I was a bit discouraged (as she was) that she didn't lose weight faster, as hard as she was working at it. That goes to show you that the food and drinks you put in your body does indeed make a difference, whether you exercise faithfully or not. I felt her pain with that though too. We only have one life to live, and as much I want to be thinner and lead a healthy lifestyle, I don't want to sacrifice my favorite foods and drinks. I love to eat out and that usually includes at least one alcoholic beverage, if not more. I also like to "wine down" at night by having a glass of wine before bed.
How awesome for HRM that her persistence paid off and she did eventually lose weight and drop down a few sizes in her clothes. But what I liked even better is her coming to the conclusion that we have to feel good about ourselves as women and that we are not all going to look like the No Excuse Fit Mom, no matter how much we exercise. On top of that comes the acknowledgement that many of us don't want to! Yes, I want to be healthy, but I have no desire to post a picture of myself on facebook wearing a bikini with my four children! ;) Most importantly, HRM decided that "[i]t's about choice and honoring accomplishments; it is about supporting other women in their choices and pursuits." One of the reasons that the Kardashians drive me crazy is that they feel the need to share their naked/partially naked bodies on social media constantly! They completely objectify women. Heaven forbid if someone posts a picture of themselves baring a breast/partial breast to feed their child though. What a warped world we live in. :(
HRM comes to the conclusion that "[m]y fitness as a mother is defined by working to be the best version of myself that I can be." Amen to that!
Wendy's Rating: ****
I certainly identified with some of the author's feelings about her body, and how people can be so focused on imperfections in their body that they miss "being in the moment". I thought one really poignant example of this was when HRM talked about being focused on the fat rolls in her stomach while she was nursing her child. I could so relate to that. I grew up with a father who was incredibly focused on the aesthetic appeal of people. Most often he commented on people's weights, but he also liked to point out other "imperfections" as well. If these "imperfections" were noticed in his family members, his advice was always to "fix the problem" through plastic surgery or other means, depending on the "problem". I used to think that his lifelong observations didn't affect me, other than my annoyance of them, but I now know that isn't actually true. I, also, can be super focused on my weight - to the point of not enjoying myself if I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror while out, and the glimpse is an unflattering one. I then think about my clothing choice for the day rather than enjoy what I'm doing. Why?? Who cares?? Obviously, I care - and I hate that I do.
I could not identify with HRM's motivation for Cross-Fit however!! I can say with 100% certainty that I would never get up every morning - or every other morning - or even once a week to attend a 5:30am workout!! I absolutely admired her determination though. I was a bit discouraged (as she was) that she didn't lose weight faster, as hard as she was working at it. That goes to show you that the food and drinks you put in your body does indeed make a difference, whether you exercise faithfully or not. I felt her pain with that though too. We only have one life to live, and as much I want to be thinner and lead a healthy lifestyle, I don't want to sacrifice my favorite foods and drinks. I love to eat out and that usually includes at least one alcoholic beverage, if not more. I also like to "wine down" at night by having a glass of wine before bed.
How awesome for HRM that her persistence paid off and she did eventually lose weight and drop down a few sizes in her clothes. But what I liked even better is her coming to the conclusion that we have to feel good about ourselves as women and that we are not all going to look like the No Excuse Fit Mom, no matter how much we exercise. On top of that comes the acknowledgement that many of us don't want to! Yes, I want to be healthy, but I have no desire to post a picture of myself on facebook wearing a bikini with my four children! ;) Most importantly, HRM decided that "[i]t's about choice and honoring accomplishments; it is about supporting other women in their choices and pursuits." One of the reasons that the Kardashians drive me crazy is that they feel the need to share their naked/partially naked bodies on social media constantly! They completely objectify women. Heaven forbid if someone posts a picture of themselves baring a breast/partial breast to feed their child though. What a warped world we live in. :(
HRM comes to the conclusion that "[m]y fitness as a mother is defined by working to be the best version of myself that I can be." Amen to that!
Wendy's Rating: ****
Monday, March 7, 2016
The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison
This book has been compared to Gone Girl, and I see the similarity. I don't necessarily think it is better than Gone Girl however. They both read at a quick pace, there are twists & turns in the story, and the main characters are too flawed to actually like them.
I thought the characters in The Silent Wife were more pathetic than evil. I could not relate to Jodi on any level! She was like a 50's housewife - who happened to also be a part-time psychologist. Where was her motivation? She was obviously intelligent, but why was she so subservient to her womanizing husband?? She waited on him hand-and-foot, making oyster appetizers for him to munch on when he got home from work. I am surprised she didn't bring him his slippers when he walked in the door! She wouldn't marry him (Why??), but she let him support her all those years. She was afraid to leave him to himself (because who would take care of him if she went to a professional conference for a week?) but she lived with him for 20 years as he slept with who knows how many women. Ick! She was intelligent, pretty and had several good friends. I simply didn't understand her at all.
Todd was pampered by his wife, which may have been the problem. Maybe if she had stood up to him, instead of living in a state of denial - or really planned ignorance - he wouldn't have played around so much. Todd didn't even see how passive aggressive Jodi was! Clueless. He really thought that he could marry his best friend's daughter, have children (that he didn't really want) to pass on his seed, and sleep with Jodi on the side. Seriously, I can't say enough how pathetic they both were!
As I was nearing the end, I wasn't sure how it would end. I wasn't shocked by the ending though. I enjoyed the read, but I think Gone Girl was superior when it comes to the surprise twists and the, arguably, more interesting ending. I did think it was interesting that a psychologist could lead such an unsatisfying life. Physician heal thyself.
Wendy's Rating: ****
I thought the characters in The Silent Wife were more pathetic than evil. I could not relate to Jodi on any level! She was like a 50's housewife - who happened to also be a part-time psychologist. Where was her motivation? She was obviously intelligent, but why was she so subservient to her womanizing husband?? She waited on him hand-and-foot, making oyster appetizers for him to munch on when he got home from work. I am surprised she didn't bring him his slippers when he walked in the door! She wouldn't marry him (Why??), but she let him support her all those years. She was afraid to leave him to himself (because who would take care of him if she went to a professional conference for a week?) but she lived with him for 20 years as he slept with who knows how many women. Ick! She was intelligent, pretty and had several good friends. I simply didn't understand her at all.
Todd was pampered by his wife, which may have been the problem. Maybe if she had stood up to him, instead of living in a state of denial - or really planned ignorance - he wouldn't have played around so much. Todd didn't even see how passive aggressive Jodi was! Clueless. He really thought that he could marry his best friend's daughter, have children (that he didn't really want) to pass on his seed, and sleep with Jodi on the side. Seriously, I can't say enough how pathetic they both were!
As I was nearing the end, I wasn't sure how it would end. I wasn't shocked by the ending though. I enjoyed the read, but I think Gone Girl was superior when it comes to the surprise twists and the, arguably, more interesting ending. I did think it was interesting that a psychologist could lead such an unsatisfying life. Physician heal thyself.
Wendy's Rating: ****
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Yep, I really like this series! The Hunger Games trilogy is my all-time favorite dystopian series, but this reminds me of that. It's another deadly "game" or "contest" for children to see who is strongest, smartest, quickest - and has the strongest will to survive. There is WICKED (like the Capitol), who is manipulating the contest, even to the point of not letting Thomas die. On top of all that is the almost impossible task of figuring out what is real and what it not; who can be trusted and who can not; and what does it all mean??
I trusted Teresa all the way up to the end of the book. Then she told Thomas "WICKED is good", which is that same thing her tattoo says. It was the first time that I started doubting her intentions with Thomas. I also thought it was weird when Thomas had a dream toward the end that Brenda was talking to him in his head instead of Teresa or Aris. Usually Thomas' dreams seemed to represent things that had actually happened, so I was thrown off by that. I guess the two people I really trusted in the book, besides Thomas (since we are in his head), were Minho and Newt. I haven't given up on Teresa by any means - after all, Peeta tried to kill Katness!! - but I am starting to wonder if in the end, Thomas will end up with Brenda.
So, are they all infected with the Flare? Was that just a ploy to get everyone to participate in the Scorch Trials? What are the variables and why are they important to the cause? What is the cause? How does watching a bunch of kids - boys and girls - interact with each other and react to what is thrown at them - benefit the country/world? I simply have no clue yet! Is this story ultimately about global warming - a warning to us all? ;)
I spent some time thinking about this story after I finished the book - which proves that I really liked the book! I have a thought about what may be going on, but certainly not why. I thought about mentioning my idea here, but if I am right, I don't want to ruin it for anyone reading this. :) I promise I will tell you my idea, if it's right or wrong, in my blog post for The Death Cure!
I think it's interesting that this intelligent group of kids believe what is told them - either in the spoken word or written, like their tattoos identifying their roles in the game and the signs posted in the city they travel through, saying that Thomas is the true leader, on the way to the "Safe Haven" (A book by Nicholas Sparks!) I think it's quite easy to believe what you hear and/or experience, especially in dire situations - like Thomas doubting Teresa even after she warned him that things were going to get bad but he should trust her. A side note: what on earth does Minho really think of those signs saying Thomas is the true leader?! If I were Minho, I would say "go ahead Thomas, LEAD". :)
Anyway, I have the third book and I am ready to read it! I cannot wait for some insight as to what is going on!! I am really enjoying this series!
Wendy's Rating: *****
I trusted Teresa all the way up to the end of the book. Then she told Thomas "WICKED is good", which is that same thing her tattoo says. It was the first time that I started doubting her intentions with Thomas. I also thought it was weird when Thomas had a dream toward the end that Brenda was talking to him in his head instead of Teresa or Aris. Usually Thomas' dreams seemed to represent things that had actually happened, so I was thrown off by that. I guess the two people I really trusted in the book, besides Thomas (since we are in his head), were Minho and Newt. I haven't given up on Teresa by any means - after all, Peeta tried to kill Katness!! - but I am starting to wonder if in the end, Thomas will end up with Brenda.
So, are they all infected with the Flare? Was that just a ploy to get everyone to participate in the Scorch Trials? What are the variables and why are they important to the cause? What is the cause? How does watching a bunch of kids - boys and girls - interact with each other and react to what is thrown at them - benefit the country/world? I simply have no clue yet! Is this story ultimately about global warming - a warning to us all? ;)
I spent some time thinking about this story after I finished the book - which proves that I really liked the book! I have a thought about what may be going on, but certainly not why. I thought about mentioning my idea here, but if I am right, I don't want to ruin it for anyone reading this. :) I promise I will tell you my idea, if it's right or wrong, in my blog post for The Death Cure!
I think it's interesting that this intelligent group of kids believe what is told them - either in the spoken word or written, like their tattoos identifying their roles in the game and the signs posted in the city they travel through, saying that Thomas is the true leader, on the way to the "Safe Haven" (A book by Nicholas Sparks!) I think it's quite easy to believe what you hear and/or experience, especially in dire situations - like Thomas doubting Teresa even after she warned him that things were going to get bad but he should trust her. A side note: what on earth does Minho really think of those signs saying Thomas is the true leader?! If I were Minho, I would say "go ahead Thomas, LEAD". :)
Anyway, I have the third book and I am ready to read it! I cannot wait for some insight as to what is going on!! I am really enjoying this series!
Wendy's Rating: *****
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