Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge was selected by my book club The Page Turners, as our November read. Olive Kitteridge was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2009. After reading it, I can say that I am very pleased with this choice of winners. I have a certain expectation for story telling and writing when I pull a Pulitzer awarded book off the shelf and Olive Kitteridge did not disappoint.

The book is a collection of short stories of ordinary folks from a small town. I didn't feel like I was reading short stories that end and leave me wanting more. After hearing the second story, I was confident that I would be satisfied with another story that would some how connect me to the character, Olive Kitteridge. I was engrossed in the stories as if I was reading a novel. I was reminded of Russo's, Empire Falls. (Pulitzer Prize 2002). Often the best stories seem to come from a day in the life of ordinary people with every day family dynamics and issues.

The book takes place in the small town of Portland, Maine and the stories revolve around a central character Olive Kitteridge. At times she is a grumpy, outspoken, and a rude woman. As the stories unfold, more is revealed of Olive. Who is Olive Kitteridge? Do we love her or hate her? I appreciated her for being ordinary and sensible despite her flawed demeanor. For me Olive is " the town staple" like the local store or any other structure that individualizes a town.

Henry Kitteridge, Olive's husband, is a wonderful man and perhaps it may seem that he is too nice and too kind for Olive. Does he deserve the wrath of Olive? Yet we can sense at times that Olive has a deep love for Henry, her son and others. Why oh why doesn't this come through in her dealings with them at all times. The stories interconnect in a way to reveal Olive's insecurities and the depth of her character in relation to the perils of the community. Outwardly it seems that she doesn't have deep compassion to love those in her life, and yet the stories reveal more to us.

Who of us doesn't know an "Olive." And do we see or feel an "Olive" in our own self? So often it seems that Olive could use a word or two to "mend" a situation. What gets in the way of a kinder word being spoken to heal or mend the situation?

The writing is utterly fantastic. I do regret that I only listened to the audio book of Olive Kitteridge and I don't have any quotes to share as I was driving a lot when I listened. However, I want to say that this audio book was outstandingly well read. This is also book that I want to put into my own library.

How did my group like the book?

A member in Mississippi said, "I liked the book a lot and of course marked several Olive-isms." She had a lot more to contribute than just that and she enjoyed reading the book and savoring it.

Another member had this review to share:

" I gave Olive Kitteridge two stars because I liked the format of the book (a collection of short stories) and thought that some of the stories had profoundly thought provoking points. Unfortunately, the book didn't grab me. It could be because every short story seemed to start off the same... it took a several pages to figure out what was going on because of the exhaustive use of "they," "he," "she," or "it" before anything was clear. Overall, it wasn't a terrible book but not one I may recommend either."
-Chuluota Book Junkie

I give the book high praise for my favorite read of 2009. Have you read it? What do you think? I'd love to know.

Winner - The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar, By Slyvia Plath
And the winner is:
DAR, from Peeking Between the Pages.
Thank you everyone for participating in this giveaway.
Congratulations to Dar!
Thank you Harper Perennial.

Winners - Dear John Audio

We have more winners. Congrats to you all. I will be emailing you soon! Thank you for participating.

1. Edmontonjb
2. Rebecca Graham
3. Kaye

A Bit about the Book
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else.

And it is a soon-to-be-released major motion picture from Sony Pictures starring Channing Tatum ("G.I. Joe") and Amanda Seyfried ("Mamma Mia"). Coming to theaters just in time for Valentine's day, February 5, 2010.

Winners - Seventh Heaven, James Patterson

Well.. Well... Well....
Congrats to the Lucky winners!

1. Vicki
2. DCMetroreader
3. Wanda
4. Sandy Jay
5. Marilu

I have more winners to announce this week. I will be emailing you for your mailing address. Thank you for entering.

Description:
The Women's Murder Club faces not one-but two-terrifying cases that may tear it apart. The teenage son of California's ex-governor has mysteriously vanished-and the pressure on Detective Lindsay Boxer to find him is overwhelming. When she finally does get a lead, it's devastating. At the same time, Lindsay and her partner, Rich Conklin, must investigate mysterious fires that are destroying some of San Francisco's most beautiful homes-and leaving their owners dead in the debris. But when Lindsay enlists her friends in the Women's Murder Club to help uncover the arsonist, the blazes suddenly rage much too close to home .

Category:FICTION, SUSPENSE & THRILLERS

Format:MASS MARKET

Publish Date:12/1/2009

Price:$7.99/$9.99

ISBN:9780446536240

Pages:400

Size: 4-3/16" x 6-3/4"

Thank you Valerie at Hachette Book Group for co-ordinating this great giveaway.

From the Pantry Cheesy Tuna Shells - Time saving, easy cheap meal

You know I don't have a lot of recipes. I don't seem to have time to cook from them. I have been cooking and feeding a family with little or no recipes for almost 25 years. You know spaghetti make a million ways, meatloaf, tacos, burritos, chicken that is grilled, fried, baked, and all the every day meals. I mean I use a recipe here and there to bake, but I don't have a big ole book of recipes.

When I have done WW over the years I do use a few of the recipes from my books. Some good, some really gross.

I hope that some day I can get out some cook books and just cook for leisure. It seems I am always cooking for a family and there isn't time for the frills and gourmet foods that I'd like. Not that gourmet can't be simple... but you know what I mean?

Working the 9-5 grind and cooking and having a family. It is hard. Sometimes it is hard to use recipe books as the ingredients are hard to come by. Well not hard to come by but it is hard to get a list and gather items.

Here is a little recipe for the busy person. It is a recipe right out of the pantry. I only had to buy two items. (Pasta Shells and Alfredo) The rest are from the Pantry.

It is my "recipe" for Cheesy Tuna Shells. I bet most have a recipe that they make that is similar. It is basically no more than a tuna casserole. So this is basically tuna casserole with NO celery chunks, no peas, and no cream of mushroom soup. Not that I mind those ingredients. But some (kids, hubby etc don't want to have to pick out certain bits from the casserole). This recipe is for those. Unless you don't like Tuna. Even that isn't a problem, I made it without tuna last week as a side dish! YUMMO!

The ingredients:
A jar of Alfredo sauce (you can make your own)...or use the packets. This is the 30 minute version. Any Jar will do. I used a four cheese Alfredo for this one. WW fans...buy the lighter version.

Parmesan Cheese (packaged, shredded or grate your own) Once again this is the busy mom version.

Bread Crumbs - any old brand.

Medium Pasta Shells - ( whole box)

1 cube of butter - WW fans use the diet stuff....

1 Cup 1% milk - lucky thin folks use whole milk.. WW use non fat.

2 cans Tuna Fish ( I used one albacore and one chunk light in water) You know whatever is in the pantry

2 - 3 cups shredded Medium Cheddar Cheese. I suppose you can use bagged. I always grate from a block.

Okay... Real Story.

• 4:30 left work
• 4:45 pull up to the house, drive into the garage and go out to get the mail.
• 5:00 I am changed into sweats and the dogs have been let out. A pot of water is on the stove boiling. I am grating a pile of cheese (approx two-three cups).
• By 5:05 the water is boiling and I add salt and a box of pasta to the water. Set timer for 12 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, I get out a big bowl and slice up the butter, open the cans of tuna (I have it draining in the sink) and open the Alfredo. I get out the 13 inch dish and get it ready.

• 5:20 or so I am straining the pasta, adding it to the butter and the Alfredo in a bowl and mixing. I add about a cup of milk, then mix in a cup or so of the cheese about 2/3's of the pile. I add salt, pepper (fresh ground) , celery salty, onion powder. Oh don't forget to add the Tuna too! Mix it all up. ( remember if you like real onions, celery or peas, add fresh chopped stuff now, this is the non chunky version)

• 5:25 - pour into a 13 inch dish. Then spread a layer of cheese on top, a layer of bread crumbs and a layer of Parmesan cheese. Now just put into the preheated over and bake until golden brown for about 25-30 minutes.

At this point there is very little mess. I have been tossing cans and jars as I go along. So there is five minutes to rinse or wash the mess.

After that you have 20 minutes... that is time for a nice treadmill walk, or time to create a blog post, (this blog post was almost finished by the time I pulled it out of the oven), read a chapter in a book. You can set a nice table I suppose or scoop from the dish off the counter. If you have time make a salad, or steam some veggies. You gotta (should) eat your veggies!

• By 6 pm dinner is ready and you can clean up (5 minute max) and have the evening to do what you want.
  

And if you are one that likes an evening martini, this is your time to make a Cosmo and sit and blog a bit. Just don't spill it after the photo shoot like someone else did. Wink!

I hope you all like it. I think if I were to critique the recipe I would say it could use more of a creamy factor. Maybe this is where the cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup would come in handy. Depending on how large your family is, you have great leftovers for tomorrow or lunch!

Mail Box Monday - December 14, 2010

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. It is a fun weekly posting to share what we books we got in the mail each week. Join in, leave comments and do a lot of coveting and drooling.

I won To Desire a Devil, Elizabeth Hoyt from a giveaway at Bookfan Mary. Thank you Mary.

I received Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks from Hachette Book Group as a free review copy.

I got American Rust, by Phillipp Meyer from Random House as a free review copy. Thank you Random House. Please look back in January as I am part of the blog tour for this book.

I won The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere in a giveaway at Mari Reads. Thank you Mari. (If anyone is interested Mari has a knitting blog also. Mari Knits).

I received A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve as a free review copy from Hachette Book Group.

Okay.. I am a lucky girl wouldn't you say? I am happy to get the two audio books as I joined the audio book challenge. Hope you have a great week.

My last 2010 Challenge.. Audio Book Challenge!

Okay, just one more Challenge for 2010.

Since I plan to continue to enjoy audio books in 2010, I have joined this challenge.
It is hosted by Royal Reviews. I can download from audible right onto my Kindle 2. I love it!

Audio Books Reading Challenge

I plan to enjoy about 12-15 books this year via audio, So I have selected the Addicted level.

This is where I will keep track of my selections.

1. Bel Canto ( Finished 2/2010) Click here for my review
2. Cane River (Finished 3/2010).  Read book and listened to the audio.
3. Envy (Finished 3/18/2010) Click Here for my review.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Giveaway

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County, by Tiffany Baker
(Giveaway!!!)

Book Description:

When Truly Plaice's mother was pregnant, the town of Aberdeen joined together in betting how recordbreakingly huge the baby boy would ultimately be. The girl who proved to be Truly paid the price of her enormity; her father blamed her for her mother's death in childbirth, and was totally ill equipped to raise either this giant child or her polar opposite sister Serena Jane, the epitome of femine perfection. When he, too, relinquished his increasingly tenuous grip on life, Truly and Serena Jane are separated--Serena Jane to live a life of privilege as the future May Queen and Truly to live on the outskirts of town on the farm of the town sadsack, the subject of constant abuse and humiliation at the hands of her peers.

Serena Jane's beauty proves to be her greatest blessing and her biggest curse, for it makes her the obsession of classmate Bob Bob Morgan, the youngest in a line of Robert Morgans who have been doctors in Aberdeen for generations. Though they have long been the pillars of the community, the earliest Robert Morgan married the town witch, Tabitha Dyerson, and the location of her fabled shadow book--containing mysterious secrets for healing and darker powers--has been the subject of town gossip ever since. Bob Bob Morgan, one of Truly's biggest tormentors, does the unthinkable to claim the prize of Serena Jane, and changes the destiny of all Aberdeen from there on.

When Serena Jane flees town and a loveless marriage to Bob Bob, it is Truly who must become the woman of a house that she did not choose and mother to her eight-year-old nephew Bobbie. Truly's brother-in-law is relentless and brutal; he criticizes her physique and the limitations of her health as a result, and degrades her more than any one human could bear. It is only when Truly finds her calling--the ability to heal illness with herbs and naturopathic techniques--hidden within the folds of Robert Morgan's family quilt, that she begins to regain control over her life and herself. Unearthed family secrets, however, will lead to the kind of betrayal that eventually break the Morgan family apart forever, but Truly's reckoning with her own demons allows for both an uprooting of Aberdeen County, and the possibility of love in unexpected places.

I read and reviewed this wonderful book last year with Dar from Peeking at the Pages. I really loved this book it was one of my favorites of last year. Dar and I had a four part Discussion last November. To see my four posts on the book, go to the side bar (archives) and go to November 2008. You will see links to the four chats I had with Dar.

There is so much to discuss in the book, I recommend it fully for a GREAT book club selection. If your book club is looking for a good book, The Little Giant of Aberdeen County gets my vote! Don't forget to utilize the Reading Group Guide (see below).

Thanks to Valerie at Hachette Book Group I have three copies to offer! US and Canada only. Will not ship to P.O. boxes. The books come from the publisher. This contest will run through January 2nd.

• For an entry into a random drawing, please leave a comment here with your email.
• For an additional entry, Follow my blog. If you already do, let me know in your comment.
• For five entries, Blog, Tweet, Facebook about this giveaway. Let me know in your comment.

Join the Facebook Discussion.
Check out the Author Website.

Reading Group Guide
(warning sometimes the Guide Questions contain book spoilers)

1. Truly is the “little giant” of this book, yet her size seems to make her less, rather than more, visible to the town around her. Can you explain this phenomenon? What do you think the author is trying to say about her outsider status?

2. Serena Jane and Truly are as physically different as sisters can be, yet Truly sees that this difference is crucial, explaining “the reason the two of us were as opposite as sewage and spring water, I thought, was that pretty can’t exist without ugly.” (pp. 97-98) How would you describe Truly and Serena’s connection? How is it different from Truly’s relationship with Amelia Dyerson? Which seems the more genuine sisterhood to you?

3. As the successor to a long line of old-fashioned, small-town doctors, Robert Morgan is traditional, strict, and often cruel. I the end, however, the legacy terminates with him and he becomes Aberdeen’s last Dr. Morgan. How do he and Bobbie stray from the family paradigm? What Morgan characteristics stayed with each of them? Is the town “more modern” without a Dr. Morgan, and with Bobbie and Salvatore’s restaurant instead? Is the replacement of nurturing through nourishment rather than doctoring a symbolic replacement?

4. Death haunts Truly and all of Aberdeen, sometimes in unexpected ways. As a gardener, Marcus’s aim is to “make things live,” but, as Truly realizes, “wasn’t it also true that gardeners were always wrestling with death, whether in the form of drought, or blight, or hungry insects? In a garden, Marcus always said, death was the first, last and only fact of life.” What other parallels do you see in the ways Marcus and Truly court life and death?

5. Truly’s size marks her as an outcast, but throughout the novel, other characters have trouble “fitting in” in a more figurative way. Examine how this manifests in Bobbie, Marcus, Amelia, even Serena Jane. What larger point do you this the author might be trying to make about the importance of conforming?

6. What role does Aberdeen County play in the novel? Could the story or these characters exist elsewhere? Do the effects of the 60s and the Vietnam War seem to touch Aberdeen in the same way they touched the rest of the country? What is unique and what is not about Aberdeen as a setting?

7. When Amelia discovers how Priscilla Sparrow and Robert Morgan died, she asks Truly whether it was mercy or murder that killed them. What do you think? How do you feel about Truly’s actions? What in Truly’s character draws her to “collect souls” as she comes to call it?

8. When Marcus and Truly finally come together, Marcus says “We’re not exactly a match made in heaven, you and I, but I figure we’re good enough for here on earth” (p. 334) What does he mean by this? Do you agree?

9. Why doesn’t Robert Morgan “care” that his son runs away? What does it say about what he thinks of himself? How does this connect to Serena Jane’s leaving and his reaction to that event?

10. After Robert Morgan’s death, Truly gradually takes on some of his responsibilities as town doctor by using the knowledge she’s gained from Tabitha’s quilt. How is this a fitting purpose for Truly, and a fitting counterpoint to the legacy of Morgan doctors?

11. What about this story is larger than life or possesses elements of a tall tale or folklore? How are these details woven into the story? How is the book similar to or different from other works in this tradition?

Chunkster Challenge 2009

Quite sometime ago, I joined the Chunkster Challenge. Remember this?

I did read Drood by Dan Simmons. (click here for blog tour and review) and yes that was quite a chunky book. However I did not read the other two books. I may have to add Annette Vallon to the From My Shelves book Challenge for 2010. I didn't finish this challenge but I had fun and thoroughly enjoyed the big ole chunker that I did read.

Mailbox Monday December 7th

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at the Printed Page.
Check it out. It is fun way to share what we received in the mail each week.

I don't have a lot to report. I did buy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for for my Kindle. It would be pointless to note all the classics that I have added to my Kindle. But for now I like to keep track of my purchases. After I get this post finished I am going to peruse and find another book to buy (hoard) onto my device. I also get to spend two credits in my audible account. It is a good Sunday morning. I will report my shopping results next Monday.

I received for review 7th Heaven, by James Patterson. (a free book for review)
Thank you Hachette books.

(check out my sidebar for a giveaway). It is a nice pretty blue color and being the book-a-holic that I am, I just wanted to curl up and start it at the kitchen table before I finished opening the rest of my mail.

I feel like I got something else and I can't for the life of me find where I stashed it. I mean I am pretty organized and books go in "book places" in my house. I will post when I figure it out. Or was I just dreaming. I know always hold my breath when I hear Mr. UPS driver in the neighborhood maybe it resulted in a brain fog?

I was a lucky lucky girl last week and I won TWO books from the blog world. I will save that information for a future Mailbox Monday!


Have a great week.

Reading From My Shelves 2010 Challenge

Here it is. Challenge number two for me!

This challenge is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea. You have to check it out. To me this is almost a Blogger Community Service Challenge! The Challenge is as simple as this.

Go over to Bibliophile by the Sea and:

• grab the button
• decide how many books you want to read from your shelves (minimum of 20 - no maximum)
  
• find a new home for the books once you read them
• post the titles and the authors of books you've read and passed on
• project runs from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
• crossover challenge books are allowed

I am committing to reading 20 books from my shelves. And I will pass them along when I am finished.

This is where I will keep track of my progress. I want to read these books for this challenge. (I will red and bold text the books as I read).

1. Signora Da Vinci, Robin Maxwell
2. The Piano Teacher, Janice Y. K. Lee
3. When Everything Changed, The Amazing Journey of American Woman from 1960 to present, Gail Collins
4. The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford
5. Everyone is Beautiful, Katherine Center
6. The Italian Lover, Robert Hellenga
7. The Puzzle King, Betsy Carter
8. A Friend of the Family, Lauren Grodstein
9. The Darcy's and the Bingley's, Marsha Altman The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
10. The Heretics Daughter, Kathleen Kent
11. Sacred Hearts, Sarah Dunant
12. The Help, Kathryn Stockett
13. The Day The Falls Stood Still, Cathy Marie Buchanan
14. Scottsboro, Ellen Feldman
15. The White Queen, Philippa Gregory
    
16. Taltos, Anne Rice
17. Cane River, Lalita Tademy
18. 7th Heaven, James Patterson
19. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath
20. Testimony, Anita Shreve
    

Wish me luck!


*** edited to correct duplicate book and fill in book #20!!

E-Book Reading Challenge - I am in!

I am in! I am doing the 2010 Ebook reading challenge! I hope to enjoy my Kindle 2 to the tune of 12 ebooks this year! This is the addicted level. There are four levels. If you want to see what this is all about, click on over to Royal Reviews the official host of this challenge. The challenge runs from January - December 2010.


I will be keeping track of my books read on this post. There will be a link on my side bar.
1. Last Night in a Twisted River
2. Wolf Hall.
3.  Pride Prejudice and Zombies
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath - Giveaway

The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath

I have a lovely, hip copy of The Bell Jar to offer! I absolutely love this new snazzy version from Harper Perennial, the Olive Edition. It is a lower priced smaller edition. I have to say I'd be grabbing this one even it it wasn't priced lower. I love the cover, and it is just even nicer in person.

I have one copy to offer. Please leave a comment on this post and I'll enter you in a drawing. I have one book so this is a one entry per person drawing. US and Canada Only. This contest ends on December 18th, 2009

Hachette Audio Book Giveaway! Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks

Hachette Audio Book Giveaway! Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks
This is for the audio book!

And it is a soon-to-be-released major motion picture from Sony Pictures starring Channing Tatum ("G.I. Joe") and Amanda Seyfried ("Mamma Mia"). Coming to theaters just in time for Valentine's day, February 5, 2010.

A Bit about the Book

An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else.

The audiobook edition of DEAR JOHN is read by actor and voiceover artist Holter Graham.

Listen to an excerpt.
Watch the movie trailer.
Visit the official movie website at DearJohn-Movie.com
Available in CD and Digital Download formats.
Also available in ebook, mass market, and trade paperback.

Now for the scoop on the giveaway. Thanks to Anna from Hachette Book Group, I have three copies of the Audio book to giveaway.

• NO P.O. Boxes
• US and Canada Only
• Books are mailed from Hachette Book Group
• Simply leave a comment on this blog for an entry.
• Followers get two entries. If you don't blog or use a google reader, in your comment tell me how you keep up with my blog and I'll throw in the "followers" entry for you.
• Leave a comment by December 17th, 2009. Winners to be announced shortly after.
  

Upcoming events - A Circle of Books

Happy First Wednesday in December 2009!

I haven't had a lot of blog content lately so I thought I would check in. I mean just because I don't have a giveaway, a mailbox to share or a review, I hope some (one or two ) will pop in and read... pretty please.

I wanted to just post. It is always a bit strange when a blog gets quiet a for a while and then we wonder if they are coming back.... and if the days of that particular blog are gone....sigh... well... Fat chance you'd be rid of me! Aha! I did want to check in and share what I am reading, and what is coming up for my blog.

I am reading:

Breaking Dawn (Finally)

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Kindle)

and I am listening to:

Olive Kitteridge (Audible)

I should have reviews for everyone in the next weeks to come.

I will have an exciting audio giveaway that should post on Friday as well as The Bell Jar giveaway. So be on the look out for some great stuff.

I have a pile of TBR review copies that I intend to read and review in January and February. Better late than never. I hope to post some of these books on my side bars and decorate the blog a bit with the books in my life. My own little circle of books.

What are you reading? I am behind in my google reader and my own blog reading. Do you have anything you want to share? Post a link to this post and I will be sure to check it out. Non-bloggers, I'd love to hear from you too. Post links to anything your like to share, kid, dog, horse.... you name it.

I also wanted to say that I have listened to two fun interviews in the past week on Blog Radio. Jenn from Jenn's Book Shelves and Amy from My Friend Amy's Blog did a great job. It was really tremendous fun to join the chat and listen. ( I need to link you up with some details on this later).

I am going to select a challenge for 2010. So I will be scanning around for one that will also be of some use to my TBR piles and fun.

I can't seem to keep up on Twitter, Facebook, Google reader, my own blog, emails, and my knitting blog (which requires actually knitting to be done). Actually, I do keep up well enough. What I am saying is that I have come to the conclusion that I can't keep up like some of you remarkable bloggers. 2010 is my year to just exist within the confines of my own schedule and limitations and to just enjoy this fun process of reading and blogging minus the panic.


Happy week to you.