Best Books of 2018

There's a lot of things I miss about blogging regularly. I use to love sitting down and writing book reviews after finishing a book, as something to refer back to on why I might have loved it so much. (But the last one I posted was back in 2016!) Also, I used to love wrapping up a year reflecting back on what occurred. (The last time I did one of those was even longer in 2015!) So on a whim I decided to bring them both back with a list of my favorite reads from the past year. In years past I've actually ranked books where #1 was my absolute favorite, but for simplicity sake, I just have them all in the order I read them.

1. Apprentice by Maggie Anton
I LOVED Anton's Rashi'a Daughters Trilogy and was so excited to read another one from her. It's a time period that I haven't read much about (Persia in 300s), and I found everything fascinating. There is a sequel to it, which I can't wait to pick up.

2. Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon by Kelley Benham French and Thomas French
This is such an incredible memoir about a couple recollecting their duaghter's premature birth. Thankfully, everything worked out for the family and they now have a healthy daughter years later. I just remember not being able to put this down, because even though you know how it works out, you just had to see the journey there.

3. The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams
This was a fun book written by 3 different authors told over three time periods. Of the authors, I had only read Willig before (whose Pink Carnation series I love!), but I've heard great things about Williams especially. It was definitely fun trying to match either author up with the story they likely guided the most. Each story centers around a room in a NYC house and features a different love story. It was so fun trying to figure out how the characters and stories were all interwoven.

4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
So far, I've loved everything I've read by Rowell. Which actually is now only two, but I'm still excited to read the rest. I felt like this book so captured the feeling of being in college. I also loved the fan fiction aspect of it, which brought me back to when I used to read and write it back in high school. (Yes, seriously! Backstreet Boys fan fiction in case you had to know! Sadly, or maybe not so, anything I wrote no longer exists.)

5. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
I feel like I'm so late to this one! But like everything else, reading has also dropped off lately. I picked this up just in time for The Royal Wedding. It really was just as good as everything said, and I'd love to read a sequel to check in on Nick and Bex.

6. Somerset by Leila Meacham
After reading Roses by Meacham years ago, I've been meaning to read more by her. This was actually the second by her I read this year (the first being Titans), but the one I liked better. It had such an interesting perspective. It is another epic family story. I loved some of the details, things like the discovery of dinosaur bones and the idea of adoption in the early 1900s. Actually this was one of many books I read this years that discussed adoption in the early 1900s, definitely a bit of a rabbit hole I fell into.

7. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Another epic family historical story. This one though taking place in Korea and Japan. Like many of the others, it's a period I knew little about which is part of the reason I loved it. There are a lot of characters and a lot of time passing in this book, which meant certain aspects weren't as developed as they could have been. Still I absolutely loved the book and getting to hear the family's story.

8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I remember being intrigued by this one when it came out, and can't believe it's taken me so long to read. It's an interesting perspective of WWII, one I hadn't read before. There's 2 separate stories told throughout, and I loved how they finally intertwined at the end.

9. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Another one I know I'm crazy late on! I haven't seen the movie yet, but based on the previews, I'm not sure it can compare to the book. The title of this one definitely lives up to its name. I've since gone on and finished the trilogy and while I loved them all, I think the first is the best because you really go into it not knowing what to expect.

10. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Remember a couple of paragraph's ago mentioning how I read several books about adoption, this is one of those. (The other big one was The Orphan Train, which just missed this list.) It's another one with two story lines that intertwine by the end. I actually loved the historical one so much more than the present day story, although I do realize the importance of having the other perspective.

11. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I just couldn't stop at 10, and for those of you that have read this, you understand why. It's a book you start and don't quite get, but as you continue to read and understand the story it's heartwarming and one you can't put down.

I feel like 2018 was the first year in a while where I really, really loved what I read. Hence the reason I wanted to write this post. I didn't hit my goal of 52 books in a year, although assuming I finish the book I'm currently reading, will be only 7 books away. I'm hoping that now that the babies are getting older and I'm starting to feel a bit more like myself again, I can get back to reading and blogging more often!

To see my favorite books from years' past go here:
2014
2013
2012

My Life Behind the Burner in New York, Hanoi, Tel Aviv, and Paris

Four Kitchens by Lauren Shockey
Published: July 27, 2011 by Grand Central Publishing
When I first saw this book I remember being intrigued by seeing Tel Aviv in the title. In general, I'm a fan of cooking memoirs, but that was what won me over. (Also there was the tiny detail that I found it at a Borders closing sale so it was crazy discounted.)

After culinary school Shockey decides to stage, or what you could call a restaurant intern, at four restaurants across the world. In her memoir so goes into what it's like working in a fancy kitchen, the differences in them depending on where they're located, and of course all the delicious food she discovers.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that while in New York she worked at wd-50 for Wylie Dufresne. Surprisingly, those chapters were some of my favorites. I was intrigued by her time in Vietnam, but never really felt transported there. The parts in Israel that I was so excited for, seemed to go by way to quick and didn't seem to have much substance. The last section in Paris was again interesting, but I never really got a feel for the city.

I loved the idea of this book, but overall it fell a little flat for me. Shockey had a great adventure, but never I seemed to understand why she wrote a book. She didn't necessarily seem excited about the adventures she went through and by the end she was kind of over cooking, so I never really got why she wanted to relive those experiences.

Despite this, I loved the look into a restaurant kitchen, especially one as famous as wd-50. There were some delicious sounding recipes as well, especially one in the Tel Aviv section for halvah ice cream, that I can't wait to make.

3.5/5

One Couple's Journey from Embryo Mix-Up to Miracle Baby

Misconception by Paul and Shannon Morell with Angela Hunt
Published: May 4, 2010 by Howard Books
Earlier this year I read Inconceivable a book about a couple, the Savages, whose fertility doctor mistakenly implanted them with another couple's baby. I loved that book and since then I've been looking forward to reading the other side of the story. This book about the other couple, the one who instead kept the baby after the first gave birth.

I was obviously a bit biased about the Morell's since I read the Savage's book first. They didn't come off in the best light, but I figured reading the story from their words I'd understand them a bit better. Even so, I still didn't fall in love with the Morell's the way I did with the Savages.

I think part of it is due to the private nature of the Morells. Through the whole book there's a constant feel that they are getting dragged into a media circus of no wish of their own. I get the feeling that they didn't necessarily want to write this book either, but since the Savages were writing a book felt they needed to as well. It's almost like you're reading about them at an arms length and never really get to know the Morell's or the rest of their family.

From the title the book is written by both Paul and Shannon, but that wasn't really the case. Instead the majority of the book is from Shannon's point of view, and there's a few quotes from Paul throughout. As little as I felt like I knew Shannon by the end, it was like a friendly acquaintance compared to a complete stranger with Paul.

This book tells about such a heartbreaking situation, and I'm impressed that the Morells were willing to relive it and tell their story. I think it's a bit inspiring reading memoirs from others who were dealt with such unimaginable circumstances. While I may not have loved reading the Morell's book, I still think their story is amazing and I'm grateful they offered this little look into their lives.

3.5/5

Mailbox Monday (121)

So I'm averaging about one Mailbox Monday post a month, which is part of the reason my mailbox is so big. I haven't actually picked up that many books at once, but more that one or two each week and they just kind of add up. As for the books, well...
From Paperback Swap
The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
I just love this series! I've actually started and almost finished this one, and it's just as good as the others. It may be a tiny bit too early to be reading Christmas books, but I'm loving it just the same!

For Review from the Published
Hidden Inheritance by Heidi B. Neumark
This is a memior with a similar topic as Between Gods. Knowing how much I loved reading that book it seems likely I'd enjoy this one as well.

Purchased
Alienated by Melissa Landers
This was our book club book of the month. Just to show you how behind this post really is, I've already read and reviewed it. I wasn't necessarily a huge fan of it, but it did have its moments.

Gifted
The Martian by Andy Weir
This was a gift from my dad for my birthday. I actually saw the movie (for my birthday as well!) and really enjoyed it. Given all the positive things I've read about this book I have high hopes for it.

The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
This was a gift from my MIL to Elley. We actually read it a few times before Halloween. It's a cute book where they show both monsters and kids are getting ready for the holiday, but then the monsters are disappointed when the kids are scared and won't party with them.

From PJ Library
Bim1 Sings the Baby by Linda Glaser
Another adorable book from PJ Library! The baby in this book celebrates Shabbat with all types of rituals like giving tzadakah, lighting candles, and eating challah.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Choosing the Chosen

Between Gods by Alison Pick
Published: October 20, 2015 by Harper Perennial
I've read a lot of memoirs on all type of subjects, except none of them have moved me as much as this day. I couldn't seem to put it down, which in some ways makes me a little sad, because I wish I was still reading it.

Alison Pick, the author, is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Except when her grandparents escaped to Canada, they lived as Christians in an attempt to fit in and forget about what they lost. Both Alison, and her father, were raised as Christian, except as Alison is researching her newest book she starts to explore her family's past. She's on the eve of getting married and becoming a mother, which I think is part of the reason why figuring our her own faith is so important to her.

Being raised Jewish I know all the holidays and customs. I can sing the prayers and retell the stories. Except most of the Jewish education happened as a child, which is quite a bit different than learning it as an adult. In some ways I'm a bit jealous of Alison. As she talked about the books she read and the classes she took, it makes me want to explore my own faith in a similar way. And while I'm so happy I was raised Jewish, there is something to be said of making that decision yourself and wanting to convert.

Going into this I knew I would like it, but I didn't expect to love it. It's actually inspired me to read some of the fictional books she's written as well as the non-fiction ones mentioned (written by Anita Diamat who I actually have read before). But more than that it also made me think, and be a little more introspective.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mailbox Monday (120)

It's officially my birthday week! I know birthdays are supposed to get less exciting as you get older, and while I may not necessarily like the getting older part, I still like the celebrating me part. Of course, I'll have to get through this week first, but till then here's a look at the books that have recently joined our household.
From PJ Library
Shai's Shabbat Walk by Ellie G. Gellman
This book is about a boy who takes a walk on a Shabbat afternoon and see all types of things that remind him of what you do on Shabbat (rest, sing, tell stories...) It's a cute little book. I especially love how Shai has his teddy bear with him in each picture.

From TLC Book tours
Between Gods by Alison Pick
Continuing on the Jewish theme, this book is a memoir where the author is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Except after they escaped to Canada, as a way to escape their past they lived as Christians instead. In this book Alison writes about how her grandparents decision impacted her and how she decided to explore her Jewish identity. I'm actually about a quarter of the way through this one now, and while I was expecting to enjoy it (why would I have agreed to review it otherwise?), so far it's been even better than anticipated.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Also while you're here, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a copy of The Determined Heart by Antoinette May!

Mailbox Monday (117)

The weekend may be drawing to a close, but I'm still managing to squeeze in my somewhat weekly Mailbox Monday post.
From PJ Library
Laila Tov: A Bedtime Poem for Babies by Richard Van Camp
Our August book from PJ Library! This was originally published as Nighty-Night, but after changing a few words and pictures it now has a Jewish focus. Along with the text, it's photos of babies of various nationalities all getting ready for bed.

From Paperback Swap
Misconception by Paul and Shannon Morell
After reading and really enjoying Inconceivable, I'm now reading the story from the other point of view, that of the couple whose son was accidentally implanted into another's. I think it will be interesting reading this especially since the Morell's don't look the best in the Savage's book, but I think a lot of that would have to do with perspective. Even though this is basically the opposite of the last book I read I still see myself really enjoying it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn't Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift

Inconceivable by Carolyn and Sean Savage
Published: February 14, 2011 by HarperOne
I remember seeing this book when it first came out and being slightly heartbroken by the idea of it. It's about a couple who gets pregnancy with IVF only to find that the wrong baby was implanted. At the time I wasn't even married but was deadly afraid about getting pregnant in the future and the idea that something like that could happen absolutely horrified me.

Clearly this book left an impression, which is why 4 years later I remembered it and decided to read it. Turns out that this was a book I couldn't put down and sped through because I had to know exactly how everything developed.

At several parts through the book Carolyn mentions the support she received from her online friends. Maybe it's something a lot of people wouldn't get, but knowing the friendships I've made through blogging I really appreciated hearing this experience.

This book prompted interesting discussions between the boy and I something I wouldn't have expected. It's definitely a book that makes you think how you'd react in a similar situation. But also one that makes you grateful for all the little blessings you currently have.

Out of curiosity I did google to couple the find that they have a blog of their own. But even more impressive is that since this book has been published they've gone on to have twins through surrogacy, plus another baby boy conceived naturally who is about the age of Elley.

There is also a book written by the other family involved in the medical mishap, and while I imagine that one will have a different feel, I've already ordered my copy and can't wait to read it as well.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (114)

It's Father's Day! Not only that, it's the boy's first Father's Day. We going to be heading to dinner with my in-laws shortly, but first I'm sharing the books I've recently picked up with Mailbox Monday.
Purchased
A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino
I was purchasing a book as a baby shower gift recently, and since I was already ordering books decided to order one for Elley as well. After loving A Walk in Paris which my Dad gave us recently, I decided to buy another in the series. This one is about a mother and daughter who take a walk in London.

From Paperback Swap
The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers
I've actually already read this one, although still need to review it. It's about what happens to two girls after their father murders their mother. Not necessarily the type of book I was expecting, but still interesting.

Inconceivable by Carolyn & Sean Savage
I remember when this book came out being fascinated by the idea of it. It's a memoir about a couple who gets pregnant by IVF only to discover that the embryo implanted belonged to another couple. You can tell from the subtitle what they decided to do, but I'm still really curious to read their story.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
In a Dark Wood by Joseph Luzzi
Yet, another one I've already read, although this one I've reviewed. (You, can tell I'm a bit behind posting these books.) This one is also a heartbreaking memoir where the author's pregnant wife gets into a car accident and he becomes a widower and single father. I actually wasn't that big of a fan of this one, though, but still appreciated ths story.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

What Dante Taught Me About Grief, Healing, and the Mysteries of Love

In a Dark Wood by Joseph Luzzi
Published: May 26, 2015 by Harper
One of my favorite memoirs is Two Kisses for Maddy by Matthew Logelin. It's just so inspiring to read about how Matt became a father and a widower in a 24 hour period and managed to create a new life for him and his daughter. Clearly I'm not the only one who felt that way since Channing Tatum is working on a movie adaption, but that's really not the point of this review. Basically knowing my feelings about Two Kisses for Maddy and knowing that this was also a memoir where the author becomes a father and widower in only a day, I had high hopes.

Except unfortunately for me, this didn't live up to my expectations. While the loss of Matt's wife made him step up and act as both a father and mother to Maddy, that wasn't quite the case here. Luzzi doesn't actually abandon his daughter, but instead leaves almost all of her upbringing to his mother. It takes almost 4 years before he's actually ready to be his daughter's father.

I do understand he is grieving, and can only imagine what it would be like to loose your spouse unexpectedly. But as a new mother it's hard for me to imagine turning so much of my child's care over to someone else. I can't imagine my husband doing it either.

I do realize I'm making a big deal out of one aspect of the book, but clearly it's hard for me to get over, so much that it clouded much of the rest of it. But apart from that, I wanted more from this. Parts of the book are intertwined with analysis of Dante's work. But while I understand why it's there, I didn't appreciate them as much as the actual memoir pieces. I also felt like I never really got to know any of the people within the story, at least except for Luzzi himself.

Unfortunately I don't feel like this book and I were a very good fit. I guess overall I wanted more from it, and it just never quite got there for me.

3.5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mailbox Monday (113)

It's been over a month since I've been able to link up with Mailbox Monday, but I'm happy to be back today.
From Goodreads
Stepdog by Mireya Navarro
I may not necessarily be a huge animal person, but even so think this looks like a fun. It's a memoir about a women to starts a relationship who finds the hardest part is dealing with her boyfriend's dog. Honestly, it sounds like an issue I'd potentially have myself. So even if I may not be dying to own a dog myself, I think I'll enjoy this.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And would you consider yourself an animal person?

Mailbox Monday (105)

I have an exciting week of books to share in today's Mailbox Monday post!
From Paperback Swap
The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
The next in the Pink Carnation series! I think what I'm most excited for with this is that it takes place in India.

From Goodreads
She Weeps Each Time You're Born by Quan Barry
This is a historical fiction that takes place in Vietnam. I've read very little about Vietnam, but what I have read I've really enjoyed. Hopefully this one joins that opinion.

Remember by Eileen Cook
This is a YA dystopian. It seems to be similar to the idea behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a movie that I loved, so I have high hopes for this.

A Fifty-Year Silence by Miranda Richmond Mouillot
This is a memoir about a girl whose grandparents were Holocaust survivors. She decides to investigate the reason why her grandparents marriage fell apart after the war.

Definitely an interesting mix of genres, don't you think? It's hard to pick the one I'm looking forward to most, but maybe The Betrayal of the Blood Lily followed by She Weeps Each Time You're Born.

Which one would you want to read first? And what did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (102)

There's been some exciting arrivals in our home lately. Yes, I've received a ton of books to share with Mailbox Monday, but as a close second to that, we welcomed our daughter into the world two weeks ago! For now though, let's talk about the books.
From Goodreads
Pigs Can't Swim by Helen Peppe
A memoir about growing up the youngest of 9 children on a farm in Maine.

When the Doves Disappeared by Sofi Oksanen
A book originally published in Finland about Estonia during World War II.

Southern Gardner's Handbook by Troy B. Marden
We have a huge landscaped backyard, except it's all thanks to our home's prior owners. I basically have no idea what I'm supposed to do to take care of it, but hopefully I can pick up a tip or two from this.

You Can't Make This Up by Al Michaels
Another memoir, this one about sports broadcasting.

A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
A mystery involving a book editor and one of her authors.

The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up by Jacob M. Appel
A fictional story about a man "who wouldn't stand up" during the national anthem at a baseball game and the media frenzy that followed.

From Paperback Swap
The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig
I just finished the 4th book of this series (review to come) and I'm anxious to jump back into the action with the next.

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
This is our February book club read, but it's also one that always on my goodreads' recommendations. It's a mystery that takes place in England in the early 1800s.

Definitely an exciting week in our house, both related to books as well as babies. Although considering the new edition (at least the living, breathing one) I have no idea when I'm going to find time to read all of these!

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (83)

I may have missed posting my Mailbox Monday last week (more on that tomorrow), but this week, I'm back...
From Goodreads
Will You Love Me by Cathy Glass
I hadn't heard of this author before winning this but turns out she's written a number of books. This one, like many of her others, is about one of the children she raised. This daughter she adopted although it looks like most books are about her foster children. I have a feeling this will be a bit heartbreaking, but we'll see if I wind up picking up any of her other books after finishing it.

From Paperback Swap
The Birth House by Ami McKay
I've heard such great things about this book. Plus I loved The Virgin Cure, the only other book I've read by this author. I'm not completely sure what this is about, although it looks to be a historical fiction during WWI. Needless to say, I'm excited about it.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino
This one is about a nine-year-old aspiring jazz singer who goes looking for The Cat's Pajamas, a famous jazz club in Philadelphia. I was actually thinking this was historical fiction, but I think it actually takes place in the modern day. Either way it sounds like a lot of fun, and hopefully it's one I'll enjoy.

Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman
This one looks like the perfect summer chick-lit type from the cover, but I'm not sure that's actually the case. Instead it takes place after the death of the main character's mother, where she takes a road trip to the South with her sister to scatter her mother's ashes. This definitely hits close to home for me, but I'm hoping it will be more healing than anything.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

The Best Man I Can Be

How to Get Out of Your Own Way by Tyrese Gibson
Published: January 1, 2011 by Grand Central Publishing
I'm pretty sure that I'm not the intended audience for this book. I did guess that going it, but I figured I'd at least give it a chance. Who knows, they may have been pieces I could connect with. And while there were items that made sense, overall I think if I was a teenager living in the ghetto or one without a lot going for me, I would have appreciated this a lot more.

For me, I think the worst parts were the chapters on cheating. Basically Tyrese's viewpoint is that all men cheat and it's pretty rare that they don't. And for the one that's don't there's normally a specific reason, something like the fear of HIV or G-d's wrath. It's never just enough to expect to remain loyal on principle. While I definitely don't agree here, I can at least imagine why he'd think this way. After all, I would imagine in the world of R&B singers, male models, and movie stars, most men cheat. And if those are the people Tyrese spends time with I could see how he'd get such an opinion. Still, it's a little hard to read.

The book isn't completely awful though. I did appreciate the first chapter on Tyrese's childhood, and thought it was the best of them all. It is a little heartbreaking to hear what he had to go through growing up, but even more so to think about that fact that this is what so many other children deal with and without the chance of escape.

Normally at the end of a review, even if I dislike a book I can at least say I'm glad I read this. Except I'm not quite sure I can say that here. I have read books I disliked more, and it was fairly easy to read, but in some ways I do think my time could have been better spent.

2.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (76)

Yes, it's Sunday, and yes, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday once again.
Purchased
How to Get Out of Your Own Way by Tyrese Gibson
This may not be the type of book I'd normally pick up, but it's our book club pick for the month. And there's something about book clubs that force you to take a step out of your comfort zone. I can't say I'm necessarily looking forward to it, but I am hoping that it surprises me.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And when was the last time you read a book outside of your comfort zone?

Mailbox Monday (75)

Alas, another weekend has come to its end. But at least a small highlight is that I have new books to share with Mailbox Monday!
From Goodreads
Take This Man by Brando Skyhorse
In this memoir, the author's Mexican father abandoned him and his mother when he was only 3-years-old. His mother then decides to take their lives into her own hands, and raises her son as the child of an American Indian father. It's only as an adult when Brando decides to learn about his past and discovers the truth. This does sound like a really interesting tale about finding oneself and your personal identity, and so far, I'm intrigued by it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

A Search for Life After Redundancy {Giveaway}

Round the Bend by Alistar McGuinness
Published: November 26, 2013 by Matador
I've been lucky to I've been able to do quite a bit of traveling. I've been to France, Israel, Japan, and quite a few others. But I've never made it to South America, Africa, or Australia. Knowing the this book is the author's travels to all three continents is one reason why I was so excited for this book.

Except while I'd love to visit each place someday, I'm not quite sure I want to replicate McGuinness adventures. The entire memoir reads like a bad episode of Amazing Race, a comedy of errors. Over and over he winds up cheated by locals. He always seems to be always suffering from some type of food poisoning. And unfortunately seems to be a bit miserable throughout most of the journey.

The book started out with him and his wife in South America, but overall I wasn't a huge fan of this section. I did find myself enjoying the book more once they made it to Africa, and especially when they climbed Kilimanjaro. I may not have wanted to be with them on a lot of their adventures, but would have loved to by at Kilimanjaro, and if there was ever a part I felt transported to another country, that was it.

The book also includes gorgeous maps depicting the couple's travels and destinations. I get the feeling they were originally done in color, and while I would have loved to see them unaltered, I still looked forward to each one.

This book wound up as quite the an interesting journey. I don't know that I've ever read a travel memoir quite like it, and it definitely was a ride throughout.

3.5/5

If you're also looking to travel throughout the world with McGuinness I'm happy to say, you have the chance! I'm giving away one copy of Round the Bend. The winner is able to choose a print copy or an ebook and the giveaway is open internationally. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat

Cover Me Boys, I'm Going In by Keith Hirshland
Published: August 8, 2013 by Createspace
I'm not a big golf fan, but I am a big tv fan which is the main reason I wanted to read this one. Cover Me Boys is the memoir of the original producers of the Golf Channel, so while I knew there would be a lot of golf, I was hoping there would be enough tv production for me to stay interested. Thankfully, for the most part I was right.

Hirshland does have a big background in TV production coming from a family where his father owned a tv station. We're able to travel alongside Hisrland from his family's small time station in Reno, to working at ESPN 2, to finally the Golf Channel. I loved all the behind the scenes details, especially in the first half of the book. But even so, once it got more into golf closer to the end, found the pieces of how new technology came about fascinating. Although funny enough one of my favorite parts didn't have to really do with Hirshland producing tv, but instead he time as a tv show contestant on Classic Concentration.

As you get further and further into the book it feels a bit like a Who's Who in the world of golf and sports. There are some fun bits of the early lives of tv personalities, like Matt Lauer, that I really appreciated. But a lot of the names were those I didn't recognize, or at least couldn't place immediately. I did ask the boy if he knew a few, and most times his response was yes, and that I would probably recognize them as well. After a funny bit with Keith Olbermann, I asked the boy about him, not having any idea who he was. But the following night the boy pointed him out to me on tv, and yes, while I may not have been able to place him, I have watched him a number of times.

It's funny in a way, because while there is a ton of information in here, probably more than needed to be at times, at the end I wanted to keep reading. In some ways it feels a bit unfinished, but unfortunately that's how life works sometimes. Our story never really ends, it's more a new chapter is always starting. With that note if Hirshland ever does to write a follow up memoir I'd be curious enough to read it as well.

3.5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Story of What Happened and What Helped

Everybody Else's Girl by Sarah Sawyers-Lovett
Published: September 12, 2013 by Sweet Candy Press
It's hard for me to really come up with the words I want to say about this memoir. Part of me wants to say I enjoyed reading, except the author goes through such horrible times in her childhood it almost feels wrong to say I enjoyed it. I'm not quite sure, but maybe phrasing it I as enjoyed the time I spent with it sounds better.

The book reminds me of Regina Calcaterra's memoir except more detailed and more graphic. It is hard to read, and there are parts that I guarantee will make you uncomfortable, but I still do think it's worth reading.

If I have any complaint about this it's that the story stops when the author graduates high school. Instead I wished it would have continued, and we could have seen how Sawyers-Lovett was able to overcome her childhood. You know she has since she's able to write this book, and shares some of the resources that helped her on the way, but I wish we would have had a window into that part of her life as well. So much of this book deals with depressing situations, and I would have loved to have had it end a little more positively, or at least as much as it could have.

But in a lot of ways it feels like the book itself was a big step on the road to recovery. It seems that writing about these events really forced Sawyers-Lovett to comes to terms with her childhood. I did lead a completely different type of life from the author, which did make it a bit hard to relate to certain situations. However I think if I had a similar background, I could see how this book could be a major steps towards someone else being able to turn their life around.

4/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.