Cover-Up - John Feinstein

Cover-up: Mystery at the Super Bowl

I have to say that this was better than Last Shot for me. I thought it moved a lot faster. I loved the story about the big shot football player and his close friend the equipment manager. I was a little put off by the frequent references to Susan Carol's height and attractiveness though. Also, the older men putting the moves on her were a little much.

I liked the focus on Stevie and how he had to deal with Susan Carol's fame while being sure to do get his work done. The mystery unfolded naturally and I felt like I could recreate the steps the duo took for background research on steroid testing. In light of what's happening with steroids in sports today, this was very timely!

Posted: Goodreads, Librarything, Myspace

Deadline - Chris Crutcher

Deadline

I loved Marla the therapist. She was believable and interesting. That said...this book felt so contrived. I disliked the main character and did not care what happened to him. He was very egotistical and unbelievable. Everything went right for him. I couldn't believe that he would get the girl, I couldn't believe that Rudy would change. I don't understand why Dallas and Rudy had the backgrounds that they did. There was no preparation for any of that. I read 182 p. without any connection. The only reason I finished the book was because it was a book club book.

I wonder if I didn't like this book because of the books I read right before this: Crooked Kind of Perfect, The Opposite of Invisible, Book Thief...maybe these books biased me. As of today though, I didn't like this book. I gave it two stars because we did have a good discussion about it!

Posted: Goodreads, Librarything, Myspace

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

The Book Thief (Readers Circle)

That is my favorite YA book this year. I am "hand-selling" this to my 8th grade students. They are studying the Holocaust right now. Markus Zusak approaches the topic from a different viewpoint. He introduces you to the people who were left behind, the people who had to leave, people who didn't agree but didn't have a choice, people who tried to do the right thing and what that cost them and their families. He does all of that, and more, with compassion. The compassion comes in the form of Death, who narrates the story. He has a sense of humor and a great big heart. It is truly a great book. I've only physically read it once, but I listen to the audio over and over. The narrator hits the exact tone that I imagined! Well worth reading. Don't let the size put you off. It's actually a fast read. Enjoy!

Also posted on: Goodreads, LibraryThing

Lack of Posting

I am pretty busy with classes and work stuff lately. Not a lot of time to read or post, except what's required! I need to learn to say no. I hope to get back on track soon!

I did just finish reading The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher (waiting for Jess at the ortho). That book is full of awesome. As soon as I get the chance, I want to re-read it! And, of course, write about it. Along with all the other reviews I would like to do.

School...it's hard.

30 Day Challenge Check In

Not a great week on the workout front. I worked out for 1 day. It has been a stress-filled busy week...all the more reason to work out, of course. But I did today and I made a new plan and even put it in my plan book so I think this will work out. My new plan is to work out two days aerobics, one day of strength, two days of aerobics, one day of strength, and then one day off. I can do that. The strength day will feel like a break. Yeah, that's a good plan.

30 Day Challenge Check In

All right, week 2! Well I didn't make six workouts but I made 4. I doubled from last week. I got my new tapes from Collage Video. So much fun and pain! This week I will incorporate a dance video. I've only lost 3 pounds so far but I've gained muscles! I can see them! We are only using the resistance band and 3-pound dumb-bells (or at least that's all I'm using!). I've eaten more fruit this week. Ok, gotta get some sleep.

50 Book Challenge

My "Latest Books I've Read" updates will cease for awhile, so that I can work on my 50 Book Challenge. As I read each book, I will put it on my list to the right. I wonder how many books I will read this year? How many have you read so far? Goodreads has a group called 50 Books 2008 if you want to keep track there.

Smiles to Go - Jerry Spinelli

I just started Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli. It is phenomenol. It's all I can do to put it away while I do my homework. Will Tuppence is afraid of everything and his fear...well it keeps him from everything. Here are a few lines from the book:

And smiles to go before I weep.
...off the edge of self-control and down the slippery slope of my own words.
...you can't forgive unless you first give a crap.
...smile on wheels...(describing a laugh)
Chapter PD165

It's a great story with great words. Will thinks of his epithet:

Here Lies Will Tuppence - He Was Afraid

He also thinks of his best freind's dad's epiteph. He's a man who is always busy:

Here Lies Mario Bontempo - For the Moment.

Expect a full review by week's end.

I'm a Winner! Again!

I just won a Chronicle's of Narnia pop-up book from Anne at Book Buds Kidlit Reviews as part of her Cybils awareness campaign.


I am writing all of the YA short list books in my journal, so that I can read them before the year is over. If I haven't already. I will then be able to use some of them for next year's YA book club! How sweet is that?

30 Day Challenge Check In

Today is the first check-in day for HipWriterMama's 30-day Challenge. I've worked out 3 of the last 5 days. My goal is at least 6 days a week. I've been doing Leslie Sansone's Kick/Walk tape and I just ordered myself some new tapes from Collage Video. I will let you know how they are. I've also found myself drinking more water, a great side habit! I feel great.

I've been entering my workouts at iVillage's Healthy Living site. It's nice to see that even a little bit helps. I hope it will serve to keep me motivated throughout this year.