The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

I loved this book! I was drawn into it so quickly and so completely, it was difficult to take a ‘time out’ to eat, sleep, or tinkle! I find myself unable to find words that adequately express the beauty that lies within the pages of this wonderful tale. There are no superlatives great enough to describe the unrivaled talent of this exciting new author. For me, it is literary perfection! Perhaps a classic in its infancy.

“The Help” is what I refer to as a “4-H” book, filled with heart, humor, honesty, and hope. If I were able, I would hire ‘sky writers’ to tell the world about this lovely novel. I’d shout from roof tops and mountain tops, “The Help” is a must read; get into it today!

I want to sit in Minny’s kitchen~ listen to her ‘sass’ and eat her scrumptious food. I want to have coffee and conversation with Aibileen~ listen to her stories and grow from her wisdom and inner beauty. I want to hug “Skeeter”~ congratulate her for following her heart and dreams. I want to tell her how much I admire her spunk and spirit; how I am proud of her courage for taking a step outside social norms, all the while hoping it’s all so contagious.

If you’ve browsed my website, you know I’ve been a loyal TaB drinker since the ‘60’s. While I was reading on page 175, and I read the following sentence: “The room is full of cake-eating, TaB-drinking, cigarette-smoking women all about my age.”, I became Ms. Stockett’s greatest fan. I was thrilled at her authentic representation of TaB during its infancy.

“The Help” is Ms. Stockett’s debut novel and she is a marvelous talent. I have no doubt it will be the best book of 2009. I’m sure it will one day be a blockbuster hit on the big screen as well.
GET IT! READ IT! LOVE IT! KEEP IT!!!
(from my 'book bagg' at http://www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm )

“Little Bee”, by Chris Cleave

When you pick this book up while browsing in your favorite book store, you’ll open it and read the inside flap of the dust cover. Here, nothing is given away; the author and publisher provide just enough information to pique your interest. So, I’m going to follow suit because “the magic is in how the story unfolds.”

I will tell you it is about two women from two completely different worlds. They meet on a beach in Nigeria under extraordinary circumstances. Two years later, they meet again in London, after a long and exhaustive search by one for the other. The chapters of this book are narrated by both women in alternating style, and the story is filled with plenty of ‘gasp’ moments.

The author, Chris Cleave, is a man of remarkable talent, and it surprises me that the men in this story are weak, selfish, and sly, while the women possess strength, courage, insight, and the capacity of stamina. They are extraordinary.

I have never read a book quite like this and I’ll tell you, the ladies and their stories are quite affecting. It is a feat of remarkable strength, and a mesmerizing work of art.

(from my 'book bagg' blog @
http://www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm )

“Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana De Rosnay

“Sarah’s Key” will unlock and open your heart and soul in ways they’ve never lain open before. I embrace this book which so vividly transports the reader back to a time we must “Remember. Never Forget.” This novel tells two stories, about two women, who live in two different worlds.
We meet Sarah, a ten year old girl whose innocence is shattered by tragedy in July, 1942. We meet Julia as she approaches mid-life when she discovers a 60 year old secret, in May, 2002. The novel is delicately written and each chapter about Sarah is written in an ‘old world’ typeface font, while chapters about Julia are written in a modern-day font. I sat, riveted, as Julia began desperately seeking Sarah.

The story not only portrays Sarah and Julia, but is also a portrait of France and its behavior toward French Jewish families when France was under German Occupation during World War II. “Sarah’s Key” is historical fiction at its finest. This is one emotional frenetic book, full of shocking details and horrifying incidents. It places the reader in morally challenging positions as bigotry, collaboration, hatred, indifference, fear, and most of all, helplessness are observed.

“Sarah’s Key” is one excellent and thought provoking novel. Open this book and you explore the good, the bad, and the ugly that exist in the real world. This is a story that will remain ‘locked’ in your memory banks always. Get it!! Read it!!!
(from my 'book bagg' blog @
www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm )

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel” by Lisa See

Enticing! I bought this book because it was pretty! Lucky for me, this book, judged by its cover, was a good one. Ms. See has written a lovely story about life long friends, Lily and Snowflower. Because it takes place in early 19th Century China, we are exposed to the many rituals, customs, and ceremonies of the women in this culture. Because of the rigid codes of conduct for the women of this time period, we learn of their secret written code known as “NuShu”, which dates back 1,000 years.

We feel the pain of food binding and learn why it was a custom: “Only through pain will you have beauty. Only through suffering will you have peace.”

This beautifully written novel will touch your heart, educate your mind and remain in your memory for years to come.

Get it! Read it! Devour it today!!!
(from my 'book bagg' blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm)

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls

“The Glass Castle” is a memoir unlike any other I’ve read. Once you open this book you will find yourself so completely enthralled, you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve read the last word. The author writes about her upbringing as an adventure. Not only were her parents non-conventional and non-conforming, they were also extremely motivated by ‘whims’. They had a knack for making their hardships feel like adventures. Even when they lived in squalor and experienced hunger on a daily basis, there was always humor and hope, magic and love.

Even though her parents were a bit ‘eccentric’, they did expose their children to music and art, principles and values, freedom and pride, and self worth. The children never felt like victims until they were teenagers, when they developed a plan to ‘escape’ life as they knew it. This memoir is written with love and respect for her parents and is a true testament to the courage and determination of the author and her siblings to ‘make it on their own’. I loved this book; it held me ‘spellbound’. According to the author, the books title, “The Glass Castle”, could mean ‘hope for the future’ or ‘drunken promises’, and she let’s you decide what, exactly, the title means for you.
Get it! Read it! You won’t be sorry!
from my book bagg blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

The Art of Racing in the Rain” ~ by Garth Stein

First of all, I want to thank my “best book budd”, Kathy, for telling me about this book! “You sure know how to pick’em, Kath! Thanks!” ~ ‘bark-bark’ ~ :)

I’ve never understood all the hoopla surrounding race car driving. Drivers flirting with danger, crashes, the smell of burning rubber, all the noise, and the ‘need for speed’! But what I do understand is the immediate ‘need for speed’ to rush out and BUY this book. It’s one you’ll want to keep. It’s one that will leave paw prints and tire traks all over your heart!

The narrator is Enzo. He’s a dog, a lab-terrier mix, chosen as a puppy by Denny, his ‘alpha-human’ master. It’s a story of their life together, into which much rain will fall. Together, they steer the course through an intricate maze of unforeseen circumstances.

Enzo has a spirited personality and is ‘pedigreed’ narrator. He is a wise old soul; a philosopher, whose intellect develops through his perceptions. All Enzo has are his senses; his abilities to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. He is frustrated by his speechlessness and decides it is necessary, at times, to make good use of his gestures. My favorite of Enzo’s gestures occurs in Chapter 49. Denny is about to do the unthinkable….to give up! When the ‘zebra appears’, it is then Enzo decides he must do something, anything, to prevent Denny from making this ill-fated decision. Enzo makes the snatch, and the chase, the lunge, the leg-lift, and the laughter ensue, causing Denny to snap back to his senses. It’s one great scenario, created by this gifted author! ‘Two barks’ for you, Mr. Stein, and this wonderful story!

The book is a pure delight. It’s also full of wisdom. The one ‘tidbit’ that’s of greatest significance to me is written on page 43 as Enzo internalizes what Denny has just taught him: “That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.”

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” is one memorable, high-speed ride. Sure, there are some bumps in the road; some skids and detours along the way; and at the finish line, change will occur. But, it is one satisfying journey that will leave you ‘panting’ for more. I loved Enzo and I loved this book. ~Hankies required~

Get it! Read it! Love it! Keep it!!!
from my book bagg blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

“Pope Joan: A Novel” by Donna W. Cross

OK! I have to admit it now…I did not want to read this book; a book about a female Pope in the Dark Ages???? Really, nothing about it piqued my interest. But, because it was a book club selection, I had to read it. And, gosh, I’m really glad I did. I could not put this book down. By book’s end, I wanted to rush out and buy copies of this book for all my female friends and family members!! Yes, it was that good!

It is “awe-inspiring”….a true inspiration to women. A masterpiece! And I think Ms. Cross is a genius. “Pope Joan” is a fictional account of the widely held belief that Pope John Anglicus may have been a female. The novel represents well, I think, the Dark Ages and what life was like for women. Joan possessed a passion for knowledge and was blessed with a “male’s intellect”…but was “trapped” in a female’s body. The story shows how Joan overcame the obstacles dealt to her and how her quick mind and ambitious spirit allowed her to secretly lead a man’s life.

The portrait Ms. Cross paints of the Dark Ages and the lives of women seems to be an accurate representation of the time. It is a true depiction of the female empowered! Get it! Read it! Feel empowered!
from my book bagg blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

“The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, translated by Lucia Graves

The premise of this wonderful novel is original and creative. The first line captured my attention: “A secret’s worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.” I was definitely hooked when 10 year old Daniel expressed his concern that he could no longer remember the face of his deceased Mother. This conversation between Father and son led to a visit to “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books”, where “according to tradition, the first time someone visits this place, he must choose a book, whichever he wants, and adopt it, making sure that it will never disappear, that it will always stay alive.”

The Shadow of the Wind” is one mysterious book within a book, where characters mirror characters. It is a thriller, a mystery, a love story and historical fiction all wrapped-up into one fabulous read.


Mr. Zafon writes with humor and has thrilled this reader with his unusual style. He has created wonderfully odd and whimsical characters. I got a real kick out of Fermin. Get it! Read it! You’ll love it!
from my book bagg blog @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

Child 44” by Tom Rob Smith

“Child 44” is a debut novel by British Author, Tom Rob Smith. It is historical fiction based on the 1950’s Russian serial killer, Andrei Chikatilo, also know as “The Rostov Ripper”. This book is gripping, intense, and down right bone chilling! It is a completely original piece of work and is masterfully penned by Mr. Smith. The reader is immediately absorbed in this action-packed thriller. The story takes place in the 1950’s Stalinistic Russia at a time when people were controlled by fear. The reader is witness to the best and worst of humanity, and is exposed to a “terrifying look at a paranoid world where no one can be trusted.” I read this book at a breathless pace, though I did not want to miss one written word. From cover to cover, “Child 44” is one flawlessly executed novel
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

“Rain of Gold” by Victor E. Villasenor

A non-fiction book that reads like a novel. This is a story of a family’s struggle for survival during the Mexican Revolution and their escape to America. The book is written with much candor and reminds me of a folk tale that has been handed down from one generation to another in oral tradition, though it was not.

I “fell in love” with each Grandmother. I love their anecdotes…their timeless wisdom and guidance…their unwavering courage, faith and love….and most of all, I admired their strength! It was wonderful to witness their evolution into the position as the family matriarchs.

My book is littered with “post-it” notes! So many pieces of wisdom to refer back to! It is an adventure in overcoming oppression. A journey that will stay with you long after it’s over. Get it! Read it!
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

"Broken For You" by Stephanie Kallos

Explore this book and you’ll experience a plethora of emotions. “Breakage” is a metaphor throughout this beautifully written, multi-layered novel. With each new chapter, a life lesson is learned.

You will instantly latch onto this incongruous cast of characters. Each has been “broken” in one way or another. As paths cross and meet, we are able to observe and celebrate the risks and rewards of human connection. Each character has built a ‘wall of protection’. We are able to watch as these walls crumble and lives mesh as they begin to ‘let each other in’.

In a nutshell, the theme of this novel goes something like this:

What is broken can be fixed, repaired, and mended;
What is broken can be reconstructed, transformed,
and made into something stronger and more beautiful.

I was immediately drawn to Margaret when she was told she had terminal cancer. She politely excused herself and walked down the street to the nearby ‘Sweet Shop’. She walked inside, sat down and ordered a cup of tea and a table full of desserts! An ideal way of handling stress, don’t you think? I very much enjoyed what I refer to as the ‘china therapy’ episode! But you’ll have to ‘Get it’ and ‘Read it’ to see what I’m talking about!
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

“The Book of Bright Ideas” by Sandra Kring

Bright Idea #101: Read this book!
Bright Idea #102: Give this book to your BFF!

Reading this book was a pure delight. From the first sentence, … ”I should have known that summer of 1961 was gonna be the biggest summer of our lives.”, ….. to the very last sentence of this sweet novel, …. “That you have to go on believing anything’s possible, or else, what’s the point?”…. I was charmed by this coming of age tale.

Life was simple in 1961: family picnics, fireworks, climbing trees, bicycle rides, roller skating, hula hoops, camp outs, homemade ice cream, and family car rides were some of what we did for fun. This book takes you back to that place in time.

The story is narrated by Button: 9 years old, shy, insecure, mature, wise for her age, responsible, and perhaps a bit lonely. When into the neighborhood arrives Winnalee: 9 years old, spunky, imaginative, spontaneous, carries her mothers’ ashes in an urn wherever she goes, plays in ‘dress up’ clothes, and writes in her ‘book of bright ideas’.

We watch as dull lives become colorful and exciting; as life lessons are learned; and as two young girls, pure in spirit and sheer in innocence, become best friends. Its one summer place you’ll want to revisit.

Part of the fun reading this novel was waiting to see what the next bright idea was, and how it came about. Here’s an example: “Bright Idea #90: After you play beauty shop, your husband might say you look like a beauty queen, or he might just ask you where the Phillips screwdriver is. Either way, it doesn’t matter, as long as your new hair makes you think nice things about yourself.”

Sandra Kring is an incredible writer. She writes this lovely story in the voice of 9 year Button. The following is how ‘Button’ describes the sky, upcoming storm, and her stomach: “….the clouds were piling up like giant marshmallows stacked on a white plate….the sky was blinking like Christmas and my stomach was swirling with scared.”


I loved this book! Get It! Read It! I understand Ms. Kring is working on a sequel! :)
from my book bagg brief @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

Boomsday: A Novel” by Christopher Buckley

This book is a political satire. Before beginning my ‘brief’ of this book, I must tell you I am not politically motivated, and I’m not a political commentator. I am a ‘stay at home’ Mom whose nest is empty, so I read, I write, I love, and I laugh. I’m not a real fan of satire. I like stories with heart and a bit of depth. That said, I read this book in April, 2008, when my good friend, Ginger, announced it was her ‘pick’ for our book club. I’ve decided to ‘brief’ this book now, because of the political atmosphere in our country. I think we all feel a bit uneasy and maybe reading this funny little book will help….maybe not. It will promote thought.

I reluctantly opened this book during an early spring beach trip with my sister and Mother. They were “curious” about what I was reading because of the outbursts of giggles and laughter the book elicited from me.

Much to my surprise, I enjoyed it! “Boomsday” refers to “the day” the first of Baby Boomers begin to retire and the tsunami of debt to follow. The novel is a political satire that doesn’t lean ‘left or right’. Instead, through his characters, the author pokes good fun at everyone tied to the politics of our day and the circus like atmosphere on Capital Hill. Some of his characters include:

a potty mouth President’;
a jammie clad, blear-eyed blogger;
power hungry, pompous, puffed-up politicians;
a meddling, melodramatic, milking media;
a loitering, loco, lobbyist;
a renowned religious reformer;
a bullish, ‘bon vivant’ billionaire;

It’s a fun little romp about serious issues. Baby Boomers are referred to as ‘wrinklies’, ‘resource hogs’, and the ‘UN-greatest’ generation. Cassandra Divine, the novel’s protagonist, is from the “Whatever” generation, and she light-heartedly suggests on her blog that the U.S. government should provide incentives to U.S. citizens over the age of 75 to euthanize themselves. (called voluntary transitioning) Well, the idea is met with frenzy. The media throws more fuel to the fire and millions of outraged citizens respond; politicians rush about “re-posturing” themselves, and plenty of demonstrations break out on golf courses and retirement villages around the nation.

Even though this is a ‘laugh a minute’ book, it does provoke thought. It shines a spotlight on the concealed scheming of our politicians. It brings to the light of day the enormity of the tidal wave of debt that will inevitably destroy our economy. The novel opens our eyes to the fact that our politicians continue to ‘table’ the social security issues. They have seemingly done nothing to amend or solve the predicament of the social security problems facing both ‘boomers’ and ‘whatevers’. They seem to think ‘slapping on a band-aid’ and hoping for a quick fix will suffice.

This book, although a satire, is an engaging narrative on the greatest challenge facing our nation, our leaders, and their dereliction of duty in real problem solving. This book might not be for those who take themselves or politics too seriously. Otherwise, Get it! Read it
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

“Await Your Reply” by Dan Chaon

This is one puzzle that will require ingenuity and patience, but all will be revealed once the puzzle is solved. “Await Your Reply” is literary suspense at its finest. I got all wrapped up in this original and compelling novel during the first few attention grabbing pages. The author, Dan Chaon, intrigued me and charmed me as he led me into a labyrinth of identities he so artfully created.

Mr. Chaon used a trio of story lines to weave together a tapestry of individuals searching for new identities. He scatters small threads of subtle connections among the characters, causing the reader to lose himself within the pages of this book. It is an ‘existential quagmire’ of sorts, where ‘Will overpowers Reason’; where who we are and how we define ourselves comes front and center as the characters ‘reinvent’ themselves in one way or another….or not!

I was mesmerized by the complexity of this book. If you decide to pick it up (and I hope you do) pay close attention to the details. Secrets, surprises, and mysteries are masterfully revealed, leaving the reader amazed. It’s brilliant! I must admit, however, there are still a few little question marks ???? dancing around my mind. I want to thank my good ‘page turning’ friend, Dana, for selecting this one for book club! :) This just might be one book to read a second time.

Get It! Read It!!

“The Doctor’s Wife: A Novel” by Elizabeth Brundage

Once again, my book club pal, Barbara, selected a page turning novel that pushed me to a literary genre I’ve tried to avoid. “The Doctor’s Wife” is a psychological thriller that will astonish and surprise the reader page after page. It is an impressive debut novel from Ms. Brundage, first published in 2004. This author has painted a canvas of artfully drawn characters depicting an interesting range of humanity and all its foibles. The characters are flawed beings, each making selfish choices that culminate into the intricate meshing and complexity of their lives.
Annie is the doctor’s wife, a feminist, former journalist, and professor at the local college. She feels emotionally abandoned by her husband.

Michael is a principled OB-GYN doctor, committed to his work, his wife, and his family. He makes a choice that places him in harms way.

Lydia is a loyal wife, much younger than her husband, who’s devoted to Jesus and her evangelical church. She is, at once, fascinating and frightening.

Simon is an infamous artist turned art professor at the local college. He is a bit of a rebel, a non-conforming and controversial presence on campus. He is a man who flusters Annie.

The author tackles some really big issues in this piece of fiction: infidelity, insanity, manipulation, murder, religion, abortion, small town politics, love, family and emotional abandonment. If you are particularly sensitive and easily offended, OR, if you don’t wish to be morally challenged, this novel may not be for you. (There are some ‘x’ rated moments and profane language)

I found this book absorbing and riveting. I was so engaged, I could not stop reading. I must tell you that I’m a bit of a ‘wimp’! When I finished this book, my hair was standing on end, my heart was palpitating uncontrollably, and I was left trembling. The intensity of this book left my extremities weak and unreliable, and the cataclysmic ending jarred me mentally and left me physically feeble