"Beautiful Ruins: A Novel" By Jess Walter

Wow! I picked this book up from the library after my (just joined) book club decided that it was this month's book. I'll say it again. Wow! Good book.

I've read so many of those cheap $1 books lately that I haven't read a book of this quality in a long time. I haven't really read anything in a long time – except sections of books on parenting since I'm a first time mom. The good news is however, that since I tried to squeeze reading for entertainment back into my routine, I'm finding the time to read again! It has been so nice.

Alas, you want to know about the book, not my reading habits. :)

There is a line in this book that says, "This is a love story..."– it goes on to explain many interpretations of a love story. This book has many variations of love stories intertwined through its many characters. It takes place in Italy and America. It involves innkeepers, actors/actresses, hollywood-types, writers, musicians, fishermen and more. It's not all happy, it's not all sad, but it IS a page turner. I hope to read more of his books in the future.

A Pause...

I received a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble for Christmas, so I've sent in an order for many books on my wishlist. While waiting for my new book box, I re-read the last Harry Potter book. It is amazing how many details I had forgotten since I last read it. I found that the movie rearranged the story quite a bit. I'm looking forward to the last movie coming out this July!

Another Author

I have invited a friend of mine to join me in writing about books on this blog. She also reads a lot and we think this blog will encourage her to read more. :) (Which is great, of course!)

Beginning This Blog...

I read a big mix of stuff. Since I haven't been writing about my whole list of readings since I started reading them, let me just narrow down the good stuff for you:

• If you are into science fiction/fantasy, check out: "Jester", "Timeline", and start the Wheel of Time Series (Even though it takes an eternity to read, it's good stuff)
• If you are into chick-lit/fluff, check out: the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella, Emily Giffin's books are great too... start with "Something Borrowed"
• If you are into children's-lit/teen-lit, check out: All of the Harry Potters, but start with the first book!
• If you want mystery/drama/heart warming, check out: Kristin Hannah's stuff, start with Magic Hour to get all three (mystery, drama & heart warming)
• If you want to learn something, check out: "War Paint: Madame Helena Rubinstein and Miss Elizabeth Arden, Their Lives, Their Times, Their Rivalry" (It was tough for me to get through, but very interesting)

That should catch us up to the more current stuff! Enjoy your read!