Mini Reviews

There comes a time in every book blogger's life when they realize that they just cannot possibly review EVERY book that they've read- well, there comes a time in this book blogger's life! As much as I love to read and review there are times when I feel overwhelmed by it all, and with the kids recently going back to school, and me going back to work, I feel that I need to simplify. I have four books that I read this summer (all of which I purchased myself) which I feel that I should at least mention, but I honestly don't have time to write a full post for each. Hence, the mini review!

Love In Translation by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga

The plot: Celeste is stuck- her boyfriend is controlling and demeaning, and her dreams of becoming a singer seem unattainable. Her mother died when she was a child, and her father is unknown, so when Celeste receives her inhertance from a long-lost aunt that leads her to Japan, she goes. With little knowledge of Japan, she manages to find friends and a place to stay and she embarks on a hunt for her father, her aunt's sister, and herself.

My thoughts: This book had an interesting plot, characters that I liked, and an endearing romance. I especially enjoyed the information on Japanese culture- it was so interesting for the armchair traveller in me!

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Recommended to: Fans of women's fiction, armchair travellers
Challenges: 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, RYOB Challenge 2010

Bridesmaids by Jane Costello

The plot: Evie is going to be in four weddings in the next year: her friend's, her mom's, another friend's, and her frenemy's. However, Evie is unlucky in love and has yet to even have a lasting relationship. That is, until she meets Jack. Jack seems to pop up everywhere, and he's handsome, and romantic, and smart. But can Evie put aside her own insecurities long enough to have a relationship with him?

My thoughts: Who doesn't love a book about weddings? I thoroughly enjoyed Evie's roles as a bridemaid, and how different each wedding was. I especially loved Evie and Jack's relationship. It wasn't perfect, but it was heartwarming!!! There were a few twists in there, which weren't necessarily surprising, but were definitely interesting. This book is perfect for the days when you just want to relax with a book in a warm bubble bath.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Recommended to: Women's fiction fans, those looking for a light read
Challenges: 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge 2010, 2010 Chick Lit Challenge, RYOB Challenge 2010

Queen Mum by Kate Long

The plot: Told from the perspective of Ally, Queen Mum tells the story of Juno, Ally's glamorous best friend. Juno signs up for the British version of Wife Swap, and switches families for two weeks. Ally thinks that her life is just about perfect, but switching lives with another family shows her that all is not well behind her closed doors.

My thoughts: I was expecting something a little lighter than what I got here, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I didn't enjoy watching Juno's life fall apart, but I did enjoy reading about how things ultimately worked out in the end. This was an interesting look at reality TV as well.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Recommended to: Fans of women's fiction, British lit
Challenges: 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge 2010, RYOB Challenge 2010

Conversations With the Fat Girl by Liza Palmer

The plot: Maggie is stuck in life. Despite her College degree, she works in a coffee shop with an arse for a boss and harbours a painful crush on a co-worker. Making matters worse, she's supposed to be the maid of honour at her best friend's wedding, but her best friend has changed into someone that Maggie doesn't even recognize anymore.

My thoughts: I bought this book after I read The Field Guide to Burying Your Parents, which I loved. I was disappointed with this one, though. I found Maggie to be whiny- she complained about her life, but she refused to do anything about it. She constantly referred to herself as fat, when I suspect that she was just "curvy", and in a beautiful way. Olivia, her former best friend, was a shrew and I couldn't like her at all. What I did enjoy about the book was the way that body image issues were addressed- every woman has them, and it was brave of Palmer to address them.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Recommended to: Women's fiction fans
Challenges: 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, RYOB Challenge 2010