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Jen M

Jen M

Book likes: if it's printed, I'll probably read it---library bookbag sales have been my downfall.

Shelf lists mostly the books I've read since I joined Shelfari, though I add things I've read previously or that I have waiting to be read as I come across them.

Oh and I added some things that are on my Amazon list to my wish... more »
  • San Jose, Ca, USA
  • member since October 29 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 251 reviews
  • Love and Marriage
    • Rated 3 stars

    “Review: In a series of short "stories", Cosby provides personal insight on his trip through the relationship warzone, from being a randy teenager to an earnest young man in love with someone so much classier than he.

    The rating here is lower due in large part to my own expectations. I was disappointed that I didn't find this book to be laugh out loud funny, since seeing Cosby's stand-up routines over the years (both on tv and live) usually has me in pain and out of breath from laughing too hard. While the anecdotes here are charming and sweet, and somewhat amusing, I don't think I actually laughed once. It was short though, and amusing in sections, so it wasn't a waste of time for me. I just wish I'd gotten a few more chuckles along the way.”

    Jen M wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • Hocus Pocus
    • Rated 3 stars

    “Review: I think satire must not be my thing. In this book,Vonnegut tells the story of a man who goes from professor to warden to prisoner, all at the same location: a small, well-to-do college in New England. As mentioned in the preface, the "memoirs" were written on hodgepodge scraps of paper and relayed in the same fashion. Thus, the book is composed of tiny segments of thought separated by solid lines to indicate a break in writing, ranging from a few paragraphs to single word segments. The result is very much like listening to someone relay a long story rather than a complete fictional storytelling as one might be accustomed.

    The problem for me, I suppose, is that I just didn't find it interesting enough to hold my attention. I actually started the book back in October, and clearly had no problem setting it aside in favor of other books. While it entertained me when I actually was reading it, it was never something I was in a hurry to get back to. Amusing, but eh.”

    Jen M wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Dark Queen: A Novel
    • Rated 3 stars

    “The first installment of The Dark Queen series contains the tale of the eldest Cheney sister, Ariane, who has taken the position of the Lady of Faire Isle since her mother's death. A small island off the coast of France, Faire Isle has become a haven for women and girls who seek more from life than becoming wives and mothers, a safe place for learning and owning businesses. Safe until an army captain seeks Ariane's help to expose the Catholic dowager queen for her involvement in the death of the Huguenot queen and ultimately sends the wrath of Catherine, The Dark Queen, down on Faire Isle. Ariane must rely on her mother's training and the sworn protection of the Comte de Rechard to save her family and the residents of the island from the witch-hunters sent by Catherine to destroy them all.

    Because I had accidently read part three of the series before realizing it was, in fact, a series, it was a little odd going back to the beginning since I knew the fates of many of the characters mentioned. However, I enjoyed the intrigue and magical elements of the story and felt that I had a better understanding of the author's writing style. As a result, I found myself much more absorbed in this book than I had for The Silver Rose, and I'm looking forward to reading the story of the middle sister soon.”

    Jen M wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • In a Sunburned Country
    • Rated 4 stars

    “In this installment of travel writing, Bryson shares with the reader his love of and fascination with the island/country/continent of Australia. Anecdotes ranging from his intense fascination with all creatures and flora capable of killing him in this empty space, to the often friendly but occasionally confusing encounters with the residents of the outback's small towns provide amusing insight into his adventures and the clues to understanding why he loves the country so much.

    This is my third Bryson book, and my second audiobook, and I think I prefer the audiobook format. There is something about his delivery...so dry and matter-of-fact...that just helps to enhance the hilarity of his storytelling. His voice really enabled me to imagine the odd situations he found himself in, and I felt that I was sitting at a dinner table swapping tall tales rather than just listening to someone read words on paper.

    I've long wanted to visit Australia myself, and though I don't have the same fascination with the crocodiles or box jellyfish that he seems to, listening to the stories had me rushing to Google image animals and trees mentioned so that I could picture it better and dream of when I might see them for myself.”

    Jen M wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • Dying for Chocolate
    • Rated 3 stars

    “Goldy Bear is trying her best to make her catering business successful while juggling motherhood, the interest of two single men, and an abusive ex-husband who seems to be stalking her. When a job opens up to be the cook for a wealthy Colorado couple (complete with locked security gates) Goldy jumps at the chance to ensure their safety for the summer while an alarm system is installed in her own home.

    But when one of her beaus dies in a horrific car accident right in front of her eyes, Goldy becomes suspicious of the circumstances. And the more she digs, the more weirdness she uncovers...and the threats on her life become even more ominous.

    I had read Catering to Nobody a few years ago and liked it, but wasn't wowed by it, so I never pursued the series. I enjoyed visiting the second story in the series; it was a fun read for lunch hours at work since they didn't involve intense amounts of concentration to keep the story straight. Plus, Davidson injects some humor into her heroine that reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum (in about 10 years maybe?). I'm still not necessarily motivated to seek out the rest of the series, but certainly wouldn't mind reading another one should the opportunity arise.
    ”

    Jen M wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • New Moon
    • Rated 4 stars

    “The second in the teenage vampire romance series finds Edward conflicted about the danger he and his family bring to Bella. Deciding they do her more harm than good, the Cullen family leaves Forks, and Bella sinks into a deep depression. Her only saving grace is Jacob Black, the son of her father's friend, who quickly becomes someone of great importance to her, the only safe harbor she can find. But when Jake's open and friendly demeanor changes abrubptly, Bella is left to figure out what keeps changing the boys in Forks.

    What I keep waiting to find out is "why Bella?" I'm hoping that by the end of the series, I'll learn the answer to that. Don't tell me the answer, I want to find out on my own :::sticks fingers in ears and sings la lala:::.

    While the Twilight saga will never be viewed as great literature, so far I'm enjoying the ride. They've been good for cold wintery weekends when I just want to stay home and get lost in someone else's drama for a while. Fortunately, Bella has a LOT of drama so it's very easy to sink into.”

    Jen M wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Cat Who Lived High
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Review: To escape from the cold winter looming ahead, Qwill and his felines head back into the big city to take up residence at an aging hotel whose residents are seeking a patron to restore the crumbling building to its former glory. Along with some old friends (Amberina and Mary Duckworth from Junktown past, among others), Qwill meets a whole new batch of unusual characters: Mrs. Tuttle, the manager of the building; Isabelle the lush, who flashes him and then swears at him; Mrs. Buttons and her wicked cane...And when Qwill and KoKo begin to uncover clues that the murder/suicide that made the building famous might still be unsolved, it becomes all a man can do to stay alive down there!

    Yay, I really liked this one! It was a relief after the last couple I'd listened to, which were entertaining but mildly ho hum. In this one, the cats were their charming and unruly selves, and the cast of new weirdos helped liven up the story. It was a lot of fun spending time in the car with Qwill and the cats for this story and I'm kind of sorry I'm taking a short break from the audio set to listen to some books by other people for a while. Looking forward to getting back to KoKo and YumYum in a few weeks!
    ”

    Jen M wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Best of O. Henry
    • Rated 3 stars

    “Review: In this audiobook collection of 7 O. Henry stories, the narrator takes the listener on two sets of adventures: The New York Stories (disk 1), and the Western Stories (disk 2). From the well known "The Gift of the Magi" to stories of wild west betrayals, the collection displays a wide range of subject matter including love, crime, trickery and distraction of the modern age.

    What brought this a lower rating for me was the narration of Michael Hanson. He has a pleasant, deep voice, but his delivery is done in a quiet, almost plodding way. This made it tough to focus on the stories because my mind was easily distracted. As someone who likes to listen to audiobooks at work or while driving, this made it far too easy to "tune out" in favor of other things, leading me to have to restart certain stories in order to catch on to the story.

    That having been said, though, I always really enjoy "The Gift of the Magi" which was a timely story to re-read for this time of year. I also really enjoyed "The Ransom of Red Chief" from the Western Stories disk, which featured a pair of kidnappers and the rambunctious boy they try to ransom. They bite off more than they can chew in choosing this kid! So...4 stars for the stories themselves, 2 for the audio version...middle of the road overall.
    ”

    Jen M wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Review: As a writer for Men's Health magazine, Zinczenko brings years of food and nutrition knowledge to the bookstore in the form of the Eat This Not That series. In this edition, Zinczenko provides information regarding food choices that everyday people make several times a day. This isn't about sprouts and bean salads; real food that real people eat daily is presented in easy to read and understand (and compare) terms that offer an eye-opening experience to the world of food. This edition also includes an extensive comparison section of some of the nation's most popular (and populous) restaurants, with the writers knowing that people aren't going to eliminate these restaurants from their lists, so why not arm them with knowledge before they go?

    Did you know that the Aussie Cheese Fries at Outback Steakhouse clock in at just under 3,000 calories? Or that the McDonald's Filet o' Fish is almost 300 calories less than the Burger King equivalent? Or that mixing dark alcohol with diet sodas will get you drunk faster and leave you with a longer, more painful hangover than if you stick with lighter liquors like gin, vodka, and white wine?

    Between this and the supermarket edition that I read a couple weeks ago, I really feel better armed to face the food monsters that confront me every day, knowing that when I do make a more poor choice, I'm doing it with awareness of just what I'm choosing (sorry, Mr Zinczenko, I really can't give up Ranch dressing entirely. Mmm...) I can and will, however, opt for water more often at restaurants than my usual diet soda or lemonade, approach the fruits and veggies in my kitchen with more gusto, and embrace my Triscuit habit joyfully (Triscuits are pretty good for you, actually! Lots of fiber in rough wheat format so your digestive system gets a great workout...just watch the salt!)

    Unlike other "diet" books I've read, I actually feel prepared to be in the normal world where special dishes and meals aren't necessary because I know how to make better choices. Yay for choices!
    ”

    Jen M wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • In Milton Lumky Territory
    • Rated 2 stars

    “Review: Bruce Stevens travels all over the West coast via car, working as a buyer for a discount house. While stopping near his hometown in Idaho, he reconnects with a woman who was once his elementary school teacher, and they begin a relationship. As her new partner in love, Bruce is also invited to become a partner in her typing business. After seeing how shoddy the management of the business has been, Bruce throws himself into efforts to revitalize the business, causing conflict with his new wife and some business associates he makes along the way.

    This was boring. It was short, which is why I finished it and why it has 2 stars instead of 1, but it was boring. Tedious. I had no interest in any of the characters and by the end of the book, I actually seriously disliked many of them. If it wasn't for the fact that I think I already have Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep in my physical TBR pile somewhere, I wouldn't care if I never opened another Philip K. Dick book. I'm glad he has a following, I'm glad he's successful, but I am definitely not adding my name to the roll-call.
    ”

    Jen M wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink )
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