http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/172509 en-US Mon, 05 May 2008 14:05:24 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 21406934 Mon, 05 May 2008 14:05:24 -0700
author: Marc-Antoine Mathieu
name: Laura
average rating: 2.00
book published: 2008
rating: 1
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/05/08
shelves:
review:
I think this graphic novel is supposed to be funny (French Absurdist?), but I found it pompous and boring. Unless you work at the Louvre or laugh at Kafka, avoid it.
]]> 20729783 Thu, 01 May 2008 19:09:58 -0700
author: Nakki Goranin
name: Laura
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/01/08
shelves:
review:
If you got a bit weepy at the end of Love Actually, this book is for you.
]]> 21333345 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:46:01 -0700 Here's what she suggests--clean your house before you try to sell it, fix things that are broken, get rid of clutter, and if it smells bad, eliminate the source of the odor. That's it folks! Watch Designed to Sell on HGTV instead. ]]>
author: Barb Schwarz
name: Laura
average rating: 1.50
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/30/08
shelves:
review:
I will save you the trouble of reading this book.
Here's what she suggests--clean your house before you try to sell it, fix things that are broken, get rid of clutter, and if it smells bad, eliminate the source of the odor. That's it folks! Watch Designed to Sell on HGTV instead.
]]> 21280673 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:00:10 -0700
author: Trinny Woodall
name: Laura
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/29/08
shelves:
review:
Love these ladies! Lots of useful advice and realistic pictures of what does and does not work for their body types. I especially liked their color palate options. I never would have paired some of the colors they suggest, but they look great. My plan is to go though my wardrobe and see what combinations will work. I really need to get out of the khakis go with everything rut...
]]> 20730112 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:39:00 -0700
author: Naomi Nowak
name: Laura
average rating: 2.38
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/28/08
shelves:
review:
The graphics in this book are fantastic, but the plot is seriously lacking. I guess I don't find female characters who base their life choices on other people's expectations all that interesting. Sure, she "breaks free" by running away from her family and her job at the end, but it still seems like a weak move to cut off all ties, especially without a structured plan. If the protagonist was actually a teen, I might be more forgiving. She just comes off as a tragically immature and incapable woman bound for a wandering life of sorrow.
]]> 9470663 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:24:00 -0700
author: Linda Greenlaw
name: Laura
average rating: 2.62
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/25/08
shelves:
review:
Linda Greenlaw's first stab at mysteries was pretty good. I liked the character of Jane Bunker--smart and fiesty without being overly girly. Authors of female detectives typically give them annoying shopping or shoe fetishes in an attempt to "balance out" their occupation of choice. I'm glad the author decided to skip this tendency. Greenlaw does a good job of decribing the coastal Maine fishing town and its inhabitants. It is hard to believe the town doesn't actually exist. Sometimes she gives too much attention to the mechanics of boats for the general reader however. Men tend not to be drawn to cozy mysteries, but they might like this aspect of the book more than I did.
]]> 20590050 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:27:35 -0700
author: Katherine Jellison
name: Laura
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/22/08
shelves:
review:
While interesting, this book read a bit too much like a senior thesis. I was expecting more of an analysis than a statement of trends. The section on "Life" magazine and it's influence was interesting, as was the section on America's obession with celebrity weddings--but even this was reductionist. Not all celebrity weddings we obsess over involve blonde future housewives (Jackie Kennedy as case in point). Good effort, but with such a rich subject, I expected the author to delve into "why" and not just "how".
]]> 20590363 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:29:02 -0700
author: Dan Brown
name: Laura
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 02/05
date added: 04/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20590230 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:27:11 -0700
author: James Patterson
name: Laura
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at: 06/06
date added: 04/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20453778 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:21:38 -0700
author: Kate Spade
name: Laura
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/20/08
shelves:
review:
Kate Spades' tiny drawings keep me interested in this series. Her advice on manners is good, but not so practical. Yes, writing thank you notes and keeping your weekend guests in mind is always good, but I don't have a doorman to tip during the holidays, and I'll be damned if I never eat a peach in public again because it's messy. Love those drawings though...
]]> 20453928 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:05:55 -0700
author: Amy Butler
name: Laura
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/18/08
shelves:
review:
I was delightfully surprised by the similarities between Amy Butler's style and my own when I picked up this book. Now I can justify my rock, pine cone, birds nest, shell, and tree nut collections, and my slightly '60s flower prints to my fiance. Flea market finds can be included tastefully and look modern if done the right way--and Butler shows you how to do it. Visual candy fun!
]]> 16357776 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:51:07 -0700
author: Mary Kay Andrews
name: Laura
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/18/08
shelves:
review:
Mary Kay Andrews' books are so much fun! This one features a jilted bride who picks up the pieces in her small southern town with the help of her gay florist best friend and her father. To get over her loss, she accepts an impossible task--she must renovate and decorate a dilapidated southern plantation bought by the town's bra baron (you read that right) by Christmas so that he can woo and win over the woman of his dreams. She also must discover what happened to her mother who left the family when she was a child. Andrews does a great job creating suspense and then ratcheting it down with lavish descriptions of interior scenes, antique markets, and the southern countryside. I can't wait to read another one of her books.
]]> 19730306 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:39:02 -0700
author: Gregory Maguire
name: Laura
average rating: 3.41
book published: 1995
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19729776 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:33:02 -0700
author: Arthur Golden
name: Laura
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19729200 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:25:28 -0700
author: Steve Martin
name: Laura
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 01/06
date added: 04/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19729171 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:25:07 -0700
author: Barbara Ehrenreich
name: Laura
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at: 01/04
date added: 04/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19465513 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:53:16 -0700
author: Joe Pernice
name: Laura
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 01/06
date added: 04/04/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19114082 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:44:11 -0700
author: Steve Martin
name: Laura
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 03/31/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 17177846 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:03:46 -0700
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Laura
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/26/08
shelves:
review:
Although the premise of this book sounds a bit elitist--family of four decides to live entirely on locally grown organic food for a year in order to reduce their carbon footprint--it's surprisingly down to earth. The book is filled with seasonal recipes, interesting farming facts and funny stories (turkey mating habits for example). If you are a foodie, a farmer, a concerned citizen, or are just curious about what a locavore eats in January, I'd highly recommend this book. I'd suggest listening to the audiobook version. It is narrated by the authors (Kingsolver, her partner/husband, and their daughter)and you get a better sense of their experience and approach towards the project.
]]> 14541636 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:29:49 -0700
author: Donna Smallin
name: Laura
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2002
rating: 2
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/11/08
shelves:
review:
There's an overwhelming amount of information in this book, which makes it a long read. Although there are no pictures, she recommends some unsightly solutions such as organizing your jewelry in egg cartons and hanging milk cartons from the ceiling in the bathroom to organize your things. I guess I'm more into aesthetics than the author--usually that's why I want to be more organized... But, if I ever wanted to organize a garage/yard sale, this is the first book I would turn to for advice.
]]> 15510621 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:36:22 -0800
author: Garrison Keillor
name: Laura
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/06/08
shelves:
review:
If you are a fan of Garrison Keillor, or even if you've just heard of him before, listen to this book. Keillor does a wonderful job of setting up the "punchline" of this book. I don't want to give too much away and tell you what happens, but I will say it is both unexpected and exactly what you thought could happen. Keillor is a truly gifted storyteller and writer, which this book makes apparent. Read it for the flawed but loveable characters, the oddball plot, and the criticism of the Midwest (poor Lutherans!), then share it with your friends and family.
]]> 16719198 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:19:12 -0800
author: Kitty Turgeon
name: Laura
average rating: 2.50
book published: 1998
rating: 2
read at: 03/08
date added: 02/29/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 16719125 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:18:03 -0800
author: M. Caren Connolly
name: Laura
average rating: 2.83
book published: 2005
rating: 2
read at: 03/08
date added: 02/29/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14541713 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:17:08 -0800
author: Editors of Real Simple Magazine
name: Laura
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2004
rating: 1
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/15/08
shelves:
review:
I found Real Simple's examples of organized rooms to be a bit too distracting for my taste. For example, I think books should be placed either vertically or horizontally on one bookshelf, not both ways. And, how many of us really need a description of the 5 things you should have in a bedroom? Captain Obvious suggests a bed as one of them...oy!
]]> 14531336 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:58:58 -0800
author: John Dunning
name: Laura
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/15/08
shelves:
review:
How can you go wrong with a mystery featuring a ex-cop who's now a hard-boiled PI and a rare book dealer? If you are interested in rare books and first editions, horse racing and crime, this is a great choice for you. Delightfully drawn out, this mystery makes you work for the resolution, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Although the book-theme might suggest a "cozy mystery", the author steers clear of all of the annoying fluff. I listened to it as a book on CD, and I'd recommend you do the same if you are interested. The reader's (George Guidall) tone and voice are perfect.
]]> 14541008 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:16:50 -0800
author: Martha Stewart
name: Laura
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/04/08
shelves:
review:
Ahh, I pine for the good days before Martha tried to be all chatty and approachable. The pages of this book are taken directly from her magazine in the late 90s and early 00s, so if you were a fan, you will not find anything new here. However, there are fabulous instructions on how to archive your photos (and by archive I mean archival folders and acid-free fun) and how to restore LPs to their original luster (for those of us who love the records and have acquired discarded collections).
]]> 14532571 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:53:00 -0800
author: Paige Gilchrist
name: Laura
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/04/08
shelves:
review:
Although I find some of the picture arrangements distracting in this book, people with a higher tolerance for asymmetry will like this book. This books presents unique ideas for framing realia, and includes information on how to frame without damaging the objects. I will not be running out to frame rulers and unused envelopes (one of their suggestions) any time soon however...
]]> 14531605 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:39:33 -0800
author: Derek Fell
name: Laura
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/04/08
shelves:
review:
This book has a lot of great gardening ideas, and includes lots of full-color pictures to illustrate their terms. I liked the A-Z setup of the book, but some entries, for example "light" or "shadow patterns" made me want to call Captain Obvious out for a showdown.
]]> 13852005 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:52:20 -0800
author: Steve McCurry
name: Laura
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/30/08
shelves:
review:
If you are tired of reality television shows about heiresses, this book is the perfect foil to the American consumerist lifestyle. Gorgeous colors, interesting faces, and some incredible photos of pilgrims prostrating themselves all the way to Lhasa (which takes 2 years!). This is not just a pretty picture book though. There is fear in the eyes of most of the subjects of the street portraits, which I am not sure is indicative of life in Tibet, or the photographer's intrusion in sacred acts.
]]> 13849792 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:19:37 -0800
author: Tovah Martin
name: Laura
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/28/08
shelves:
review:
Lovely book for Tasha Tudor fans, gardeners looking for inspiration, and those interested in a bygone way of life in New England. Tasha's got more of an edge than you might expect in such a tiny person who dresses in 19th Century garb, which makes me respect her all the more. Yay yankee toughness!
]]> 13848635 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:00:14 -0800
author: Carolyne Roehm
name: Laura
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1997
rating: 3
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/28/08
shelves:
review:
I was searching for ideas for wedding table arrangements and picked up this book. Although I'm not fond of her color combinations, she provides useful insider tips for prolonging the life of different types of flowers. Like, who knew to prick tulips with a pin right underneath the flower to prolong their life? Pretty smart!
]]> 10753540 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:40:37 -0800
author: David Plowden
name: Laura
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/22/08
shelves:
review:
This absolutely gorgeous book of photography far exceeded my expectations. Exploring the dying industries of steam engines and widespread train travel, boat ferry routes, abandoned coal mine towns, steel factories, and small town hardware stores, Plowden gives each shot the lingering eye of someone who knows a way of life is at an end. However, the photographs never veer into a romanticization of this past. Much of this work is dirty, and it is portrayed as such, but there is a beauty in the patina of chipped paint and scarred steel.
]]> 12530538 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:13:00 -0800
author: Rachel Zoe
name: Laura
average rating: 3.16
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/17/08
shelves:
review:
In Rachel Zoe's words, "It takes a village to make a star" and she gives us her tricks of the trade. I am not so much a fan of her style--kaftans, heavy jewelry, and long blonde hair abound--but it was an amusing read. I especially enjoyed her section on traveling well. I'm not sure neosporin dabbed around your nose to keep the germs out during a flight will actually work, but it's not a bad idea for us dry skinned girls. Now all I need is my Evian atomizer! It's fun to take a vacation into high maintenanceland.
]]> 10642730 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:03:53 -0800
author: Jodi Picoult
name: Laura
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2005
rating: 1
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/17/08
shelves:
review:
I have heard wonderful things about Jodi Picoult, but alas, I am not a fan after reading this one. If after-school specials and YA "issues" books were your cup of tea as a teen, you would probably like this book. There are simply too many problems: alcoholism, custody battles and divorce, concealing the truth, sexual abuse, cancer, a love triangle, all in one book. The characters are self-centered, self-pitying, weak, and all are compulsive liars. If I were Picoult, I would have rounded all the characters up in a car that exploded at the end. Don't torture yourself with this one...
]]> 12177013 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:45 -0800
author: Nancy E Berry
name: Laura
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/10/08
shelves:
review:
Geeking out again...but, there are lots of good ideas in this book, and it is enough of a how-to book to interest even the men. Finally I am able to put names to architectural/interior decorating styles and their respective hardware designs. You'd be surprised how much a door hinge or drawer pull changes the look of a room.
]]> 11154102 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:48:26 -0800
author: Charles Frazier
name: Laura
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 05/05
date added: 12/28/07
shelves:
review:
This book is intentionally slow. It took me a while to figure that out, but in order to really understand the period of time it is written about, Frazier had to draw us out of our fast-paced lives and place us in the 19th century by purposefully drawing out the action and the dialogue. Brilliant move, but perhaps not for everyone.
]]> 11078087 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 07:38:51 -0800
author: John Steinbeck
name: Laura
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 02/07
date added: 12/27/07
shelves:
review:
I think I am the only person out there who really loved this book. Yes, it peters out toward the end, but I love it for it's road trip kitchiness. My copy had a grass board binding and maps drawn in orange and white on the endpapers, which just adds to its 1961 wonderfulness.
]]> 11028053 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:07:50 -0800
author: Jon Stewart
name: Laura
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 01/07
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:
One wouldn't think this book would translate well as an audiobook, but I beg to differ. Stewart et al's comedic timing is perfect on this audiobook. Listen and laugh your way through a half-decent (oh! pun!) primer to American political history.
]]> 11027929 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:04:05 -0800
author: David Sedaris
name: Laura
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 04/06
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:
Start with Me Talk Pretty One Day. However, "Six to Eight Black Men" is one heck of a funny and twisted Christmas story.
]]> 11027685 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:57:44 -0800
author: David Sedaris
name: Laura
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 05/05
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 11027438 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:51:00 -0800
author: A.S. Byatt
name: Laura
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at: 01/04
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 11027434 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:50:56 -0800
author: Bill Bryson
name: Laura
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 03/03
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 11027432 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:50:53 -0800
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Laura
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 02/98
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 11027425 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:50:49 -0800
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Laura
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 06/98
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 11027390 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:50:08 -0800
author: Dave Eggers
name: Laura
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 03/05
date added: 12/26/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10314761 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:42:39 -0800
author: Kate Spade
name: Laura
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:
I love the format of this book. Tiny, boldly printed watercolor drawings are sprinkled across the pages, illustrating some of Spade's references from books, movies and magazines. While some of Spade's preferences for certain styles are out of most people's league, the book and her comments are charming. Having borrowed this from my library, I will be purchasing it for my own collection.
]]> 10369303 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:35:10 -0800
author: Clinton Kelly
name: Laura
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:
This book proved to be very useful. Pictures of everyday people with different body types and how they should dress for work, weekend, and a big event. It's nice they included men in the group...how to dress if you're a man who's short, athletic, extra-tall, barrel-chested, have a tummy, or petite. And who knew Stacy London graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in German lit and 20th century philosophy?
]]> 10314649 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:59:12 -0800
author: Joanne Fluke
name: Laura
average rating: 1.00
book published: 2005
rating: 1
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/17/07
shelves:
review:
Cutesy and stupid, with a plot that's full of holes--the exact opposite of what I look for in a mystery.
]]> 10365350 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:02:16 -0800
author: Cindi Leive
name: Laura
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/13/07
shelves:
review:
This book shouldn't be so funny, but it is. Some of us need side-by-side pictures of what works and what doesn't to help us leave the house in a presentable outfit. But it's hard not to snicker at some pictures in their can't-be-missed glory, even if you are a generally kind person. I picked up this book for a fashion bibliography I'm working on for the library. If you are someone who is REALLY fashion-challenged, this book might be for you. Of if you feel a cruel streak coming on...
]]> 10322141 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:45:34 -0800
author: Diablo Cody
name: Laura
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 01/07
date added: 12/12/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10054547 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:44:30 -0800
author: Mary Kay Andrews
name: Laura
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/10/07
shelves:
review:
Take one Savannah, Georgia antique shop owner, her wayward dog, an evil gay couple who own the completing antique shop across the street, a grinch boyfriend, and a minor mystery, mix them all up with a bit of liquor and a whole lot of kitch and you get this book. Have fun! Not the smartest book out there, but worth the read.
]]> 8835145 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:47:31 -0800
author: Nathaniel Philbrick
name: Laura
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/03/07
shelves:
review:
Most of what we have learned about the Plymouth Plantation and King Philip's War (if we studied it at all in school)was wrong. For example, the first words said to the Pilgrims