false 250 15 8 true 5797849 read 1 true 473972 currently-reading 6 true 473971 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/68054213 to: The Year of Fog (Hardcover) by Michelle Richmond
As with many of the other reader reviews I just skimmed, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the way the other wove in the suspense element with other artsy techniques that felt genuine and well thought out.

Abby, a San Francisco photographer, is the stepmother of six-year-old Emma, engaged to Jake. The main plot takes place at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, where during the first chapter, Emma disappears (in the fog, of course) when Abby looks away briefly to take a photo. The rest of the book focuses on trying to find Emma, while developing other relationships and how they are impacted, such as Abby and Jake's lives, references to cameras and photographic techniques, tied in with memory and how the mind works. In mysterious ways, yes.

The best thing about the book is the suspense and the way the author really keeps us interested, although we have barely met Emma. I truly had no idea how the book would end, which says a lot for the author. I also liked the physical descriptions and the sense of place in San Francisco, particularly since I recently moved here.

Less successful for me was some of the back story regarding Abby's life, meaning her parents divorce, her relationship with her sister and earlier childhood memories, and her highly physical relationship with a previous lover. There was a significant amount of time spent on all this, and I didn't find it necessary to have that much backstory. I found the main plot sufficient enough, and wasn't sure what the author was trying to accomplish with all this.

Overall, however, an excellent read and I look forward to Richmond's new book that just came out this summer, "No One You Know." Has anyone read it yet? ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51920865 Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia (Paperback) by Elizabeth Gilbert
bookshelves: currently-reading
Just started reading this, looking forward to it as I've heard so much about it and sounds like the poor woman went through so much! It would seem to add to the theory that if time doesn't heal all wounds, maybe travel to exotic countries does! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/127690-widgets-yes-or-no Carrie made a comment in the Bloggers Unite group:

I had the same experience in switching from blogger to wordpress, I thought it was very strange that the widgets didn't work and they weren't very clear about it. I am holding out for the paid/hosted version, which I believe allows for a lot of customization, including widgets and a lot of plug ins. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49638691 Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0 (Hardcover) by Sarah Lacy
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49638635 Remember Me? (Hardcover) by Sophie Kinsella
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49638601 Elements of Style (Hardcover) by Wendy Wasserstein
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49638476 Marley & Me: Love and Life with the World's Worst Dog (Hardcover) by John Grogan
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/51491-introduce-yourself-if-you-would-like-to Carrie made a comment in the Bloggers Unite group:

I'm Carrie. I work as a freelance writer and editor in San Francisco, and am originally from New York. I also do blogs and e-newsletters for clients. My blog is carriewriterblog.com. I have published some short stories and have a novel in progress. I am also a readaholic and have a ton of new books from the library and rummage sales. On my list are "Tortilla Curtain," (tc boyle), "Elements of Style" by Wendy Wasserstein, "Life with Marley," and "Remember Me," Sophie Kinsella. I also love movies and just saw "Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and was totally blown away. Wondering if anyone has read the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald that is was based on? ]]>