Meg Cabot Read-Along! - Come Join the Fun

I just signed up for some great fun!!!

The Meg Cabot Read-Along starts today!

The first discussion will not be until May 22nd and runs until the publication of Size 12 and Ready to Rock (on sale 7/10).  Check out the schedule below.

Look for updates along the way here, on Twitter (#megreadalong), and on the Book Club Girl Facebook page.

She has some great titles that have been on my To-Be-Read list for a while.  Now, I have a wonderful excuse to pick them up!!!

Here's the schedule of when discussion questions will be posted:


May 22th—Boy Next Door discussion on Book Club Girl
June 12th – Queen of Babble discussion on Book Club Girl
July 3rd - Size 12 is Not Fat discussion on Book Club Girl
July 10th -Size 12 and Ready to Rock goes on sale
July 31st -Size 12 and Ready to Rock discussion on Book Club Girl on Air, post questions for Meg’s Book Club Girl On Air interview at 7PM

Come join the fun!!!

The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part Three

Welcome to our third read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. If you’re following our schedule, you should have read the first six sections of the book, and be finished with the section titled “Passion, 1921.” This read-along is hosted by Books & Movies. I'm only a few days late with this post.  Now I can relax and finish reading the book with everyone else - on time!  Click on the image above to take part in the discussion.

**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post. 

This week, instead of being provided questions, we are being challenged to ask our own questions to share. So, here are mine:

When you found out that the Yellow House was being restored, who did you think was behind it?  


My mind went straight to Owen, but only because they had mentioned him staring at the picture in Eileen's house when he took her home.  I thought he was fixing it up for Eileen and was going to return it to her as a surprise gift.  I guess I was only partially right.  I was totally floored when he said that he was fixing it up for his wife.  I was bummed!!  Yeah, I walked into a brick wall on that one.  


Now that we know it was Owen who bought the Yellow House, do you think there is any chance that Eileen will reclaim it and get her family back together?


Now that Owen is divorced, I am hoping that he will do the right thing and give it to her, or at least offer it to her.  I am still holding on that the two of them will get together, and also that Eileen will restore her family as she has dreamed of.


Do you think that Lizzy will be found?  Who will find her?  How do you think that Lizzy will react/respond to being reunited to her family?


I am thinking that Owen will find Lizzy.  However, I think that she will not initially want to come home, or that she will just to meet them, but not to be reunited as Eileen is hoping.  I also feel that Frank will throw a wrench in things somewhere.  I just get a bad feeling about him when it comes to Lizzy, and I am not sure why.  I am also worried that Paddy is being all to quiet about things.  Surely that anger will pop up again somewhere - will it be anything connected to Lizzy?


Is there any hope in the future for Owen and Eileen?  Will Eileen keep the baby?


I am really pulling for the two of them to eventually get together as a family.  This baby just might be what gets them back together - at least that is what my heart is wanting.  I am hoping beyond hope that this baby and the reunion with Lizzy will draw the family back to the Yellow House and everything will end - Happily Every After!!!

This week, we will finish the book!!!!  Isn't this exciting?  I have thoroughly enjoyed this read-along!!!!  I'll be ready for something else when this one is finished!

The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part Two

Welcome to our second read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. If you’re following our schedule, you should have read the first four sections of the book, and be finished with the section titled “Insurrection, 1919-1920.”  This post is a week late - family happens!!!!


**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post.


Were you surprised by the turn the romantic storyline took?


I was very shocked and very dismayed by the change in the romantic turn of events.  I was so rooting for Owen, and still am.  I am hoping things will change yet again.  Something about James rubbed me wrong from the beginning of this section, and now I find rightfully so.  I am glad that Own keeps popping up though.


What do you think of James? Is his treatment of his family – all in the name of the cause – justified?


I absolutely dislike James.  I do not think that the cause is reason enough to treat family in the way he does.  From the point in which they first hooked up in the pile of flour sacks I had a sick feeling of what was to come.  Then when he went against her with the name of their child - OCH!- what a sleeze ball!!!  I thought he'd at least support her there - yeah right!! Now, he has taken her savings.  I had a bad feeling when she mentioned having an account that still had just her name on it! I just knew the "marriage" card would be pulled somewhere! It seems like the longer I read, the more I hate him!


What do you think of Eileen’s reaction to James’ final betrayal – the emptying of her savings account?


I can't say I am very surprised.  It is almost a mirror of her mother's reaction to the "final" act on her.  However, I think that Eileen will bounce back.  I don't think she will wither away.  I think some of her dad's O'Neil blood will kick in and she will stand tall and get her revenge. 


How do you think the author is handling the intricacies of the political situation?


I think that Falvey is doing an excellent job in portraying a balance of both sides of the situation.  With the views of James and his gang, then the resurfacing of Owen on the opposite side.  It is the intertwining of Eileen and her connection to both sides of the cause that create that balance - the blending of the two as it may.  I am learning quite a bit about this time in history.


I will be reading the book on the original schedule - even though I am behind.  I am going to get caught up tomorrow so that I can finish by the end of the week as we should.  I have found that I am really enjoying this relaxed read-along.  Thanks to the host for doing this.

For next week, we will read through page 238 in the hardcover edition, which includes these sections: “Truce, 1920-1921? and “Passion, 1921.”

Coming in April: Masquerade Read-Along

Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

Would you like to take part in a read-along?  Well, I've got one for you to check out -  Masquerade by Cambria Hebert. This read-along is hosted by Mostly Reviews, Rainy Day Ramblings, Five Alarm Book Reviews, Candace's Book Blog, and of course Cambria Hebert.  It runs from April 1 - April 28.  Each week we will read 8 chapters, and then on Thursdays - starting April 5th, we will make posts discussing that week's questions.  If that sounds like fun, click on the image above to take you to the sign-up page.

Summary:  

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching. 

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved. 

*** 

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Read Along Schedule

April 5th – Chapters 1-8 – hosted by Stephanie at Five Alarm book Reviews http://www.fivealarmbookreviews.com

April 12th – Chapters 8-16 – hosted by Candace at Candace’s Book Blog  http://www.candacesbookblog.com

April 19th- Chapters 16-24 –hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings http://www.rainydayramblings.typepad.com

April 26th - Chapters 24-31 – hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews http://www.mostlyreviews.blogspot.com  

May 3rd – Announcement of Giveaway Winners – hosted by the author – http://www.cambriahebert.com

AND -  there will be prizes!!!

The giveaway will be open to all who participate in the read along each week. There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner up prize pack.

Grand Prize:

A signed paperback copy of Masquerade

A PDF ARC of Charade (Heven and Hell #2) (Not pictured)

An Ecopy of Between (A Heven and Hell novella due out in April) (Not pictured)

Two signed Bookmarks

A Bubble Tea pack to include everything you need to make and enjoy your own bubble tea. (tea mix, colored tapioca pearls, fat straws and a drinking cup)

A custom necklace with a book charm on it featuring the Masquerade Book cover!

Runner Up:

A signed Bookmark

A sticker of the Masquerade cover

A copy of Between (A Heven and Hell Novella) (Not pictured)

A $10 Amazon gift card (Not pictured)

Kiss Me, I’m Irish Read-Along: Chapters 6 – 10

Kiss Me, I'm Irish Hounded Read-a-Long: Chapter 6 to 10 

***Possible spoiler alert.  Because we are discussing events throughout the chapters of this book, it is highly probable that spoilers will occur!

1. In Chapter 6, Atticus goes hunting with Oberon and Flidais. What was supposed to be a fun hunting trip turned rather disastrous. Were you expecting something like this to happen or did it catch you by surprise? Have you ever had something that should have been fun turn disastrous or nearly disastrous?


I was totally not expecting anything like this to happen.  I might have expected something to go wrong, but I highly expected Flidais to fix it so that no one would be able to tell that anyone or anything had been killed.  I was a little disappointed that she just simply had the ground swallow up the body, but that it did not disguise the spot it had been.  I was also very hurt that Oberon was involved.  He seems like a very sweet, good-at-heart character, and he was devastated - as was I - that he killed someone.


I have had fun times turn into a mess. Most of those times happened when I was in high school or college!  - Go figure!!!


2. We are only briefly introduced to the witches (or, a witch) in chapter 7. What are your first impressions? How much would you trust the witches? Why?


The initial description has me thinking they are not big deal - just a young witch disguised as a college student.  Then as the event goes on, I get a little worried for Atticus.  I love that the things that worry Atticus - possibly giving up blood to the witch actually backfired on the witch herself.  What quick thinking!!! The second witch that makes the phone call seems more reasonable than the first.  Since Atticus has a relationship with the coven leader, I hope that they do help him later when he needs it.  Not sure how much I would trust them though.  I think they will look for any possible way to find a loophole or way to get out of the contract with Atticus.


3. Oberon says, “With dogs you just go up and smell their asses and you know where you stand. It’s so much easier. Why can’t humans do that?” Do you ever wish there was an easier way to find out where you stand with someone (besides Oberon’s suggestion, of course)? In what cases would it be easier or better to hide your true feelings?


It would be nice to be able to know where you stand with people.  Having to tiptoe around some people because you don't know what kind of mood they are in or where they are coming from makes some situations very difficult.  There are times when you have to put on a show for someone to make them feel better, or for another's benefit.  There are times when you need to be strong when you are just completely upset or angry.  I think there needs to be a balance.  I don't think that either extreme is a good situation all the time.


4. Chapter 9 makes Atticus’ life much more difficult: the witches are in some way working with Aeghus Og, Bres comes after Atticus, and more trouble appears at the end of the chapter. Have you made sense of what has happened thus far? Any predictions for what might happen?


Seems like Atticus is constantly having to face more enemies all the time - some of which he is familiar with.  I think that Aenghus Og will keep sending out his "puppets" until he has no other choice but to arrive himself.  I think when he does come it will be at an unexpected time.  I just hope that Atticus stays strong and that his allies will support him.


5. Atticus has had plenty of time to cultivate attitudes and ethics that would allow him to live a very long time. What do you think it is about Atticus that has allowed him to live for as long as he has?


I think that Atticus is a very smart being - able to learn a lot by mere observation.  He has learned from mistakes he has made in the past.  Adapting to situations has become a way of life for him.  He learns the weaknesses of his enemies and has found ways to overcome them - adding to his charms.  His strength is not being overconfident and learning from everything around him.

Now we need to head over to On a Book Bender to link up our answers!

The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey: Read-along Part One

Welcome to our first read-along discussion of The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. I found this read-along a few weeks ago and knew I had to take part.  This read-along is hosted by Books & Movies.   This part of the read-along is for the first two sections of the book: “Glenlea, County Armagh, 1905″ and “Queensbrook Linen Mill, 1913.”

**Spoiler alert: We will be discussing details of the book you might not want to hear about until you actually read it, so if you haven’t read those sections and don’t want to read any spoilers, you should skip this post.

What do you think of the writing?


Loving this story, and give credit to the writing style of the author.  The writing style is so personal and very tied to the main character,  Eileen O'Neill.  Through the writing, I find myself looking through the eyes of Eileen, often feeling the very emotions exhibited by Eileen throughout the pages.  A strong mood is developed through the tragic events of the story.  In contrast, there are light-hearted moments when Eileen describes her love of the Yellow House and the property, the mountain referred to as  Slieve Mullion.  


What do you think of Eileen’s parents?


I have mixed feelings about her parents.  Eileen's father is a fun-loving man, who has a strong connection to the land that was passed down through the generations.  He refers often to the past and the stories of how his family lost and regained The Yellow House.  He shares his love of family and land with his children.  On the other hand, he is not a strong man or good farmer.  He struggles to hold on to what is his, and does not want to show his weakness with his family - rather tries to protect them.  Her father sounds like a wonderful person to be around - a person who wants to do well, but does not always have what it takes to do what he needs to do.


Her mother is a very strong Protestant woman, who came from a well-to-do family, but disappointed that family by getting pregnant and marrying an Irish Catholic.  She steps up to the plate when her family struggles, reaching out to her past.  When she suffers the loss of her child, she then breaks down, not able to hold onto her strong will.  I find her very admirable.  A strong woman who loves her children and who will do whatever it takes to care for them and hold her family together.  I could not imagine having to face the tragedy she had to endure.  While I feel for her, I was angry when she left the family.


In the end both of them leave Eileen and she is left to find her way.


It seems that the book is heading in a romantic direction when it comes to Eileen and Owen Sheridan. What do you think of this potential romance?


Isn't it generally the way things go - characters often fall in love with those that they should not be with, or those they profess to hate?  This is the type of romance that I love to read about.  I am rooting for them to find a way to make it work.  I hope they can overcome their differences and that Eileen sees him as separate from his family.  Owen is the "black sheep of the family", so he isn't following in his family's footsteps.  So far I really like his character.


As we closed the second section, the world is on the brink of the First World War, and Ireland is being torn apart by the fight for Home Rule. Have you learned anything about Ireland or the world at this time period that was new to you?


I am aware that Ireland had many struggles over the years, however, I don't really have any recollection of an of the history brought up in the story.  I love historical fiction, so this is right up my alley.  I prefer to learn about history in this manner.  I find the story tied to the historical aspects very intriguing.  Patricia Falvey intertwines it very well into the fictional accounts.

Next week's reading assignment:  read through page 164 in the hardcover edition, which includes these sections: “War, 1914-1918″ and “Insurrection, 1919-1920.”