Book Chatter

Sunday Matters

We had a lovely 4th. The Teen invited his girlfriend over for dinner. We BBQ’d burgers, hot links, and hot dogs. I made this pasta salad and this potato salad and we grilled corn. The Girl whipped up a fruit dip for strawberries and we made these Frozen Coconut Limeades. It was all so good. Oh, and I can’t forget The Teen’s bacon wrapped smokies. He has to have bacon or the day is not a success.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad — Photo Credit: Foodie Crush

Iowa Girl Eats Potato Salad — Photo Credit: Iowa Girl Eats

Frozen Coconut Limeades — Photo Credit: Smitten Kitchen

Right Now:

Eating a piece of avocado toast, washing it down with coffee and then we are off to church. I might have some time to read a chapter of Atlas Shrugged before we go. In order to stay on track with the #AtlasRAL, I have to grab a chapter whenever I can because the book is over 1200 pages long!

This Week:

The Teen takes his driver’s test this week. We could have a new licensed driver in the house by Tuesday.

On Thursday, I have a hair appointment and that is it!! Easy week, even though I think work will be picking up here soon in preparation of the Fall semester.

Reading:

I am about five chapter into Atlas Shrugged and I must say, the reading is much easier than I thought it would be. It’s still early but right now, it’s an easy book to reach for.

I overbooked myself as far as ARCs (review copies) for the month so I will be doing some quick reading of several books over the next few weeks. At least, that is the plan.

Watching:

After taking a little break from Mad Men, my normal viewing spot was booked, I managed to watch two episodes of Season 6 and I am right back into it.

I recorded that new show on AMC called Humans. I guess it’s about robots living with humans as nannies and the like. I haven’t watched the first episode yet but it looks good and will maybe tide me over until Fear the Walking Dead starts.

Making:

As you saw above, I had fun making those salads and whipping up those tropical drinks but I’m sure the rest of the week will be spent eating leftovers because I made way too much.

Grateful for:

I love having an extra day to relax. Definitely grateful for having Friday off. Also grateful to spend time with family. No volunteering tonight as the Middle School ministry is on summer break. It’s nice to not be running around.

Your turn! What do you have planned for today? What yummy stuff did you cook for the 4th?

Luckiest Girl Alive (audio)
By Jessica Knoll (Read by Madeleine Maby)
Simon & Schuster Audio | ISBN 9781442380516 | May 2015

*No spoilers*

The Short of It:

How important is it to be perfect? What if it’s all a lie?

The Rest of It:

On the outside, twenty-nine year old Ani FaNelli has everything a woman could want. She’s gorgeous, is about to marry a handsome guy, has a glamorous magazine job, and everyone she knows seems to envy her. So what’s her problem?

Ani used to be known as Tiffany and when she was younger and attending a prestigious private school something happened to her that changed her life forever. Now, right before her wedding, she is forced to deal with those events from the past and her world comes crashing down around her.

I read online that Reese Witherspoon plans to direct a movie based on this book. She’s been doing this a lot lately and seems to have a good sense for what makes a good movie. So when I was offered this book to review, I quickly snatched it up. What I did not do though, was read anything about the story so I went into it cold. I wanted to be surprised.

I was surprised.

That said, there is a certain element of suspense that keeps you reading. It’s kind of like Gone Girl in that you want to keep reading. I mention it because it’s being compared to Gone Girl but they are very different in tone and the stories are nothing alike.

What I did not care for was the shallowness of the main character. Once I found out what her deal was, I empathized with her but not to the point of liking her. In the end, I came around somewhat and felt that the story came full circle but too much of the first half was spent on descriptive details regarding looks and well, just frivolous details, really.

On a technical note, I listened to the audio version and I can’t say enough about Simon & Schuster Audio. I’ve listened to a lot of audio books and so many of them have issues with the recording itself but I never have any issues with Simon & Schuster and the readers always seem to be spot on with their delivery.

In summary, once you get past the first half, the story really takes off but the main character’s shallowness held me back from really liking it.

Source: Sent to me by the publisher.

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