My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow

This is a book club selection for January. As I said below, this book has a deceptive title. One might think that the narrator's mother is a sports cheerleader or something. In fact, that is far from the case.

Set in 1960 New Orleans, Louise Collins lives in the 9th Ward of the city...where Ruby Bridges becomes the first African-American child to attend the formerly all white William Frantz Elementary school.

Like many other parents, Louise’s mother pulls her daughter out of school. And, like many other mothers, she also joins the Cheerleaders – a group of local women who gather every school day to taunt the 6-year-old Ruby, screaming obscenities and racial slurs as she walks into the school.

Louise spends her time working at home in the boardinghouse her mother “runs”, serving their cantankerous elderly boarder, helping their housekeeper, reading her favorite novels and spying on people.

When Morgan Miller comes to stay at Rooms on Desire, Louise feels there is something different – something mysterious – about this man, and she is determined to find out what it is.

And that is about as far as I’ve read.

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

So, as I said below, I read this book over the course of two days off of work. It was an enjoyable story, and a fairly quick read.

Prince George lives in a kingdom where having animal magic (being able to talk to and understand animals) can cost one's life. Unfortunately, he has such powers. Keeping it secret is hard, but something he must do.

Princess Beatrice lives in a neighboring kingdom - one that had been at a lengthy war with Prince George's own. She is the only child of a king who sees little use for daughters, and she is rarely seen without her wild hound. She is another with a secret that must be kept.

To strengthen an alliance between the two countries, the two must marry. They think they have little in common, other than being honor bound to marry for their countries’ sake. But beneath the royal honor and formalities lie secrets – and solutions – that just may bring love.

Book Update

Born Blue
I'm about halfway through this book, and haven't picked it up in about a week or so. I just can't keep in the story. This might be put on the "didn't finish" list.

Eclipse
I am still listening to this book. I didn't get through much this past week, as I only listen to audiobooks when I am driving...and I wasn't driving around much when off. It's starting to get more interesting. As I've said before, I really like the character of Jacob. Thankfully, he has been featured a lot so far.

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
This was a nice, somewhat mindless, quick read. I read it in two days (I was off work for a week). More in another post.

My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow
This book has a deceptive title. One might think that the narrator's mother is a sports cheerleader or something. If so, one would be wrong. I'll write more about it in another post.

Upcoming reads (a.k.a. what I have checked out to read next)

I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle. Supposedly it is a lot like the movie SuperBad (which I have yet to see).

Unwind - book group pick for January.

Book Club - January Picks

Last Tuesday night was the monthly book club meeting. Lucky me. I already checked out one of the three books for next month!

Next month's picks:

Unwind by Neal Shusterman - sounds a bit sci-fi like to me. Should be a good one.
My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow - about segregation. This is the one I checked out last week. I plan to start it soon.
Naomi & Ely No Kiss List by David Levithan & Rachel Cohen - seems no one read this book last time. I don't think I will this time, either. Too many other books out there calling my name!

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I started listening to this on Thursday? Friday? Sometime late last week. Funny thing is, my sister G called to tell me she's finished the book. She wants me to hurry up and read it so we can talk about it. Sorry, G. That won't happen. I expect to finish it sometime after Christmas.

I'm on the 2nd disc. So far I'm remembering why I dislike Edward so much. Another annoying issue...Bella is 18. Granted, she acts much younger sometimes, but her father treats her as if she is much younger as well. I loved that she finally told him that she is a legal adult. Now, if she would just keep that up.

I think Jacob is coming back in the story now, so I'm hopeful that I will enjoy the story more.

Born Blue by Han Nolan

I started this book a few days ago. The main character, Caucasian Janie, is put in foster care as a young girl, due to her mother's drug addict ways. Janie's African-American foster brother, Harmon, introduces her to "the Ladies": Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and other superb African-American female vocalists. The music makes Harmon want to dance. It makes Janie want to sing.

After Harmon is adopted, Janie ends up changing her name to Leshaya, and, as she hits puberty and develops some outspoken sass, she showcases her extraordinary vocal talent.

That’s about as far as I’ve read so far. I can’t wait to read the rest of Janie/Leshaya’s story.

Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin

Several days ago, I finished this book. The ending was powerful. There were a few things I wasn't expecting, and a few things I did expect, but overall the book was well written. The story is compelling. Karina is a well developed character. It's a book I will pass on to others.

Touching Snow is a National Book Award Finalist.

Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin

I picked up this book yesterday while working at our Main library. I've heard of it - at least the title - though, I'm not sure where.

So far, I like the story. It's engaging. I wouldn't say I'm enjoying it, though, because one doesn't usually enjoy stories where children are beaten.

The story begins with the last day of 7th grade. Karina - who's family is from Haiti - refers to the voilence in her life from the get go. There is no holding back with this girl, whose life if full of sever "beat-ups" from the Daddy - to not only her, but the rest of the children in her family.

I'm about 1/3 through the book. If I didn't have to work, I would have finished it last night!

Awww...look at that. I changed my avatar for the holidays. I'll return to my usual funky self after Christmas is over.

Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse


Just came across this site and thought I should share.

For those who are fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, here is her website: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com

Twilight is listed as being in preproduction. Filming for the movie is suppose to start in February 2008.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

A few days ago, I finished listening to this book.

The first half of the book was great. I really enjoyed it.

Over all, the writing was better in this installment. I loved the friendship between Bella and Jacob...and the absence of Edward in the first part. The second part of the book, however, I wasn't as happy with. I really don't like Edward. I will admit, though, I like him better in this book than in Twilight.

I have the 3rd book (Eclipse) on hold. Hopefully the audiobook arrives soon, so I can listen to it before Christmas (I'm off work for several days, which means a lot less time in the car).

Book Update

I've given up on Before I Die. It's so damn depressing.

I've listened to - and finished New Moon. That's for another post.

Currently, I'm not reading or listening to any books. I do have Nick and Norah, and I did begin Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, but I haven't picked it up in a couple of weeks.