I Thought You Were Dead - Pete Nelson

I hesitated to read this book, mostly because nothing is going to compare to The Art of Dancing in the Rain, and I didn't want to read another Marley & Me or Old Yeller. That said, however, I did pick this book up Memorial Day weekend and read the majority of it in a day - setting it aside and finishing it this afternoon.

Definitely a love story about a man and his dog, though Stella "talks" to her master in this novel - I'll call it telepathy and try not to overthink it. It worked to fill a lazy afternoon and pass a few hours outside on the deck, so I'll give it a B+. It's a decent read, to be fair, but it's not a classic, and it doesn't carry the same emotional sucker punch as those mentioned above. In the end, maybe that's a good thing.

Sh*t My Dad Says - Justin Halpern

So I'm behind the times ... no big news flash there. I picked this book up at the Salt Lake City airport on my way home last week, and it was the perfect way to while away the time. I literally had to school my facial features and work not to laugh out loud throughout the entire read (158 short pages).

This is not a book for the politically correct or easily offended, and should come with some type of warning label. Think Archie Bunker on steroids. Laced with some very colorful language.

I've never watched this show on television (starring William Shatner and Jonathan Sadowski), but times, they may be a-changin'! If the television series is half as entertaining as the book, I may have a new dvd-viewing experience in my future.

Bottom line? Raw comedy, in its very simplest, most base form. In the brain, out the mouth assessments of life. Happy reading!

The Perfect Woman - James Andrus

The Perfect Woman was my debut foray into the world of e-readers, having received a Kindle Wi-Fi for Christmas last year. I'm ashamed to report that I'm only now (it is June, is it not?) reporting on the book.

A rather interesting story, in which a socially awkward man, who still lives at home with his ailing mother, is in search of the perfect woman. Perfection is defined as a specific height, weight, coloring, etc., which fit his "scientific experiment." The woman must have scientific value in order to become entangled in the twisted web woven by our sociopathic main character.

Overall, it was an interesting and well-written novel, if not a bit on the predictable side. Would I read it again? Yes. Will it win a Pulitzer? Most likely not.

As for the e-reader, I reluctantly admit that it has a place in my literary world. Make no mistake: it is not a book. I can't smell the ink or turn the individual page. I can't dog-ear a specific passage for easy location later (yes, I can "e"-bookmark passages). What I can do is compact an entire library of reading material into a very small space. Books tend to be less expensive in e-form, but not all reading material is yet available in this format. No doubt, it's only a matter of time. The biggest limitation, in my opinion, is that I have to wait until I'm at 10,000 feet or above to turn the reader on in an airplane, which seems to be the only time I find to read these days. Thus, I find myself carrying a traditional book with me when traveling to maximize the time I can escape between the pages.

The Wednesday Letters - Jason F. Wright

In much the same vein as The Notebook, Wright brings us a story of a lifelong love. Jack and Laurel Cooper were married for 39 years, and died in one another's arms. When their three grown children converge back at the family's bed and breakfast, they discover boxes upon boxes of letters - letters that their father wrote to their mother - one every Wednesday of their married life. Some were mundane, others more intense. As the children draw comfort from sitting together reading letters, one stops them in their tracks, carrying in its words a powerful and life-altering secret.

Over the course of a week, the siblings not only lose both their parents, but also begin a journey to obtain answers and unravel the mystery. Letter by letter, conversation by conversation, they piece together a picture no one would have imagined.

The first 90% of this novel was well written, read smoothly, and was believable enough. Wright lost all credibility with me a scant seven pages from the end, when he wrapped everything up swiftly, neatly, sparkly-bow included. The ending is entirely too contrived - happily-ever-after at its best - for the secret these siblings discovered only days after the loss of their parents. I was seriously disappointed with the ending, particularly after enjoying the novel so much right up to the last few pages. I hate it when that happens!

Live Like Your Nail Color - Mary Foley

Several months ago, having experienced a year full of ups and downs, I declared to a friend that I want my life to rich. Replace the adjective as you see fit - meaningful, significant, full, purposeful - the possibilities are endless. Regardless of adjective, it all boils down to living life in the moment. Every one of us needs a place to go to restore ourselves, to feel centered and grounded, to escape the pressures and negativity we face on a daily basis. This is what keeps propelling us toward new opportunities and risks. I suspect that conversation led to her picking up this book and passing it my way.

To quote the infamous Zig Ziglar, "People say motivation doesn't last. Neither does bathing; that's why it's recommended daily."

In Live Like Your Nail Color, Foley has linked nail color to motivation. Yes, nail color. She's taken a simple, 4-step process and related it to the process of refueling your inner "me tank." Her theory is to use the time you spend on your nails for self-exploration and refueling. Essentially she encourages you to choose a nail polish color that speaks to you. If the polish name is boring, rename it! Make your newly painted nails speak to you throughout the day. Let them serve as a flash motivation throughout your day of something that makes you feel good about yourself or something you want to do or change in your life.

This book isn't going to win a Pulitzer, but is a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses along the way. The message Foley clearly communicates is that motivation is all around us; we can choose the most mundane of things to inspire a positive attitude and motivate us throughout our day. And, of course, that it's OKAY to spend an hour every other week on yourself.

Did I mention that the book comes with a complimentary nail polish? Interestingly, mine was named "I'm not really a supermodel." Gee ... whoddathunkit?

The Lincoln Lawyer - Michael Connelly

I am so ashamed to admit that I started this books weeks ago, on vacation, in fact, reading a page or two in the wee morning hours, only to be distracted with a few remodel jobs upon our return home. I finally picked it up again and have flown through the remaining pages.

Mickey Haller is a colorful guy. Twice-divorced, with an ex-wife prosecutor and an ex-wife receptionist/legal assistant/girl-Friday, his personal life is no less interesting than his professional one. As a defense attorney, he's seen his share of scumbag clients. The Lincoln Lawyer chronicles his defense of a high-rolling real estate broker accused of attempted murder of a prostitute. It also brings him face-to-face with his greatest fear: an innocent client - though these two issues may or may not be one and the same.

Connelly has penned one of the most intriguing novels I've read in a long time. Many thrillers out today are relatively predictable; I did not, however, see all the twists and turns coming in the pages of The Lincoln Lawyer. Pick it up today and enjoy the ride.

The Cheater - Nancy Taylor Rosenberg

Cheaters beware! Anne is on the loose. Having accidently walked in on her father and another woman, young Anne found herself abandoned along the side of the road in the middle of a snowstorm (yes, it's that far-fetched). She was found clinging to a fencepost, severely frostbitten, a few days later. No one ever responded to the media reports to claim this lost little girl.

To say Anne grew up with "issues" is an understatement. It's clear where Anne's issues stem from, but she is very good at hiding her hatred for men from those around her. In fact, she is well versed in the art of luring men away from their wives for illicit rendezvous in order to wreak her revenge on the cheaters of the world.

Overall, The Cheater was easy enough to read. The main characters were strong enough, but the supporting cast were a bit underdeveloped. It's worth checking out from the library, but not necessarily worth paying full price for at the book store.

Then again, perhaps Anne can give you a tip or two on taking out the trash . . .

American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld

From a car accident in high school that left a classmate dead to a twisted affair and subsequent abortion, Alice Lindgren was not the most likely candidate to become first lady. Particularly on a Republican ballot. Yet she did eventually fall in love with and marry Charles Blackwell, and supported his eventual runs for governor and President.

This novel revolves around two central plots. First, the love story. Alice and Charlie Blackwell, for all their differences, love one another. While he is a staunch Republican and she is essentially apolitical, though more liberal leaning, they forge a union wherein they can support one another as individuals. Obviously, the second (and central) plot, is the political story. A first lady with a past. One who disagrees with her husband's policy, yet mostly refrains from vocalizing her differing opinions.

Based loosely upon the life of Laura Bush and the administration of George W. Bush, this novel takes place during his term of office and includes the terrorist attacks of 2001 and subsequent war. It is important to remember that this is fiction and that much artistic liberty has been taken by the author.

Overall, American Wife is an enjoyable read, if not a little long at 555 pages. It may have been a lofty goal for me, having not done any serious reading since July!

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

This summer has been particularly busy at my house, and I've had little time to read. To pick this book off the shelf for my return was practically divine intervention.

Meet Enzo, a lab mix, whose master, Denny, is a race car driver. But don't be fooled into thinking Enzo is just an ordinary dog. Far from it. Enzo has the soul of a philosopher and the heart of a racer. He lives within the physical confines of his canine body, yet thinks much like you and I.

Enzo is the one that stands beside Denny as he builds his racing career, as he expands his world to include Eve and baby Zoe, and especially in the aftermath of Eve's death. Not only do Denny and Enzo have their grief to deal with, they are now in the race of their lives - fighting for custody of Zoe and facing a bogus child molestation charge.

This is an incredibly well-written book that made me experience a range of emotions. I laughed, I nearly cried, and I groaned out loud a time or two. In the end, it's the story of a loyal and faithful dog and his absolute love for his master.

If you're not a dog lover, you may find this book a little on the corny side, but I enjoyed every word it. In fact, it was one of those easy reads I found difficult to put aside. In the end, I couldn't help but fall in love with Enzo. Maybe you'll see a little Enzo in your dog.

The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams

The Chosen One is the story of Kyra, a teenage girl growing up in a Polygamist sect in Utah. She has one father, three mothers, and give or take 20 siblings. Each mother lives in her own trailer with her own children, and her father travels amongst them.

One day, the Prophet calls upon her family for a visit. This is no small thing. In fact, it requires all the wives and children to be present, dressed in their Sunday best. While most of the family wonders if Father has finally been chosen to serve as an Apostle, Kyra fears that her sins have been discovered by the God Squad and her family is about to be punished severely.

As it turns out, neither is true. Rather, Kyra has been chosen. The Prophet announces that God has revealed to him that Kyra shall become the seventh wife of her 60-year old uncle. At the tender age of 13, this girl is expected to wed her own father's older brother. Kyra is devastated, and her thoughts turn to freedom from the sect.

This book is so well written that I had to remind myself time and again that it was fiction. The author is from Utah, but the book cover says nothing of a Mormon or Polygamist background. Certainly, it appears Ms. Williams has either a vivid imagination or a chilling insight into that lifestyle. I finished this book in a couple of sittings, and found myself cheering for this girl-character with each and every page. Check it out today!

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelea

After weeks of eyeballing this cover, I finally picked it up just for the title. Not that I had any idea whatsoever who Chelsea Handler was. In fact, I was halfway through the book when a friend told me Chelsea had her own night time talk show. Ironically, a show that my own husband watches. - It made such perfect sense: this gal has spunk.

From her humble childhood to her own talk show, Chelsea Handler has made her own way in life. And, according to her book, there were plenty of bumps along the way. Personally, I'm still trying to figure out her obsession with midgets...

Having just finished The Shack, this was the perfect book. Definitely more humor than biography. Put on your readers and prepare to laugh.

The Shack - William P. Young

Imagine taking 3 of your children with you on a family camping trip and returning home with only 2. It's no wonder such an occurrence would propel Mackenzie Phillips into a crisis of faith. While his wife, Nan, remained strong in her faith (even referring to God as "Papa"), Mack lived with The Great Sadness.

One morning, a note arrived in Mack's mailbox telling him that Papa would be at the Shack that weekend. Papa...Nan's Papa? Certainly not his own father. And why would anyone pull such a cruel prank as to even mention the shack where his beloved Missy went missing?

Ultimately, Mack decides to return to the cabin for a weekend. Little does he know that he will come face-to-face with the trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I won't give away the unique description of the trinity presented in the book, but suffice it to say it will make you wonder. Over the course of the weekend, Mack enters into true relationship with the trinity and much healing takes place in his life which then overflows into his human relationships when he returns home.

The first 100 or so pages of this novel were a breeze, but I struggled with the remainder. I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with some of the author's perspectives and disagreeing (sometimes strongly) with yet others. The point is, it made me think. It made me question some of my own preconceived notions and both affirmed and challenged some of my spiritual beliefs. The important thing to take away from this novel is that each of us has a personal and individual relationship with God.

The Brass Verdict - Michael Connelly

Thanks to AJ and Dave for introducing me to Michael Connelly. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting defense attorney Mickey Haller as he returned from a post-rehab 1-year sabbatical. His plans of returning to defense work a little at a time were shattered by the discovery that collegue Jerry Vincent had died - been murdered, actually, leaving his 31 open cases to Haller.

The big case is that of Walter Elliott, who is accused of shooting down his wife and her German lover. The trial is set for 2 weeks out, and Elliott is adamant that there will be no continuance. In order to keep the case, Haller, his case manager Lorna (also his ex-wife), and his investigator Cisco, take the plunge and prepare for trial. Little did they know that this case would lead them into the world of jury tampering, a corrupt judge, and an ongoing FBI investigation.

Did I mention that Haller owns a fleet of Lincoln Town Cars and works out of the backseat? Gotta hand it to him - the guy's got character.

If you're into legal thrillers, you should check this one out.

Betrayal - John Lescroart

Have I told ya lately how much I adore Lescroart and his famous character, Dismas Hardy? I haven't read any of Lescroart's works in +/- a year, so this book was, in many ways, like coming home. That said, this novel varied from the author's typical structure.

Evan Scholler is an Army driver assigned to Kuwait. He and his men, however, get rerouted during transport and end up serving civilian Ron Nolan, who works for Allstrong Security. Nolan is all about the untraceable cash payments and will do any job to earn them, including assassinations. Eventually a bad situation goes worse, with Nolan's bad judgment bringing heavy fire down upon Evan and his men, with Evan ending up at Walter Reed with a very serious head injury. Being our hero, however, he does eventually make a full (and somewhat miraculous) recovery.

Every great book has to have a romantic interest, and Tara Wheatley is Evan's. And Ron's. This, in addition to all the hostility brewing between the men from their time in Iraq, eventually culminates in a vicious attack which leaves one man dead, the other on trial for his life. Enter defense attorney Dismas Hardy.

Absolutely worth reading, though true Lescroart fans will miss their beloved Dismas throughout a hefty portion of the novel.

Outside In - Courtney Thorne-Smith

Kate Keyes-Morgan has it all: an acting career on the hit soap opera Generations, the car, the house, and the husband (Hamilton), also her manager. Unfortunately, Kate realizes too late that she sold her soul to the devil to have this life. She regularly attends therapy with Penelope, a counselor chosen by Hamilton for her belief that a woman's sole mission in life is to create a safe haven for their husbands.

Eventually, Hamilton decides to take on the management of Sapphire Rose, the star of Generations, and, of course, dumps the wife for the doting girlfriend. Sapphire, naturally, is a conniving little tart, and eventually has Kate fired from the show. Kate finally gets mad and takes control of her own life, eventually landing on top.

Granted, the plot has been done before, but Thorne-Smith has written a novel worth reading. The characters are well-developed and believable, as is the dialogue.

It is also worth noting that the author starred as Alison on Melrose Place, Georgia on Ally McBeal, and Cheryl on According to Jim.

Body Movers: 2 Bodies for the Price of 1 - Stephanie Bond

Think you've got it bad? Imagine being the pampered 19-year old daughter of a prominent couple who wakes up to find her father indicted for fraud and embezzlement. Needless to say, daddy's reputation tanks, the wealth disappears, and the family moves to a "less-than-stellar" part of town.

But that's not it - oh, far from it! Dad decides to go on the lam and mom decides to join him. Um...except that they leave their 19-year old daughter and 9-year old son behind to fend for themselves. Ouch! Carlotta Wren's dreams of college - and rich fiance' - disappear in a flash as she's left to raise her brother in her deadbeat parents' wake. She does her best, but he turns into a juvenile delinquent anyway, and is arrested by none other than the same detective that nabbed her dad. And charged by the same prosecutor, of course.

From that point forward, it's a tangled web of antics. After 10 years of no contact with her parents, and at the prodding of the local police, Carlotta ends up faking her own death in a ploy to drag her folks out of hiding. You'll have to read it yourself to see how it unravels.

Looks like I grabbed the 2nd in a series of 3 Body Mover books, but it was still a great read, lots of laughs, and well written. I'll definitely be seeking out the 1st and 3rd novel to piece together the entire story.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards

David Henry makes a choice one fateful winter night that forever changes his life. When his wife, Norah, goes into labor, David carefully drives her to his medical clinic. The OB/GYN, however, has slid off in a ditch, leaving David (an orthopedic specialist) and his nurse to perform the difficult delivery. Shifting into professional, clinical mode, Nurse Gill administers gas to Norah as David delivers a beautiful, healthy baby boy. He also then delivers a baby girl, but David takes one look at this child and knows she has Down's Syndrome. In that instant, he passes the female infant, Phoebe, to his nurse and tells her to take the baby to a home for special needs children. He tells his wife that the little girl was born dead. Stunned, Caroline Gill takes the baby, but ends up not being able to leave her at the institution. Instead, she runs off to Pittsburgh with this new infant, and builds a life of her own, raising this Down's Syndrome child.

It's no wonder the marriage, strained by guilt, deceit, and grief, eventually ends. But what happens with Phoebe? Does Norah ever discover that her daughter is alive? Better start reading, folks!

I Am No One You Know - Joyce Carol Oates

Oates is a power house. She has the keen ability to stun the senses without being overly graphic, and can bend the mind with words. Her writing is descriptive, colorful, and imaginative. With lead-ins such as, "They brought him the skull in a plastic bag, in pieces. Like broken crockery it was," you can't help but wonder what's coming next.

This particular book is a collection of 19 short stories, all fiction. Some end more abruptly than others, and all end with a hook. At the start, I felt a bit abandoned as each story ended, shifting into yet another twist of the human psyche. Mid-book, however, I had developed an appreciation for Oates' craftiness in whetting the appetite in a way that left me yearning for more.

This is not mindless reading, as Oates guides the illusive cerebral carrot throughout the corners of the mind. Mystery buffs will love the classic intrigue weaved into every page; literary minds will thrive on the writing itself.

I Feel Bad About My Neck - Nora Ephron

Women at 40, 50, 60 and beyond have been vindicated in Ephron's book about life and aging. We all stand by and watch as the crow's feet multiply, the laugh lines deepen, the waist and hips widen. We fight the process with miracle creams, Botox injections, surgical intervention, diet, exercise, meditation - whatever the craze of the day happens to be, but there's no cure-all for growing older.

I Feel Bad About My Neck is a collection of essays that shed insight and humor on marriage, parenting, and aging in a way both sexes can relate to. In the end, it's all about putting it in perspective and realizing there's so much more to life than our physical appearance.

Unbeknownst to me, Ephron collaborated on such scripts as Bewitched, Hanging Up, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and When Harry Met Sally (among others). I'll definitely be picking up more of her collections in the future.

In Between The Sheets - Ian McEwan

Hailed as one of England's "most acclaimed practitioners of literary unease," I don't even know where to begin to blog about this McEwan novel. In Between The Sheets is one of his earliest works (if not his first) and is a collection of short stories, most of which delve further into the seedy underbelly of humanity than I care to ponder. I'm no prude, and have few "delicate sensibilities," but found some of these stories simply twisted. It is Stephen King-esque, only sordid. Freud would have a grand ole time with McEwan.

McEwan is the author of Atonement (a recent motion picture which I have not yet seen), and was highly recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I appreciate. Certainly, he writes with literary flourish not often seen today. With that in mind, I plan to read some of his newer work - perhaps even Atonement - to see if his subject matter has changed any through the years. Ironically, I have another collection of his early works on my bookshelf, but I think I'll take a breather and read something a bit more lighthearted and carefree before attempting to decipher the workings of this man's youthful mind.