The 2009 Pub. Challenge Wrap-Up

Another one bites the dust. I also completed the Pub. Challenge this month. Here's my final list for this one:
1. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (completed 4/09/09)
2. Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/17/09)
3. Laura Rider's Masterpiece - Jane Hamilton (completed 3/29/09)
4. Jantsen's Gift - Pam Cope and Aimee Molloy (completed 4/20/09)
5. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti - Giulia Melucci (completed 4/06/09)
6. The Side-Yard Superhero - Rick D. Niece (completed 3/19/09)
7. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker (completed 1/26/09)
8. Playing with the Grown-Ups - Sophie Dahl (completed 2/24/09)
9. Dirty Little Angels - Chris Tusa (completed 3/14/09)

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon

Edie Swann heads back to her hometown, Redbud, with one intention only - and that is revenge. She has a list given to her by her dying aunt that has the five names of the men that her father had dealings with shortly before his tragic death. Her only problem is that someone starts off-ing these men making her the main suspect in their murders.

Local lawman and the man that makes Edie's heart race - Holt Drennen is handling the death cases of these prominent Redbud residents... but are they accidental deaths or murders? As his feelings for Edie grow so do his suspicions of her somehow being involved.

This book can be emotional when it delves into Edie's insecurities and fears. Although on the outside she might look tough riding a Harley, tattoos all over and wearing leather - she is rather fragile on the inside. She is a strong character that has to overcome her past and learn to live for herself and her future.

While spine-tingling is not a word that is usually associated with romance Annie Solomon makes it so by her masterful descriptions of these crimes. The not over descriptive intimate love scenes are frequent and varied throughout this read - add in a mysterious murderer, and you have a true page-turner.

There were some interesting plot lines, and the narrative was good enough to keep me intrigued, sometimes to push me to go to the next chapter when I know I should stop and go to bed. It definitely had me guessing as to the twists and turns it was going to take and I was never able to guess whodunnit until the very end. Overall, I enjoyed the book as a nice little romantic suspense read and would definitely recommend it.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies of ONE DEADLY SIN by Annie Solomon to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. And if you follow this blog or already are following leave me a note and I'll be glad to give you a second entry.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available for residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Friday - May 1.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

This is the story of Connie Goodwin, a doctoral candidate in American History at Harvard, who (upon her mother’s request) spends the summer cleaning and clearing out her grandmother's house that has been vacant for 20 years in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Little did Connie know what she was in store for when she agreed to this tedious task.

While browsing through her grandmother’s old books, Connie stumbles upon a very old key in a bible. Attached to this key is an equally old slip of paper with the name, Deliverance Dane.

Told through flashbacks from Salem in the late 1690's we learn the story of Deliverance, a woman condemned as a witch in 1692, her daughter and eventually her granddaughter, as well as the history of the "Receipt Book" which is handed down from generation to generation.

As Connie tries to get the house back to rights in order to sell it for lack of payment of taxes, she is also working on her doctorate course and is persuaded by her adviser to find Deliverance's physick book otherwise known as a Shadow Book which might be the perfect topic for her doctorate - having found an unknown Salem witch.

I could not put this down! -- this is historical fiction at it's finest. It makes you want to know more about the time and immerses you wholly in it's world. The link in the story between contemporary times and the past is gripping as well as the commentary on religion and the Salem Witch Trials. I especially liked that Ms. Crouch uses so much detail when describing Salem in 1692. The houses, the way they talked, dressed, lived was all very detailed. She uses real names and events to depict Deliverance’s demise. She definitely did her research and it was neat to read that she was related to two of the named witches. I highly recommend this.

This book will be available in June, so make sure to make a note of it and put it on your TBR list so you don’t forget to pick up a copy. In my opinion, you will not be disappointed. I’m dying to see what the finished product will look like - since I only have an ARC. But the binding, with its flap covering the pages, beautiful artwork, and thick paper makes this book quite a treasure.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci

A memoir of Giulia Melucci's fizzled romances... and although that doesn’t sound very enticing, I must say that there are some mouth-watering recipes intertwined with the telling of these romances that will definitely make up for it.

Throughout this memoir we go from Giulia’s first boyfriend Kit, to Ethan (the love of her life), Mitch (I didn’t like him much), a couple of writers, a hippie older guy, and eventually Lachlan (a Scot who eventually used her and dumped her). Call me nosey, but I actually like reading about people’s relationships. I liked reading about all the ups and downs of her romances. And although, yes, there was a time or two where I felt frustrated for her, I felt that in the end she learned to love herself as a person and realize that because someone doesn’t love you, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t love yourself.

I loved that she had a recipe for all the moments in life. The recipes range from very simple to something I wouldn’t even try (since I don’t cook!) - but they all seemed simple enough. I especially liked the "F*ck You Cupcakes" - that was great!

This is a memoir and cookbook all wrapped up in one. So, if you like eating, cooking and have ever been in a bad relationship (who hasn’t?) this is a book you’ll enjoy.

Laura Rider's Masterpiece by Jane Hamilton

Laura Rider lives with her husband, Charlie, in Hartley, Wis., where they own and run the Prairie Wind Farm. After 12 years of marriage, Laura decides to stop sleeping with Charlie, and although Charlie’s best talent is lovemaking, she has decided that she’s done with the whole "sex" thing. Upon meeting local public radio host Jenna Faroli, Laura decides that the time has come to fulfill her fantasy and write a romance novel. It just so happens that fate was on her side and there was a chance meeting between Charlie and Jenna. Laura sees this meeting as her chance to experiment and helps Charlie concoct e-mails to Jenna and inspire a friendship of sorts. Little does Laura know that Charlie and Jenna have their own plans that ignite a feisty affair.

I found it a bit hard to get through the first couple of chapters, but eventually the story started to grow on me. I especially liked reading the e-mails between the supposed-Charlie and Jenna. And, although Laura was mischievous, conniving and manipulative (at times) - she was also quite funny and I really ended up liking her.

Overall, I thought this story was fun, and Ms. Hamilton’s writing was witty and smart.

This book has not been released yet, it comes out on April 9, 2009.

The Side-Yard Superhero by Rick D. Niece

Rick Niece is the President of The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas. The Side-Yard Superhero is his "automythography". What’s an automythography you ask? According to Rick it is "A work of nonfiction that looks reflectively at what we think we remember and how we think we remember it; an iridescent memory based upon truth and fact."

The Side-Yard Superhero is Rick’s account of what it was like to grow up in DeGraff (a small town in Ohio) with about 900 residents. Rick (back then known as Ricky) recounts his job of paperboy (that he kept until he moved out for college) and the neighbors he met on his daily route, along with what it was like growing up in a town where you knew everyone, local Friday hangouts and the carnival coming to town.

Through Ricky we are introduced to several characters:

Fern an elderly woman who worked for a newspaper at the turn of the century and who now resided with her dog. Fern had a tendency of walking around the neighborhood in just her brassiere and pants (this was her normal everyday attire). We meet Miss Lizzie - she was somewhat of a recluse due to the loss of her fiancé during WWI but who could bake the best pumpkin loaf in town. But especially we meet Bernie Jones. Bernie Jones is a boy Ricky befriends on his paper route who is wheelchair bound due to cerebral palsy. Everyday Ricky delivered the paper - Bernie waited in the side-yard of his home so that they could sit together and read Dick Tracy comics, talk about school, life and dreams.

Each chapter is a story of its own. We learn of the Saturday that Rickie took Bernie along with him on his paper route, and the Halloween where he and Bernie helped Miss Lizzie hand out her pumpkin loaf to all the towns trick-or-treaters. Bernie gets his name of Side-Yard Superhero from dressing up like Superman that year. We also read of the year the carnival came to town and Ricky was able to ride Bernie on the teacup ride. I enjoyed reading of the stories that relate to the wonderful support and relationships Ricky and his neighbors had. It makes you think about the importance of your roots. I also found myself looking forward to reading the fantastic poems at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall, I thought this book was touching and insightful. It helps you think of the simplicity in life and the basics of what is important. It’s a story about friendships, promises and growing up. This was just such a nice, feel good read. I highly recommend it .

Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

Willow O’Keefe is born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type III - otherwise known as brittle bone disease. Willow’s bones can break by just sneezing or turning over in bed while sleeping. She will suffer hundreds of broken bones throughout her life span.

After a horrible experience in Disney World, the family consults an attorney and they are introduced to the term "Wrongful Birth". The attorney’s and Charlotte (Willow's mother) believe that Willow’s condition was not diagnosed in time for Charlotte to have the option of whether or not to terminate the pregnancy. Therefore a malpractice lawsuit is filed against her OB/GYN and BFF, Piper.

This lawsuit is the main focus and the one that sets the wheels in motion throughout the story. It is also what makes and breaks these people; including two marriages, friendships, and two innocent girls.

Charlotte O'Keefe has to convince a jury that although she loves her daughter unconditionally, the cost and ability to properly raise her is just something that her family cannot afford and therefore must come from someone else, all by standing up in front of a jury and admitting that if she had prior knowledge to her daughter's condition, she would have terminated the pregnancy.

Written in the same style of "My Sister's Keeper", this story is told from different perspectives (Charlotte; Sean - Willow’s dad; Amelia - Willow’s older sister; Piper - Charlotte’s OB/GYN and best friend; and Marin - Charlotte’s attorney) - yet, all the chapters are written as letters to Willow. To avoid confusion, all characters have their own chapters and their own font-type so that you are aware of who you are living through at the moment.

I’ve read several reviews that say that this story is a remake of "My Sister’s Keeper" and, although there are some similarities, I found the storyline to be very engrossing and something that I honestly could not put down.I also read some reviews that say that the story was too much like Picoult’s other books and therefore predictable, but I did not find this to be true.

I learned so much about OI and, of course, plan on googling to learn more about it. I laughed and I cried and was at war with myself on who was right or who was wrong. I will say that I cried just about every other page for the first couple of chapters, then totally lost it at the end, but what a ride through moral/ethical issues. I hope you enjoy it through your tears, I know I did.

Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa

Dirty Little Angels is told through the view point of Hailey Trosclair - a 16 year old teen living in the slums of New Orleans. Through Hailey we learn of her family, friends and what life is like for a teen who hasn't been dealt the best hand in life.

We also meet an assortment of characters: Cyrus - the over-protective older brother who knows just when to use his set of brass knuckles. Her parents - her father is a jobless, adulterous, alchoholic and her mother - who is suffering from depression due to a miscarriage. We also meet Verma - witty family friend, and then there is Moses Watkins - an ex-con, ex-preacher who is trying to start a drive-through church.

There is so much going on in this short book (drugs, sex and violence). But in the end, it is a book about family - love for one's family; and it will test you and ask you, what would you do to keep and protect your family? To what lengths would you go?

Chris Tusa’s prose is chillingly effective at maintaining a sense of dread, along with a palpable tension amongst his characters. I liked that he is economical in his choice of words to evoke scenes and emotions.

A good story--a little off-beat--but I really liked Hailey, even though there were moments when she wasn't so likable. To be honest, I liked that all the characters were jaded and imperfect - they were real.

I found it to be an absolutely enthralling, exciting, depressing, uplifting, tear inducing, story-telling book.

Playing with the Grown-Ups by Sophie Dahl

This novel tells the life experiences of a young girl (Kitty) on the cusp of adulthood and her self-destructive "mummy" Marina. It is a beautifully written coming-of-age tale which develops quite a gritty sting in the latter half while describing Kitty's teen years. Throughout the story we read about Kitty’s idyllic life in the country with her grandparents, mummy, aunts, siblings and nanny, her stay at boarding schools, the moving back and forth between England and the U.S., her friendships, drugs, alcohol, sex, and just the wildness of it all. Yet, I enjoyed this even when it became a little harrowing.

I found the ending a bit disappointing. After all that we went through with Kitty, it just leaves you to imagine what she has to overcome in order to lead a better life. You obviously know that she was able to overcome her mother’s influence and eventually make a life for herself in New York, but you just don’t read how she was able to do it (you know this from the first chapter - so I’m not giving anything away). It would have been nice to read how she was able to get herself out of the hole she was in and better herself and her life.

Moving, well-written, tender-hearted coming of age/mother-daughter relationship story. Utterly charming and I couldn’t help wondering if some parts were autobiographical. I think anybody who had a slightly unconventional childhood will be able to relate to this in some way.

And just in case you were wondering, Sophie Dahl is Roald Dahl’s granddaughter.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

Truly Plaice is a larger than life character in every sense of the phrase. She is physically enormous and continues to grow and grow - not only in body but in character, soul and heart.

Truly was not born into a happy and easy life. For one, her mother dies after giving birth to her (she was big from the start). Several years later, her father passes away and leaves her sister Serena Jane and Truly at the hands of the local townsfolk, causing the two to be separated from each other. While Serena Jane goes to live at the local vicar’s house and is given anything her littler heart desires, Truly is sent to live at the Dyerson farm, where life is hard and tough and you have to work hard for what you want. Yet there was always a separation between both sisters - where Truly is large, sturdy, loyal and ugly (on the outside), Serena Jane is petite, beautiful, fragile, flighty and selfish.

Through Truly’s eyes, we are taken on a journey through her life where we meet the people who make lasting impressions on her soul and in our minds. First, there is Robert Morgan, the doctor/brother-in-law who torments Truly for most of his life. Then we meet Marcus, the smartest boy in town who stole Truly’s heart through letters while he was fighting for our country. We also meet Ms. Prissy Sparrow - the teacher who was the first to call Truly "Giant". Amelia, the true sister she finds and the family who took her in when she had no where else to go, who taught her to take life’s punches as they come but to be true to yourself at all times. Truly’s story and the relationship she forges with these people is truly unforgettable.

The magic, the sense of finding oneself through a lifetime of not fitting in anywhere, and coming to peace with that is quite brilliant! This was a charming, heartwarming story with a larger-than-life heroine that was a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.

The 2009 Pub. Challenge

Rules:

1- Read a minimum of 9 books first published in 2009. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2009, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2008, and then published in the USA in 2009, it counts. Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2009. Any questions on what qualifies? Just leave a comment here, and I’ll respond with the answer.
2- No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
3- At least 5 titles must be fiction.
4- Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
5- You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.
6- Sign up below using Mr. Linky.

Have fun reading your 2009 books!

My List:
1. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (completed 4/09/09)

2. Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/17/09)

3. Laura Rider's Masterpiece - Jane Hamilton (completed 3/29/09)

4. Jantsen's Gift - Pam Cope and Amy Molloy (completed 4/20/09)

5. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti - Giulia Melucci (completed 4/06/09)

6. The Side-Yard Superhero - Rick D. Niece (completed 3/19/09)

7. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker (completed 1/26/09)

8. Playing with the Grown-Ups - Sophie Dahl (completed 2/24/09)

9. Dirty Little Angels - Chris Tusa (completed 3/14/09)