If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern

A few weeks ago, Stephanie and I went to Starbucks and while we were talking I accidentally called someone (I think my boyfriend) Ivan. I loved the story so much and if I was to create a list of qualities a man must have, I would base them on Ivan. I am not saying he is perfect, but the tenderness of his being and selflessness are definitely worth noting. I mean haven’t we all imagined what it would be like to be with someone who was perfect to us? I know I have. What if you were the only one who could the one you love?

The interesting thing about the story is that Ahern created a different type of heroine. By different I mean there were times when I wanted to slap her, but as the story develops it’s easy to understand her situation and the reason she acted the way she did. One of the best qualities about Elizabeth was her sense of loyalty. No matter what, no matter how she felt, and no matter what happened she fought. Her mother abandoned her family when she was younger. Her father barely speaks to her; her sister is a disaster and irresponsible mother. Elizabeth had to take care of her six-year-old nephew Luke, because her sister wouldn’t do it. Luke (even if you don’t like kids) is a really sweet child who needs to be loved and cared for. Elizabeth loves and takes care of him, but she doesn’t know how to show affection. At times she can be too harsh for a child his age, but he is surprisingly mature.

The beginning of the story is a little slow and I have to say that I really had to push myself to continue reading, but once Ivan was introduced I was in love. Ivan has the innocence and fun of a child, but he is also very knowledgeable and caring. The purity of his love and his intentions are so sweet! But Ivan has never met anyone who made him feel the way Elizabeth did, and it was a new phase in his life and he was forced to make a decision that would be best for everyone. Ivan thought Elizabeth that it was okay to let go, to have fun and to share her feelings with people around her. Ivan proved that there is always a second chance at love, and sometimes all we need is to let go for one day. To me, Ivan was that hope that Elizabeth had deep down, to find someone to love, and to finally let herself be happy.

Before I read this story, I would have never read a story with an ending that wasn’t what I expected. I mean, we all want to have a happy ending but sometimes a happy ending doesn’t deliver the message of a story, and I think I just wanted some change. Now, don’t get me wrong I am not saying there is no happy ending, but perhaps it’s not an ending that we are all used to. I am currently reading another book by Ahern, I really like her style and her books are sweet and sentimental (not sappy).

Take Me by Bella Andre

I've read a few Bella Andre books prior to this one. They're fun, easy reads; something you can curl up with and get lost in for a few entertaining hours. It was exactly what I was looking for when I picked up Take Me. (And by "picked up" I mean downloaded to my phone.)

Lily Ellis has curves -- soft, beautiful curves. The kind of voluptuous body she fears Travis Carson, the man she's always loved from afar, would never crave. But Lily is about to be proven wrong. Her adventure begins when the demure San Francisco interior decorator agrees to model a plus-size dress for her fashion designer sister. Watching this sensual beauty move down the runway, Travis can't believe it's the same Lily he's always known -- and always rejected. In a whirlwind of electric attraction, Lily is soon moaning Travis's name in his bed, not just in her wild fantasies. But Lily is all too aware that she's nothing like his past lovers. Determined to beat Travis at his own game by guarding her true feelings, Lily partners with him on a business deal that takes them all the way to Italy. In the seductive warmth of the Tuscan sun, Lily plays a game of desire with the hot-blooded Travis. Will she be burned by an all-consuming ecstasy or will Travis open his heart to the sexy, exciting, and lasting love she has to offer?

Books like this one are what keep me up until all hours of the morning. While I anticipated a fun, easy read, I got so much more than that. There was so much emotion and a depth to the characters I wasn't expecting. My hands and feet were twitching all over the place.

(I should explain that, shouldn't I? But how when I don't even understand it myself? When I get really sucked into the emotion of a book, I get these not-quite-painful twinges in my hands and feet. I know. It's weird. Whatev.)

We've touched on plus-sized heroines briefly in the past and while I was a little apprehensive when I realized Lily was just that, Ms. Andre pulled it off. It was lovely to watch Lily come out of her shell, stop dressing down, and finally take pride in her appearance. I know from first hand experience how easy it is to cover up when you're feeling less than attractive. But there are pretty, flattering clothes for all body types and it's amazing how wearing something pretty can make you feel pretty. And when you realize how much you like to feel pretty, you'll want to keep feeling pretty. And, oh, it's the start of all these wonderful habits! (Obviously, this is a topic more near and dear to my heart than I realized.)

And then there was Travis. That asshole. Well, only at first. Some of the best heartwrenching and emotional moments came while Travis was coming to terms with the loss of his parents, how it had made him lash out at Lily and keep everyone at arms length. (Men. They can be such dummies.) I admit, Travis caused me more than one wistful sigh while reading.

(Oh, and by the way, yes it is weird to read an erotic romance with a character that shares the same name as your kid brother. Shudder.)

While I did feel that the book was a teeny, tiny bit rushed at times, I was glad to not be left with any loose threads. It was a good book; fun, entertaining, totally sweet, and hot. And isn't it the best when you read a book that, while maybe not totally perfect, is exactly what you wanted at the time? I just love that.

One Day by David Nicholls

Someone once told me “guys and girls can’t be friends.” His theory was that there are always hidden intentions in that sort of relationship. This someone and I were friends for a while and later became a couple. After we broke up he reminded me that he was my “friend” only because he had an interest in me and wanted to date me. Our relationship was not really a normal one after we broke up (big surprise!). Anyway, One Day reminded me of the good times I’ve had and with people who have meant something to me. The book was not something I am used to reading, and I was pleased to finish the story. I was pleased to finish the story because it is not in English, so you’ll have to translate everything (keep your hair on! I was kidding). I have to say that I read this book a little slow because I had to look up some words (crockery, the bollocks, nappy, crisps). Oh, the cultural differences!

One Day

I found the structure of the book interesting; the story is told by revisiting the lives of Emma and Dexter every July 15. When I first read the reviews I have to say that I was worried, but the book was well organized. Emma and Dexter are acquaintances from school and after graduation spend the night together. They are initially attracted to each other, but they don’t become romantically involved that night. It was interesting to see how their lives evolved apart.

Dexter leaves to travel but keep in contact with Emma. She writes him letters (hilarious) about the job she hates and about what she wishes to accomplish. Dexter is comes from a wealthy family and becomes a TV personality, eventually his job gets to his head and he starts using drugs. Emma on the other hand, is a waitress and hates her job. Unlike Dexter Emma accomplishes her most of her goals at a slower rate than Dexter. Because Dexter has chosen this unhealthy lifestyle, it has given him a different perspective of Emma and they stop talking to each other. Have you heard of such a thing?! I mean, the main characters have nothing to do with each other for two years. Nicholls created great characters and it was easy to want more from them individually. Anyway, they eventually started to see each other at friend’s weddings and eventually reconciled. They both have relationships with other people, but it’s easy to understand that they would much rather be together. Eventually Dexter decides to get married to Sylvie, who cheats on him with his college friend. At this point Emma is successful and has moved to Paris to work on her book, and Dexter meets her there. Paris is the city of love, yeah? Because Emma ditches her hot French guy to spend time with Dexter.

I loved both characters, but I really liked Emma she was definitely not “all fur coat and no knickers” She had her knickers on. Emma was passionate, smart,witty, and had great taste in music. I loved her sense of humor and her overall loyalty to Dexter. She made him a better man, and it was sweet to see that he knew this. Even though he had the fame and the “friends” at any given moment, he would have rather talked to Emma. Too bad there were things they never said to each other, but still they knew they depended on one another. I would definitely recommend this book, it was a very lovely.

Book of the Month: The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

So, Z and I have grand ideas of having these wonderfully witty and insightful discussions about each Book of the Month selection. Eventually, we'd love to have people submit their picks and then have everyone vote. Until these grand ideas take off, we're left choosing.

For August, I've chosen The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. (Even if you don't read the book, at least click over to his GoodReads page. I've been wistfully sighing over his photo for an embarrassing amount of time.)

Several months ago, an internet friend of mine recommended the book and since then, he's been hounding me and hounding me. I'm a third of the way through... and stuck. Don't get me wrong! It's good! But as you can see by my wall o' porn to the right there, this book just doesn't quite have what I can't seem to get enough of lately. (I'll give you one guess.)

Maybe if I know there are people actually reading along with me and anticipating a discussion in just a few weeks time, I'll finally get my shit together and finish it. That would sure make at least one person happy. (Well, two if you include me. I hate not finishing books.)

Read it with me, won't you? Pretty, pretty please?

Poll: social networking sites

So, Z and I have been a little lax lately with this here blog, but that's all about to change. Starting with a new poll. There are lots of social networking sites, but we're talking about those for readers. And there are a bunch out there. Most I wasn't even aware of until Zuyen made a list. So, I insist (if you're interested, that is) that you let us know what your faves are and, if it's not offered on the poll, share your favorite sites in the comments. And... go.