Book Review - Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

How did I come into possession of this book?

I bought this book at a cute bookstore in Ann Arbor called Literati. We just happened to walk in when we were in town for a football game, and after seeing a lot of the staff picks being books I really enjoy, I found one by an author I knew but hadn’t read. The fact that it was a staff pick really sold me and that this was Rainbow Rowell’s adult book (I’ve read Eleanor and Park by her as well, but that is classified as young adult). I bought the book and have since used it as part of a postal book club*!

What is it about?

The book takes place in 1999, just before the millenium and one of the main characters is an IT guy who is preparing his company for Y2K. Along with that his job is also to monitor employees emails for anything inappropriate. He gets probably a bit too involved in conversations between a couple of women at the company, but can’t seem to pull himself away from reading about their lives that are so much more interesting than his.

What did I think?

I thought this was a fun quick read. There was nothing too in depth about it but it left you happy in the end. Although that brings me to one of my complaints about the book, I didn’t find the ending to be very believable. And with how Rowell’s book Eleanor and Park ended (very realistic) I thought this one might end in a realistic fashion. Unfortunately, I was let down and I just didn’t think it should’ve ended the way it did.  My other complaint about the book was how formal all the emails looked, if I’m writing an email it is not that formal especially if it is a personal email. I enjoyed the writing, as I knew I would.

Who would I recommend it to?

Anyone who wants a fun quick love-story type of read should pick up this book. I really liked how quick it was and how complete the story felt after being so short. If cute-sy love stories aren’t your thing, I’d steer clear!

*A postal book club is something I heard about on the podcast “Books on the Night Stand” and connected to one through their goodreads group! You are in a group of 6 and each person picks a book and reads it. You then write down your thoughts in a small journal and ship your book and the journal off to the next person! This happens every two months and by the end of the year, you get your book back with everyone’s thoughts in the journal!

Audio book review - Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

Why did I read this book?
I picked up the audio book at the library to help along my 45 minute commute while I was still in Kentucky.  Meg Cabot is usually associated with young adult books (she wrote the Princess Diaries!) so to see one by her in the "grown-up" section caught my attention, and the cover was cute so I grabbed it!

First Lines:
"I can't believe this. I can't believe I don't remember what he looks like!" (Cabot 2)

What is it about?
Lizzie is heading off to England to meet with her long distance boyfriend.  As soon as she shows up everything starts going wrong.  Her boyfriend lives with his parents, he isn't as cute as she remembers, and he's in some money trouble.  Realizing she's made a huge mistake traveling all the way to England and not wanting to spend the money to go home early she boards a train to France to meet up with a friends who is working at a french chateau for the summer.  But trouble seems to follow her there and she keeps opening her mouth at the wrong time.

Why you should read it!
This is serious chick-lit, and I loved every minute of it.  I listened to it on audio and the reader was great!  As a person, Lizzie got on my nerves but her adventurous spirit was very fun.  One thing I didn't expect from this book were the vivid settings.  When she gets to the french chateau and vineyard I really felt like I wanted to be there too!  It made for a nice change in your usual setting for a chick-lit novel.  This book was an easy listen and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this genre or just wants a fun summer read!

Reviews from around the blogosphere:

The Book Lady's Blog
The Book Scoop
Quinn's Book Nook

Did you read this book and review it on your blog? Let me know in the comments and I'll add your link!

Audio Book Review - Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews

How did I come into possession of this book?

This was part of a reading challenge I did during the summer.  I was supposed to go to a bookstore or library and grab the book on the fourth shelf from the top, 3 books from the left.  It could be any section of a store or library, so of course I picked the audio book section at my library and I ended up with Spring Fever!

First Lines:

“From her seat in the sanctuary of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Annajane Hudgens wondered if there had been a more flawless day for a wedding.”  (Andrews 1)

What is it about?

Annajane is finally ready to leave the small town she grew up in, and still lives and works.  Her ex-husband is getting remarried and she feels comfortable enough that she attends the wedding but that’s when things start to fall apart.  The story takes place in a charming southern town and some true southern characters.

What did I think?

I had no clue what to expect with this book since it was a random pick off the shelf.  I loved it!  I think I’m a fan of chick-lit as long as it doesn’t get too romance, lovely-dovey.  I especially loved Annajane, finally a strong female character who is going after what she wants and takes her life in control.  I also loved that there were other things surrounding the relationships, there were some great twists within the business that they all work for and when I thought I had the story figured out, suddenly there’d be another twist!  This was also a great book to listen to, easy to follow and kept me wanting to come back and listen to more.

Who would I recommend it to?

If you like chick-lit (Emily Giffin is a great example) you should pick up this book.  It is well written and never feels trashy which you tend to get with romance novels.  I’d recommend this book for traveling or any other time you’re looking for a nice light read!

Check out other reviews on this book from fellow bloggers:
Jersey Girls Book Reviews

Did you read this book and review it on your blog? Let me know in the comments and I'll add your link!