Coconut Library

Big Boned :: Review

 
Big Boned by Meg Cabot
 paperback 384 pages
published 2007 by Avon Trade
 $7.00 at Powell's Books

Type of Book: {Beach Read: fluffy, mindless, easy to read}
Rating: {Eh: not my favorite, but fine enough to finish the book}

Why You're Reading This Book: 

•  You want a bit of mystery
• A tiny hint of thriller (the tiniest bit)
• A sassy, funny chick-lit heroine
• You enjoyed Book 1 and Book 2 in the series so you want to finish off with a bang

What I Thought:
This is the culmination of Meg Cabot's Heather Wells Mystery series. I listened to this last one on audio... don't do that. I enjoyed making up Heather's voice and style in my head and when I heard the actresses voice who read the book, it felt off to me. Heather was sly, sarcastic, a little out of the norm and the reader's voice sounded a bit like a Disney princess (audio publisher's do this often and I just cannot figure out why... I think it can destroy a book).

Though this was my least favorite (possibly because I didn't like the reader's voice) about Heather Wells, I still liked it well enough. Somewhat formulaic by this point, but at least you know what to expect and loose ends are tied up in this finale. 

Conclusion:
The search for Unputdownables continues!

Buy it from Powell's Books for $7.00 (and CL earns commission!)

Big Boned (Heather Wells Mysteries )
by Meg Cabot

Size 14 is Not Fat Either

 

 

Heather Wells is back at it again. In Size 14 is Not Fat Either (the sequel to Size 12 is Not Fat) It is now the second semester of her first year of being a residence hall assistant director. Only now the dorm has been labeled Death Dorm because yet another murder has occurred. This addition to the series features a bit more love and the end is slightly less cheesy than the first one. I highly recommend this series to people who love chick-lit and all of the goodies that it brings, yet also enjoy a good mystery. Meg Cabot has the ability to make something that could be scary into a lighter more funny story. I think this series is highly entertaining and very easy to read. What I particularly like is that they are definitely light, chick-lit books but have the twist of the mystery mixed in. And while the mysteries wrap up neatly by the end of each book, the love story keeps us guessing. Still after two books, I don't know who she will end up with, and this book leaves us with a cliffhanger in that department. The next book, Big Boned is the last in the series, so I imagine the romance will heat up that story as it comes to its conclusion.

Really, the only negative to these books is the annoying way the author continues to write "... blah, blah, blah dorm, I mean residence hall..." throughout both books. It's just not funny and we get the picture. I've read some complaints about that -- and I agree -- she can stop doing that now. But other than that (well that and the titles, which really don't have much to do with the plot), these are delightful books for the beach, the bath, or just a weekend of light, frivolous reading!

Enjoy, and don't forget about your chance to win all three of these books this month!
Four Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

Sunday Salon -- Size 12 is Not Fat

 

I was at the book store, the other day, buying a gift for a friend when I came across Meg Cabot's book, Size 12 is Not Fat. Did I need this book? No. Did I want to take that title to the cash register for the clerk to see? No. {Keep in mind that I'm the girl who has a hard time even buying tampons. At 30 years-old}. Did I need a break from the very entertaining, but incredibly long The Crimson Petal and the White? Yes.

{I am really liking Crimson, by the way, but honestly-- it would be a miracle for a book that is almost a thousand pages to hold my attention {non-stop} the entire way through. So, I've read a few books while reading Crimson, and now I've decided to read a few books instead of reading Crimson... then I'll be ready to head back into it full force.} 

Okay, back to my story. So I was perusing the aisles at the book store when the title {Size 12, in case you forgot} caught my eye. I tried to put it back, but just couldn't. I really wanted something pretty brainless to veg out to. It's been awhile since I've read one of those easy, lose yourself in them, better-than-fries-and-with-a-milkshake books. Well, maybe not better than, but just as good as. So, I walked confidently up to the cash register {really, who cares what that I'm buying a book that's title is embarrassing, right? I'm 30 years old.. time to grow up}, placed the gift books on the counter as well as Size 12, and told the man behind the counter that I would indeed need gift receipts for all the books please. OK, so I'll never buy embarrassing books without either ordering them from Amazon or buying them "for a friend" and getting a gift receipt. Kuddos to you brave souls who can. 

So, I opened Size 12 yesterday and have not stopped reading since - unless I need to be doing something else. Like going to the bathroom, for example. Which I've taken to holding for as long as I can so I don't have to put the book down. Or even leaving the house for plans I have, and {seriously} considering whether I should bring the book along just in case I have a chance to read a few pages {I was heading out for a party, by the way... no instances of book reading would have been appropriate - even for me}.

What is the premise of this book? Good question. Heather Wells, residence hall assistant director, gets involved in solving the mystery of the murders of two freshman girls in the residence hall she works at in New York City. While I am THE world's most ridiculous scaredy-cat, this book has not frightened me in the least. Which is weird, because the murders are kind of creepy... but the author writes in such a light, funny way that it doesn't bother me at all. And, in fact, I am really into the mystery. Which, with only about 50 pages {ok maybe a little  more than 50 pages} left, I think I have it figured out... but I'm not positive. Which is funny because I'm usually the person who reads the book {or watches the movie} and has it figured out about half way in. Not to say that this book is going to win any crazy awards for writing and mystery plot, but it should. It should win the So-Damn-Entertaining-That-I-Hold-My-Pee-Because-I-Don't-Want-to-Stop-Reading Award. And that's an award an author can be proud of. So, it's a treat to read something fun like this that has me wondering if I should go buy the sequel before I'm finished with the first so I don't get have an {in my head, of course, not out loud} tantrum that I can't finish the series until the book store opens. Unless, of course, it is on my Kindle {note to self: check on that immediately after finishing this post}.

To end, this heroine is a likeable, not entirely ridiculous character, which is something I look for in chick-lit because I'm over the protagonists who make me want to slap them silly. The plot moves along at a brisk pace and the reader is not bogged down with heady or boring back story. It is the perfect book for a long plane ride or a day at the beach {or a night when the only break you'll have to take is to get up to go to the bathroom, assuming you'll allow yourself ;)}. 
Four Coconuts *** I changed this from 5 to 4 after reading the ending {a bit cheesy} but still kept my attention to the last page!

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

P.S. I've included this book in my shop, in the right hand column of this page, for those of you who prefer to order your embarrassing titles from Amazon. :)

P.P.S. Need I remind you that this is chick-lit, not Hemingway? I've seen some reviews of this book that are pretty intense, which makes me wonder if people were confused, or somehow missed the title, when buying the book. This is definitely a gold star, unputdownable chick-lit novel... enjoy accordingly. {And remember it has been rated accordingly, as well -- against other books in its own genre}.

Brava, Valentine

 Brava, Valentine is the sequel to a book that I really enjoyed, Very Valentine. The title, Very Valentine, is perhaps an off-putting one. I know I thought it was going to be cheesy when it was suggested to me, but decided to forge ahead because the recommendation came from someone who was not prone to reading sappy novels. I assure you, Very Valentine is not corny but rather a sweet, good story with an original, while still familiar, tone and a satisfying plot. Although it has  nothing to do with Valentine's Day, it is about a woman who is named Valentine, it involves love of all sorts. 

I suggest that you read Very Valentine before you attempt the sequel, as I imagine you will get lost if you don't. 

At the time of this post, my local library is just receiving this book and has three holds on it already. When it comes up for availability I will be checking it out to review it for you. If you happen to read it first, don't be shy to put up a note about what you thought!

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

P.S. Kindle owners, both of these books are available on your Kindles for less than $10. 

Summer at Willow Lake

 Summer at Willow Lake is the first in Susan Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles. (The most recent is Lakeshore Christmas, new this season). Apparently, you don't need to read each of the books in the series... you can pick up any one you want and you will be fine. However, I like to read a series from the beginning, even if just because that's the way it was written.

Summer at Willow Lake is Olivia Bellamy's story. Olivia is a successful designer who stages homes for the real estate market; setting up homes with a few small changes or improvements to make them more inviting and sellable. She loves her job, and is happy enough with her life. However, when she and her boyfriend break up she agrees to take a job from her grandparents; to spruce up the summer camp that they owned (which all the children in their family attended... including Olivia) for their 50th anniversary and vow-renewal ceremony. Along with her best friend and sometimes partner, Freddy, and closest cousin, Dare, Olivia begins the camp restoration project. The setting itself is perfect for those of us who have fond and numerous camp memories of our own, but thrown in Connor Davis (Olivia's old camp love), a family secret, and a good dose of hope and restoration for the people in this story as well, and you've got a 534 page cozy, charming read for anyone. 

I already have The Winter Lodge (#2 in this series) waiting to be read, and if they are all this comforting I will be finishing this high-GoodReads-reader-rated series before you know it!
Three Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

Spooning

Meet Charlotte--a.k.a. Charlie--Brown: a recent college grad and newly minted New Yorker, eager to begin her grown-up life. All kinds of "firsts" await her in the big city: her first real job, first loves, first heartaches, and most important, her first time living on her own. Enter Charlie's mom, who subtly suggests that her daughter might want to learn some grown-up skills--like cooking--to go with her fifth-floor walk-up. 
Together with her friends, Charlie forms a cooking club to convene once a month, to share food and swap recipes, and to gossip about the drama of their new lives. Charlie has lots to dish about when she lands a job as an assistant to Jane Dough, the domestic diva of daytime television. As the girls begin to gain some culinary expertise, Charlie decides to use her newfound skills to ensnare the man of her dreams: a certain Mr. J. P. Morgan, a roguish investment banker who can charm Charlie with a glance but remains hopelessly aloof. Yet as Charlie becomes ever savvier in the kitchen, she grows savvier about love as well--and begins to realize that even the most delicious-looking package can lack substance and real flavor underneath. 
With a sparkling voice that bubbles along like champagne fizz, "Spooning" is an irresistible tale of food, friendship, and what it takes to find the perfect recipe for romance. (book description from indiebound)

This cute, chick-lit book was written by two friends, Darri Stephens and Megan DeSales. Stephens used to work for Martha Stewart (aka Jane Dough), so some of the inside info is interesting knowing who Charlie's bosses character (and drama) is based on. One gets the feeling that these ladies probably lived much of this story, and it is also one that you (at 22) might have lived, and have fun reminiscing about. To boot, there are some really yummy recipes at the beginning of each chapter... I made sure to add a few to my own personal collection!

Light, enjoyable, and just engaging enough to keep you reading until the warm, charming end; this book is great when your brain needs a bit of a vacation, even if you can't physically take one. 
Three Coconuts

Enjoy!

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

The Penny Pincher's Club

Kat, the protagonist, finds out her husband is going to leave her after their daughter graduates from high school in June. Devastating, yes, but what's more so is that Kat knows nothing about finances because she, like so many women, left "that business" up to her husband (who has recently opened a separate credit card and bank account that she can't touch, thank you very much). 

Luckily, her older sister, Viv, takes her to a high powered lawyer who gives her the best advice of her life... she must learn about her financial world and she must create a nest egg. Enter the Penny Pinchers Club, a cast of quirky characters including Kat's (now ex) cleaning lady, who help her figure out that she is $37,000 in debt (oh yes), and then teach her how to budget, save, and climb out of that monster of a hole she's dug for herself. In the process of doing this work on organizing her life, gaining perspective about her spending habits, and conserving for her future (all without telling her husband that she knows about his plans or that she is saving up for the inevitable, and very expensive, divorce), Kat ends up spending more time with her family than she has in years, ventures out on her own to fulfill her business dream (because of her necessity to make more money), and learns a much needed lesson about personal finances and the importance of having a handle on them. 

Of course, add a dash of romance and intrigue by throwing in Liam, Kat's ex-almost-fiance who is recently divorced, wealthy, and still in love with Kat. And don't forget that twist of "oh, shoot, are you sure?!" at the end to really seal the deal.
Four Coconuts

Stay Tuned: Coming Next Week...
* The Washington Post: Chapter One Site information
* Best of... List 
* One Thousand White Women (review)

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

How to Meet Cute Boys

Months ago I had a book recommended to me called How to Meet Cute Boys. It's fiction-- don't worry. It looked cute, so I put it on my to-read list. A few weeks ago, while perusing the audiobooks at my library, I saw it in CD form. Deciding it would be as good a time as any to read it, I went to the desk to check it out. An older gentlemen librarian was waiting to do me the honors, so I placed the book on the counter in front of him. He picked it up, read the title aloud (I started blushing, but kept my head held high, it's just a book - right? No reason to be embarrassed), and then proceeded to look me up and down, glance back at the book, "how to meet cute boys, huh?" And then look at me again. "Ok," he finally said and swiped my library card. I suppose this meant that although he thought I was crazy, and was trying to determine if I should require help to meet cute boys, he decided to let me utilize my right to check out whatever materials I wanted.

This book was perfect as an audiobook. It wasn't too deep, and it was ok if I had to concentrate on traffic for a moment and missed a line or two. It was very cute and, at times, a bit too close to home -- probably for all twenty-something women (or those who have been twenty-something women) out there who have ever dated (and those of you who are denying it, I've probably listened to too many of your stories to have you shaking your heads like you don't know what I'm talking about). While on a few occasions (especially towards the end), the protagonist's decisions were highly irritating, I can't say that they were entirely foreign to me. Though the moments that she describes in this book wouldn't be anybody's high points, they are all too familiar to my ears (and heart) given the stories that have been confided to them. Again, this is a book that many women would never admit how closely they can relate (at least at one time or another), but most would be lying for shame. Those who have lived past these moments can use it as a path marker and cringe and laugh, while sighing in relief that those days are (hopefully) behind us. 

I would recommend this book as an audiobook, or a vacation book. There is not much meat, and it will not change your life (though will add a dash of humor to situations you wish your psyche would have forgotten), but it will entertain you and not require much brain work in the process.
Three Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian 

Love the One You're With

In the past year I have read all of Emily Giffin's novels. I read them in the order which they were published -- though not on purpose -- and I'm glad I did. Otherwise, I might not have kept reading her work. After reading Something Borrowed and Something Blue, I was a big fan of hers. Baby Proof was OK, and if I had been reviewing it for this site, I would have only given it two or two and a half coconuts. I thought that maybe she just struck out with Baby Proof, but now I wonder. I have finished Love the One You're With, and while I liked it more than Baby Proof, it did not hold a candle to her first two novels (in my opinion). There were parts of this story that I felt were tedious page fillers... I even started speed reading (which is what I do during books, or parts of books, when I do not feel emotionally invested). However, during the last third I slowed down, and soaked it up. I enjoyed this part of the story and if the author had created that tension during the first two-thirds, I think the novel would have been more of a success.

I understand what Giffin was trying to get across in this book. The feeling of seeing an ex and wondering if you met them at the wrong time, if you should try again, if they really are the one. But (and here's the crux of the matter) I felt that there were no compelling reasons for Ellen's pull toward Leo (ex-boyfriend) and away from Andy (her husband); which was supposed to be the purpose of the novel. Andy and Ellen's relationship was described as healthy and good, while the reader only gets information about the poor things concerning Leo and the relationship that Ellen shared with him. I not only felt no desire to see Ellen choose Leo, but I felt confused as to why this was even an issue (until later in the second half of the book). The entire premise of the book is for us to actually feel something for Ellen and the situation she is going through; to be invested in the outcome. The author has proved that she knows how to do this in Something Borrowed (in fact, she did a fantastic job of helping you connect to the "villain"), but somehow missed the mark here. Although I will say that she leaves it to the last minute to ell you which man Ellen chooses, so kuddos to her for that. 

Now that I have read her entire body of work, I have to say that I am only (apparently) 50% on the Emily Giffin bandwagon. I highly recommend Something Borrowed and Something Blue... they are two of my favorite books of contemporary women's fiction. If you are wanting to read some fun, engaging, 
brain candy, try these first. You will then have a good sense of what Ms. Giffin is capable of and can 
decide for yourself if you want to venture to her other two novels.
Three Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Library

Watermelon

Watermelon is the first book by Marian Keyes that I have read (it has been included in the last two days' posts). I have read about and heard about Keyes work, but never picked up one of her books. What a mistake. Now I put her in the same category as Emily Giffin, because even though their writing is considered chick-lit, they create substantial plots. Their characters don't annoy me; they have brains. I have only read one of Ms. Keyes' books, so I cannot speak for her entire body of work, but from what I've seen, she writes like a friend telling you a story about what happened to a sister/ cousin/ friend/ co-worker of hers. Though she is maybe a smidge more fluffy than Giffin, she is also a bit more funny. 

The comical beat to this story was enjoyable. I related to the character on numerous occasions, and liked her throughout almost the entire book (there was one part, which I will not disclose, where I wanted to smack her in the face... the feeling only lasted a few pages and was only because I thought she was making a bad decision). The style of writing resonated with me also, perhaps because it is similar to mine (though I by no means intend to compare myself to an accomplished novelist, I can relate to her way of working the prose).

The novel mostly takes place in Dublin, Ireland (a theme for me lately?) which I enjoyed because I am a fan of Ireland and the people there. Keyes, herself, is from Ireland and has the wit to prove it. What could have been depressing, dragging, and dull reading, instead was sweet, swift, and satisfying.

I will be reading more of Keyes in the future. (I have, in fact, already ordered two more of her books from PBS.) I recommend Watermelon to lighten the work week, while giving you enough substance to keep you coming back for more. 
Four Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian