Coconut Library

Wolf Hall

 I have finally finished this book. It has taken me three weeks, which may not sound like a long time, but for someone who finishes books in a few days at most, this one was a comittment for me. In fact, I took a short break once I reached 100 pages to read another, lighter book, then came back to finish the next 400+ pages of this one. Boy am I glad I did. And while I am utterly sick of looking at this book -- I also have a strange sense of loss (mixed with accomplishment) since I have spent so much time holding this book in my hands and lugging it around with me. I feel as though I have completed and passed my AP History course. 

This is one of my favorite passages from the book as it explains the whole,

"The fate of people is made like this, two men in small rooms. Forget the coronations, the conclaves of cardinals, the pomp and processions. This is how the world changes: a counter pushed across a table, a pen stroke that alters the force of a phrase, a woman's sigh as passes and leaves on the air a trail of orange flower or rose water; her hand pulling close the bed curtain, the discreet sigh of flesh against flesh." (from page 499).

One thing that many people are saying is how much this book compels you to do research. Not boring-homework-research, but the type that you get lost in looking through resources (like Wikipedia) because you want to know more not because you have to. Because of this book I am now immersed in "The Tudors" (from Showtime) and from that, along with Wolf Hall, I am now feeling quite different about these infamous real-life characters than I did previously. After seeing several sides of these people (the book and the tv series often portray quite opposite views of most of the characters) I am reminded that these were legitimate people and that all of us have more than one side to our outward character. It's curious how when it comes to history we try to make heads or tales of people just because we know the way their stories ended. In reality, they were only mortals who were not necessarily villains nor saints rather just people -- trying to make it through life to the best of their abilities with the knowledge they possessed. Some did it poorly and some did it well... isn't that the struggle of the human existence? It is hard to remember, while still in the midst of it, that someday it will be over -- that we won't be remembered for our thoughts or intentions (however noble they might be) but for our actions. 

Be wary of the language of the book, as it can be discouraging at the beginning. Give it 100 pages or so to get used to it, and you will. I might have given this four coconuts because it was so difficult to read and (often) to understand, but I will give it five because I am sure that the author meant for it to be difficult and it is rare that we come across a book that is simultaneously difficult to read yet absorbing and educational. 
Five Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

Vision in White

I'd never read a book by Nora Roberts before. And I'm not usually one for a romance novel (except for my vampire series, mind you... which basically tricked me into reading them). However, one day while on the Barnes and Noble website the article, "In Praise of Decent Men" by Eloisa James caught my eye. After thinking about how I'm a bit tired of the movies, tv shows, and books that depict love and good men with cynicism, I went on a romance/yay love/root for the good guy binge. I watched a ton of yummy romantic comedies (well, that's not new), and picked up a few sweet books (yes, ok, they're romance novels) -- this one included. Since the article had talked about the sequel to this book, I figured I needed to start with book #1 (Vision in White) to get to book #2. 

 #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac - the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies. 

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life. 

 With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera - ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, beg Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars. 

Carter Maquire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends - and business partners - Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories... (publisher's description)

Vision in White is Mac's story, and it's a sweet one. This very easy read was finished before I knew it, and was as light as non-buttered popcorn. It was the great guy that kept me reading, frankly, and I have to say that Nora Roberts can sure write a good man. Kudos to her on that. He wasn't the cheesy, oily, Fabio-type muscle man I had imagined would be in romance novels... he was the actual guy I want to marry. For real. So, although Roberts sweet story didn't change my life in a profound way, it gave me hope for the good guy out there in this world of emotionally stunted, elusive, run-from-commitment-until-you-run-of-a-cliff cliches of men I am so often reading about and seeing in my entertainment. Guys everywhere should thank her for adding a positive example of their gender to the mix. I have to say also that reading about this fictional wedding planning company was also a charming story-line. Imagine living on a wedding planning compound (though, of course all of you with your own houses) with three of your best friends, doing what you love to be doing for a living, and working as a team while still having the ability to run your independent part of the business. Sounds pretty nice to me. So does the next book in the series, Bed of Roses, which I will be reading soon. Because really, who doesn't love a love story, especially those delicious beginnings?
Three Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

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

Undomestic Goddess & Love Walked In

I finally finished Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella and Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos. They both took me forever to get through (unexpectedly seeing that neither is exactly a Ph.D. dissertation), and both picked up significantly in the second half. 

In Undomestic Goddess, the protagonist, Samantha, is incredibly annoying for the entire first half. This, to me, is nothing new for Sophie Kinsella's novels. Samantha's irksome behavior reappears occasionally in the second half, but is easier to stomach once the story gets rolling. 

It is obvious that Love Walked In is written by a poet. Her prose is often reminiscent of a poem. Because of this the statements she makes, which would be thoughtfully crafted poetry, often result in tiresome, instead of beautiful, storytelling. Though there are novels written as epic poems, the majority of literature is not... for a reason. Most people appreciate poetry in shorter form, where the words themselves are the point, not just fillers in a larger plot. 

That all being said, both books ended well; meaning the conclusion of the stories were entertaining and satisfactory. They both explored the beauty of slowing down and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. Once the reader reaches the parts of these books where the point begins, the story lines are enjoyable even if a bit wordy for the wear. This isn't to say that I didn't well up during the last three pages of Love Walked In, because I did. It was a sweet story. The sweeter of the two, actually. And not to say that the actual idea of Undomestic Goddess isn't cute, because it is. Really.

Will I read these authors again? 

Kinsella, probably not. I've read many of her books, and they are very similar... not my taste anymore. However, she has a large fan base for a reason, and if you enjoy her-- read her! (Hello, a major motion picture was made from one of her books... she's doing something right within her demographic.) That's the beauty of the millions and billions of books in the world, there is something for everybody. I think it's fantastic that one person's toothache is another's massage. Goodness knows I would have to pull teeth to get several of my friends to read some of the books I love. 
Two Coconuts

I will not be surprised if I pick up de los Santos' second book, or others when she's written them. In my opinion, she's worth another read. Even though LWI took me so long to get through, I'm glad I finished. 
Three Coconuts

Give them a try, let me know what you think. 

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Undead and Unappreciated (Queen Betsy, Book 3)

Ok, I read the next installment of the Undead series before I was finished with the challenge... go figure. I will probably read the fourth one in the not too distant future as well, everyone needs a fun read after reading some heavy stuff, right? Maybe not, but I do. 

This book was cute, quick, and painless. Not much plot (unfortunately), but not much anxiety over what would happen either. I imagine that these types of series sort of develop a formula when it comes to writing them, but what do  you expect in a chick-lit/romance vampire series? I still get a kick out of them and they're good brain candy. 

Parts of the story line went in the direction I wanted them to, including the main character, Betsy, not being such an airhead. Thank goodness because that was annoying. 

Three Coconuts

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Undead and Unemployed (Queen Betsy, Book 2)

I did it again, I read the next book in the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson... and loved it. What a lovely, guilty pleasure. 

Though Betsy (the main character) was a smidge ditzier in this book (and I hope the author does not take her in that direction, as her not being Bridget Jones-esque was something I really liked), it was still an incredibly fun read. Davidson only included one graphic sex scene in this edition, compared to the several in the last, which I thought would have been an improvement. I have to say, however, that it was not. I don't know, maybe I have turned into a fan of gratuitous sex in my chick-lit, or maybe I was just hoping for a bit more love between the Betsy and her recurring love interest in this book. Probably the latter. Saying that, I do realize that this is a series and the author has to keep us wanting more. I have a feeling we will see much more of Betsy and her man. 

Aside from the romantic part of the story, this book was much scarier to me; the self-proclaimed biggest scaredy cat this side of the Mississippi-- well, maybe on either side of the Mississippi. I literally was spooked and still up reading at 1:00 a.m. trying to get to a non-frightening part so I could drift off to sleep without staring at the chair, in my bedroom, waiting for some of the characters from The Sixth Sense to appear (I swear it kept getting colder and colder in my room as I read this book). 

Literally, though, this book took a day to read. Not a bad sign. I am eager to read the next installment, and will as soon as I'm done with the challenge (and possibly before if I can't resist). This book filled task 15.2 of The Book Challege for July. If you are still looking for a book to use, I suggest starting this series. It's addicting... don't say I didn't warn you. 

Five Coconuts

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Undead and Unwed

Over the weekend I read the first book in a vampire series; Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. Talk about a fun read. I get scared really easily, and usually can't read any kind of paranormal plotted books, but this one was paranormal in a chick-lit kind of way, if you can imagine. I can't deny... the first night I did feel a little nervous at bedtime, and I dreamt about vampires, but I am an unusual bird that way (I get scared watching commercials during Halloween time) and can almost guarantee that you will all be perfectly fine!

This book is gratifying in many ways. The heroine is not an annoying, blubbering mess like so many chick-lit authors seem to think 30 year old women need to be portrayed. She makes decisions that satisfy the reader (most of the time). The author keeps the story rolling, and maintains a light, fun approach to the vampire world. Davidson keeps all of the magic of the supernatural without adding the darkness of many otherworldly novels. I had so much fun reading this, and am so happy that there is an entire series to follow!

One thing I wasn't expecting; the sex. Apparently, vampire novels often have eroticism in them. I, however, was not familiar with that seeing that I have not been able to read any other vampire based novels out of fear. I bought this book on my Kindle, but when I was at the bookstore the other day I decided to look for the sequel-- to see it in paper form. I looked all over for it in the fiction stacks, checking the entire "D" section thinking it had been misplaced. Then I hunted through the mysteries, sure I would find it there, to no avail. I even looked in the graphic novel section, though it is nothing like a comic book, but was too embarrassed to ask the booksellers where the Undead and Unwed books would be... can you imagine their faces? Then over on the east wall of Barnes and Noble, there it shone-- the ROMANCE section. No way. I was sure it wasn't there, but went to check anyway. Just in case. I stood in the shelves of the fiction section and squinted my eyes to try to read the titles of the books 5 feet in front of me. Argh, my eyesight is getting worse, and I just couldn't do it. So, I took a few steps forward and started rapidly scanning the area where the books should be when, all of a sudden, another customer rounded the corner and I had to make a mad dash back to the fiction books (lest he think I had a thing for vampire erotica). Finally, I found it, or them, on the top shelf almost out of my reach. And it was confirmed... they are romance books; thus explaining the gratuitous sex scenes in one of my new favorite series. (I haven't read the Twilight series, but perhaps this is the grown up version of that?)

So there you have it, Coconut Library Readers, your librarian apparently likes chick-porn. Lucky for me, I have a Kindle, so I never have to face the cashier to buy the rest of the books in the series. Tell me, are you brave enough to do it?

Five Coconuts

xo,

The Coconut Librarian