Thursday, July 19, 2012

Review of It Sucked and Then I Cried by Heather B. Armstrong



Synopsis: "Heather Armstrong gave up a lot of things when she and her husband, Jon, decided to have a baby: beer, small boobs, free time -- and antidepressants. The eighteen months that followed were filled with anxiety, constipation, nacho cheese Doritos, and an unconditional love that threatened to make her heart explode. Still, as baby Leta grew and her husband, Jon, returned to work, Heather faced lonely days, sleepless nights, and endless screaming that sometimes made her wish she'd never become a mother. Just as she was poised to throw another gallon of milk at her husband's head, she committed herself for a short stay in a mental hospital -- the best decision she ever made for her family.
To the dedicated millions who can't get enough of Heather's unforgettably unique style and hilarious stories on her hugely popular blog, there's little she won't share about her daily life as a recovering Mormon, liberal daughter of Republicans, wife of a charming geek, lover of television that exceeds at being really awful, and stay-at-home mom to five-year-old Leta and two willful dogs.
In It Sucked and Then I Cried, Heather tells, with trademark wit, the heartfelt, unrelentingly honest story of her battle with postpartum depression and all the other minor details of pregnancy and motherhood that no one cares to mention. Like how boring it can be to care for someone whose primary means of communication is through her bowels. And how long it can possibly take to reconvene the procedure that got you into this whole parenthood mess in the first place. And how you sometimes think you can't possibly go five more minutes without breathing in that utterly irresistible and totally redeemable fresh baby smell."



My Review: I needed to read this one! I needed to see a little humor about pregnancy, birth and life with a new baby. Though Heather seems to have a dry sense of humor, it still spoke to me. She takes us on a journey through her pregnancy and her life with a new baby. While much of the book is witty and fun, it does touch on a more serious issue of postpartum depression which can effect many women. Not only does Heather tell us about that, but is strong enough to open up about her already underlying depression issues which compounds the postpartum and how she dealt with that and got the help needed. While these subjects really could have brought me down as I near the end of my pregnancy, her style and light approach made it a real possibility but also gave it the upturn I needed to face it. Its a great book to read for someone like myself who is nearing the end or a recent new mom but only if you can catch the sense of humor.

My Rating: This book is definitely not for everyone. While some parts really cracked me up other parts just didn't work, but all in all I enjoyed this some what cynical and comical look at pregnancy and all that it entails.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Review of Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally


Synopsis: "What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Greeen moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?"



My Review: I have no idea what took me so long to read Catching Jordan! I think I loved ever aspect of this book. I grew up as one of the guys and could completely involve myself in this story. Each of the characters were well developed and you couldn't help but love them. In fact I want more of them, I want to know what happens next in their lives. I really enjoyed how Miranda Kenneally put together the story line, while you have the love triangle that seems to be required in every young adult book now, it really didn't take over the story. Catching Jordan also handled emotions and family dynamics of teenage life really well, maybe because of the type of character that Jordan is, while she did have a little meltdown it wasn't overly dramatic (like many of the female characters in YA that drive me bonkers). All in all I loved this book and am looking forward to more from Kenneally! I totally forgot to mention Kenneally did a fantastic job with all the football terms!! As a huge football fan, I think it would have been disappointing if she hadn't put the extra effort in to get it all right!


My Rating:  I absolutely love this book and couldn't give it any less than Four Paws and a Stump Wag! I had added this to my TBR pile some time ago and then my pal Jessica of at Thoughts at One in the Morning posted her review, so I just had to read it right away. It is a definite must read in my opinion!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Monday Reading List




Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!



What I Read Last Week:
Links will take you to my review

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (review coming soon)
Beauty by Laurell K. Hamilton
It Sucked and then I Cried by Heather B. Armstrong (review coming soon)
Currently Reading:
 
The Brotherhood of Piaxia by Michael Drakich - digital - on page 26 of 340
Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller - PB - on page 92 of 288
Cleo: The cat who mended a family by Helen Brown - PB - on page 89 of 292

Next Books to be Read:

Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - Arthurian Legend Challenge
Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue - Mount TBR Challenge



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So I want to say sorry for being pretty much MIA for the last two weeks, but to kind of expect it from here on out.  I am nearing the end of my pregnancy and it is really starting to take a toll on my body and waking hours.  I will still be getting on to post reviews as often as I can but there may not be any schedule. 

I am trying to focus on just finishing the books I am currently reading and then the books I have for review.

Thank you all and I hope you are having a great July!