The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer

The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer took me by complete surprise. I anticipated a story about a proper young woman, working her way through life as a wet nurse. Well, that was her occupation but proper - maybe not. When I read novels based in Victorian England, I expect certain things. I expect characters with high morals, great expectations, and a fair bit of romance. I don't know why I expect that but I do.

The main character, and narrator, of The Wet Nurse's Tale is Susan Rose. She is hard working, chunky, and opinionated. You can hear her voice while reading and her character comes alive. She's quite the character. When her ordinary life takes a turn, the reader can see the determination in her spirit. She's a mother who would do whatever it takes to protect her child.

I wasn't sure what to think at the beginning of the book. I was a little worried that the book was going to be a bit too focused on breasts - as they were necessary for her occupation. I was distracted by short essays between chapters as I wasn't sure who or what the narrator was talking about at the beginning. There wasn't a great deal of story the first one hundred pages or so, more set up than anything. Once the main plot begins, it's a quick ride to the conclusion and it's a good ride. The novel is well written and the character will not leave me for a long while.

I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction and women's fiction. It is an adult book and due to language and mature subjects, it's not appropriate for young teens.

Teaser Tuesday - July 14

Today's teaser is from The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow. I am completely loving this book! I'm not sure what's happening in this teaser as I'm not quite to this point but I can't wait to find out!

From page 173:

The glass surrounding the shower was steamed--I couldn't see who'd entered. I did my Pyscho bit again at an eardrum-shattering decibel.

Musing Mondays - July 13

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book covers…

We all know the old adage about not judging a book by it’s cover, but just how much sway does a book cover have when it comes to your choice of book – whether buying or borrowing? Are there any books you’ve bought based on the cover alone?

I admit that a cover can make or break a book for me. I shouldn't admit that but it's true. I was scanning the shelves at Borders the other day looking for a book that starts with the letter "J". I wasn't looking for anything in particular. As I scanned, I noticed that my eyes would immediately drift to the books with the lighter, brighter covers. Most would be classified as "chick-lit" or women's fiction. Interestingly, that's what I prefer to read.

A gorgeous cover will draw me in. It will at least get me to pick up a book and take a look at the subject, see if it's anything I want to read. I'm more apt to skip over a cover that is darker because that traditionally is a book that I'm not apt to want to read. That's not a hard fast rule of course but that's where my mind goes. I also seem to be able to spot books by authors that I am familiar with. I can pick out a Nora Roberts book from a mile away. (Ok, not a mile, but several feet. If I'm wearing my glasses or contacts.)

I don't think that judging a book by a cover is a bad thing in most cases. Publishers try very hard to get the cover right. It can make or break a book in my opinion. Look at the old bodice ripper romances . . . It's rare to see them anymore. People are still reading the books, but the covers are very different.

Interesting topic today!

Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant

Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant, is a story about rebellion and keeping the peace. An odd mix. The story centers around two women. Suora Zuana is a nun, and has been confined to the convent for over sixteen years. She has earned the position of Dispensary Mistress and also runs the infirmary. She is essentially the convent's doctor although that title would never be allowed her. Novice Serafina is a teenager, brought to the convent against her will. She is strong and willful. She is determined to leave the convent, wanting desperately to return to the man she loves. The two women forge a friendship that neither expected.

Sacred Hearts explores the politics of a sixteenth century Italian convent. The story takes place in a convent that is well respected and has great wealth. The convents would take the daughters of the wealthy and those with good names as they would receive a dowry, much as a groom would if she were to marry. The women were broken down into acceptance of their fate. Most would never leave the walls again.

I found the story to be completely enthralling and interesting. I know very little about convent life and I learned a great deal. The author took what could have been a preachy, dull story and turned it into one where the characters were important enough to want to know what would happen. Each of the nuns, whether they were old and infirm or young and spoiled, had secrets. Each had opinions that they were not allowed or encouraged to share. Each had desires, skills, talents, and gifts that they were only able to pursue with limits.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical novels, women's literature, and to anyone who is interested in a life that few get to experience.

Musing Mondays - June 29

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about mid-year reading…

Now that we’ve come to the middle of the year, what do you think of your 2009 reading so far? Read anything interesting that you’d like to share? Any outstanding favourites?

I'm fairly happy with my progress. I'd like to be a bit further along but I've read some good books (and one really bad one). I'm coming along with the A to Z challenge. I only have seven more books to read for that challenge. The What's in a Name challenge is coming along nicely as well with four out of six read. For the New Author Challenge, I set a goal of twenty-five new authors and am at thirteen at this point. Considering my TBR pile, that challenge should easily be met. I've got two books going now by new authors (to me).

The struggle? The Casual Classics Challenge. This is one that isn't going well. I've got one "classic" ready for the letter "O" but other than that, I might be scrambling at the end of the year. I hate that.

As for my favorites? I think The Host, by Stephenie Meyer, has been my favorite so far. I also really enjoyed Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center, and Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster. I could go on and on and on.

Books Read in 2009

Should have done this back in January and added to it. . .

January

1. The Shephard, the Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
2. Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver
3. Baby Proof by Emily Giffin

February

4. Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow
5. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
6. The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

March

7. Dewey by Vicki Myron
8. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
9. Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
10. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

April

11. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
12. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
13. Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center
14. Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder

May

15. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
16. I Was Told There'd be Cake by Sloane Crosley
17. Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
18. Yesterday's Embers by Deborah Raney
19. The Ghost of Gettysburg by Philip Rogone (not reviewed)

June

20. Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
21. Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
22. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
23. The Next Thing on my List by Jill Smolinski

July

24. Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant
25. The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer
26. The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow
27. Julie and Julia by Julie Powell

August

28. South of Broad by Pat Conroy
29. Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child (not reviewed)
30. Spin by Robert Rave
31. After by Amy Efaw

September

32. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
33. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
34. Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
35. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
36. X Files; Ground Zero by Kevin J. Anderson
37. One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney

October

38. Tribute by Nora Roberts
39. The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
40. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
41. Thirsty by Tracey Bateman

November

42.  The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich
43.  Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (not reviewed)
44.  Foul Play by Janet Evanovich (not reviewed)
45.  Black Hills by Nora Roberts (not reviewed)

December

46.  Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber (not reviewed)
47. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
48.  Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah (not reviewed)
49.  A Gift to Last by Debbie Macomber (not reviewed)
50.  Happy Holidays by Janet Dailey (not reviewed)
51.  Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski

The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski is a very sweet book. I didn't know what to expect when I picked it but I'm so happy I did and now, almost a week after finishing the book, I'm still thinking about it.

The story is about June Parker. She has a relatively boring life. She works all day and watches TV all night. Her world is small in many ways, and gosh I can relate to that feeling. After offering a fellow "Weight Watcher" a ride home one night, June is in a car accident that killed her passenger. June lets guilt eat away at her until she decides to finish Marissa's list of "25 Things to do Before I'm 25". Even though June is in her thirties. The list has a few simple tasks such as going braless and a few tough ones, such as changing someone's life. By taking chances and putting herself into the world, June discovers who she really is and wants to be.

I enjoyed this book from the first page and it even kept me mostly occupied on my recent flights (see post from a few days ago. . . ). I find myself challenged to start my own list. 25 has come and is *ahem* long gone for me but I have a birthday coming up in six months. I might just have to write my own list. I'm not sure I can dare to go braless but I think I can come up with some challenges that just might change my life a little.