baby makinggggg.

I don't know why I thought of this when I saw the title of this next book I am going to review, but there is a quote from the show "30 Rock" that makes me laugh whenever I hear it and this "Making Babies" book made me think of it just now...

Let me explain, there are two women characters in the show Jenna and Liz, and they are both freaks, but anyways, there is an episode where Liz is totally baby crazy, and Jenna (who is known for saying ridiculous things) says: "Look at us and our biological clocks, you are baby crazy and I keep getting turned on by car accidents," hahahahha. Frankly, I am Jenna, but for those of you like Liz, grab a copy of "Making Babies" by Sami S. David, MD,, and Jill Blakeway, LAc (it comes out in August).

Basically it's a book on how to get pregnant. It talks about the five fertility types, so you can determine which type you are. Hormonal issues, in other words why the hell can't you get preggers? What to eat (don't eat swordfish, FYI). De-stressing tips so that you can make a baby before you freak out on your husband and his stupid sperm. It will be fine, just read up, eat right, follow this 3-month program and think about Charlotte from "Sex and the City." Yes, she's a fictional character, but shit like that happens ALL the time. Just look for the Caucasian mom and dad with two Asian kids and one Caucasian baby, they are out there, I've seen them.

Those of you who want to make a baby, follow these rules, and I will go out and buy swordfish in bulk.

***to win a copy of this book: email your name, address and the book title to jenileerose@yahoo.com!

hemingway.

"A Moveable Feast" is most appropriate for young adults, like myself. It was as if Earnest Hemingway designed these stories for us. Look past the family drama in the editing and introduction of this book. We don't care who did what to who, we just want to read what Hemingway always intended. His words are something that cannot be tweaked, they are right in this book, in his handwriting.

We have all had a relationship with Hemingway in some way, especially us twenty-somethings that have taken any college level english class. He is everywhere. Now take a step back for a second, and stop looking at this man as just a famous writer, look at him as a TEACHER. Learn from him, and there's a chance that you may become, not only a great writer, but a famous writer as well! (Preferably one who does not commit suicide, thanks!)

look at me, being adventurous.

To me, motor sports, cars in general are pretty much the most uninteresting thing, ever. Okay, golf is a little more uninteresting, but you get the idea. I was hesitant to pick up a copy of "Go Like Hell" by A.J. Baime. A.J., I would like to take a moment to apologize for ever doubting you.

The names Ford and Ferrari, become more than just popular name brands of the vehicles we drive, they become Mr. Ford and Mr. Ferrari. Ford represents the new kid on the block, while Ferrari has been around the block more times than you can count. It's all about business competition, in a way that I have never bothered to see before. 

It's insightful, magical even. Get excited! GET A COPY!

the story of my favorite president.

As you can imagine by title and the front cover, “JFK: Why He Died, and Why it Matters” is primarily the story of John F. Kennedy. In his story, our 35^th president changed from a Cold Warrior to an altruistic leader willing to risk his life to ensure that the world's children will not become victims of a nuclear catastrophe.

The same amount of time is spent on JFK's presidency, as on the assassination but one of the many rewards of this book is author James W. Douglass’ ability to show the relationship between his policies and his death. And the book is a tragedy because it gradually becomes obvious that each step he makes toward peace steadily increases the hatred of his enemies who will eventually betray him.

This is an amazing book; it will be around forever and help future historians piece together the life and death of this famous president. 

again with the affairs!

I have read Elin Hilderbrand's other bestselling books, "Barefoot" and "A Summer Affair" so I was beyond excited to pick up a copy of her latest "The Castaways" !!!!!!

We are back on Nantucket (where our author lives with her family, no wonder she knows so much about it eh?), the summer season is about to begin with a very interesting group of friends, couples actually, the Wheelers, the Drakes, the Kapenashes and the MacAvoys. Each and every one of these married folks has their issues, but the most obvious were Greg and Tess MacAvoy's. Of course before things get really interesting with this couples secrets, they mysteriously drown. Leaving the others to discover the missing pieces. Each of these characters have their own chapters, so step my step we all figure out the mystery together. You are not going to love every one of these complex characters, but you will definitely love this book!

Hilderbrand has not disappointed me yet, and she sure as hell did not start now!

**to win a copy of this book, email your name, address and book title to jenileerose@yahoo.com!!!!

even though i'm 23, i can appreciate a good children's book!

I absolutely LOVED "The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School" by Laurie Halse Anderson and Ard Hoyt. It was the cutest book ever!

In this story Zoe’s wild red hair, with its many tendrils that brush her teeth, grab her clothes, and pack her lunch. Then Anderson takes a step back for a history lesson: Zoe’s hair learned to open the cookie jar at age two and could fly by age four. Her kindergarten class loved it for furry snuggling at nap time, but when first grade came around, and her teacher Ms. Trisk had the tendency to bitch about EVERYTHING, her hair was no longer considered a prize. “School has rules,”  Ms. Trisk snaps as she disciplines Zoe, who frowns in despair as her hair continues to misbehave, even transforming into a hair-dragon to chase the teacher away. 

It is a lesson for every teacher to EMBRACE what your students have a tough time controlling, AND BE PATIENT! They will prove to you that they are worthy, just like Zoe's hair did!

moving on...

Moving is not something I have a lot of experience with. I moved once, for 6 months down to Myrtle Beach into an apartment that had everything in it but MY clothes and books, so it was pretty easy. Other than that I have lived in my childhood home (and bedroom) for 23 years. "On Moving" by Professor Louise DeSalvo, gave me a new outlook on the process and how it truly affects a person emotionally. 

Professor DeSalvo understands how we are both shaped and altered by place. She saves most of her personal experience until the last chapter, but by then, we are highly receptive to her insights because she has elucidated the place experiences of Virginia Woolf, Henry Miller, D.H Lawrence, Mark Doty, Elizabeth Bishop and others in a way that recognizes the impact of place on the human spirit.

This book will help you understand your conflicting feelings on moving, even if it is to the house of your dreams. 

To win a copy of this book, please send your name, address and book title to jenileerose@yahoo.com!

a vivid novel that touches on A LOT of issues.

In Black Rock, Tobago, half-breed Celia D'Abadie's mom died giving birth to her while her absentee Caucasian father deserted her to return to his home in Southampton, England. Her maternal Aunt Tassi raises her lovingly. Everything is great until Tassi marries Roman. He is abusive and ever leering and stalking Celia. When she is sixteen, her uncle rapes her. 

I never really understood why people want to read books having to do with personal tragedies such as murder, rape, etc. But look at me, I read about that stuff ALL the time. Am I a freak? Are we all freaks? Do we feel comfort in the fact that it's a fictional story, even though stuff like it happens every day?? I have no idea, I only know one thing, this novel, "Lime Tree Can't Bear Orange" by Amanda Smyth is amazing, and you should read it, freak or no freak. 

for DOG lovers!

For forty-five years retired teacher Ruth and artist Alex Cohen have lived in their East Village co-op, but now the elderly couple finds the five flights of stairs unbearable and their cherished dachshund named Dorothy can no longer move her back feet making it that much more difficult for them. They need to move to a place that can better fit their needs. 

"Heroic Measures" by Jill Ciment is a story about the weekend of stress this couple endures while getting ready for the open house, and realizing that their beloved dog has something seriously wrong with her. Their lives may seem ordinary, but the story is touching, especially for you animal lovers who will do anything for that pet that will do anything for you!

new novella!!

There are few authors that can pull off the short story, novella type books and Robert Boswell is one of them. "They Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards" is phenomenal. In his stories the characters are a bit unfortunate. A woman, having lost her disabled husband, now finds that she has also lost her best friend. A house cleaner has been abandoned by her husband. A needy young man goes broke while in the thrall of a fortune teller, etc. The thing about Boswell is that he can take a "loser" type character and turn their misadventure into a haunting thrill ride, with twists and turns every reader can enjoy. 

I don't want to give too much away, but trust me you don't want to miss this!!!

BIO.

 As you know, I love love lovvvveeee biographies, I say it every time I read a good one and post it on this lovely website. "Stripping Gypsy: The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee" is fascinating to say the least. 

Anyone who loved Gypsy Rose Lee's memoir, the musical "Gypsy," or you lucky old folks (no offence) who actually got to see Miss Lee's performances way back in the day, will LOVE this book! Gypsy Rose Lee's life and career are covered in depth in this meticulously well-researched book by author Noralee Frankel. 

If you are looking for the naked truth, you found it!

for a chance to win a copy e-mail your name, address and this book title to: jenileerose@yahoo.com!

the "what diet?" book!

OH MY GODDDD. oh my god. SERIOUSLY, I am obsessed with this new recipe book. "Hungry Girl: 200 Under 200." It has 200 recipes UNDER 200 calories. Lisa Lillien is a genius, let me tell you. It is sooooo hard to be on a diet. Ugh, so hard, I hate it!!! But, honestly this chick knows what's up, this book has so much to offer us not naturally skinny ladies, who need to watch what we put in our mouths! 

My favorites recipes so far: Tuna Salad, Quesadilla, and the Frittata Italiano! Lillien also includes healthy desserts (that don't suck) and healthy cocktails. HERE, HERE!!!

This will be the best money you ever spent on a diet supplement, and you don't have to pop pills or starve. Here, here!! (again)

perfect summer read.

James Patterson's latest thriller, "Swimsuit"  is a quick read, nothing too flashy. Your typical Patterson summer read. Personally, I enjoy Patterson books more when he writes them alone. I also think that people need to give the duo of Patterson and Maxine Paetro a real chance, just because this book does not follow typical thriller plot lines, doesn't mean it doesn't have the same unexpected twists we all love. "Swimsuit" is perfect for these lazy summer days we have coming up!  

Pick up a copy of this fast paced thriller, lay out in the sun & enjoy!