Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

book review :: the girl on the train


For those of you in Gone Girl withdrawal, I have the perfect book pick for you.

Released today, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a UK thriller that will leave you captivated, and up past your bedtime.  

Told from three different perspectives, this twisty psychological page-turner will leave you with more questions than answers.  The book begins with the perspective of Rachel, an overweight, alcoholic, depressed soul.  Her daily commutes to London take her past her former house she shared with her ex-husband, who still lives there, but now with his ex-mistress/current wife and child.  She observes her old house and the stretch of nearby homes on her daily commute, and becomes obsessed with the "perfect" neighbors down the street.  One day, Rachel observes something at the neighbors house and becomes entangled in the disappearance of the "perfect" wife shes been observing every day.  What ensues is complicated, unsure, and as highly unreliable as each of the narrators.  

This book left me with many questions and one final thought: You Never Know What...

Never mind, I'll let you finish that thought once you finish reading this book.

:: read on ::

Good Morning Weekend, Goodnight iPad?!

That's right. Goodnight iPad. It might be time to update your child's bookshelf with this parody on Goodnight Moon.


Dubbed as, "a parody for the next generation" this book still pays homage to the original (take a peek at the end). And truthfully, this book is not all that much different from some households at the end of the day. You, and maybe even your kids, will get a good laugh - and a reminder to put down the electronics every once in a while. We are adding this one to our must read list. Just not sure how often we should expect updates?!?

{read on}

Top Ten Tuesday: What We're Reading Now

One Day by David Nicholls
A fascinating read that covers the lives of Emma and Dexter as they make their way from the 80's to the present day. The book catches up with them on the same day, each year, to see where this friendship stands.

The Wave by Susan Casey
A non-fiction piece that follows and explores the mystery of the ocean. Dip your toes into this one. Fascinating.


Bossypants by Tina Fey
For those of us missing our Tina during the summer hiatus of 30 Rock, this should tide you over. Do not miss the chapter "Amazing, Gorgeous, Not Like That." You will most definitely laugh out loud with our favorite funny girl.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
We have been waiting (and waiting) for the author of The Time Traveler's Wife to come out with a new title and last year, she finally did. And we loved it. This is an interesting book that follows twin sisters to London to explore the life of their aunt, and follow in her footsteps. If you liked her previous book, this one is sure to please.

The Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond
The true love story of Ree (a.k.a. Pioneer Woman) and her husband, Marlboro Man. If you've ever read her blog or perused her cookbook and wondered how she ended up married to a cowboy and living on a ranch, well, this book (almost) tells it all. We had no idea just how true this love story was until we read the book.

Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse by Rebecca Janni
Admittedly, we are not only reading adult books around here. There are two little ones to keep entertained with stories as well. This book is perfect for a birthday girl, as it follows a little cowgirl on her quest to dream up the perfect birthday gift, a new horse.

The Little Red Caboose by Golden Books
A classic for all kids. If your little one has any interest in trains, then this book will certainly be a frequent request. And it is easy to read, over and over again.

Silverlicious by Victoria Kann
We have a little girl in residence that loves Pinkalicious. And Silverlicious is her new favorite. It is a detailed story about how sweet it is to be, well, sweet. The illustrations alone will keep your kids asking for more Pinkalicious in this sugary tale.

A Camping Spree with Mr McGee by Chris Can Dusen
It is summer time and every kid has the urge to travel and explore. This tale will take your kids on a great, and adventurous, camping trek with the wonderful Mr McGee.

Curious George Goes Camping by Margaret & H.A. Rey
Set up a tent in the backyard, roll out some pillows and blankets, turn on the flashlights and start a new summer tradition with Curious George and his adventures in camping. Your kids will love the story as much as they love bedtime stories in a tent.

{read on!}

all images via amazon.com

Book Ends

Here are some fun, new uses for books. We just had to share...
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And if you want more ideas, check out this blog here. Amazing how together words and architecture create such beauty.

{read on}

Organize This...


This is one of those videos that just keeps popping up all over the blogosphere. And we love it. So naturally we feel it is our duty to share. It is a stop motion video {a method we heart} of some bookshelf organizing - as they note on YouTube: Over the weekend Lisa Blonder Ohlenkamp (blonderland.com) and I (ohkamp.com) decided to organize the bookcase. It got a little out of hand... We would say it got us inspired. Organize on. Or as my 2-year old says, "it's time for some orgazining." {erin}

What to Curl Up With Next


Just finished reading this book {__________} by {_________}?
Try this title {___________} next.

Check out bookseer.com to find your next recommendations.

Photo via arts journal. We love this picture!

Focus on Aspen Area Authors

In celebration of the true creativity and genius found amidst our local residents, we are highlighting some of our favorite, new and notable books from authors of the Roaring Fork Valley. Grab a book, sit back and enjoy these last days of summer with our local talent...


E Party
by Steven Nemerovski

Amazon reviews say that "E Party is an extraordinary first novel by veteran lawyer and lobbyist. Shedding light on the murky dark corners of state politics, Mr. Nemerovski, in this thoroughly engrossing novel, lays out his insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a viable and sustainable third party." This local author will be available for book signing at the Snowmass Club on September 12th from 3-6pm. Find out more about this novel online here and follow along via facebook and twitter.


Mothers & Other Liars
by Amy Bourret

Part-time Aspen resident Amy Bourret has crafted a spellbinding and engrossing debut novel. Fresh off the press and receiving high reviews, this novel is sure to be a success. Visit her website for more information on the author and the book.

And for the little readers in your family...

The Adventures of Jack the Owl
by Stuart Brafman

A story geared for kids ages 3-8, this book tells a series of tales about an owl and his adventures in Aspen, Colorado. The book evolved from tales Brafman would tell his grandchildren and for the sake of posterity, the stories are now in print for his own grandchildren to share in the future. You too can share these stories with the little ones in your life. Read more about Brafman in this Aspen Time article.

The Furry Mountain Monkeys of Aspen Colorado
by Vince Lahey

A favorite wintertime book by local author and parent Vince Lahey, this story tells the tale of a young boy stranded on the mountain during a blizzard and his ultimate rescue by the furry mountain monkeys. Kids will delight in learning about the green eyes of the monkeys and looking up to the mountain at night to see them roaming around (hint: it is lights of the snowcats in action!). Perfect library addition for any snow-loving family! Learn more about this great hardback children's book on facebook.

What We're Reading

Oh, how we miss our local bookstore across the street. But that hasn't kept us from reading. Especially this summer. Here are a few books we're reading now...


The Seamstress by Frances De Pontes Peebles

How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Trooper

The Bolter by Frances Osborne

Shelter Me by Juliette Fay

Waiter Rant by Steve Dublancia

{reviews to come soon!}

HAPPY reading!