December (2016) Books – All these books can be found in your local library!
As many of you know, I try to alternate fiction and non-fiction books. I am always looking for new ways to stimulate my mind and not get caught up in the fiction world. Not that a really good fiction book can’t be stimulating, but if I didn’t restrict myself that would be all I would read!
With the holiday’s here, I have been remiss in my reading responsibilities. I try to read for an hour a day, but sometimes, even for a Librarian, life gets in the way. I love reading- I love how it forces me to sit and stop, but this month has been very busy, so I only have two books to review.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Shay, Brand and Matt, 2016.
I was once invited to an Ugly Christmas Party and I remember having so much fun! That’s why I chose to read and review this book. I haven’t thrown a party like this, but I am always looking for a reason to laugh with friends and family. This book contains lots of ideas to make any Ugly Sweater Party successful. Recipes are provided like Ugly Sweater Cake, Ugly Sweater Cookies, Pigs in an Ugly Sweater Wreath, to name a few. I like best the Hideous Projects section where the authors give simple directions to make an Ugly Sweater Bunting and Garland, Felt Ugly Table Runner, and Ugly Wine Glass Candle holders. In the Apparel section, the authors supply easy-to-follow instructions on creating your own ugly sweater. Overall, the book was good in content and detail, but I wouldn’t bother purchasing it. That is why you should only check out this book from your public library 🙂 👎
If you don’t want to bother with a book, just go to this website. 10 tips to throwing an Ugly Sweater Party– lots of great ideas.
Also, Amazon offers these for sale: Set of 12 Ugly Sweater Contest Award Buttons, for $6.00
The Couple Next Door, written by Shari Lapena, 2016. Winner of the Goodreads Choice Awards Best Mystery and Thriller.
I read this book in one evening! I couldn’t put it down; I even forwent sleep just so I could see what happens in the end. Although a little disappointed- I found the story line to be predictable- the pace of the novel kept my interest. Have you ever left your baby sleeping in a crib and gone next door to a party? I actually did this once. I remember checking in on Lauren (18 mos. then) and thinking what the hell am I doing? What if something were to happen to her while I was away? Needless to say, I didn’t return to the party.
The main characters of the novel, Anne and Marco Conti, find themselves in a similar situation. Although when they return home the unimaginable has happened and the fierce unraveling of their story begins. It is at that point that the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I can easily see this book being made into a movie. Jake Gyllenhaal would be my choice for the main character of Marco. He is the perfect age and could conjure up the exact emotions-guaranteed. I suggest you read this book from your local library, 👍
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