Read With Girlfriends

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-08-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today is the final installment of TNT's Water for Elephants reading group!

I am sorta sad that it's done because it's nice to hear others' thoughts on the book.

But mostly I was sad when I finished the book because it's one of those that I just wanted to keep going.

Click here to see the eye candy they posted!

And don't forget:

August's pick is The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

Have a great week!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-07-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!

Click here for the awesomeness!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-07-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's Wednesday, not Tuesday.

However, one of our lovely hosts over at TNT was held up by an invasion of MIL yesterday.

So click here to see their post!

I'm already done with the book, it was so good!

What do you think so far?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-07-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Trixie and Tess have a post about Water For Elephants today!

Go here for your spoiler alert.

Are you loving WFE so far?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-07-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I can NOT believe that it's already July 6th! Sheesh.

That being said, our friends Trixie and Tess are doing week 1 of the Water For Elephants

reading group! Don't worry, it's not too late to get the book, they are starting today, and they actually have a timeline as to what chapters they are reading. We could do that with our books, but I'm lazy.

Click here to see what they're talking about today!

Blockbuster Announcement!!

2010-06-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, ladies, it's time for our ginormous blockbuster announcement!!!

I wanted to make sure we got everything ironed out and all the "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed so I could roll out the red carpet on our summer reading.

We have decided to go with particular themes in choosing our books just to shake things up a bit!

Our summer theme is Blockbuster Movie Summer Reading Fun!!

First, I'll tell you the July pick and how to follow along with the bookclub for that month. Then I will explain the Blockbuster Movie tie-in to the book and how that will work with our August pick. 'Kay?

The book for July is....drumroll please...

Water For Elephants

We are linking up with our favorite Twi-fans, Trixie and Tess, to read and join in the discussion for this book.

How this will work is that every time Trixie and Tess do a post about the book, we will make sure to link up with them so you don't miss out on the discussion. If you don't follow them already, you may want to start so that you don't miss out! Click here to read how the bookclub will work with T&T. Then click here to read their post about WFE and how you may be able to win a copy of the book!

Now, I'm sure you're all wondering..."Girlfriends. What the heck does Water For Elephants have to do with Blockbuster Movie Summer Reading Fun...?! Have you lost your ever lovin' minds?" Well, as an aside, we probably have lost our minds, but! Here is how this ties in...

Water for Elephants is being made into a movie. Right now. As we speak. Swears.

Next question..."Girlfriends, what does WFE have to do with a Twilight blog...?"

The guy who plays Edward Cullen in Twilight, is also playing the lead in WFE. Duh. Forehead slap.

Edward Cullen

Jacob Jankowski

I know he looks different, but trust me, it's the same dude.

Okay.

dude!! I just thought of something else...the guy plays edward in twilight...and jacob in WFE! hello, if you read twilight, you know what i'm talking about...edward/jacob?! okay. i'll stop now.

Are you following so far?

This is where we make the next step in our breadcrumb trail that leads to our Blockbuster Movie Summer Reading Fun. (BMSRF from here on out because I'm tired of typing all of that out.)
One Blockbuster that is coming out very soon is Eclipse, a Twilight Saga movie.
(don't worry, we aren't making you go watch it, but really, why wouldn't you want to see all that hotness?? Jacob....mmm....Edward...mmm...somebody trying to kill Bella...oh yeah, that's the best part.)

The Twilight Saga was written by none other than Stephenie Meyer. Since we're sort of on this Twilight theme here...why not make our August pick a book by Ms. Meyer? We figure some of you avid book ~~snobs~~ readers won't want to read a Twilight book, so we're picking The Host for August. A very different sort of book by the Twilight author, yet no vamps involved at all!

Not only is this book by the author of Twilight (which has edward in it; played by rob pattinson. rob pattinson is also in WFE; hence our july pick.) but this book is also going to be a movie!!

And last, but not least, Jessica and MiMi will be traveling to Forks, Washington in September for Stephenie Meyer Day!!

Actually. Hmm. Does that have anything to do with this book or anything...? Well. Yes. I'm gonna say yes. In a roundabout, follow the breadcrumbs and don't fall into the quicksand that is my brain, way.

And that, ladies, is our announcement!

Summer is for Blockbusters and for reading, so why not combine the two?

July's pick is Water For Elephants, linked up with T&T.

August's pick is The Host, by Stephenie Meyer.

What do you all think? Good? Bad? Ugly?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-06-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

What?! It's Tuesday?! Oh. Yep. Guess it is.

This is what happens when you have a long weekend. You think Tuesday is Monday.

This is our final post on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!

We are taking a break for June so everyone can finish whatever book they are reading and get caught up. We will be back in July and hopefully have a clearer schedule where we will have book picks up on time. *Ahem. MiMi tends to forget the 15th of the month. Like every month.*

I am crossing my fingers that we will be participating in a cool feature in July with another blog that we love.

Spoilers Below!!

Who did you think was the protagonist of the book? Mikael or Lisbeth?

Do you think Lisbeth has a diagnosable disorder, or is her personality just quirky? Like, majorly quirky.

At the end did you wish that they got together?

What did you think of the last scene were Lisbeth sees Mikael and Berger?

Why do you think Mikael decided not to publish the story about the Vanger clan?

**most importantly though...did you pronounce Mikael like Michael or Muh-kayle...?**

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal. I'm not finished with this book yet. Are you?

Since next Tuesday is actually the 1st of June (already?!) I'm gonna do the last Spoiler Alert post for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo next Tuesday.

Then I'm not sure what to do...I'm just playing around with some ideas here.

Let me brainstorm out loud here...or in print, anyway.

Should we:

a) take the summer off?

b) let someone else choose the books for the summer months?

c) pick our noses? (woops. how did that one get on the list?)

d) keep on as usual?

e) have a contest to pick which book?

What? My brain is on overload right now, so I can't think.

Spoilers Below!!

Last Tuesday I asked you why you thought Salander didn't go to the police after the rape.

Did you guys read what she did?? Personally, I think it was even better than going to the police!! She got some major revenge. I'm thinking if I ever had some problem I'd want her on my side.

What sense do you get from this book so far?

Is it more of a family saga or more of a mystery?

Perhaps both rolled into a mystery wrapped in a conundrum?

What do you think of the sexual relationship between Blomkvist and Cecilia?

Is it a large part of the story or not?

Are you doing well with the weird words and the fact that it's a little different because it's written in and about Sweden? Do you think anything is "lost in translation?"

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

How is the book coming along for you?

I'm not even halfway through it yet, so I'm a little bit unqualified to ask too many questions.

I went to a site where I could see if I could find any book club questions for this book and I got a major spoiler alert of my own!! I think I found out something I didn't want to know. Ah well. I still don't know how it's gonna end, so that's good.

Spoiler Alert!!

What do you all think of Salander? Why is she the way that she is? She seems to be introverted and emotionless. She is the girl with the dragon tattoo, so she has to play a bigger part in the novel than I am aware of. What are your thoughts on why she basically lets the rape go unreported? She has a lot of distrust of anyone in authority.

Why??

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

How are you all doing with our book this month?

It's getting pretty interesting and I'm only about 1/3 of the way through.

Spoilers Below!!

Why do you think Blomkvist decided to go ahead and work for Vanger?

Do you think Vanger is obsessed with the disappearance of his niece or obsessed with taking down his family? Do you think it's both, or one more than the other?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you all started The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?

We got a lot of e-mails from people being concerned about the choice because of a) there are some weird names in the book that can be hard to read; and b) it starts out very slow.

In answer to the two main concerns I have two ~~much sought after~~ secrets to let you in on:

About the weird names; the book is actually Swedish and has been translated. The names are still weird, so I suggest coming up with different names to use instead.

Examples would be: Blomkvist pronounced as Blowhard. Just a suggestion. You can use any name you like.

And yes, the first chapter is boring. It's explaining a bunch of political and business partnerships that are confusing because we're not Swedish.

So here's a synopsis on the first chapter, in my own words, in case you are bored by it and/or don't understand it. This is seriously condensed down. And I'm not even sure I have it correct, but here

it is anyway. It's a Spoiler!

Spoilers Below!!!

The first chapter details a Financial Reporter named ~~Blowhard~~ Blomkvist who tried to take down a giant corporation called Wennerstrom through tips from a "secret" source. Nothing could be proved because the corporation covers it's tracks very well. Either that or possibly they paid someone on the inside off.

The whole scheme that the corporation was involved in, is kind of convoluted or murky, I think because it's lost in translation, as they say. Either that or I'm just stupid. Which could be the case.

Basically, the Swedish government gave big amounts of money to big Swedish corporations to build up

their companies.

This corporation, Wennerstrom (here on out called Weineschnitzel, pronounced with a V), took the money and used about 2 million of it to do what they were supposed to do. They were given 50 million.

Even though they only used the 2 million, and should have given the 48 back, they sunk it into something other than what they were supposed to, but they said it went towards building the company and therefore didn't have to pay it back. So they kept a bunch of money from the government (ie, taxpayers) and spent it on who knows what, and got away with it. (hey! this sounds like it could be in the US!)

When ~~Blowhard~~ Blomkvist tried to take them down, they had covered it all up so well, that they were able to sue him in return and now he's headed for 3 months of jail.

Now. I have no clue what that has to do with the story. Because when the story takes off, and it does, I promise (right around page 35-40), it begins to talk about a young investigator and a murder. And a weird family. And all kinds of weird stuff.

So. Stick with it, I've heard so many good things about it, and if you get past the first chapter, you're good.

Let us know what you think so far!

2010-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is the last Spoiler Alert Tuesday for CeeCee!

Seems like it just flew by.

Maybe it was because, I personally, loved the book.

What did you all think?

What were some highlights for you?

Do you agree that the part of the novel about the hummingbird caught in the web of the beautiful (author's words, not ours!!) yellow spider was a direct paralell to CeeCee's life with her mother?

We really hope you enjoyed CeeCee, be sure to vote on our poll on the right sidebar.

Get ready to read our May pick:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Announcement

2010-04-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is late, I know.

But what's new, right? I suck. I know. At least I own it!

Here is next month's book pick!

Click here to go to Amazon's book page for this pick.

From Publishers Weekly

Cases rarely come much colder than the decades-old disappearance of teen heiress Harriet Vanger from her family's remote island retreat north of Stockholm, nor do fiction debuts hotter than this European bestseller by muckraking Swedish journalist Larsson. At once a strikingly original thriller and a vivisection of Sweden's dirty not-so-little secrets (as suggested by its original title, Men Who Hate Women), this first of a trilogy introduces a provocatively odd couple: disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist, freshly sentenced to jail for libeling a shady businessman, and the multipierced and tattooed Lisbeth Salander, a feral but vulnerable superhacker. Hired by octogenarian industrialist Henrik Vanger, who wants to find out what happened to his beloved great-niece before he dies, the duo gradually uncover a festering morass of familial corruption—at the same time, Larsson skillfully bares some of the similar horrors that have left Salander such a marked woman. Larsson died in 2004, shortly after handing in the manuscripts for what will be his legacy.

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2010-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Winner!!

The winner of last week's giveaway was provided by Random.org.

Congratulations Jane Anne!

It makes sense for you to win since you are a true Southerner!

Spoilers Below!!

First, why do you think the author decided to not have any male characters other than CeeCee's dad?

After the attack at the beach, Oletta tells CeeCee she must “reclaim her power”

to overcome her fears.

What are some times in your life when you had to stand up to reclaim your own power?

How did you go about it?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2010-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

What's that, you say? A Spoiler Alert and a giveaway?!

That's right.

I finally got ~~my arse off the couch~~ my act together and took a picture

and am posting a giveaway!

First up...

Giveaway!!

**From Amazon.com**

Whether they’re called Sweet Potato Queens, Steel Magnolias, Ya-Ya Sisters, or Belles, everybody knows that Southern girls make the best friends. GRITS Friends are Forevah shows you how to tell if you have true GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) friends in your life. Do you know what her nose looked like before she "fixed her deviated septum"? Do you keep the secrets that even her husband doesn’t know? Do you find yourself giggling with her though you’re far too old to be behaving that way? From your first sorority rush to joining the local Red Hat society, and from long walks to long distance phone calls, a GRITS friend makes your victories sweeter, your laughter longer, and your pain gentler.

Whether Deborah is talking about Instant GRITS (young girls), or Seasoned GRITS (women over sixty), childhood friends, new-found pals, sisters, mothers, or even BYOB (Be Your Own Best Friend), she has tips for keeping the laughs and love alive, GRITS-style.

**Note**This is the second Grits book. There is another one called "The GRITS Guide to Life and Puttin’ on the Grits" if you'd like to read both. I thought this was the perfect giveaway for our pick this month; a book about strong southern women!

Spoilers Below!!

After CeeCee's mom dies her aunt comes to take her to Savannah. CeeCee's dad won't let her take all of her books. Why do you think books are such an important part of CeeCee's life?

The first portion of the book is sort of a "black and white" version of CeeCee's life.

After she moves to Savannah the book seems to spring to life in technicolor.

Do you think this has to do more with the characters and their quirks or the fact that CeeCee is no longer around her mom's illness?

There are so many different, vivid characters to choose from!

Who is your favorite character so far?

As usual, just comment to enter our giveaway!

Spoiler Alert...Wednesday...?

2010-04-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry, friends! I meant to post this yesterday. I thought about it all day long. But I never did it. Why?

I have no idea. I'm a loser.

Spoilers Below!!

When Ceecee's mom gets hit by the truck and dies, do you think it was purely accident or was she looking for a way to be "free"?

Camille wanted to move back to Savannah. Do you think the severity of her illness was intensified by being someplace she didn't feel was right for her?

What do you think of Camille's illness? Was it portrayed in a respectful way? What exactly do you think she was afflicted with?

Ceecee blames her father for her mother's death. Do you agree with that?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry ladies, I had this ready to go yesterday, you know, on TUESDAY, and I thought it was scheduled but it was sitting in drafts. So, a day late, here it is.

This is our first Spoiler Alert for our new book, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

I actually wasn't able to get a copy of this book, so I went to audible.com and purchased it. If any of you are interested in listening to the book instead of reading, I suggest going to audible.com to get it for your iPod.

It's a whole lot different to listen to a book then to read it. The reader of this novel has so much inflection in her voice and does the different characters in different voices, which makes it very interesting.

Spoilers Below!!

Poor CeeCee's mom has a mental affliction of some kind. This was in the 1950's where it was not uncommon, in fact, it was common practice to lobotomize people with minimal afflictions.

Do you think Camille was schizophrenic, bi-polar or something else?

Do you blame CeeCee's father and his absence for a lot of her problems?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is going to be the last Spoiler Alert for Bitter is the New Black.

The reason is because April's book pick is probably going to have more talking points and April is a shorter month, so I am thinking we will start the Spoiler Alerts on Tuesday, March 30th.

We want to hear how you've liked Jen Lancaster.

Is this the first of her books you've read?

Will you read more?

What do you think was the funniest part?

Do you know anyone like her or are you, yourself, like her?

Come back next Tuesday when we begin our April's pick, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt!

Announcement

2010-03-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

We have our April book pick ready to announce!

Are you ready??

We think this is gonna be a good one.

April's book pick is:

Go here to see Amazon's book page for this pick.

**This is a new release.**

From Publishers Weekly

Hoffman's debut, a by-the-numbers Southern charmer, recounts 12-year-old Cecelia Rose Honeycutt's recovery from a childhood with her crazy mother, Camille, and cantankerous father, Carl, in 1960s Willoughby, Ohio. After former Southern beauty queen Camille is struck and killed by an ice cream truck, Carl hands over Cecelia to her great-aunt Tootie. Whisked off to a life of privilege in Savannah, Ga., Cecelia makes fast friends with Tootie's cook, Oletta, and gets to know the cadre of eccentric women who flit in and out of Tootie's house, among them racist town gossip Violene Hobbs and worldly, duplicitous Thelma Rae Goodpepper. Aunt Tootie herself is the epitome of goodness, and Oletta is a sage black woman. Unfortunately, any hint of trouble is nipped in the bud before it can provide narrative tension, and Hoffman toys with, but doesn't develop, the idea that Cecelia could inherit her mother's mental problems. Madness, neglect, racism and snobbery slink in the background, but Hoffman remains locked on the sugary promise of a new day.

Please go pick the book up or put it on hold at your library in order to have it for April.

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Aw, crap. I just realized that we are supposed to be telling you all next month's book pick. Like, yesterday.

Oh well, I think we have one, we just have to post on it, so be looking for it.

Anyway, what to talk about this week?

Are you all done with the book, already?

I'm still laughing at her jaunt down to pick up the marathon info for her friend. Fat girl surrounded by lots of skinny marathoners...you do the math. It was hilarious!

So, what do you all like so far?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ladies. Ladies, ladies ladies!

This is going to be such a hard book to do Spoiler Alerts on.

I can't ask you what you think of this author's motives because she pretty much puts it all on the line.

This feels like a book that we all need to get together and drink some coffee and dish about.

And who wouldn't love it if she came? Jen Lancaster seems like the kind of woman who would love to sit and have coffee and make fun of everyone else.

How awesome would that be?!

So.

We just want to know: What's your favorite part so far?

I'll leave mine in the comments so nobody sees it and it takes the funny out of it before they get to that part in the book.

But I do have to say: She adopted an ugly pit bull with an underbite and named her Maisy. Gah!

Let us know what you think so far!

Interview with a Girlfriend

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today our interview is with the lovely obladi oblada from the blog From 0 to 3 in 90 days.

You have to check her out, she is such a nice blogger with many posts that reflect both her professional and family life.

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:

I like a lot of different genres so it is hard to pick a favorite. I love fiction, and non fiction both. I am not big on science fiction or romance; those are two that I seldom read. I love memoirs, true crime, and horror as well as stories about people in general and their struggles. I’m not big into historical fiction either although they are not out of the question.

Who is your favorite author:

I love Stephen King of course and he is one of my all time favorites, as is Shirley Jackson for both her hysterical tales of her children and her disturbing subtle horror tales, like “the lottery” and “we have always lived in the castle”. She also dabbled in children’s books a little and one of hers is a favorite of my family’s called “9 magic wishes”. I also like Wally Lamb and Augusten Burroughs. I like the humorous Sue Townsend “Adriaan Mole” series. There are so many great books out there and great authors that Im finding it hard to answer this question! I am sure I’m forgetting someone that I love, oh like Pat Conroy (I think that’s his name, the author of Prince of Tides and the Great Santini).

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:

Ugh. I don’t think I can think of one single movie based on a book where the movie is better. I am always somewhat disappointed in Hollywood’s version of things. Even though this is the case, I cannot stop myself from going to a movie based on a book that I read. Kind of like watching a train wreck or some other tragedy unfold.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:

Many books have stuck with me, so this will be another long answer. To name a few, “Bag of Bones” by Stephen King, “We have always lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson, “Blackbird” by Jennifer Lauck, “I know this much is true” by Wally Lamb, “Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger, “When Rabbit Howls” (cant remember author though), “Sybil”, “To kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and “Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls.

Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:

What?! Girls, she didn't answer this one...was it an "accidental oversight" or a technical error? Or possibly, it's just hard to sell yourself. I know. I totally understand.

So let me sell ya for you. That sounded weird.

Okay, so this sweet blogger is funny, compassionate and quirky. The name of her blog refers to the fact that she and her husband adopted 3 older children at once.

I don't know about you, but most people only want the babies. We need people like obladi oblada (i don't know if she wants me to use her real name so i'm gonna go undercover here) to take in these older children! Adoption is a very important thing to my husband and I as both he and his sister were adopted.

And that's my soapbox. I could go on and on and on, but I won't.

Go visit her! She does posts that are quirky, funny, and show her great love for her children. And she also makes fun of her boss, GICOE. If ya wanna know who GICOE is, go read her blog!

Thank you obladi oblada!!

***Remember, we're always looking for new interviews, so if you want to be featured, send us an e-mail with your interview and picture. Just answer the above questions and that's it. It's easy! Promise.***

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-03-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

I don't think there are going to be many spoilers in this post, because I just started reading the book last night! Have you all started reading it? What do you think so far?

In the first chapter she is at a work function and the snarky comments she has running through her head, unfortunately, are kinda similar to the things that run through my head at times.

Not all the time, but, yes, sometimes. Like when I'm at Walmart, for example!

I'm wondering if she's always like this...I guess as we make our way through the book we will know whether she is ever going to be nice or not. Which cracks me up. And I think she's pretty brave to put her snarky self out there, cuz that's something that will not win you friends in the real world, most of the time.

Let us know what you think so far, in the comments!

**Be sure to check back tomorrow for a new Interview with a Girlfriend!!**

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna throw a lot of stuff at ya today, since it's the last day for our Dear John Spoilers!

Are ya ready??

Okay...

Spoilers Below!!

Do you think that John and his dad were able to make peace with each other before John's

dad passed away?

What do you suppose made John decide not to take advantage of Savannah when he came back to to see her and Tim was in the hospital? Do you think Savannah and Tim were meant for each other or it was more that Savannah was tired of waiting for John?

Do you think Savannah loved Tim as much as she loved John; or was she willing to sleep with John when Tim was in the hospital because she was so worried and confused about the situation with Tim's health?

Do you think these questions are just plain stupid?

Ha!

Don't answer that. Cuz I already know they were dorky. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention.

Don't forget to vote on our poll to the right and get ready to start Bitter is the New Black this coming Tuesday!

Announcement

2010-02-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

We're a little late on announcing March's book pick, but you should still have plenty of time to get the book.

I've wanted to start reading this author for a while now, I have heard all kinds of good things about her and how funny her writing is.

After I picked the stink bomb that was November's pick, I have been gun shy. I made Jessica pick February's book because I'm a wuss.

And this time is no exception; thanks to Shortmama for letting me pick your brain!

Without any further rambling, here is March's book pick!

Bitter is the New Black by: Jen Lancaster

From Amazon.com:

Jen Lancaster was living the sweet life-until real life kicked her to the curb.

She had the perfect man, the perfect job-hell, she had the perfect life-and there was no reason to think it wouldn't last. Or maybe there was, but Jen Lancaster was too busy being manicured, pedicured, highlighted, and generally adored to notice.
This is the smart-mouthed, soul-searching story of a woman trying to figure out what happens next when she's gone from six figures to unemployment checks and she stops to reconsider some of the less-than-rosy attitudes and values she thought she'd never have to answer for when times were good.
Filled with caustic wit and unusual insight, it's a rollicking read as speedy and unpredictable as the trajectory of a burst balloon.

We are so excited and hear good things about this one, so please feel free to click on the link above to visit Amazon's page where you can purchase it!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

So what you guys think of the book so far?

I think I told you all that once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.

It's a short month, so we're gonna try to cover a lot of material in our Spoiler Alerts.

Spoilers Below!!

John and Savannah come together during the time of John's military enlistment.

When he comes back to visit her during his breif "vacations" from duty, the relationship is pretty charged.

Do you think the fact that they seem to be on "borrowed time" helps to intensify their relationship?

Why do you think John ultimately re-ups his time in the military after 9/11?

Is it because he was feeling as patriotic as they all seemed to be after the tragedy, or do you think there's something else there?

Do you think that is the time that Savannah sort of loses the momentum of the relationship and, for lack of a better term, gives up on it?

**Stay tuned for an announcement on next month's book pick!!**

Interview With A Girlfriend

2010-02-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have an interview!! Have you all noticed that we've not had one for months?

This week's interview is with Mrs. Montoya from One Foot in Front of the Other.

Mrs. Montoya is the perfect answer to "Can a woman have it all?" And that answer is: YES!

She is a mom who loves her kids more than life and has a wonderful husband and a career that she successfully manages all at once!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:

I prefer fiction and mysteries, mostly about politics or legal thrillers. I don't do scary, but I love suspense and elaborate political dramas. I'd really like to read some biographies, but quite honestly need pictures or some sort of scandal to hold my attention. I've really enjoyed Reading with Girlfriends because of the exposure to other authors and genres that I might not select on my own. I loved the 2009 picks Emma & Me and The Help and probably wouldn't have branched out to those on my own.

Who is your favorite author:

This question makes me think of who I walk straight to when I am buying a new book and I mostly love James Patterson, John Grisham and David Baldacci. Their content almost always gives me what I like. My stepmom is a more sophisticated reader than I am and she shared some authors with me recently that I am really loving - Diane Chamberlain and Pamela Morsi. I never lend enough credibility to authors when I like a book - I always think it's just because I like that particular book. I am finicky about everything, including reading and generally won't seek out a book just because it's a new release by an author I've enjoyed. I will read absolutely anything (besides scary) and more often that not I choose a book because I like it's cover. That's so shallow, I know - but it's true.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:

The only experience with this that I can think of is Grisham books that were made into movies. I liked the movies and I liked the books, but I almost don't relate the two. My favorite thing about reading is that the story allows me to create my ideal of the characters and their homes and everything else about the story. All too often, the romance of that is taken away in a movie leaving me disappointed that it didn't live up to the landscape I had created in my own mind.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:

The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. I've loved reading since I was a child and my Dad gave me this book when I was in elementary school. I was a little terrified of how cold it was in the story and how cruel nature could be, but was so honored that he had given me such a grown up book. I have always cherished that story and how it made me feel to read something a little beyond me. I'm really looking forward to sharing it with my son.

Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should

we love you:

There is not one single thing that sets me apart from other blogs outside of the fact that I am not very good at it. When I have some extra time on my hands I like to pretend that it's my segway into being a professional writer. I love to write almost as much as I love to read and like to believe that I am a literary genius on the verge of sharing my gift with the world. But here in real life, I haven't had too much time on my hands lately so it's just a random hodgepodge of my life as a working Mom trying to get it all right. I have not so interesting opinions on raising children, current events and how much I want to be a better person. You should love me because my children are darling and I am so imperfect that you will immediately feel better about yourself.

Aw, Mrs. Montoya, we love you!! Thank you for doing our interview!

Please go visit Mrs. Montoya at One Foot in Front of the Other.

**If anyone else would like to send us an interview, just answer the above questions and send em to readwithgirlfriends.blogspot.com.**

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is our first Spoiler Alert on Dear John, our February pick!

I loved this book. It was hard to put down once I started it.

Getting right to it...

Spoilers Below!!

There's a lot of history and explanation of John's relationship with his father, or lack thereof.

Do you think there's something behind this, perhaps something more to the dynamic then just a teenage son and his father trying to get along?

Does this relationship have any effect on John's almost instant attraction to Savannah?

**Note - remember that wacky little thing we used to do on Wednesday where we would post an interview with one of our readers and a link to their blogs? Would anyone be interested in starting that up again? Shoot us an email at readwithgirlfriends@yahoo.com and let us know.**

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2010-02-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

It's already February, which means we are starting our new book, Dear John.

Since it's the beginning of the month, we wanted to make sure we did a wrap-up on Have a Little Faith.

Spoiler Below!!

The book's overall message was that every person, no matter what religion or beliefs they hold, find comfort in knowing there is a higher power.

Do you agree with this assertion?

Does it matter what faith you hold, as long as you do, in fact, have faith?

Winner!!

Random.org provided the winner and

the winner is:

Number 1

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I promised we'd be back soon with some giveaways, so here is the first one of 2010!

2 spools of craft ribbon, a mini recycle bag and a card making kit. The kit includes all of the embellishments and card making stuff for 4 cards.

As usual, all you need to do is comment to win.

Spoilers Below!!

Why is the author so hesitant to help the Christian pastor out? Is it because of his reckless past or do you believe he mistrusts the pastor because of his Christian faith?

What do you think ultimately led to Mr. Albom's "leap of faith", as it were, when deciding to help the pastor and his church community out?

Don't forget we posted next month's book pick last week!

Announcement

2010-01-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to let you know about next month's book pick so you can hopefully have it in time.

Part of the reason we are going with this book is because it's now a movie and I believe is coming out soon, or possibly may have already been released. We all know the book is usually better than the movie, so don't go see it until you've read it! This way you can be sadly disappointed that you wasted the money on seeing a dumb movie that didn't live up to the book. And, if you're like me, you'll be doubly sad that even though you knew the movie would suck, you still went to see it.

February's book is:

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

From Publishers Weekly:

Hot on the heels of True Believer and sequel At First Sight, Sparks returns with the story of ne'er-do-well-turned-army-enlistee John Tyree, 23, and well-to-do University of North Carolina special education major Savannah Lynn Curtis. John, who narrates, has been raised by a socially backward single postal-worker dad obsessed with coin collecting (he has Asperger's syndrome). John bypasses college for the overseas infantry; Savannah spends her college summers volunteering. When they meet, he's on leave, and she's working with Habitat for Humanity (he rescues her sinking purse at the beach). John has a history of one-night stands; Savannah's a virgin. He's an on-and-off drinker; she's a teetotaler. Attraction and values conflict the rest of the summer, but the deal does not close. Savannah longs for John to come home; her friend Tim longs to have a relationship with her. On the brink of John and Savannah's finally getting together, 9/11 happens, and John re-ups. Savannah's letters come less and less frequently, and before you know it, he receives the expected "Dear John" letter. Sparks's novel brims with longing.

We had a lot of positive feedback from our prior Nicholas Sparks book, so we felt it was safe to go with another. Also, the reality of so many men and women in the military and overseas right now makes it more relevant.

I promise (pinky swear) that new giveaways will be up soon.

Go get the book and join in for next month's read!

Click on the book to visit Amazon's page for Dear John.

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2010-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

What do you think of the book so far? I really enjoyed it; finished it in a couple days.

We will be doing more giveaways, so if you're here for that, please hold the thought! We actually have some stuff, however I'm too ~~lazy~~ busy to take a decent picture and

post it right now.

Spoilers Below!!

The author really starts to get to know his Rabbi on a personal level throughout the book. He no longer sees him as the unapproachable "Man of God" that he once did.

Do you have people in your life who you saw as unapproachable or saw them in a different light, only to get to know them and see that they are just as human as you?

Do you think that since the author started to see his Rabbi as a normal person that it helped him to get back in touch with his faith?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2010-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

So, friends, what do you think of Have A Little Faith so far??

I started reading it this weekend and I had to make myself put it down so that I wouldn't finish it before our first Spoiler Alert Tuesday!

Spoilers Below!!

Have you ever been, or are you now, at a point in your life where you distance yourself from religion or God?

Why do you think Mitch Albom walked away from the faith his parents had tried to instill in him after he left home?

By the way: if you don't have the book yet, go visit Maven at A Fabulously Good Life for your chance to win it! The deets are on her side bar.

New Month, New Book!

2010-01-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

Uh...woops! I forgot to let everyone in on the January book pick!

It may have something to do with the fact that we just picked it, but I can not confirm nor deny that.

Are you ready??

I promise, this one is way beyond better than the last one. I still feel bad about that. I did the worst thing ever when I picked that one up. I judged the book by it's cover. Wince. Cringe. I know.

Okay, without further ado:

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom/Click the book to go to Amazon's page.

Synopsis from Amazon.com.

What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together?
In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds--two men, two faiths, two communities--that will inspire readers everywhere.
Albom's first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he'd left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor--a reformed drug dealer and convict--who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Albom and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers, and histories are different, Albom begins to recognize a striking unity between the two worlds--and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.
In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor's wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the rabbi's last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Have a Little Faith is a book about a life's purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man's journey, but it is everyone's story.
Ten percent of the profits from this book will go to charity, including The Hole In The Roof Foundation, which helps refurbish places of worship that aid the homeless.

Click on the picture of the book to go to Amazon if you would like to purchase this book. My mom recently bought it for 11 dollars from Amazon; regular price is 25.

Or put a hold on it at your local library. It's pretty popular!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Read With Girlfriends

is on a

Holiday Break.

See you all in January!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-12-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

I've been so excited thinking about Christmas and all that entails that I almost forgot to do our last SAT post for the last ~~stinker~~ novel. I guess it's a good thing we decided to skip December or I would be forgetting every week!

Winner!!

Random.org chose number 2, or Brandy from The Nabors Baby! A nice treat just in time for Christmas is on it's way!

Thank you again Mrs. Montoya for providing this awesome giveaway!!

Spoiler Below!!

Hm. How to spoil this book? Oh! I got it.

NOTHING HAPPENS. THE STORE HE WORKS AT CLOSES.

HE GETS A GIRLFRIEND.

That's all, folks.

I'm sure there is something under all of the layers of the writing that we're supposed to dig up, right? Something worthy. Something to end the book with a bang.

If so, please tell me what it was cuz I completely missed it.

This month Jessica and I are going to do some...ahem...research and get some good picks lined up for next year (whoa, next year?! weird)!!

So.

Stay Tuned!

Hope you all have a wonderful, fantastic, awesome

holiday season!!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, I have a confession. Apparently...? There is this section on a book's home page on Amazon that does reviews! I may or may not have paid any attention to the reviews when I picked this book up. Don't blame Jessica. I was shopping at Borders and found it and because I love the author and totally judged the book by it's cover (i know, so wrong) I never, ever checked the reviews. In fact, I never check the reviews on any book.

That's a really long way of saying, "I'm sorry. I'll always check reviews in the future."

What are you thinking so far? Did you guess how his brother died? Do you ever think he'll let go of the guilt, or is what he even feels something that is akin to guilt?

Onto the fabulous

GIVEAWAY!!

Mrs. Montoya from One Food In Front Of The Other is providing our awesome giveaway this week! How sweet is that? GO, go right now, and tell her HI and check her blog out. She can be incredibly funny and so poignant. She's a great writer.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Montoya, for doing the giveaway this week! You are awesome!!

How cute is this stuff? I so wish I could win. Maybe I should change the rules...? Nah. I wouldn't do that.

Hope you all have a great week and a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2009-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies, please don't kill me for this book choice. I have to apologize because I don't think it's a real engaging story. At least, for me, it isn't. What do you all think so far??

I hope someone likes it.

Here's the thing, if you haven't read this author before and this is the first book of hers that you are reading; don't let it stop you from reading her other novels.
Please read Me and Emma and But Inside I'm Screaming before you decide if you like her or not.

Spoilers Below!!
Do you have any idea what Henry could've done to make him feel so beholden to his parents? What could be bad enough to make him change his entire life and future plans?

***No giveaway this week; stay tuned for next week's giveaway.***

Announcement

2009-11-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

We're just going to throw this out there and see what you all think. Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

We're thinking about skipping December for the book club.

December is such a busy month and we really were thinking you all would be too busy to want to get into a book for our blog. We both have busy months in December also.

One of our readers has generously offered to donate some fabulous items for our giveaways and I'm thinking we will start those at the beginning of next year, if that is good with her. Can you believe next year is only about 6 weeks away?

We'll finish this book up for November, but if you all are okay with it, we'll take a break for the holidays and get back to it with a fabulous pick for January!

We would also love to get some more Interview With A Girlfriend posts up next year! If you're willing, just go to one of our interview posts and answer those questions. You can send them to us in an e-mail with a picture of yourself. We'll get them linked up to your blog and posted.

Thank you for sticking with us so far!!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-11-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Winner!!

Mrs. Montoya from One Food In Front Of The Other, you were chosen by Random.org!

Send us your address and we'll get it in the mail!

Spoilers Below!!

So ladies, how do you like this book so far? It's sort of slow going in the beginning, no?

Obviously Henry is leading a life that was not at all what he had imagined for himself when he was younger. Are you doing exactly what you had planned? Is your life better or not as good as you expected? What are the differences?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-11-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Today we just want to do a wrap up on The Help.

What did you all think of the book?

We liked it; it was very poignant, sad, funny and could be lighthearted at the same time. The characters were so real, which is part of what makes a novel something you will remember. This is one of those books that we will always remember and carry the characters around with us for a long time. Don't you love books like that?

Of course, we have to know what you all thought of Minny's pie? Have you ever been that mad, or do you think you could ever do something like that? I'm just wondering how she went about the technical side of it...did she save and scoop or did she do it right into the pan...? Sick.

Reminder!!

It's a new month and we have a new book! Our new book is Everything Must Go by Elizabeth Flock. Click here to read more about it.

There's also an extra credit book over on the left by the same author if you want to read it also.

Giveaway!!

You all know the drill: if you think it's cute and want it, leave a comment; that's it!

Sorry the picture is so dark. Have I mentioned I suck at taking these pictures for giveaways? You could already tell?? I thought so.

Don't forget to vote on our poll on the right side of the page to

let us know what you rank The Help!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Winner!!

Random.org picked number 1 for our winner this week!

Amanda at Family of Shorts, come on down!

Spoiler Alerts Below!!

So do you think that there are still elements of racism in employer/employee relations are concerned where black people work for white people? What about the other way around?

Do you think that the recent election of the first black president had anything to do with atonement? This question is one that I (MiMi, blame me) have been pondering because I've heard it discussed on TV and in the news. Leaving your political stance (if that's possible?) to the side, can you say whether you think it was based on atonement or qualifications alone?

Sunday is the first day to start our new book, so next week's Spoiler Alert will be wrapping up discussion on The Help.

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-10-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Giveaway!!

This week's giveaway is a novel by Ann Brashares.

Click the picture to read what the novel is about.

Spoiler Alerts Below!!

Do you think Minny's distrust of white people is justified?

Is this possibly where "reverse" racism came from?

What do you think of people like Skeeter's mom; she's clearly an antagonist, yet she's also a sympathetic character.

***Everyone who joined in July and has sent us their addresses will be receiving a Read With Girlfriends bookmark this week.***

Announcement

2009-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ladies, I am so sorry that I'm late on posting our choice for November. Can you believe November is only a couple weeks away??

I'm excited about this pick because this is one of my favorite authors! I hope it's a good one, but she's never let me down, so I'm thinking it will be!

Without further ado...

From the author's website:

To those on the outside, the Powells are a happy family, but then a devastating accident destroys their fragile facade. When seven-year-old Henry is blamed for the tragedy, he tries desperately to make his parents happy again.As Henry grows up, he is full of potential—a talented sportsman with an academic mind and a thirst for adventure—but soon he questions if the guilt his parents have burdened him with has left him unable to escape his anguished family or their painful past.With a delicate touch and masterful attention to detail, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Flock invites us to meet a man both ordinary and extraordinary, and to experience a life that has yet to be lived.On the show Sunday Papers, WGN-Radio's Rick Kogan called the main character "one of the most interesting characters in contemporary fiction."

Click on the image of the book to go to Amazon to check it out.

I thought maybe I'd put another Extra Credit book up since we're reading Elizabeth Flock in November. One of her best books is a book called Me and Emma. I absolutely loved that book. So if you want, have time, etc; pick this one up too and let me know what you think!

Click on the image to go to Amazon.

Come back tomorrow for Spoiler Alert Tuesday and another giveaway!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-10-14T21:23:00.001-07:00

Whaaaat....? So it's not Tuesday. Fine. Spoiler Alert Wednesday, then.

I have to apologize for not getting this up yesterday. If you read my other blog you know I've been sick, so I've not posted anything.

And Jessica? Well, let me tell ya about Jessica. She is going to school to be a nurse!

We will never see her again, friends. Okay, so that's not exactly true, I'll see her on Friday, (yay!) but do you know how grueling nursing school is?? Do you?? Huh?? Well...me neither.

But I know it's intense. Just imagine the nurses that you deal with when you go to the doctor. Doesn't it seem like they know more then the doctors half the time? So, yay! for the medical community, she's gonna make a great nurse! I'm very excited that I'll have someone ~~who I can call and harass about make believe medical problems that I talk myself into having~~ that will be there for me and my family and friends in the community who might end up at the hospital needing her care.

Let's get to the winner of last weeks awesome giveaway. Remember? How could you forget! It's got some Tootsie Roll chapstick in there, baby!

Okay, Random.org, what number are you going to give me....? 8. Haha! Jessica can't win this! She's number eight and she's disqualified! Okay, let's do it again....1.

Okay, people. We need more comments or something because I'm number one. I can't win either! One more time. 3. Melinda! That's my momma, yo. This cracks me up. I guess she's not disqualified cuz she's related to me. Although, I bet she really wishes she could be disqualified from certain things for being related to me.

Seriously, ladies, you know you're gonna win one of these times. Such great odds with such few entries!

Spoilers Below!!!

What do you think motivates people like Hilly? Are they taught racism and if they are; is it something that is a conscious thing being passed on, or something learned through behavior?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Alright, ladies! How do you like the book so far?

I'm loving it, the farther I read the more I get to where I don't want to put it down.

Giveaway!!

Stay organized with a purse sized journal (around 5x7), funky paperclips and of course: doesn't everyone need a little Tootsie Roll chapstick?

Spoilers Below!!

There are so many questions and topics that we could discuss about this book and I want to do it justice. But right now there is only one question that I have burning in my brain that I want to ask you.

If the white ladies think that the help is so dirty and disease ridden that they need to have their own toilets, plates, etc.; then why do they leave the help to raise their kids?

New Month, New Book!

2009-10-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's already October 1st?

That means it's time for the new book you all selected for this month.

Click on the book to go to Amazon if you want to purchase it there.

You can read the post with the synopsis of the book here.

I'm so excited about this book, because I've started reading it and I'm already hooked.

I hope you all will join in this month!

You can scroll down if you want to leave comments with your thoughts on last month's read. Let us know what you thought about it!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-09-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's already the end of September, which means you are all hopefully finishing up

Splitting Harriet.

Since this is the last Spoiler Alert for Harriet, we're just wanting to know what you thought

of the book?

What did you think of Harriet and her relationship with God? She read the Bible every day, but she didn't accept the forgiveness of God.

Is this something you struggle with also?

Splitting Harriet is categorized as Christian Fiction. Would you be interested in reading more Christian Fiction?

Winner!!

Melissa @ Nunnally Family Fun, come on down!

Random.org provided us with the number 3.

Keep coming back for your chance to win, the odds are pretty good, we never get even 10 comments! Ha!

Announcement

2009-09-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

The votes are in for the October Read With Girlfriends book!

You all chose:

Publisher's Weekly Starred Review

What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel (and maiden publication of Amy Einhorn's new imprint) set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. Assured and layered, full of heart and history, this one has bestseller written all over it.

This book is only available in hard cover right now.

Our suggestion would be to borrow it from the Library if they have it in or buy it used from your local used bookstore or Amazon.com.

Click on the book to go directly to Amazon's 'The Help' page.

Thank you to everyone who voted!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-09-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies, you'll have to forgive me for being late on this.

As you can see, if you've been watching this blog, when left to my own devices I

tend to get "off task."

So, after getting my stuff together, without further ado, here is your Giveaway and Spoiler Alert!

Giveaway!!

Cute, funky note cards with matching ribbon and 2 matching sticky notepads.

You can tuck it all into the little blue tote that you'll also get!

Spoilers Below!!

At the height of Harriet's rebellion, her brother suffers "fall out" from her behavior. Have you ever been held accountable for something that your friend or relative may have done?

Have you been stereotyped or do you stereotype people?

Would you have immediately discounted Maddox as a "bad boy" because of his appearance?

Check back tomorrow to see what book you all chose for next month!!

Interview With A Girlfriend

2009-09-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Today's Interview is with Mag from Sitting On The Moodswing At The Playground.

Mag is awesome; she has the cutest little boy who she refers to as Bug on her blog, she's a great writer and is very funny!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:

I mostly read fiction, mysteries and short story collections. Sometimes I'll pick up a memoir but only read non-fiction every few years (sometimes nonfiction seems too much like homework). And if I'm feeling really brave I'll read something scary...but only in the summer when the days are longer. (I know, I'm a big baby.)
Who is your favorite author:Not one favorite, but I'll race to the bookstore (or amazon) when these writers have a new book out: Alice Hoffman, Ann Patchett, Anne Tyler, Elizabeth McCracken, Laura Moriarty, Jhumpa Lahiri, Leif Enger and Brady Udall.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
I often think that movies from books are disappointing because they can't cover the depth of characters the way a book does. Or the ending is changed in the movie--ACK! I once heard an author say that the movie made from her book was a nice movie...but it wasn't the book she had written.

I like creating the look and feel of the characters in my head as I'm reading. Often when I hear who's playing a character in the movie I think "NO, NO, NO--she should have curly hair or he should be taller (or younger, or [insert anything here])!" because those are the physical features of the characters that I created when I read the story.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
I loved Ella Minnow Pea because it was so clever and original. The characters communicate via letters and notes. As letters of the alphabet drop from a famous statue in town, the people quit using the dropped letters in their correspondence so after awhile you're reading phonetically. (That description doesn't do the book justice--trust me--it's a great, creative book and a fun read.)

One of my favorite books (and one of my favorite movies--so there--I've contradicted everything I said in the previous question) is A Room with a View. I read it 20 years ago and immediately knew that if I ever had a daughter I would name her Lucy after Lucy Honeychurch.
Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
My blog doesn't have a point (is that a bad thing?). I write whatever pops into my head and sometimes that includes my husband and our two-year-old, our French bulldog, books, Bruce Springsteen, food (and by that I mean chocolate and/or wine) and grumblings about the never-ending construction on my street. Uh oh, that sounds really boring. How about this...I never know what's going to be on my blog so stop by and say hi and maybe you can come up with a reason to love me.

Thank you so much, Mag! Great Interview; I know I'll be putting these authors on my "must read" list!

Go visit Mag at Sitting On The Moodswing At The Playground!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner/Announcement!!

2009-09-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Did anyone notice that we didn't post last week?

Well, I guess it's good, because 1)we didn't disappoint anyone, BUT 2)maybe nobody cares?!

Moving on: we'd like to get an idea of how many of you are reading this month's selection. Please leave us a comment so we know. We just want to get a feel for how many people are

reading with us.

If you don't know where to get the books we choose or if your library doesn't have it, you can always click on our picture of the book, it links to Amazon where you can usually buy it for cheap. Did you notice on the left side of the page that we linked up places where you can trade books for free? These websites are pretty cool; feel free to check them out!

Winner!!!

The stamp set goes to #5, courtesy of Random.org.

Ali, I hope you're back from Denmark, so we can get these out to you!

Announcement!!!

You are going to decide what we'll read in October!

On the right sidebar you'll see our 2 book picks; go vote on which one you want to read and we'll announce the winner in one week!

Spoilers Below!!!
This book brings up a lot of questions regarding worship.

Harriet is struggling to let go of the "old school" worship practices and the more contemporary that her church is moving to. What do you think?

Do you have a preference for old school versus contemporary?

Is Harriet hanging on to the old school ways because she feels guilty for her wild ways as a teenager?

Interview With A Girlfriend

2009-09-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

This week our Interview is with Vivienne from The V Spot. She is hilarious and is never afraid to offer good grammar or spelling tips! Just kidding...well, not really, she really will give you tips if you need em. She offers a lot of different things on her blog, though. Crafting, decorating, money saving tips, and funny stories about her 4 (four!) boys and her Handsome Hubby. Her family is a riot, and her littlest one, Grant, usually provides the best blog fodder for his momma!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
Hmm. I think it may be easier to tell you the genres that I don't like.

Definitely not a fan of the romance novel. I'm not talking about chick lit where the quirky, lovable heroine gets the guy. I'm talking about the bodice-ripping schmaltz where the heroine is always in some sort of danger and needs to be rescued. I hate that whole "Penelope Pitstop, tied to the railroad tracks, is rescued by shirtless hunk and she thanks him with her creamy thighs and heaving breast." Bleh.

I also have a really hard time with science fiction. Science and math. No thanks for that. (Although The Chronicles Of Narnia were some of my favorites as a kid {OK, even now} and I loved The Hobbit. I guess those would qualify more as Fantasy, maybe?)

While I have read books with heavier subject matter, I usually lean towards something on the lighter, more humorous side. For example, I read The Lovely Bones and The Kite Runner. Both were great stories and were well written, but I felt I had to slog my way through them because of the subject matter. Books provide an escape for me. I would like to escape to somewhere nice.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
For the most part, I wind up a little disappointed. I can think of only two books where the movie was as good as or better than the book, and both were written by Stephen King: The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption (based on the short story Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.) For the most part, movies based on Stephen King's books come off as pretty cheesy. He is such a gifted writer that he could make you afraid of a box of Cheerios in your pantry, should he decide to do that. A scary box of Cheerios just doesn't translate well onto the big screen.

Do I still go and see the movies based on books I've read? Of course I do. Then I bitch and complain that it wasn't true to the book. It's tradition.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
There have been several that I read over and over again (almost everything by Stephen King, the Little House series, The Chronicles of Narnia...) but there are two books that have stayed with me the most:

The Egg And I by Betty MacDonald is a funny memoir and I developed some of my writing style and some of the phrasing I use in conversation as a result of reading that book as a child. I re-read it at least once a year. It is my go-to comfort book.

The other book is A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I can't remember when I first read it and am not sure why it sticks with me the way that it does. It may have something to do with the idea that relationships and growing up are difficult no matter the circumstances or the era. It is a must read.

Now, tell us about your blog.What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
My blog is a little bit of everything, I think, because I'm a little bit of everything. I do crafty things, I decorate my house, I yell at my kids, I cook, funny things happen, my kids do dorky things, I love my husband, I have a great family and great friends.... all of these things serve as fodder for my posts.

I have always liked to write and even enjoyed the writing process in school. (Sick, huh?)My blog provides me with an outlet for writing but also serves to chronicle the wacky things these kids do, since I am a Non-Scrapbooking Mom.

Why should you love me?

Because you'll often have opportunities to say, "Damn! I'm glad that didn't happen to me!" or "I'm glad I'm not her." etc.

That was a great Interview, thank you Viv! Go visit The V Spot and let her know you stopped by!

***Alright Girlfriends, we really, really need people to keep sending us interviews, please! Just copy and answer the questions off of any of our Interviews, the questions are all the same. Send them to readwithgirlfriends@yahoo.com.***

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Giveaway

2009-09-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Since it's the 1st of the month we didn't think a Spoiler Alert on the new book would be a good idea. We haven't even started it yet, so we figure you haven't either! Plus, with school starting here in Oregon this week, we are very busy!

Instead we are just going to do an overall review of last months pick, Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella.

Get your commenting on!

Don't forget, new month, new book! Our book pick for this month is:

We have put links up to places you can get the book on the internet. Or click on the picture and it will take you to Amazon.

Giveaway!!!

Here is today's giveaway! Two wooden backed rubber stamps and a black inkpad for all of you card makers, scrapbookers, or just anyone crafty; this one's for you!

Movie Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-08-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for our first movie review, right?

I think we all went in with pretty low expectations because when a movie is based on a book it can be really good or really bad. You never know if they're gonna follow the plot or totally change it up.

A group of 6 of us went. 4 of us had read the book and 2 hadn't. We were curious to see what the 2 would think, since they hadn't read the book.

***Spoilers Below!!***

For me, MiMi, I was thinking that if I hadn't read the book first I would never have caught on to the movie. Just like in the book, there are a lot of twists, turns and jumping around in time. The 2 people who didn't read the book (Jessica's mom and my aunt) said they had no problem following the plot and the jumping around in time.

We all liked the movie, and for those of us who read it beforehand, we thought that they actually did a really good job of following the story line.

There were a few change-ups that we noticed. There were some tangents in the book that they never brought up in the movie. And there were characters, both small and bigger, that were left out completely.

We were all surprised at the person who played Gomez. The guy was supposed to be tall and blond and good looking. But instead, they went with a shorter, dark haired, sorta hairy lookin' guy. I guess it was a small thing, but couldn't they find a tall blond to play the part?

Also, the affair that happens once between Claire and Gomez never takes place in the movie. You don't get to know Claire's family as deeply as they are profiled in the book.

Some of the things that happened in the book still happened in the movie but were changed up a bit. Locations, circumstances and such.

All in all, nothing they left out or changed up really affected the movie in a negative way, in our humble opinions.

Of course the ending was a little different, maybe not as ambiguous as the book. In the book it was sort of left open to interpretation and when Henry dies he never sees Claire again; at least in this life.

The movie ended with a more positive spin on his death. They are able to continue to see each other after his death, which differs from the book. Although they leave out that part at the end of the book where they join up and are together forever after Claire passes away at an old age.

We thought the movie was really good and the way it ends actually leaves it open, we think, to make another movie. The book ended that way as well, with Claire and Henry's daughter being a Time Traveler also, it seems there should be a way for her to go back and develop a cure or something to save her father.

Of course, if you want to see the movie, you should read the book first, because the book is always better!

If you saw the movie also, what did you think?

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner

2009-08-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

First things first. I totally lied to you all last week. I said we'd be doing our Girfriend's review on The Time Traveler's Wife movie.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances we were unable to do the review. (ha! jessica, did that sound good? do you think they'll figure out that we just totally slacked and didn't get it done?? i bet not. wink wink.)

Okay, so we promise that we will get it up soon. We're thinking some of you may not have been able to see the movie yet and we didn't want to ruin it for ya. Uh...yeah, that sounds good right?

Winner!!

The lucky person who won last week's giveaway is: number 5! Chosen by Random.org.

Jane Anne at Gravity of Motion, you win!

Please let us know your info so we can get it to you!

Where's the Giveaway??!!

Okay, we're not doin' one this week, but check back next Tuesday to see what we've got!

We're going to the beach today, so you never know what we'll dig up for ya!

Spoilers Below!!

As we get closer to the end of the book, we realize that Lexi isn't happy at all in her new life.

What do you think about Eric being so obsessive about keeping things in their place?

What would you do regarding the situation with Jon?

Would you play it like Lexi or would you go for it?

Giveaway at the playground!

2009-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Maggie at Sitting on the moodswing at the playground recently received 2 new copies of While I'm Falling by Laura Moriarty. Guess where she got em? The actual publisher!

Click the book and it will take you over to Maggie's blog, where you can read about her meeting with the actual author and what the book is about.

We will be featuring this book in the coming months and if you leave a comment here or at Sitting on the moodswing at the playground you will have a chance to win one of the 2 hardcover editions that Maggie has!

And...the coolest thing! The publisher told Maggie that if this book is a selection by the book club that she would either have the author call in or answer questions submitted by us!

We think that's pretty dang neat.

Interview With A Girlfriend

2009-08-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

This week our intverview is with Lisa from One Girlie Girl.

She is a riot, her blog is one of my favorite "funny girl" blogs!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
I'm not sure I have a favorite. I like a lot of different genre's. But, if I had to rank them it would probably be:
1. Chick Lit...girls gotta have a quick and funny read!
2. Mystery/Suspense {Please don't confuse this with horror...I'm having a nightmare just thinking about it}
3. Romance {Usually paired in with one of the above}
4. Series/Epic - I love a good series. Or any book that takes you through a lifetime with a character. I just feel like I made a new friend when I read these types of books.
Who is your favorite author: Oh, my! I have a few that I'm in love with right now. Jen Lancaster, whom I've recently discovered! Sophie Kinsella. Barbara Taylor Bradford. Mary Higgins Clark.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:

Usually I find them a dissapointment. I think your own imagination is so much better than one person's vision of how they see the story. Even how you picture a character can be completely different, ya know?! One exception to this was "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry. Yes, it's a western and I read it when I was a kid. But, I remember thinking the whole time what a great movie I thought it would be. Then lo' and behold they made it into a miniseries for TV. It totally did the book justice!! Check it out!!
Also, I am looking forward to seeing "The Time Traveler's Wife" I think that could be very, very good. Don't tell me if you saw it...I'm waiting for a girlfriend get together next month to see it...hopefully it will still be in the theaters;)

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:

Well, the most memorable ones?! There are a few. The Shell Seekers by Rosamonde Pilcher; The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough; A Woman Of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford and as mentioned above, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.

Now, tell us about your blog.What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:

Easy...because I am me. No, no, really. I started blogging for a personal reason. I lost a baby a year and a half ago and was hoping to help others that had been through it, just by relaying my personal experience. Then it evolved into just tidbits from my life. I hate to say it, but I think I'm just a mom who puts some stuff out there and hopes to meet some like minded people along the way. I must say that the blogging community out there is so wonderful that I have more fun reading blogs than I do writing :) So come by and get to know me a little better, 'cause I really would love to get to know you!!

**Note from MiMi** Thank you so much, Lisa! Is anyone else loving these interviews as much as I am? I love getting to know people better by talking about my favorite thing: books!

And it's a great way to find new authors that we may not have read before!

Please go visit Lisa at One Girlie Girl!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner/Giveaway!!

2009-08-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Just a couple things first that I want to touch on.

1. The Time Traveler's Wife, our extra credit book, came out in the theaters last Friday!

We were so excited to go see it and this Thursday we'll do a review of the movie and let you know our take on it.

2. Giveaway Winner!!

Courtesy of Random.org.

Our giveaway winner this week, who will win the lovely owl stamp, note cards and memo pad is:

Number 11; Robin_Titan! (not her real name by the way. ; ) )

Please send your address to readwithgirlfriends@yahoo.com, as soon as you can,

so we can get your prize in the mail!

3. Next week's giveaway!

A notebook, pen and funky oversized paperclips.

The notebook is perfect size for your purse and it's ready for you to write down any notes you may want to keep handy. The pen is a blueberry scented Jelly Belly pen.

I ask you, who doesn't want to be sniffing their pens?

Spoiler Alerts Below!!

This book doesn't have any real heavy issues to deal with on the surface.

But when you think about it, it sorta makes you wonder.

What if you had this happen and you woke up one day not remembering

the past 3 years of your life.

Assuming you could choose, is there a part of your life

that you wish you didn't remember?

September Book Pick

2009-08-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Read With Girlfriends choice for September is:

Here's what's on the back of the book:

Once upon a time, I was a rebel. And I have the tattoo to prove it.Then there was the spiked hair–the shade of which changed monthly–“colorful” language that can’t be found in your everyday sixteen-count crayon box, a pack-a-day habit, less-than-modest wardrobe, and an obsession with guitar-trashing, drum-bashing music.

Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold.

Today my life is all about “lead me not into temptation.” When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving enough money to buy the café, keep my Jelly Belly habit under control, and to never again hurt the people I love.

No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles! You’d think I was finally on the right track.But since my dad’s replacement hired a hotshot church consultant to revive our “dying” church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this “consultant” says I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is anyway?

With his curly hair that could use a good clipping, tattoo that he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought… But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again.

Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!

Neither Jess or I have ever read this author, but we got a couple of great recommendations and we wanted to give it a try.

***Again, we're posting this now so you have time to get the book.***

Here are some places to get it:

Click on the picture above and it will take you to Amazon.com.

Library

Local Bookstore

Borders

Barnes and Noble

Used Book Stores

Please join us in September for this read!

Am I the only one shocked that it's almost September?!

Interview With A Girlfriend

2009-08-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today's interview is with Melissa from Nunnally Family Fun.

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
I don't really have a favorite. I am not a fan of harlequin romance novels and don't really do any sci-fi either, but I will read just about anything else and even if I really don't like the book I keep reading thinking that either it will get better or I just need to know how it ends. I read a ton of nonfiction anything that is going on in my life I am sure I have at least 2 books about it

Who is your favorite author:

I don't have a favorite author at all. This sounds terrible, but I usually just buy a book because either the cover looks like a good book or the inside flap story over view makes the book seem interesting. I have read several Sophie Kinsella books and Nicholas Sparks too along with things by the Dr. Sears family, & Beth Moore, but really I can't say there is a favorite or one I like over the other depends what I am reading about.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
Not too sure about this one. I get so attached to books...when I am reading a fiction book it is all I can think about until the book is done which is why I usually read a book in 2-3 days. So I read books and make pictures in my head of how things played out or what the person looks like, I am the person you see reading a book and laughing out loud or totally sobbing depending on the book. That being said movies never really seem as good as the book was in my head. But I still enjoy watching them mostly to just compare what I thought it should be to what the movie people made it .

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
Oh my gosh...I have a ton, but then I also have this problem that a lot of times I will read a book and really love what I read, but I can never remember what book it was from or even who the author was. I think for this week I will have to say Healthy Child Healthy World...only because every time I do something that was talked about in the book (like letting my child play with plastic toys) I wonder if I am poisoning my child. Of course it isn't really true, but because I just finished the book I am looking for more and more ways to be "green" and it is on my mind.

Now, tell us about your blog.What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
My blog isn't nearly as greatly written or funny as some of the others I have read. When my husband & I were struggling with fertility issues I had a website to keep our out of town family in the loop and then when I got pregnant we kept the website. But soon I was reading tons of blogs and wanted to join this community of people so I made the switch. My blog is really about my son with some bits of my husband & I thrown in the mix, but really just to keep my family involved in all that is going on down here with us. Right now my blog seems to be about looking for advice on potty training and discipline because that is the stage we are in with my son. And you should love me because...is this really a question? Hmm...just because I am nice, I really don't know what to say here.

MiMi's note: I think we must be "reading" twins. Is that possible?? I feel the same way, if a book is boring, I feel like I have to stick with it just to see how it ends if nothing else!

You can tell by reading Melissa's blog that her son is the absolute love of her life. She's dealing with the same issues that all moms of small children are dealing with, you're bound to find a kindred spirit while reading her posts on the issues that go with raising a little one.

You need to go visit her....she is so nice and has a beautiful son!

Thank you Melissa!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday & a Giveaway!

2009-08-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Girlfriends, Jessica here!
It's the second Tuesday of the month and around here that means,
Spoiler Alert Tuesday!
This is the day that we post a discussion question or two, and you all can comment with your responses. There might be some spoilers in the comments, so read at your own risk. Oh, please only talk about the selected chapters or the chapters from the prior weeks. Jumping ahead could ruin it for someone else.

First, let's look at the Giveaways and then the spoilers will be posted below those.
Let's announce last weeks winner!
I went to random.org and it picked number
4! That means that Missy from Life In Left Field won!
Congrats! We will be contacting you for mailing info soon!

Now, don't be depressed, here is......

This week's giveaway!

Make sure to comment on this post by next Monday night
to be entered in this giveaway!
(You don't have to be reading yet but you have to be a follower to enter)

SPOILER ALERT
Chapters 2-5

Lexi is still in the hospital trying to piece together her life.
She looks so different but her mom is just as annoying as ever.
Chapter 5 introduces us to Lexi's husband Eric.
He's handsome, perfect and out of old Lexi's league.

Question: How would you feel finding out you had a husband that you don't even remember meeting? Would you have asked different questions than Lexi?

Okay, that was quick.
I was wondering what it would be like to meet my husband that way.
Or my kids.

Interview With A Girlfriend

2009-08-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

This week's interview is with Dawn from Must Love Tots.

Dawn was my swap partner for the Red, White and Blue Swap last month.

I am so thankful that we got partnered because she is hilarious and now I have someone I would have not known otherwise that I can call a friend!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:

I just love to read. I read anything from juvenile fiction to women's studies. I just finished the Gemma Doyle trilogy by Libba Bray that I found in the young adult fiction section at the library. It was great and I loved it.
Who is your favorite author:

John Sandford & Sandra Dallas are the two that I'm always guaranteed to love. And I just discovered Anita Shreve.
What do you think of the movies that are based on books:

It depends on what the director makes of it. I think the Harry Potter movies are phenomenal, especially considering there are so many little details to put in. I don't think the director needs to get every detail right, I think the main thing is getting the feel of the book.
What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:

"Desert Flower" by Waris Dirie. It's Dirie's true story of growing up in Somalia and a victim of female genital mutilation and later becoming a world-famous model. I bought it to read on a plane ride and I had the whole thing read before I got to the airport. You can actually hear Dirie's voice through the book, the language is hers. It was uplifting to read about someone who has been through so much and ultimately makes the most of her life.
Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:

You should love me because I'm me. ;) No, in all honesty, I'm not sure you should love me! I try to keep my blog completely honest, even if I am sometimes brutal on myself. I blog about everything from battle with depression to my son's obsession with putting half-eaten hot dogs in my purse. I also have a second blog that I use to keep my mom's friends and family updated on her battle with cancer. Both blogs are completely me. I don't sugar coat. I don't worry about what I should and I should not write. I write it all. Writing is therapeutic for me and my release.

Note from MiMi - Dawn is so real it is almost scary!

She's funny and has a beautiful family, just check out her handsome hubby in the picture!

She also has a mom who is battling cancer and she's dedicated a separate blog to that.

Go check her out, she's a little bit of everything and more!

P.S. Please, please, please forgive me for the photo, Dawn. I don't have the cool tools to make it look awesome, like Jess, so I tried to make it look right, but I'm not sure. Wednesday snuck up on me and I forgot to get it all ready yesterday when I could've bribed Jess to do it!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday/Winner/Giveaway!!

2009-08-04T09:17:00.001-07:00

It's a new month with a new book and it's Tuesday! You know what that means, Spoiler Alert Tuesday, again!

So, since we just started this book, well, I just started the book, cuz I'm a slacker, I am only going to do the Prologue and Chapter One. I don't want to spoil it for myself!

Spoilers Below!!

What would you do if you woke up in a strange environment and didn't know exactly how you got there?

What would you do if you realized that the hospital staff mistook you for someone else?

(keep in mind you may score a really nice Louis Vuitton bag from the mistake...wink wink.)

And a question that is purely for my sanity:

There's a character called Fi.
How do you pronounce that? Is it Fye or Fee? Help me with this!

Winner, Winner!!

We used RandomKid.org again to choose the number of our winner last week.

And the lucky winner is number 1, Brandy from The Royal Family!!!

Congrats Brandy, you get to spoil your feet with our mini pedicure kit!

Don't be disappointed if you didn't win, because here is our next giveaway!
Make sure you comment by next Monday, the 10th at noon PST, on this post, for your chance to win!!

Our Giveaway this week is:

This Kitchen Set will be perfect at your end of summer/Labor Day barbecue!

Or, if your like me, in your kitchen all year round, cuz who can't use more dish towels and hot pads?!

This set includes 2 hot pads, an apron and the lovely, patriotic American Flag dish towel.

Get ready....get set....comment!!

***NOTE*** Ladies -Please start sending your addresses to our new e-mail so we can start getting your RWG bookmarks in the mail!!

readwithgirlfriends@yahoo.com

New Month, New Book!

2009-08-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Girlfriends!

We hope that you have finished July's book
(look below to participate in the group discussion).

It's August 1st and time to start
Who said "don't judge a book by it's cover"?
Look how pretty it is!

Do you still need the book? Here are some ideas on where to find it:

www.amazon.com (they sell it used too)
your local book store
your local used book store
the library
borrow from a friend
Target (has a good book section)
maybe Wal-Mart

Don't forget to enter in the Spoiler Alert Tuesday Giveaway!! We will be having these most weeks. Also, please email one of us your address so we can send out your bookmark.

***I just made up a new email address for the bookclub:

readwithgirlfriends@yahoo.com

We hope you'll participate this month!
(If you never got around to reading last month, no worries! Time to start fresh for August!)

Interview With A Girlfriend Wednesday

2009-07-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's MiMi's turn!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books: I guess it depends on the mood I’m in. If I’m really happy, I might want to read a sad book. If I’m feeling down, the last thing I need is a book that’s gonna bring me down more.

I think I can safely say that I love most books. The only ones I don’t like are ones that are romance only. I mean, if you’re gonna give me a romance, it’s gotta have something else going on. Like a thriller, or a historical type thing.

Who is your favorite author:

Ya know? This is sort of a dorky question, huh? I mean, I probably came up with it, so I’m the dork, but really, if you like to read, it’s hard to pin down one favorite author.

I have 3 or 4 authors who I love and always buy their books.
If I wanna good Thriller or Suspense? Karin Slaughter. She’s not afraid to pull the rug out from under you. Usually you can tell where a book is going, but you never can with hers. I mean, she’ll kill off a main character, even if it’s someone you are sure can’t die. And it works!
If I want good Chick Lit? Definitely Sophie Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner. (and it’s pronounced whine-er, so ya know. Every time I see it I actually pronounce it weeeener/whine-er, just so I have all the bases covered.)
If I want something totally fluffy, that will make me laugh? Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, hands down.
I also like John Irving and I have fallen head over heals for Elizabeth Flock, who wrote a book called Me and Emma. If you have the time, definitely pick that one up. It blew me away.

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:

I love when they make movies outta books. Most of the time they chop it up and it ends up being a mess, but they’re still enjoyable. I never have high expectations.

What gets me is when they make films like Twilight. It matched the book pretty well, but what comes across on the page, looked really cheesy on film. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I still LOVED the dang movie and it makes me laugh whenever I watch it, even though it’s not supposed to be funny, and for that alone, I will keep it forever in my collection. And, I can’t wait for New Moon. I’m a Twilight Junkie.
What really bugged me was Shopaholic. That was SO different then the book. I mean, for instance, a huge part of the book? She’s English. Lives in Britain. Not New York. Sheesh. But it was still funny and I liked it a lot.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:

Me and Emma by Elizabeth Flock. It’s about a girl and her sister and the pain they go through growing up. I’m not gonna tell you more, cuz I think you should go pick it up and read it. It’s fantastic. Although, if you pick it up and you don’t end up liking it? I never mentioned it.

I also read a thriller by Jack Ketchum once, called The Lost. I don’t remember a lot about that book, but I remember it scared the crap outta me and I still think about it.

Now, tell us about your blog.What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:

You should love me because I’m shameless and will do anything to get you to.

Uh, I don’t know. I’m funny (sometimes), I don’t get embarrassed, I will, at times, tell way too much information about myself, which it’s always fun to hear about other peoples’ weirdness, right?
I don’t know! It’s hard to brag yourself up, you try! Oh wait, you will, cuz we’re coming after all of our Girlfriends to do this same thing!

Oh! I thought of another. I also LOVE The Bell Jar. Sylvia Plath was messed up but a great writer. Her character’s transition from normal to crazy was seamless. I didn’t even catch it. How crazy does that make me?? Don't.answer.that.

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Jessica says: MiMi's blog has caused me to: crack up so hard that my husband runs over to the computer to see what's up, gasp so hard the hubs does the same thing, squeal with gross delight about the weird things she reveals about herself, and even some sentimental crying. I count MiMi a friend and I hope you will too! Now go visit her blog--Living In France!!! (I wonder, does she actually live in France? Hmm)....

*** We need new Girlfriend Interviews! Please email them to either MiMi or me.
*** Also, we need you all to start sending us your addresses so we can send your bookmarks out in August!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday and a Giveaway

2009-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Girlfriends, I'm back!

I know you all missed me, wipe your tears, you don't need to be sad anymore.
I'm just flattering myself, I know. If I don't, who will?
I don't want to bore you to death with the same format I used a couple Tuesdays ago for this post, so I'm gonna make it short and sweet, like Jessica.

Okey doke?

Spoilers Below!!

Chapters 13 - 22 and the Epilogue.
Don't freak! They're short chapters.

Do you think that they moved too fast? What was it, 3 days or so and they fell in love? Is there such a thing as "love at first sight?" Is this the same thing as what happened to them?

Were you surprised that Travis went and punched the doctor who put the moves on Gabby? Has your man ever done something like that for you?

Did you start to see that maybe they weren't getting a divorce after all? Were you surprised that the "choice" was about life and death and not the marriage?

If you were in Travis's situation, would you have made the same choice? Do you think he would have ended up resenting her like the other gentleman who resented his wife after many years of her coma?

Do you think it was a fairytale ending, or true to life? Is it believable that someone could recover as well as she did from her coma?

What did you all think of the book? Overall, did you think it was good, bad, or are you indifferent?

Take our poll over to the right if you haven't already!

Now onto the best part!

We're going to start doing giveaways every Tuesday! (barring any unforseen circumstance that may cause us to miss a week)

***CLOSED***

All you have to do to win is leave us a comment with your thoughts on the book so far. We will draw and announce before next week's Spoiler Alert Tuesday, so check back!

Isn't that easy? Just another reason why your "Read with Girlfriends" blog pals, ie; Jessica and MiMi rock!!

Here is this week's giveaway!

Spoil your feet! I don't know if your feet need some pampering, but ours sure do!
Happy commenting!

Interview with a Girlfriend Wednesday

2009-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Our Third Interview with a Girlfriend is with Amanda from Family of Shorts!

Amanda is one neat girlfriend! Please go visit her blog!!

Without further ramblings, here is AMANDA!

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
I love to get lost in books so the genre really isnt all that important. I have read everything from chick-lit to a true story about a Vietnam vet. I generally dont go for whats necessarily popular (I just barely read the first Twilight book and havent read any of the others!) as much as I go for what grabs my attention. If it sounds good on the back of the book then I buy it!
Who is your favorite author:
Im not sure I could pick a favorite. I love Jennifer Weiner, probably because her main characters are usually overweight and I love that! Not the perfect little size 2, most beautiful person in the world character, but someone who feels real.
What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
There are some movies that I think do an OK job. As a rule though I think it is impossible to really capture the book in the movie. There is so much more detail and description in a book. And as readers we all envision the characters, the place, etc in our own way...no two people would envision it the same way. So to see it in movie format it is probably not what you were picturing and can be disappointing. Almost like it loses the "magic"
What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
Its funny but some of the books I remember most are ones that I hated! Many years ago, in high school, I had to read 1984 for honors English class. I hated the book! Seriously hated it...but I remember so many things about it. There have been some classics that I loved though, like Jane Eyre, Catcher in the Rye and the Diary of Anne Frank. All of these I had to read in high school and I still remember them and the characters. Maybe I should read them now as an adult!
Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
I dont know that I am different from others. I am just a stay at home mom that finds humor in little things. I am doing a Home Redo challenge on my blog where I pick a room every month and by the end of the month you had to accomplish things for that room. They can be as simple as clearing out clutter or a full on remodel! I try to post every day on my blog, when I dont I feel like I forgot to call a close friend or something. I try to be funny and entertaining, but most of all I am real. I dont say or do anything on my blog that I wouldnt say in real life, usually the post is referring to real conversations. I will always be honest about myself and how I feel. I dont believe in doing or believe in what is popular or trendy. I love having my blog as a place to vent, complain, boast, cry...whatever. And when I get comments it reminds me that Im not alone!

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**Please copy and paste the questions into your email and fill them out! Add a snapshot and send it to either MiMi or Jessica! We would love to feature YOU in the coming weeks!!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2009-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Girlfriends! Please bare with me, MiMi is busy with her relatives this week. You are stuck with me. Are you all liking this book? Does it seem predictable? Or maybe you haven't finished it yet...
Looks like I need to talk about chapters 7-12.
Yeah, I'm not as funny as MiMi. Humor me and pretend you like my post this week!
Otherwise she might not ever let me loose on Spoiler Alert Tuesdays again! :)
This week I'm simply going to post questions about the chapters. You all are big girls, you don't need me paraphrasing for you (mostly because I'm not as energetic as MiMi was last week)! Please let me know if you think Spoiler Alert Tuesdays are boring. We are doing them for you, because this is your book club! We are just the morons trying to write witty posts (MiMi) and make cute graphics (me).
MiMi's note: Jess, I haven't left town yet, so here's some advice: Please - for the love of God, do not do what I did last week. It was B-O-R-I-N-G. I worked hard, but I think I was a tad to wordy. (pfft, me wordy? uh, yeah.)but there weren't many comments. I think people were bored with it...as was I. So. Go ahead, talk it out, have fun everyone!

Spoilers Below!

What do you think of Travis' sister Stephanie? Would you like to be friends with someone like her? Or are you someone like her?
Would you have went riding motorcycles with Travis? Do you think he was too aggressive telling Gabby about his feelings? What about the boyfriend? Do you feel bad for him?
The end of chapter 12 leaves us with Gabby inviting Travis over for dinner. What do you make of that? Do you think she's being naive or leaning more in Travis' direction?

Extra Extra!!

2009-07-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Girlfriends!

We have two announcements today!
First we drew the number for our Necklace Giveaway!

We went to RandomKid.org. Okay, so really, we had Jessica's super cutie patootie son pick a number between 1 and 25.
And the winner is.....drumroll please....

Number 10!

Maggie from Sitting on the mood swing at the playground, come on down!

Now for everyone else, don't be disappointed that you didn't win the necklace. We are going to have fabulous monthly giveaways, so you still can win! Maybe August will be your month?

And now some great news for everybody, the announcement you've all been waiting for...haven't you?

The Read With Girlfriends choice for August is:

Here's a tidbit about the book copied from Amazon.

From Publishers Weekly, Shopaholic powerhouse Kinsella delights again with her latest, a winning if unoriginal tale of amnesia striking an ambitious shrew and changing her life for the better. After taking a nasty bump on the head, Lexi Smart awakens in a hospital convinced that it's 2004 and that she's just missed her father's funeral. It's actually three years later, and she no longer has crooked teeth, frizzy hair and a loser boyfriend. Initially wowed by what she's become—a gorgeous, cut-throat businesswoman—Lexi soon finds herself attempting to figure out how it happened. As her personality change and lost memory threaten her job, Lexi tries to dredge up some chemistry with her handsome albeit priggish husband, Eric, though the effort is unnecessary with Eric's colleague Jon, who tells Lexi that she was about to leave Eric for him. Amnesia tales may be old hat, but Kinsella keeps things fresh and frothy with workplace politicking, romantic intrigue and a vibrant (though sometimes caricatured) cast. Though the happy ending won't come as a surprise, readers will be rooting for Lexi all along. (Mar.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

If this sounds like a book you would enjoy, then join in with The Girlfriends and get the book for August!

Interview With A Girlfriend Wednesday

2009-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

In our second Interview With A Girlfriend, we interviewed Brandy from The Nabors Baby.

Brandy is funny and she loves books! She was the very first follower of this here little book club! She followed before we even did our first post! Yay, Brandy! (all these exclamation marks make me feel like a cheerleader. gag.)
Like the first interview we did, you have to channel your inner Babwa Wawters.

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
Like, Jessica, I'm no book snob. There are some genres I do enjoy more than others. I love essays, biographies, nature/outdoor, non-fiction and Christian non-fiction. And as much as I hate to admit it, I do judge a book by it's cover. I know, I know. I'm awful. I prefer larger size books over trade size paperbacks and I like a nice size large font...ooooo, that sounded dirty.

Really, in the end I'm willing to give any book a try. Which is why I'm SO excited about reading other "Girlfriends" suggestions!

The only genre I'm not a tremendous fan of is romance. Hold the Fabio for me.

Who is your favorite author:
Hmmmm, that's a tough one. It's like a Lay's potato chip, I can't have just one. I love Thoreau, Jack Kerouac, Bill Bryson, Beth Moore, Nora Roberts - How's that for eclectic taste!

What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
I have no qualms with book-based movies at all. In fact, I'm guilty of seeing the movie without ever touching the book. I do, however, agree that a book can take you places and bring out emotion and imagination that a movie can not. A movie is a director's perspective on the book's characters, setting, costume, etc. which is great, but the beauty and fascination with a book is that it can be a 1,000 different things to a 1,000 different people. When I'm done with a book and have made my own "world" of it, I'll watch the movie and see how different or how similar my "world" is to the director's.

I hope that made sense, I haven't had caffeine since 2008. Can’t. Think. Straight.

What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
On the Road by Jack Kerouac: Since reading this, I've had a strange obsession with train hopping and bums. Yes, I have dreamt of waxing poetic around a campfire, discussing where to hitchhike next while eating beans from a can with other un-showered road trippers... Okay, I’m really coming across as an oddball.

Into the Forest by Jean Hegland: Because I'm such a nature/outdoor junkie, this book will always float in my head. It's a story of two teenage sisters, alone in the woods in a day and time where electricity no longer exists and modern conveniences are a thing of the past. The sisters survive the elements, battle hunger and emotional crisis, and even an unspeakable crime committed in their own home. Hmmmmm, after re-reading that it doesn't sound like a page turner, but trust me it is. THIS is why I can’t write good book reviews.

Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
You should love me because you have to, Mimi said so. No, no, no. That came out all wrong.

Take two: I'm a loveable kind of gal. Mother of one, Step-Monster to another. Betrothed to a man allergic to laundry and dishes. Daughter to a biker/bar owner and an ex-hippie Cherokee Indian....I don't care what she says, Lil Mama was totally a hippie. Sister to a crazy woman with four children that should absolutely, undoubtedly be medicated. I'm a self-professed tree-huggin'-dirt-worshipper.

I originally started blogging to keep my family in the loop about my first pregnancy. Then I figured out this whole blog thing is a big deal. Now, I usually ramble about the goings on in our daily life and share the hilarity of a first time mother. I try to keep things upbeat and humorous, but there is the occasion where I'm honest about my post-baby blues, sleep deprivation, and sausage like physique. I hope we become your new favorite "Nabors".

Well said, Brandy! Your our favorite new "Nabor" for sure!

Now go check The Nabors Baby out!

Also: Don't forget to check back tomorrow when we'll announce the winner of the necklace, and announce next months book pick!!

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2009-07-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's our review on the prologue and first 6 chapters of The Choice.

Prologue - Here is where we're first introduced to the main characters of the book. We don't learn names, ages, etc...we just know it's a husband and wife. The husband is delivering flowers to the hospital where his wife works.

He's lamenting the fact that he and his wife argued the last time that they spoke and knows delivering flowers won't do any good, but he's at a loss for what to do.

Why do you think he's bringing his wife flowers and why do you think he's so sure they won't help?

MiMi: I think he's bringing her flowers because he's a big 'ole jerk and said something stupid to cause the argument in the first place. Sounds like he's made some mistakes, maybe he's even cheated on her?

Jessica: MiMi hit the nail on the head. Although, I didn't get the feel that he had cheated on her for some reason.

MiMi again: That would be because Jessica is more intelligent than I, and she doesn't see the bad in people as much as I do. : )

Jessica again: MiMi, I'm just naive!

MiMi: This back and forth is fun! Naive...pfft. I'm just mean.

Chapters 1-6
In chapter one you are further introduced to the 2 main characters. You learn that they are neighbors. He is Travis Parker and has lived in the small town of Beaufort his entire life and has 3 close friends who are married and have kids. Although he isn't married and doesn't have any kids, he has remained close with his friends and their families. He does a lot of outdoor sports such as boating. He is single at the moment, having dated a lot of women, but none of them really "fit." You also learn he has a sister, Stephanie, who he seems to be close with.

She is Gabby Holland, and you don't learn too much about her character, other than she has just moved into this house recently, to be closer to her boyfriend of several years. She would like the relationship to move forward but has had no sign of proposal or even moving in with her boyfriend.

Gabby has a collie named Molly (ha ha, just got that, molly the collie.) who is pregnant. Gabby knows that it is Travis's dog who has gotten her dog pregnant and is working herself into a pretty good stew about confronting Travis about his wandering dog.

What do you think you would do if you were in the same situation as Gabby?
Would you go confront the neighbor? How would you feel if you got there and broke down as Gabby did?

MiMi: I'm so boring....cuz like I said before, I would've known the neighbor already, would have introduced myself. I would have discussed with him that I thought his dog got my dog pregnant. I don't think I would have sobbed over the crap that has or hasn't been happening to me lately. Of course, I would have my dog fixed already and wouldn't even have the unfortunate "knocked up dog" situation in the first place. But that's just me. If I did actually break down in front of the neighbor, I probably would be pretty embarrassed, and would have apologized like crazy while I was leaving.

Jessica: I would never act like Gabby. It's not in my nature to confront the neighbor and yell at them. Well, actually, I did yell at my neighbors once. It was actually the neighbor's brother. But I was being verbally attacked. So, I guess I was more like in Travis' shoes. Travis held it together pretty well, must have been because he thought she was cute. If that would have been a man coming over to yell at him, it would had been a totally different story. Plus, if she was so concerned about her dog not getting pregnant, she should have put up a fence.

MiMi: Hey, that reminds me of the fight with my neighbor. Lots of naughty words. Mr. Rogers, he is not.

Chapters 2 and 3 finds Gabby at the vet's office where she will get Molly checked out to verify that she is indeed pregnant.

When the vet walks in and she sees that it is Travis, her neighbor, she is seriously embarrassed.

What would you do if you found out that your neighbor that you bawled out, is the vet? Would you feel betrayed?

MiMi: I probably would have been pretty taken aback and would have had to crack a joke about it. When in doubt, make yourself sound stupider by saying something inappropriate: that's my motto.

Jessica: I would have been totally embarrassed. I would have thought--well, that figures. Just my stinky life. I really am a optimist... :)

Chapter 4 is all about Travis. After his 2nd encounter with Gabby Holland at his office, he is really intrigued by her. You learn a lot about his past girlfriends, his school years, his decision to live in the same town he grew up in. You sorta learn a little about what makes him tick. And you learn that he is very interested in this new neighbor.

If you were in Travis's position, how would you feel about Gabby? Would you think she had a screw loose?

MiMi: Hmm. It's hard to put myself in this position. I think after her initial visit to my house, where she broke down, and wouldn't let me get a word in, I probably wouldn't have liked her. But I'm a girl and I need to remember he's a man, who thinks this Gabby chick is pretty hot. So...I guess if I thought she was hot, like hawt, I would've thought it was pretty funny that she came in and was basically sucking shoe leather cuz she had her foot so far in her mouth. Then I would've wondered if she was super flexible like that and maybe I could nail her. That's my best assumption as a guy.

Jessica: Men are from Mars, remember! They don't think with their hearts as much as their privates. I'm generalizing people! I'm sure your husbands all think with their hearts... hehe. If that would have been me and a guy came over and chewed me out, everyone (and especially the reader) would want that guy to hit the curb. But when it's a hot female...they can do whatever they want...

Chapter 5 is back to Gabby. She's pretty embarrassed about her 2 encounters with Travis so far. So she tries to avoid him as best she can and focus her energies on taking care of her pregnant dog.

When she discovers that Molly has had per pups, she also sees that something is terribly wrong and she has no option but to go to Travis and ask for help. He comes and takes care of her dog and reassures her. He even takes the dog to his veterinary office and monitors her over night to make sure all is well.

After avoiding him for a couple weeks, she now needs his help. If you were Gabby would you have went to him for help, or would you have been to embarrassed? After seeing him take care of your dog, whom you love more than anything, and then take extra care of her later, would this change your impression of him or endear you to him more?

MiMi: Yep, I'd go over and get him. I'd be used to the flavor of sticking my foot in my mouth and being an idiot and I'd beg him for help. But, I don't have much pride so it'd be easier for me then it would be for you, I'm sure. And since now I'm starting to notice how hawt he is, I'd probably be endeared to him like superglue sticks stuff together.

Jessica: Of course I would go over and get him! I would be so worried about the dog I would forget about it. He would be the one person I would do anything to see.

In chapter 6, after the doggy drama is done and Gabby and Travis have seen more of each other than she is comfortable with, you start to learn more about Gabby's longtime boyfriend. She is in love with him, and she wants to marry him.

She is getting to know Travis a little bit and beginning to see him for what he is. A kind, intelligent, handsome professional. Not the partier she took him for in the beginning. At this point, Travis actually asks her to come out with him and his friends for an afternoon of parasailing.

If you were Gabby, would you go? Even though Travis points out that it's not a date, would you feel that because you are slightly attracted to him that you were cheating on your boyfriend?

MiMi: I'd TOTALLY go! I know I'd feel guilty, but hey, I'm not married, and he's hawt, remember?! Yep, I'm a hoochie, I'd go. Sorry. Just sayin'.

Jessica: I would feel guilty but I would go. I would be lying to myself just like Gabby did. She wanted him and she was fooling herself into thinking it was just "friends".

Okay, Ladies, what do you think? What are your thoughts? Are there other questions you would have asked and what are your answers?

Extra Credit

2009-07-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies!
As we've been reading through the comments, we've realized that some of you are very fast readers, who have already finished our pick for this month.
We thought we'd let you know that if you would like to join us, we are going to be reading another book this month. It's not an official Read With Girlfriends pick, but we, like most of you, are fast readers and don't want to sit around twiddling our thumbs waiting for next month to start reading a new book.
We are going to be reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
I've always wanted to read this one, and when I read that they made a film based on the book, to be released this August 14th, I totally ~~badgered~~ convinced Jessica that we should read it. That way we can go to the movie and see it, cuz even if we don't like the book, we love us some popcorn and soda! Also, maybe we can convince the husbands that it's for "research purposes," right?
This is just an extra book we'll be reading, and thought maybe you all would like to read it too. Let us know if you will be joining us, so we know if we should do a couple posts on it. We don't want to bore you with rundowns of a book you aren't reading.
This coming week is going to be exciting! Well, as exciting as a book club can be, anyway.
Stay tuned for:
Spoiler Alert Tuesday: we'll be discussing chapters 1-6. Get those comments ready!
Interview With a Girlfriend Wednesday: we've already got our Girlfriend lined up and she's a riot!
Thursday: we'll be doing our drawing for the necklace giveaway! Go here to enter, if you haven't already.
Also on Thursday, we will be announcing our pick for next months book!! I'm super excited about that, because it's by one of my favorite authors.
I think there was a comment on the last post suggesting that we collectively choose our books, so we all have a say. We think that's a great idea and had thought of starting out that way. Then we decided to pick the first 2 months just to get it up and running and figure out how it's all going to work and get the wrinkles ironed out.
In the future, I believe we will be selecting some books and putting them up to a vote. We aren't sure of the process of choosing the books to vote on as of yet, so bear with us.

Who's Reading?

2009-07-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start a roll call to see who is actually reading the book right now! Tell us what you want from this blog and if you have any cool ideas!!

Interview With A Girlfriend Wednesday

2009-07-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today is our very first Interview post. We wanted to show you all what it will look like when we ~~come after you~~ feature you for an Interview With A Girlfriend post.
Since we figured nobody would want to go first, Jessica graciously volunteered to go first. Below is her lovely picture and answers to the interview questions.
We think you can tell a lot about a person by the books they read so we thought it would be a fun way to get to know each of you and also get your blog out there for others to see!
Now -- when you read the interview questions, imagine them with the trademark Bobwa Wawters accent. It makes it better. And I'm not making fun of BW, I lurve her.

Tell us what is your favorite genre of books:
I'm not a snobby reader. I love Romance, Comedy, Horror, Mysteries, Science Fiction, Non-Fiction, Fantasy....
Who is your favorite author:
My favorite author changes with each season of my life. When I was a pre-teen I loved the Sweet Valley High Series (Francine Pascal). I remember getting into a V.C. Andrews kick for years. I love John Saul, Dean Koontz, Nora Roberts, Stephanie Meyer (yes, I'm in love with the Twilight series), Terri Blackstock and many, many more!
What do you think of the movies that are based on books:
Well, as a rule, I don't think any movie can give the book justice. There is just no way to capture YOUR imagination in the movie. Reading to me is very personal, I get lost in the words and my imagination starts to run wild. I have yet to see a movie that matched what I was expecting to see. BUT, there have been some amazing movies made from books!
What book have you read that has stuck with you the most:
I'm not sure. You know, every time I read a book/series that I really really love I don't think anything will beat that one. But then I start reading another series and get lost in that one too. The most recent series I got lost in was the Twilight series. If you haven't read them, I encourage you to! The book was better than the movie!
Now, tell us about your blog. What do you think might set it apart from others and why should we love you:
Let's see...I've been blogging for over 3 years! I've had a love-hate relationship with The Great Northwest...Sometimes I get so bored. I start Nursing School in the fall so I'm enjoying my blog right now so much! I know I won't be able to dedicate as much time to it once school starts.
Why should you love me? I don't know. MiMi...help me with this one! I like to post funny pictures of myself, tell funny stories, talk about being a mom, use it as a journal for my daily life, show pictures of my crafts...
MiMi interjects: I personally love Jessica because she's smart, funny, creative, generous and has a GREAT laugh. I wish we could record a wave file and just put her laugh on here. Cuz you all would be laughing with her for sure!

Now go visit Jessica at The Great Northwest!

By the way ladies: Don't think that not having a blog is going to keep you ~~safe~~ from being selected!

Also, if any of you would like to participate in the interview, feel free to copy and paste it. Fill in your own answers and send us a picture so we can put you in that cute little frame! We'll feature a new girlfriend every week. If you don't want to be interviewed send MiMi an e-mail to let us know. Or we'll be coming after you. Mwa-haha-ha-haaa.

Spoiler Alert Tuesday

2009-07-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's on the Read With Girlfriends blog means Spoiler Alert Tuesday. This is where we will throw out a topic, relating to the book, and let you all discuss it in the comments.

In the future, if you aren't very far in the book, or have just begun, you may not want to read the entire post or the comments, as it will SPOIL it for you!

In that case, we will let you know with something like this:
***Spoiler Alert, don't read past this line!!***
You know...something really subtle, like that.

However, today, we aren't going to spoil it for you. We are just going to put a topic out there that you can comment on, even if you haven't begun the book yet. It's a general question that we thought was a good subject to comment on.

In The Choice, Nicholas Sparks attempts to capture both the male and female roles.
What do you think of a male author writing a book with equal parts male and female points of view?

Well, I'm glad you asked.

Here's MiMi's opinion on the subject.

Personally, I think he's doing the job of capturing both parts pretty well. At least as good as any other serial author does.

I mean, it's not hitting the "resonates with me" button for me, simply because the female character, so far, is nothing like me or anyone I know. Don't get me wrong: she's a nice character. Seems balanced, intelligent and safe. But doesn't she have an edgy side? I wanna see an edgy side.

So, either she goes crazy and strips naked and swims up the river while screaming, "My neighbor is a hottie!," or she gets a tattoo on her face or something. Something that screams, "I'm a little crazy or unbalanced." Then, ladies, she will resonate with me. Not because I would ever do that stuff, but because I like crazy. Go figure.

Here's Jessica's opinion on the subject:

I've read Nicholas Sparks before and never questioned the believability until MiMi brought it up just now. I think he did a fair job shooting from both hips. I actually identified with the female role, MiMi wants crazy but I thrive on the mundane... hehe. I'm curious to find out what others think!

And, just so you know, in the interest of fairness, Jessica and I both tried to talk our husbands into reading the book so we could get the male perspective. We got a resounding, "NO."

So then we tried to talk them into getting little updates about what's going on in the book and hearing their opinion on it. Again, a resounding, "NO." So, we think that pretty much sums up the guys take on this book. It's a chick book. They ain't havin' none of it.

So...? What do you all think?? Let it out, we're all friends. Let us know what you think!

Also: don't forget to enter to win the necklace, hand made by the fabulous Jessica! We will be announcing the winner on or around July 15, when we will also be announcing next month's book pick!

And stay tuned for tomorrow's Interview with a Girlfriend!

Giveaway!!

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As promised, today we are doing our very first giveaway!

Wanna see what you could win?

This lovely Scrabble Pendant Necklace, hand crafted by Jessica! It's gorgeous ladies, this picture doesn't do it justice. I'm not so good with the staging and modeling of inanimate objects.

Now, if you wanna win, here are the rules:

1. You gotta be a follower cuz that's how we roll 'round here. Now, ladies, if you don't have a blog, you can still follow!

2. You gotta leave us some comment love on this post.

That's it!

Although you may want to put our handy dandy button on your blog, just cuz you love us and all that. You don't have to, but really, why wouldn't you?? Aren't we cool enough to be on your wall? No? Fine then, we'll be fine. Don't worry 'bout us.

Since I'm starting to talk to myself here, I think I'll step away from the computer soon.

We wanted to do this giveaway to kick this blog opening off right! We want you to know that we love our followers and plan on giving tons of cool stuff away. Let me tell you, I'm so excited about the goodies we came up with yesterday that some of you will be winning!

Don't forget: if you follow during the month of July you'll get your very own Read With Girlfriends bookmark. I can hear you all "oooohing and aaaahing" right now!

Make sure to check back often to see what's new! We'll be putting up some links for our favorite places to buy books and all kinds of little surprises.

***Remember, you can pick and choose which books you want to read. To win this prize, you don't have to be reading this book. We will let you know in the future if winning certain prizes depend upon your reading that month's book selection.***

Welcome

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to the Read With Girlfriends Book Club!

We are so excited to get this site up and running,

we hope you enjoy it.

We're planning some super fun stuff in the next couple weeks, including some giveaways.

We are also starting something we call Interview With A Girlfriend, which will be a great way to get to know each other.

Here's a taste of things to come:

Spoiler Alert Tuesday: discuss book chapters throughout the month as we progress through the novel. We will come up with some talking points and you all can fight it out in the comments! :)
Interview with a Girlfriend Wednesday: Get to know other Girlfriends and promote your blog!
Free Bookmark Month: Get an official Read with Girlfriend's bookmark when you follow during the month of July!

Make sure to check back soon to enter our first ever Read With Girlfriend's Giveaway!

Make sure to grab our super cute button designed by MiMi !!