Yesterday was terrible..
Yesterday morning, our ten year old boxer died. His name was Zack and he was the best dog I have ever had in my life. He broke my heart and I don’t think I will ever get over it.
Zack has always had health problems. He has had several seizures and was also very prone to skin conditions. (he was a white boxer) I always new that he wouldn’t be one of those dogs that lived to be 15 years old or more. I always new his life would be somewhat short. But looking back on the ten years we had with him, it just doesn’t seem like enough.
He’d been having bladder control problems for about a month now. The vet decided that he was “border-line diabetic” and wanted to try insulin. We tried and it did nothing. He said that it most likely was kidney failure. I had been trying to care for him as best I could, cleaning his rashes and also keeping up with the doggie diapers. (yeah, did you know they made them? Well, they do and I have become an expert.)
But it wasn’t enough. Yesterday morning he began vomiting blood and we rushed him to the vet. He barely made it to the examing table. He was gone in a matter of seconds. Craig and I were both petting him as he passed.
I am so lost without that dog. He was my first baby. I actually called home crying the night I gave birth to my daughter because I missed him so much. When I was pregnant he used to lay on the couch with me and put his head on my huge belly. The baby would kick away at him, but he wouldn’t budge. I think he loved her before she was born. He used to sleep under her crib. When she went through a colicky stage he became so upset that he licked his paws raw. He was fiercely loyal and very protective. He was hilarious and had the funniest disposition. I miss him so much. I just don’t see how I am going to ever get over losing him. He was truly the best dog.
Wideacre – Phillipa Gregory
Let me start out by saying that I love, love, love Phillipa Gregory. She is, by far, my favorite historical fiction novelist. I devoured The Other Boleyn Girl. I stayed up until 2am in the morning reading The Constant Princess. I forgot to feed the dogs two nights in a row because I was so engrossed in The Queen’s Fool. (thank God C remembered or those poor pups would have starved.)
I did not love Wideacre. I didn’t even like it. I tried to love it. I wanted to love it. But, I didn’t. I’ve put off reading the Wideacre series (her first) for a long time because I had heard some not so great things about it. I decided to give it a shot when I found it for for ten cents on the library sale shelf. I want my dime back.
******Spoiler Alert!****************Do Not Read If You Plan On ReadingThis Book**************************************************
There are a number of things that bugged me about this book. First and most important is the fact that I despised the main character. I could not find one redeeming quality about her. She was just plain evil and manipulative. I really didn’t want to hear about all her nonsense and plotting. Second of all, I just felt that the book was way too long. I know, I know, its an epic romance novel… whatever. It wasn’t romantic and that’s my next complaint. I just couldn’t get over the whole incest thing. It turned my stomach every time I came across one of their trysts. I know that this novel is set in a time when maybe it wasn’t as scandalous, but to me, it was just plain gross. I tried to keep an open mind, but urgh… I just couldn’t control my gag reflex.
So, I guess I won’t be reading the other two books in the series.. or maybe I will, you never know. I love Gregory’s novels and I can’t imagine that the other two are as bad as this one.
The Wild Irish – Robin Maxwell
The legend of Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen of Ireland, has been told by many Irish storytellers. Her story has been passed on from generation to generation, inspiring awe and gratitude in the hearts of many. However, you won’t see this remarkable woman’s tale in many history texts. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if few people outside of Ireland have ever even heard of her. This amazing woman, who fought for her beloved country, has been forgotten or simply overlooked by many history professors. Why? Why else? She was a woman in a man’s world.The story of Grace O’Malley is an astonishing one. She was a daughter, a mother, a wife and lover. But, most of all, Grace O’Malley was a fighter. She was Ireland’s saving grace for years during the English invasion of the 1500’s. She fought side by side with men to defend her beautiful homeland. The daughter of a pirate and a one herself, she was well equipped to fight and battled with everything she had.
Robin Maxwell’s novel The Wild Irish is a historical account of this woman’s life and the life of another female figure of the times, Queen Elizabeth. In this book, the aging Grace and Queen Elizabeth meet secretly to discuss the ongoing tragedies occurring in Ireland. The women come to an agreement, but will they keep their word? The destinies of two countries lie in their hands.
The book is an extraordinary read. This version of the O’Malley tale is quite intriguing. A sizeable part of the story is told in Grace’s own narrative. As she speaks, you can’t help but be whisked back in time to accompany her on all her past adventures. She is, somehow, rough, abrasive, and gentle altogether as she tells her side of the conflict.
As a reader, you are also allowed a peek into the minds of several other characters, including the Lord Deveraux, Queen Elizabeth’s trusted confidante and ex-lover. Robert Deveraux, owing a great deal to the Queen, is sent to Ireland to quell the uprising of the Irish. Will he remain loyal to England or be swayed by the persuasive Grace O’Malley and her kin?
Robin Maxwell has written a fantastic epic, rich in history and legend. However, you may need to take a few notes. The characters can become confusing. The clans in Ireland during the 1500’s were quite numerous and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. In spite that, though, the novel is a marvelous piece of literature and should be on the reading list of anyone who loves Irish or historical fiction. When you are finished, pass the book on. Spread the word of this amazing woman who is often forgotten in the rich pages of history.
Ok, So Real Life Took Over For Awhile…
Sorry, I haven’t written in months. I’ve still been reading (of course.) So, I’ve got tons of reviews to post if I ever get five minutes of free time.
I’m Easy To Please..
When I went out to the mailbox this afternoon, a truck driver beeped and whistled at me. How sad is it that it made my day? It's been so long since I've been whistled at. Sure, he may have been a deranged lunatic, fresh out of prison. And yeah, maybe I was the first female he had seen in ten years, but hey, a whistle is a whistle, right?
Mrs. Kimble – Jennifer Haigh
I've had this book on my "to-be-read" list for months. I've picked it up and put it back down countless times. Finally, after an unsuccesful trip to the new releases section of the library, I retreated to the general fiction area and picked up Mrs. Kimble again. This time I actually read it. I'm so glad I did. Mrs. Kimble is one of those books that quickly pulls you in and won't let go. Everytime I put it down to actually get some work done, I swear I could hear it calling, "come on, one more chapter."
Mrs. Kimble is the fascinating story of the emotional wake left by one man. Ken Kimble is a chameleon, able to change his background, religion, looks and personality to suit his needs. He uses people as stepping stones to success. In his quest for wealth and fame, he marries three different women and fathers three children. Mrs. Kimble is their story. Ken affects each character, shaping them in various ways. An uneducated housewife is left a single mother. An aging heiress is left brokenhearted and a young waitress in transformed into a socialite. Each story is unique, heart-wrenching and wonderfully written.
I am so glad I finally read this book. From now on, I will not hesitate to grab a Jennifer Haigh novel off the shelf.
The Art of Mending – Elizabeth Berg
I'm not even sure how to put into words how I felt about this book. It touched me. I found myself drawn to this book. It's not filled with violence or dramatic outburts or horrific plot twists, but it felt real. Elizabeth Berg's ability to portray a real family and real struggle is amazing. There were lines that really affected me and I found myself running to get my journal and copy them down. Her prose is absolutley beautiful. Get your own copy of this book, don't borrow from the library because you will want to highlight entire sections!
A Little Bit About Me…
So, I guess I should post some interesting tidbits about myself at this point.. here goes. (not quite sure about interesting, but tidbits nonetheless.)
1. I'm 28 years old.
2. I am a mom. My daughter is four.
3. I am married to a great guy, my best friend, who can still make laugh until I pee my pants.
4. I work from home full time and I hate it.
5. I want to go back to school desperately, but not sure for what degree.
6. I love to read.
7. I visit my local library at least three times a week.
8. I have a fetish for pretty bookmarks.
9. My TBR (to-be-read) list is huge. I am sure if I laid all the books spine to spine, they would circle the globe. (ok, that may be an exaggeration… but you get the drift.)
10. I have a slight book obsession.
There. How was that? Are you glued to your computer screen in fascination? I thought so.
The Bright Forever – Lee Martin
Holy Moly, this book rocked. I completley loved it. The first page sucked me right in and then I was a goner. The Bright Forever is basically the story of a little girl who goes missing one summer night, thirty years ago. The story is narrated by several members of the community, including her father, brother, Mr. Dees (a lonely math tutor) Raymond Right (a local druggie ) and his wife. I found each of the characters fascinating and I loved the fact that you got to see the events unfold through their eyes. One reviewer on amazon stated that she didn't like the book because she couldn't find a character to root for, but I was routing for little Katie Mackey, the missing child. I loved this book. I am going to pass it on to mom and see what she thinks. I can't recommend it enough!
Riggs Park – Ellyn Bache
I got this book free from Harlequin and at first glance I didn't really think I would like it that much. It is published under their "Next" book series which is geared towards middle aged women. www.thenextnovel.com But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the story! I was expecting a badly written, mushy love story… but that's not it at all! Riggs Park is actually more mystery than romance. The plot focuses mostly on three childhood friends. Marilyn is facing a health crisis. Barbara is feeling disenchanted with her life and is looking for purpose. Together Marilyn and Barbara try to solve the mystery of what happened to the mysterious Penny, a troubled girl who was once the third member of their trinity. The storyline has alot of flashbacks but I had no trouble keeping up. The ending of the book has a nice unexpected twist that I really didn't see coming. Great book.
The Book Fairy 