Learning to Fly: An Uncommon Memoir of Human Flight, Unexpected Love, and One Amazing Dog by Steph Davis

Steph Davis has a pretty good life- she’s living life on her own terms, climbing when and where she can, is known in the climbing community, has sponsors, has a book coming out, and is married to a climber- a man who she loves and shares a passion with. Life is good for Steph- until her husband makes a controversial climb in a national park- and life quickly spirals out of control. The media runs with the story, the climbing community forms opinions, and many of Steph’s sponsors drop her. With her husband being unable to deal with the media fallout- the stress not only takes a toll on her marriage- it takes a hammer to her marriage- and breaks into a million pieces.

Steph, trying to regain her life- trying to pick up the pieces of herself, to find herself- begins to do something she said she would never do: skydive. It goes against everything in her climbing mentality; but since her world has been shattered- climbing has not been the same for her. She needs to find a way to get back to herself, to get back to a good place. With Fletch her dog and learning to skydive- Steph begins slowly picking the pieces of life back up and learning that she is stronger than the situation that broke her.

As she gains more confidence with her sky-diving abilities, Steph knows she also has to begin climbing again- that she has to regain the good feelings she associated with climbing before everything happened. With the help of friends and Fletcher- Steph explores a new world and puts a new perspective on her old world. She learns about trusting herself, trusting the choices she’s making. And she learns that even after life has been twisted around- even after your confidence and trust has been shaken- that with help from friends, sheer will and determination- that life can be good again. That life can be filled with adventures, friendships and love.

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Tomorrow going to a baseball game- fingers crossed for NO RAIN.

1. Book Blogger Twitter Con 2013– here are the details, the website, and more. Read and find out about it! #bbtc

2. Amazon Buying Goodreads. Here’s the thing: I don’t hate Amazon. I know some people are clutching their chest at that statement, but it’s the truth. Am I a total fan girl ready to defend Amazon to my last dying breath? No. But when you live in a small town, a town that barely has a grocery store- and never mind any Target/Walmart- Amazon becomes a place where you can shop, where you can get things that you can’t normally get. Now, I’ll admit: I’m a little cross with Amazon over stopping their “4 for 3” promotion because that is how I’d buy a ton of my cozy books, but not cross enough yet to cross them off my shopping sites.

Some scream “What about the indies?” And, yes, I suport the indies. Because, as much as I like Amazon- they haven’t figured out to have a bk signing virtually yet. I still like walking through the indie bookstore, seeing the books, and listening to people talk. I’ve even met some interesting people while I’m a indie store. I do my part to help keep the 3 indie bookstores that are near me in business- and I plan to continue. For me it all comes down to time, though. When you have to drive an hour to the nearest indie- it does get frustrating. But I do it as much as I can because I adore book signings. I walk in with my list of books that I plan to look at either before/after the signing- and I select a few. Sometimes, if I’m feeling super-generous- I buy an extra of the book that’s being signed- then I treat a friend.

For me- whether Amazon buying Goodreads is a good thing, bad thing, or will not change my opinion of Goodreads is yet to be seen. It’s just too early in the game- and there are too many variables (for me) at this point to formulate an educated response.

3. The Battle to Save Bookstores.

4. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday.

5. Tell Me Something True: A Visit With Lisa Wingate

6. The Magic of Childhood Reading

7. A Final Word From Rita Leganski

8. The Rita Leganski/The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow discussion is still happening at She Reads.

9. What is your #fridayreads? I have 2! And Then I Found You by Patti Callahan Henry and Learning to Fly by Steph Davis.

Happy Reading 🙂

The Mermaid of Brooklyn by Amy Shearn

Jenny Lipkin, mother of 2 girls, married to Harry. Living in Brooklyn. Struggling with her life as a mother of 2 young girls- feeling overwhelmed most days. One day, asks her husband Harry to pick up some cigarettes- and he doesn’t return. And that is the beginning of Jenny’s life changing.

If Jenny thought she was overwhelmed earlier- well, without the help of Harry- life begins to spin in ways that she never thought possible. Her in-laws wonder where Harry is, her kids want to know, and her friends as well. On a day that should have been a normal day, just a day where her mother in law watches the girls and Jenny has a bit of a break- she makes a deciscion that alters Jenny’s life in some dramatic; yet honestly truthful ways.

Jenny’s ally, a ruesalka, makes Jenny take a look at her life- a look at her role as a wife and mother. Through the ruesalka, Jenny has to reassess her perception of motherhood, marriage, and relationships with friends and family. Through this, Jenny learns about herself, life lessons, and happiness.

Jenny’s role as a mother, her interactions with the kids, her thoughts that she’s afraid to tell others- it’s a refreshing and honest look at motherhood. Amy Shearn does not sugar-coat the emotions a mother of 2 young children could feel- it’s a story that mothers should read; however, it’s a book that others can enjoy as well. The Mermaid of Brooklyn combines wit, life lessons, and learning about yourself into one delightful book.

Monday Mashup!

Well- I’m back. After a fun-filled few days raising money for Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, hanging with my Queen-ly friends, and many costume/outfit changes- it’s back to the normal, every day world. Time to put away the tiara and other glittery items until next year!

And, on a side note, I completed my first 5k- the Color Me Rad Run/Walk- we walked it in a pretty decent time and had fun while doing it! Plus- got totally rad with color!

Monday Mashup notes:

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow discussion is happening at She Reads today (and all week!) Come join in and see what questions I post each day for the discussion!

Tell Me Something True: A Visit with Peggy Hesketh– plus a #giveaway!

Deep South Mag posted their 49th #literaryfriday while I was away Friday at the Big Hat Lunch event- but here it is for your enjoyment!

And look soon for She Reads to announce their April Book Club Pick!

Literary Friday ya’ll!

Friday AND St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities happening- some people will be having a great time! I do believe that I’ll be going to see Oz, do some shopping, and just enjoy this pretty weather we’ve been having!

A note about next week: Going to apologize in advance- the blog posts will be sporadic- I’ll be out of town the latter part of the week, and the early part will be finishing work projects so I can enjoy my 4 day weekend & not worry about the things left behind. Don’t miss me too much 🙂

1.#literaryfriday and Deep South Mag go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? This week’s round-up has news from Joshilyn Jackson (sequel news!), Alice Walker and Wendy Wax While We Were Watching Downton Abbey news about her Georgia promotion tour. And,naturally, much more!

2. #giveways! Bookmagnet is giving away Family Pictures by Jane Green, A Woman, a wife, and mom is giving away The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow, A Utah Mom’s Life is giving away Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler, Goodreads is giving away a copy of Erika Marks new book, The Guest House, and Drey’s Library is giving away Allie Larkin’s Why Can’t I Be You?

3. Julie Kibler’s getting more good news: Not only is Calling Me Home a pretty big deal- but Warner Bros. picked up the rights to “Calling Me Home”. So, how long till we it on the screen? I’m not sure- but Warner Bros.- CALL ME. I discussed all last month who would make a great cast for a movie!

4. My #fridayreads is The Mermaid of Brooklyn– it won’t be in stores till April 2nd- but so far, I’m enjoying it. Looking like a great book to give your “mom” friends! What is your #fridayreads?

5. This article was on HuffPost this week- and I saw a group on Twitter discussing it. Planning a Blog Tour? Think Twice. is the name of the article. I’ve read it- and my take is this: A blog tour CAN be a good way to get attention for you book- but I don’t think a blogger is required to love the book. Now, does that mean a blogger should trash a book? No. It means they can give their opinion, can say why they did not like it, and things of that nature.

I was thinking about the last line of the article- talking about real life book signings that books get sold, people attend and more- I guess we have not always attended the same type of book signings. I have been to signings where I’m the only person there- or there are so few people there, it’s almost sad. I always feel a bit of sadness for the author when I see turn-outs like this; but it happens.

Read the article- and tell me what you think. Would love to hear your thoughts. And, if you’ve been to a book signing- let me know how well attended it was.

6. Don’t forget- Twitter Chat with Rita Leganski on Wed, March 20th, 2-3pm EST. Use #srchat to join in and tweetchat.com. And Rita Leganski is on Twitter now- follow her @ritaleganski!

Happy Reading!

The Icing On The Cake by Juliet Stallwood

Baking. I have, for some time, eyed the beautiful baking books- with the complex-looking creations- and have thought “I want to learn how to do this” and at the same time thought “I don’t have the time to learn this!” So when I saw The Icing On The Cake, and it spoke of easy to make things- I decided that this will be the one to look through- and perhaps I could gain confidence in the kitchen.

Looking through- the recipes appear to be easy enough for a novice; but also suitable for a kitchen goddess. The pictures were wonderful, and the descriptions were also great. My cousin was called for her opinion of the book- as she looked through- she concluded that this is baking book that people should want. It’s not complicated, it’s cute and fun- but not recipes that a person would feel overwhelmed with making. She called it “a mom w/kids baking book”- which I felt was high praise from her. And then told me that she wants this cookbook for her birthday- indeed 2 thumbs up!

I liked about the book that the ingredients were easy to find- I dislike books that have “hard to find” ingredients that are essential for the finished project. I also liked that you did not have to have fancy equipment to begin- most of the recipes I could quickly find the things I needed! White Chocolate Swirl Cupcakes- they sounded so yummy! The last chapter of the Icing was the “show off” chapter- and while I personally thought each chapter had “show off” potential- this one took the cake (pun intended!) The Butterfly Cake was such a beautiful creation that my cousin’s daughter asked if that could be her birthday cake this year!

Recommended for ladies who like to bake, gifts for a wedding shower, and for mothers who want to make beautiful creations for their children. Also recommened for those ladies who have limited baking experience.

Life After Life by Jill McCorkle

This is my first Jill McCorkle book- and I must say that I really enjoyed Jill’s way with words and the story-line she created.

The longest and most expensive journey you will ever take is the one to yourself…..

Death is a part of life. It’s not a part of life that many choose to focus on; but it is a part of life. For Joanna, the hospice volunteer at Pine Haven retirement center, death is something that quite literally helped save her life. Joanna, through choices- some good, some bad- had her experience; and it helped put some of life in perspective. While at Pine Haven, she helps the dying let go, and helps make the end of life as comfortable as possible for all involved.

Each resident at Pine Haven- Sadie, Stanley, Marge, Rachel, and Toby are at Pine Haven for various reasons. For some, death is near; for others- death will be coming, but there’s still time- time to make amends, time to right wrongs, time to make sure their family is in a good place. Sadly, there is time for regret for all the residents- regrets of what could have been or the way they should have lived.

Each resident has a story- and some of the stories overlap with Pine Haven’s workers and visitor- Joanna, CJ, and Abby. Jill McCorkle weaves all the stories, intertwines them in ways that at first the reader might not see how it connects- but when they do- it’s moments of greatness.

When I finished reading last night, I felt a mixture of emotions- happiness and sadness, mainly. I enjoyed how the story ended, for the most part, and I thought parts of the last few chapters were very fitting for the characters. Is it a perfect ending? Not exactly- there are some things I wished that were different; but it’s a good ending. Strongly suggest this as a book-club book or with a book-loving friend who will want to discuss- because there is plenty about this book that could (and will!) lead to a great discussion.

Recommended.

Wednesday Mash-up!

Giveaways

Bookmagnet is giving away Family Pictures by Jane Green. She has an ARC and wants you to have it!

A Woman, a wife, a mom is giving away The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski- enter for a chance to win and join She Reads & Southern Lit Lovers as they read this magical and mystical book during March!

Drey’s Library is giving away Allie Larkin’s Why Can’t I Be You?

Twitter chat:

Wed, March 20th from 2-3pm EST come to Twitter to chat with Rita Leganski as we talk about The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow! Use tweetchat.com and #srchat to join in!

Goodreads chat (ALL DAY TODAY)

Did you love The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D by Nichole Bernier? She’s chatting all day long at Goodreads! Go, tell her you loved it!

Oh and if you’ve been keeping up with my Cruisin Thru Cozies Reading Challenge- I’m on book 7- which means 6 more till I reach “Super Sleuth” status 🙂

I’ve also read 22 books so far in 2013!

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah bakes. Hannah talks with her family. Moishe. Hannah finds another body.

If you’ve read any of Joanne Fluke’s books before- you know how the book goes. This installment consists of Dr.Bev coming back with a new look, a new man, and some expensive toys. While still needling Hannah about many things, Dr. Bev let’s it be known that she wants Norman back- and that she’ll use her feminine powers to get him back.

Hannah is upset- as well as her mother and sisters. But then, Dr. Bev becomes the dead body that Hannah finds in this book. So, did Hannah kill Dr.Bev? And would anyone blame her if she did?

Hannah sets out to find out who killed Dr.Bev- and relatively easy finds out the information. And all is well with Lake Eden- and there’s even some good news at the end of the book.

If you like Hannah Swensen books- then you’ll probably like this. However, if you’ve been reading for awhile- and you are tired of the lack of character development and the “triangle”- then, it’s the same happenings.

The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs by Dana Bate

Meet Hannah Sugarman. To the world, she’s got it all- great job, a great life with a boyfriend who has huge goals, parents who are successful in the academic world- and a great apartment that she shares with the goal-oriented boyfriend. Except… Hannah wants to be a chef. Food is her passion, finance and academia life bore her. As her “perfect to the outside world” life begins to crumble- she takes a risk and starts an underground supper club. It’s risky, but fun for Hannah- and indulges her desire to be a chef.

Then life gets more complicated: She has to host the dinners in her landlord’s place. Complicating matters further, he has political ambitions- which if knowledge of his place being the hotspot of an underground dinner club got out- it could put a damper on that.

As the reader gets further in the story, Hannah and her life- dreams, goals, and wishes speak to the reader. It’s a story that fans of chick-lit can appreciate. Dana Bate writes a charming debut- fun, fluffy, light reading- with a few life lessons hidden in the fluffy goodness: Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, don’t try to change for people, don’t judge a book by it’s cover, and sometimes when you least expect it- love will find you.