Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration.

Where They Found Her

Summary from Goodreads:

At the end of a long winter, in bucolic Ridgedale, New Jersey, the body of an infant is discovered in the woods near the town’s prestigious university campus. No one knows who the baby is, or how her body ended up out there. But there is no shortage of opinions.

When freelance journalist, and recent Ridgedale transplant, Molly Anderson is unexpectedly called upon to cover the story for the Ridegdale Reader, it’s a risk, given the severe depression that followed the loss of her own baby. But the bigger threat comes when Molly unearths some of Ridgedale’s darkest secrets, including a string of unreported sexual assaults that goes back twenty years.

Meanwhile, Sandy, a high school dropout, searches for her volatile and now missing mother, and PTA president Barbara struggles to help her young son, who’s suddenly having disturbing outbursts.

Told from the perspectives of Molly, Barbara, and Sandy, Kimberly McCreight’s taut and profoundly moving novel unwinds the tangled truth about the baby’s death revealing that these three women have far more in common than they realized. And that their lives are more intertwined with what happened to the baby than they ever could have imagined.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Wowza, folks. When I read RECONSTRUCTING AMELIA by Kimberly McCreight, I was completely impressed with Kim’s ability to tell a story that was gripping and made me want to flip the pages as fast as I could. So, I’ve been a bit impatient awaiting her next foray into the fiction world- and WHERE THEY FOUND HER was pretty much worth the wait (Although, RECONSTRUCTING AMELIA set a very high bar for stories by Kim!) Continue reading →

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover In Your Life

The holidays are fast approaching. I’ve got visions of a white Christmas dancing in my head (even though that is not likely), craving cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows while listening to Christmas music and decorating the tree.

Before the stockings are hung by the tree with care, before the cookies are left out for Santa, before the joyous rush of family members hanging out at the house, before I celebrate another successful holiday by enjoying a glass or 2 of wine- presents will have to be purchased. And this is where my list of book-ish delights comes in handy. Have a reader in your life? Perhaps you’ll find a book that you will like to buy!

Mystery and Suspense

The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillipi Ryan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

My first Hank Phillipi Ryan book- and I’m so glad I read it! As a fan of Sue Grafton (and seriously Sue- nothing but love for you- but I NEED you to write faster- yet I dread as we come closer to the end of the alphabet.) That little side topic is my way of saying that Hank helped me in quest for a Sue fix. Jane Ryland won’t knock Kinsey Millhone out of my heart for the #1 spot- but Jane is almost as good. And that’s saying a lot. The Wrong Girl was twisty and turny- with a great mystery and some potential steamy romance. Here is my review of The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan- an excellent consideration for someone looking for mystery and suspense!

Never Tell by Alafair Burke

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This was my first Alafair Burke- and after reading it- I’m all “Alafair-where have you been all my reading life?” Each time I thought I had the story figured out- Alafair zigged. Then she zagged. Then she twisted and turned. And kept me captivated. Highly recommend Never Tell by Alafair Burke! Here is my review of Never Tell.

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Photo Credit: Goodreads

As witnessed above, I LOVE Sue Grafton. I LOVE Kinsey (Sue’s Character). If you have enjoyed A-V- then W is another great book. Seriously. Just go get it. W is for Wasted is worth it.

If You Were Here by Alafair Burke

Photo Credit: Amazon

Another Alafair Burke book- and again- twist, turns, zig and zags! While I prefer Alafair’s Ellie Hatcher a bit more to McKenna- that’s just a personal preference. Both mysteries are top-notch and great reads! Put If You Were Here on your wish list! Here is my review of If You Were Here- intriguing and enjoyable.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit: Amazon

Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED this book. Edge of my seat. Great storyline. How well do you know your child? Read this and prepare to wonder. This book will lead to a wonderful discussion amongst friends and book clubs. Reconstructing Amelia may very well be this year’s Gone Girl. Here is my review of Reconstructing Amelia.

Cozy Mystery

I adore Cozy Mysteries. They are quick, fun and easy reads. They make me feel warm and fuzzy. The characters are fun and interesting. The settings are enjoyable- and the mystery is good.

Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Denise Swanson’s latest has Skye getting married- if the groom can get away from the police station long enough to exchange vows! If you’ve read Denise’s other books- you’ll enjoy this one. If not, start with Murder of a Small Town Honey. While each story stands on it’s own- there are some things that build along the series of the books- and to fully enjoy, you might want to be invested in the characters. Murder of a Small Town Librarian is a must have for cozy mystery fans! Here is my review of Murder of a Small Town Librarian.

Topped Chef (Key West Food Critic Mystery #3) by Lucy Burdette

Photo Credit: Goodreads

I have fallen in love with Lucy Burdette’s main character, Hayley Snow. Cute, fun, gets her tarot cards read- how adorable she is! She’s a foodie- but not pretentious. Hayley is struggling a bit in the romance department (but aren’t we all?!) Topped Chef is a book to put on your list! Here is my review of Topped Chef.

Women’s Fiction

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Photo Credit: Amazon

Magical- realism. If you were like me- and those words kind of make you feel nervous about a book- put aside your worries. The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow is wonderful. The story, the setting- the amazing Bonaventure Arrow. Forgiveness and love are major themes of this story. Read. You won’t be sorry. The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow is a book that some readers might overlook- don’t do that! Here is my review of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow.

The Guest House by Erika Marks

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Love. Secrets. Family drama. Being true to yourself. The Guest House is a book that you must read. Here is my review of The Guest House.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Photo Credit: Amazon

Love. Intrigue. Friendships. Family secrets. And a Aunt Julie that provides a humorous aspect to the story. This story is fantastic. A Hundred Summers is a book to read- no matter the time of the year. Here is my review of A Hundred Summers.

I’ll be posting a few more recommendations next week as well! Hopefully, you, my darling readers of Traveling With T, will find a book to buy for your book-ish friends and loved ones!

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly McCreight’s Reconstructing Amelia was June’s inaugural pick for Book Lovers Unite- and boy, was it a great pick. A compelling read, a good storyline, and a book that lead to a great discussion- Reconstructing Amelia had something for everyone.

Kate is a lawyer at a firm in New York City. In the middle of a meeting about a case that could make her career- Grace Hall, Amelia’s school, calls Kate to tell her Amelia has been suspended immediately for cheating. Kate knows her daughter prides herself on academic achievements- so this news is surreal. As Kate heads to Grace Hall to get her daughter and find out what happened, Kate notices a crowd and a police presence at Grace Hall. Kate works through the crowd and then faces the most horrifying news a parent should have to face- Amelia is dead.

Grace Hall states that Amelia jumped to her death due to being caught cheating- but Kate can’t quite believe that. Then she gets a text that changes everything: She didn’t jump.

That text sends Kate on a mission to find out exactly what happened to her beautiful daughter and why Grace Hall is closing ranks. Kate learns all about Amelia’ social media life- and begins to realize that there were parts to Amelia’s life she had not clue about. Kate gets stonewalled in her many of her attempts, but a mother’s love is strong. And this mother is determined to find out what happened to Amelia.

What Kate finds out is shocking………..

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Compelling. Enjoyable. Dark and mysterious. Suspenseful. Reconstructing Amelia is highly discussable and should be read by parents everywhere. Perfect for book clubs. With themes of the TV show, Gossip Girl and the movie, The Skulls- this book has something for everyone- especially folks who like to read great stories.

Literary Friday ya’ll……

It’s Friday! Yay!

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfridayhas been posted. In this week’s #literaryfriday, there is #giveaways, Paula Deen news, William Faulkner, book signings and a peek into Mary Kay Andrew’s beach house!

Also- today! Chat with Erika Marks about The Guest House, her #literarycrush and other things! Plus, there will be a copy of The Guest House given away- you do not want to miss out! Use #southernlit to join in!

2. A Utah Mom’s Life is hosting a #giveaway of The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio!

3. Luxury Reading is hosting a #giveaway of Elizabeth the First Wife by Lian Dolan.

4. Bookmagnet interviewed Karen Brown- look for her book, The Longings of Wayward Girls to be in stores July 2nd.

5. Liz and Lisa of Chick Lit Is Not Dead are having a #giveaway of Wendy Francis’s Three Good Things!

6. The Relentless Reader is having her 1 year blog-versary! A great #giveaway!

7. I had the pleasure of getting to ask Kimberly McCreight, author of Reconstructing Amelia, some questions this week. Read the Author Spotlight on Kimberly McCreight to find out her #literaryconfessions!

8. I reviewed A Beautiful Heist by Kim Foster (and interviewed Kim, as well!)

9. My #fridayreads: Lie Still by Julia Heaberlin and The Firebird by Susanna Kearsely!

10. Next week, look for interviews with Karen Brown, author spotlights and more on Traveling With T!

Happy Reading!

Kimberly McCreight: Author Spotlight

Yesterday, I posted my interview with Kimberly McCreight. Today, it’s Author Spotlight time- we’ll find out some of Kim’s favorite things to do when she’s not writing, books she is looking forward to reading in 2013 and her #literaryconfessions.

Author Spotlight: Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly, when you are not writing- what do you like to do with your time?

I just completed my first triathlon a couple years ago. I have fantasies of doing a half Iron Man soon, a big challenge because I am a hopeless—read doggy-paddle—swimmer. I’m a huge baker too. Whenever I have time, I love making cookies and cakes. I also love modern art and theatre. Oh, and there is so much great TV right now. I love Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I fell asleep during the last two Shakespeare productions I saw. In my defense, I was very excited to see both, but was sorely sleep deprived because of work deadlines. Legitimate excuses notwithstanding, I‘m not sure that my beloved father-in-law—a huge Shakespeare buff—will ever look at me the same way again.

What are some of the books you are looking forward to reading in 2013?

The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth Silver, The Never List by Koethi Zan and Tampa by Alissa Nutting

*Thanks to Kimberly McCreight for answering these questions.

Other Reconstructing Amelia or Kimberly McCreight info you might be interested to read:

Interview With Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly McCreight Answers: Reconstructing Amelia (spoilers possible!)

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday!

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday is posted! Erika Robuck chat was wonderful- her #literarycrush was revealed: It’s a tie between Tatiana de Rosnay and Simon van Booy (she calls it #swooncity!) Tatiana de Rosnay must know how Erika feels- because she wrote a beautiful blurb for Call Me Zelda! Read over #southernlit

More #literaryfriday news: Interview with Beth Albright, The Sassy Belles, news about Kimberly Brock, Georgia Author of the Year First Fiction Award winner, a play about Zelda F (She’s HOT now, folks!) and more!

For more Twitter chat info- check out Deep South Mag’s Twitter chat schedule!

2. Katherine Scott Jones reveals her Summertime Reading, One Book at a Time!

3. Kimberly McCreight is coming to my blog to answer questions about Reconstructing Amelia! Here are the details!

4. Week 4 of Reconstructing Amelia discussion questions have been posted!

5. Author Spotlight for Beth Albright– find out her #literarycrush and #literaryconfessions! Plus a #giveaway of The Sassy Belles!

6. My Thursday Mashup was filled with #giveaway information! Check it out!

7. My #fridayreads- I must confess: I’ve been lying- I keep saying the past 2 weeks, I’m going to read The Engagements ( I haven’t! This weekend is changing that, tho!) Other #fridayreads Restrike by Reba White Williams, Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella, and Chose The Wrong Guy, Gave the Wrong Finger by Beth Harbison.

Happy Reading 🙂

Reconstructing Amelia: Week 4 Questions/Discussion

We’re almost done! Today, you should begin reading the last section. If you’ve already finished- that’s great, too.

I Have 1 more little surprise that will be revealed today- so get ready for that!

June 28th- next Friday will be the last posting about Reconstructing Amelia in the Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club. Overall thoughts and feelings of the books will be discussed that week- I urge you to stop by and let me know how you felt about Reconstructing Amelia.

For today’s questions (Section 4 the last section of reading):

1. #nospoilers: Did anything that was revealed in the last section surprise you?

2. Amelia is accused of cheating at the first of the book. Knowing things we know- should the teacher have suspected anything? Did she suspect anything?

3. There’s a lot of guilt and blame to go around. Many people were acting with their own selfish intentions- instead of Amelia’s best intentions in mind. Is there anyone who does not need to take some blame? Amelia perhaps? Or does she even need to take blame for her part in this role- even though she def played the ultimate price?

4. What, ultimately lead to Amelia’s downfall? Loving Dylan or trying to be a good friend? #nospoilers, please.

5. What, if anything, should happen to Grace Hall? Note: I’ve always held the thought they were liable for at least some of this- But, should Kate sue them? Or should Kate concentrate on moving on & finding some peace?

6. Zadie/Dylan- we’ve talked for some time about their weird relationship. Now, when the book is closed, and you’ve had some time to think: Who actually is the worst person: Zadie because she’s upfront with her b*tchy attitude and hateful ways or Dylan, because she acts 1 way and is another (or perhaps because she really does not who she is- she only knows how to act when told how to act?)

Reconstructing Amelia Week 3 Questions/Discussion!

We are at week 3 in our discussion! Some of us have finished. Some have not. The library is still holding at least 1 person back from getting the book!

But- we are here. We are almost finished. YAY!

Week 3 Thoughts:

1. The principal- why did he target Amelia for the truth about the Magpies? Was it because Amelia is the good girl? The honor student? Or was it because Kate is not involved in the school- like some of the other’s parents- and might not in the position to complicate the principal’s life?

2. The school is closing ranks, circling the wagon. Why? Because they have blood on their hands and they know it? Or is someone higher than them pulling puppet strings?

3. Money. It makes the world go round. What is the problem with money in Reconstructing Amelia?

4. Is Amelia being “catfished” in a sense? #nospoilers- just let me know if you have a feeling.

5. Dylan and Zadie- best friends till the end? Or is Dylan a pawn? Or is Zadie the real pawn? Again #nospoilers- just thoughts!

6. How hard is this for Kate? To find this stuff out? To know that Amelia was being bullied?

7. Why is the principal less concerned about Amelia actually dying on school grounds- and when the word “bullying” was mentioned- it seemed to get his attention?

***Note: I have not read the last chapter of the assigned reading for this week. I USUALLY read the night before I post the questions- and I read most of them last night. But I still have 1 more to read- so more questions may be added.

Reconstructing Amelia- Week 2 Thoughts/Discussion

So Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club folks- we are beginning week 2 of Reconstructing Amelia- and I’m hearing a lot of “I Love It” and “It’s so hard to put down”. I LOVE that you are loving this book!

Thoughts/Questions for Week 2:

1. What are you thinking about the Magpies?

2. Are you picking up on any red herrings? I’m seeing a couple of ways this could go- but, are they red herrings? Or what?

3. Do not reply with a name or anything- but is anyone getting a suspicion as to who Amelia’s dad might be?

4. What is the Magpies motivation?

5. Sylvia- BFF or frenemy?

6. What do you think should happen to social media after you die? Should someone just delete everything? Or not?

7. GraceFULLY is written by someone who is in the know. Is the author everywhere or are there more than 1 authors?

8. Should the school be held liable for some of the things we are finding out? While most is not taking place on school ground, exactly, some of the things are being discussed and planned on school grounds. Should the school be more involved? Or are they as involved as possible?

9. Dylan- queen bee, wannabe, or an actual nice person who may or may not be game playing?

Literary Friday, ya’ll…..

Friday. Ahhhh…..

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Sinning across the South, book signings and more!

2. Boston Herald reveals it’s Summer Book Club: 10 hot reads to pack in your beach bag. The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan made the list- which I’m super excited about because I won an ARC from the adorable Sarah McCoy, author of The Baker’s Daughter. Look for my review of The Engagements to be posted in a couple of weeks!

3. A Novel Review is giving away Sarah Jio’s newest book, The Last Camellia!

4. She Reads featured today The Blog Network Recommends– 3 great sounding books were recommended- The Last Camellia, The Third Son, and The Outcast.

5. Drey’s Library is also giving away The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio (plus she has a fabulous interview with her!)

6. Today, Traveling With T, began Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club– come join in the fun as we talk about Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. The questions for Week 1 discussion have been posted- so plenty of time to join in!

7. ICYMI: I reviewed Never Tell by Alafair Burke and Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman this week.

8. My #fridayreads are Reconstructing Amelia and A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White.

9. Traveling With T will have #giveaways next week! Come and visit 🙂 A Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle will be given away MONDAY JUNE 3rd. Don’t miss it!

Happy Reading!