A STOLEN LIFE by Jaycee Dugard

Title: A Stolen Life : A Memoir
Author: Jaycee Dugard
Genre: Autobiography/ non fiction
# of pages:268
Edition: Hardcover
Stars: 4 out of 5
Time it took me to read: 1 day

Summary:

The true story told my the victim herself, Jaycee Dugard of her 18 year kidnapping and captivation by a known sex offender, Phillip Garridos and his wife. She was taken at age 11 and had to endure physical, mental, and verbal abuse, plus probably the worst manipulation possible. Her name is Jaycee Dugard and this is her story...

Review:


------SPOILER ALERT ----


This book was a true eye opener. Jaycee was such a courageous young girl. I can't even imagine going through the things she had to endure. She became an extremely courageous and powerful women. She mentions several times how difficult it was to continue to write her story. again, I can't imagine how difficult it was to relive her past. I was very surprised it didn't make me cry. I completely expected to cry during the story. I think part of the reason was because of how strong Jaycee was through the telling of her story.


 It did surprise me how once she was allowed outside the secret back yard she was still so scared to tell someone who she was. There were a few opportunities for her. Yet I understand how scared and probably ashamed she was. The most touch part for me was reading her journal entries from the time she was held captive. It seemed she was able to explain more of what she truly felt during her time of growing up. In the retelling of her story, she almost seemed to like Phillip and Nancy and consider them her family. I'm sure that was because of the abuse and manipulation she endured. In her journal, she admitted how sad and angry she was. I can't stress enough I believe her to be a courageous and brave girl and women. I don't believe I could have survived what she endured. 


The one thing that seemed strange to me was not only how Phillip was able to manipulate Nancy, his wife and grown women. She never seemed to necessary agree with Phillip, but went along with his actions and manipulation of Jaycee and her two daughters. Nancy was an accomplice in my opinion, but also a victim to Phillip's abuse. Before her illness, I'm also surprised that Pat, Phillip's mother did not suspect anything wrong or was she afraid of Phillip as well. We will never know. If this wasn't a true story, straight from the true victim I don't believe I could believe the characters of Nancy and Pat. I was disappointed to not know what became of Nancy. I feel although a victim she was an accomplice and should serve prison time as well, just maybe not for life. Does anyone know the outcome of Nancy? 

----END OF SPOILER----

Overall, I was glad I had a chance to read the story from Jaycee, the victim herself. I believe everyone should read this story. The only reason I gave it 4 stars versus 5 stars is because it is a tough read and not for everyone and I don't believe I would want to own the book or reread it. It is definitely a story that I need to sit and think about and contemplate for a while. It was the same way with the movie, 'The Passion of the Christ'.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

I’m sitting in Panera with my coffee, laptop, Kindle Fire, hard cover library book (A Secret Kept by Tatiana De Rosnay) and my fiancé.  Yes, you read that right...I am ENGAGED!! I am still in shock, disbelief, giddy, wired, and on a high at once.  I am 36 years and this has been my third committed relationship. I don’t want to say long-term because the other two were 2 years or less.  I have always wanted to get married, but was starting to get the sense that my day would never come. I had never had a relationship last more than 2 years, in fact my last one ended on what would have been our 2 year anniversary!

I am so much in love and feel so loved – I still can’t believe this is happening. However, this is not to say we don’t have our disagreements, debates, and down- right ugly fights because we do and probably always will. The key is that we love each other, want to be together, grow old together and are willing to listen, compromise and laugh together.  I never thought I would see this day. I thought I would die an old maid.

I seriously was afraid I would never find my true love, my soul mate. I thought I was meant to be alone for the rest of my life.  Most of my friends are married and have or just starting to have kids.  I am one of the few left single. To all my friends, and others reading this whom are single…DON’T RUSH IT! You don’t want to, nor should you settle…give it time (and yes, I know you felt you have). It’s WORTH the wait.  You may be 36, 44, 48, or in your 50’s but when you do find your true love it is worth it all.  A friend of mine on Facebook recently posted “I can’t believe it took me 36 years to find my true love, but it was well worth it”. I can’t say it any better than that!

In our 2 year 4 month relationship, we have moved fast on some counts – bought a house together after only 10 months, making an instant family (my 16 year old daughter, his 13 year old daughter, his 5 year old son, my dog, and his 2 cats) – but, we never seriously discussed marriage – it was one thing neither of us wanted to rush.  He knew I wanted to someday get married and I knew that he may eventually want to as well. I did not realize that he was ready and I was not yet to the breaking point that I had to be AND am very glad that his proposal came before those two things were realized for me. It made the proposal so much more special and meaningful to me, to us.

Soon after we started dating we went on a camping trip and were joking on the drive up about how this camping trip could be a chapter in a book, “3 kids, 2 dogs, and a relationship”.  We were dog sitting, jam packed in a truck and going on our first trip with the kids.  We began to name other chapters too.  Our summer bowling team name was “Moving on up”, but usually events were just referred to as “The Next Chapter”.  We have used that phrase to signify the major stepping stones of our relationship, our family, and chapters of our life together.

The proposal itself was romantic and is very meaningful to me, to us. It was Christmas Eve night and we were at my parents.  It was a special year because my fiancé’s oldest daughter was spending the holidays with us. This was the first time since we have been together that she was with us on Christmas. So we had our entire “family of 6” together.  We had just finished playing some games and eating dinner.  We are huge Chicago Blackhawks fans, so we were going to watch the Blackhawk’s Christmas Special and then play more games and exchange the traditional Christmas Eve pajamas.

Everyone sat around in the living room, I in the middle seat of the couch. My parent’s couch reclines on both ends. My daughter was on one end reclining and LeeJay sat on the other side of me. My dad mentions that his seat reclines, not because LeeJay didn’t know this but because my dad does understand why one would want to sit there and not recline the seat.  Instead of reclining the seat, LeeJay gets up completely. I remember thinking that a little odd, but not so strange to even mention it.  He then asks that someone turns down the TV, this I found even stranger and did make a comment.  He always asks for the volume to be turned up, not down.   However, no one could find the remote and, of course, everyone was too lazy to just go over to the TV to turn it down.  LeeJay then announces he has something to ask.  At this point, I was still COMPLETELY clueless. That is UNTIL he came over by me and kneeled down on one knee.  I started crying, laughing and smiling all at the time. After he asked me, using my full name, to marry him I remember getting up and hugging and kissing him, but probably didn’t saw YES for a minute or so.  I remember vaguely my mom asking what she missed and someone coming out of the bathroom.  Nonetheless, we missed the Blackhawk’s Christmas Special as hugs, kisses, congratulations, and pictures were being taken. I don’t think too many people minded.

So begins THE NEXT CHAPTER….

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE HAIR - A CHICK DICK MYSTERY by Nancy Lauzon

Title: The Good, the Bad, and the Hair – a Chick Dick Mystery

Author: Nancy Lauzon

Genre: Romance Mystery

# pages: 205

Edition: Ebook

Stars: 2.5 out of 5

Why I Read: Author requested review on Goodreads.com

Time it took me to read: 4 days

Summary from Goodreads.com:

Hannah Hailstone’s split ends are a divining rod for disaster.

Hannah just found a sexy man in the back seat of her car—semi-conscious and bleeding, but at least he has a pulse. Her father, a James Bond wannabe with a penchant for gambling, has disappeared. And there’s a man in a pink Cadillac tailing her hippy artist mother. Hannah’s plans to re-read her Nancy Drew Mysteries—the vintage, hard cover collection—have changed. Now she’s got a real mystery on her hands.

Cooper West is on a losing streak.

Robbed, beaten and on the run from thugs, Cooper is down on his luck. Somebody just tapped danced on his face and stole his precious motorcycle. Now he’s a drifter whose wings have been clipped, so he’s got a reason to stay in town a while. And he just found another one. Hannah’s funky hair and her talent for swan diving into hot water make a fascinating combination.

And bad news travels fast.

Someone is out to get Cooper, and Hannah’s a sucker for strays. But when his bad luck tangles with her bad hair, it jump-starts a bumpy ride through the tunnel of love.

Review:

“If you like dark and depressing reads, my books may not be for you. But if you like light-hearted, happily-ever-after entertainment…” quoted by Nancy Lauzon, author of The Good, the Bad, and the Hair – a Chick Dick Mystery.

This novel was a well-structured easy read, which I was expecting and I loved the tie in a references to Nancy Drew mysteries. It reminded me of Nancy Drew for adults. The storyline was predictable, but did not ruin the good plot since it was to be an easy read.  The main character is likeable and somewhat naïve.  There are few minor twist and turns throughout the novel providing just enough mystery to the romantic story line.

My main issue with the novel was that by the title, The Good, the Bad and the Hair and the author’s own comment about being a light entertaining read I was expecting a more humorous novel. There was not much humor in it.  

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP By S.J. Watson

Title: Before I Go To Sleep

Author: S. J. Watson

Genre: Thriller

# Pages: 360

ED: Hardcover

STARS: 5 out of 5


Why I read: Bookworm Bitch’s discussion book of the month

Time it took me to read: 5 days
Inspired from: a nonfiction novel Forever Today: A True Story of Lost Memory and Never Ending Love by Deborah Wearing

If you liked; then you will love this novel:

        Books: The Time Traveler’s Wife, Still Alice

        Movies: 50 First Dates, Memento

Summary from Goodreads.com:

'As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I'm still a child. Thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me ...' Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love - all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story. Welcome to Christine's life.

Review:

 I LOVED the book. It kept me guessing and unlike some comments I have read on the book; I truly enjoyed the repeating and Christine's constant changing of her mind because it really made the reader understand what she was going through and at times I felt just like her - guessing how it would end and who did what.  It is a book that has some truly dramatic twists and turns and really gives the reader an emotional bond to the main character. The characters are well defined and the plot is quite gripping as it left me wanting more.

-SPOILER ALERT-

The only thing I was able to guess correctly from pretty much the beginning was that Adam was alive. The rest kept me guessing and I made several incorrect guesses along the way. I thought Dr. Nash may be Adam. That Ben was the really Ben and did the damage to Christine for some yet unknown reason; among other ideas. I also was a little disappointed in the last page as one more page would have closed the book better, but still gave 5 stars. Maybe it was left open for a sequel and I movie is coming out. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the movie release.   

WORDS TO LIVE BY....

I attended a retirement party last night for a Vice President for the company I work for. He is retiring after 30 years with the company, in which I have had the pleasure of working with him for the last 12. His speech was one of the most powerful and inspirational speeches I have heard in a long time.  Since so many people in attendance had asked him for a copy of his speech he emailed it to everyone this morning. As it is 12 pages long, I can’t post everything but want to pass along the highlights and share what I have learned from it.

He started out his speech with these words:

“Please just sit back …..relax …… and ALLOW me to try to engage BOTH your mind ….. and hopefully your HEART”.

He summarized at the end the following with these MOST important words/phrases to include it every day conversation:

Most important single word – any word, but “I” (ex: you, we, and us)

2 words - Thank you

3 words – I am sorry, I am wrong, I don’t know

4 words – What would you do?

5 words – I love being with you (not specifically in the romantic way)

He talked about how when tragedy hit his family at a young age (his mother passed away unexpected on Christmas Eve when he was 14; he decided he could follow 2 paths. And I quote:

“Eventually, the most important thing I learned from this experience was that I had the POWER to make a choice –

·         I could agonize over the experience and wallow in self-pity for the rest of my life …….. or

·         I could try to be optimistic and find a way to make some sense out of it”

He chose the latter and has done a wonderful job following this train of thought his entire life. He spoke about following his dreams - he is going into education. He is of early retirement age and will make an EXCELLENT teacher. He is kind, patient and has taught me personally so much over the years.

He talked about following your dreams, being virtuous and passionate in everything you do, living in and appreciate the moment, and my favorite and what I feel I need to put more in practice myself…

“It’s NOT what you PUT IN WRITING or SAY that is most important……..  Rather it is what the OTHER PERSON HEARS …….. AND what they SEE".

His speech really inspired me and reassured me that I am making the right decision for me to FOLLOW MY DREAMS and strive to become a YA reference librarian.  I also had a new found friend provide me with this quote that I love:

                               

                   “Find a job you love and you'll never work another day”.  -  Confucius

That is what I am going to do and try to live my life follow some of Ralph’s philosophy.

EMOTIONAL READER??

I recently recommended the novel, “Still Alice” to a co-worker. She told me she loved it, but cried all morning, so much that if she tried to explain to her husband she would start weeping again.  I had read the book before recommending it (my review is in previous post); while I thought it was sad I did not cry while reading it.  Does that make me unemotional??

CONTAINS SPOILERS TO STILL ALICE – SPOILER ALERT

I don’t think so….I did think it was a sad story, especially if you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s; however I also found Alice extremely strong and courageous.  She didn’t receive the best support from either her husband or eldest daughter, yet she became closer to her youngest daughter. She started a support system, not for the caregivers of Alzheimer victims, but for those suffering from the disease itself. I felt this story did have a positive side and although she most likely dies from the disease the book doesn’t end that way.

-----SPOILER ALERT OVER----

Believe me, I have definitely cried while reading books…maybe less than some people but probably more than some people too! Everyone has different emotional pulls and it also depends on your mood while reading and of course, the personal aspects of your life at the time you are reading.

Some criers for me are:

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Marley and Me by John Grogan

Rainwater by Sandra Brown

 

I also have some movies that make me sob. One in particular that no matter how many times I watch leaves me bawling…BEACHES! I have watched this movie just because I felt I needed a good cry and it has never failed me!

Just yesterday while at work I watched a video clip on Yahoo and tears started streaming. Different things make me cry and different moments and some don’t even make sense to me.

http://www.godvine.com/Mother-Hears-her-Daughter-s-Heart-Beat-One-Last-Time-649.html

We all need a good cry sometime, right??

THE SPEED OF DARKNESS by Sarah Baethge

Title: The Speed of Darkness

Author: Sarah Baethge

Genre: Sci- Fi

# Pages: 105

ED: PDF

STARS: 1 out of 5


Why I read: The author asked me to review

Time it took me to read: 3 days
Where to buy: B&N, Smashwords, Amazon, Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads: Eric Omlup, (computer teacher, web design consultant) tries to be seen as a normal, friendly guy. He is determined to hide the fact that he is a werewolf from everyone so he can just live a normal life.  Unfortunately, because he tries to be a good guy, he finds himself jumping in to try and save a man who looks to be helplessly under attack. Unexpectedly, the two villains that he wants to scare off may back down, but happily consider finding him to be a great asset. Eric is horrified to learn that he has exposed himself to a company of cruel scientists, called The Eclipse, that are capturing near-human 'supernatural' creatures for use in questionable medical experiments because no laws to protect them are in place. 
Now can he and Nigel Hunter (the man he saved) remain outside of the clutches of The Eclipse as their pursuers quietly, yet persistently tear bit by bit away from the safety and secrecy he has so endeavored to acquire?

Review:    While I think it is a promising storyline it had numerous spelling errors and was not developed well.  The entire novel is very choppy and I had a hard time following it. There were several characters that never really were introduced but were reflected in the story as though they were. It also seemed like the novel would flip between point of view’s with not really distinguish which character it was. Novels change point of views often, but not only a paragraph here and there. 

The other problems I had were the author used italics WAY too often that it lost the emphasis that I believe she was trying to place on those words and/or phrases.  I also found parentheses in places they were not needed or just didn’t make sense.  Like I said, the storyline was an interesting one, but it was very hard to follow.

                                                                              

I applaud Sarah for writing a novel – I have tried several times to write my own and can’t develop the story well – so I give her a lot of credit.  She is at a good starting point; great ideas are in her head. The best advice I can give her to have people proofread her novels, before putting them out there for others to read.

AND THE JOURNEY CONTINUES….

Well, volunteering has paid off for me. I was offered and accepted a job in the library field. It’s not the full-time position as I hoped, but a part-time position that is just enough hours that I can receive library experience and (hopefully) work my full-time accounting job, continue school part-time, raising a family, have a relationship and also ME time!!

Now, I am a little scared because this is still a lot to accomplish – even with only 30 hours a month.   I was only volunteering 8 -10 hours a month plus I start my month book club at the library in March. However, I need the experience and couldn’t pass the opportunity up.   I am glad to see it is only a few hours a month because I wouldn’t have been able to swing a 15-20 hr a week P/T position without quitting my F/T job (and that wouldn’t have flown over very well with the boyfriend).

Now ideally, I WANTED a F/T position so I can completely move into the library field. BUT I have to start somewhere and it wasn’t as though I was turned down for the position…they have enough current staff to only need a P/T person. I was also sent numerous resume to other libraries within openings since beginning this journey and never received one, NOT ONE phone call or inquiry. I need the experience.

And who knows, I may be the first to be asked when a F/T position opens…YAY!!

About the position - It’s basically a high school P/T position – P/T shelver with a little desk time.

Two week night evening for 3 hours each and the 2^nd and 5^th (when there is one) Saturday each month

Plus, my book club night and at-home hours to run the online forum book club discussion group

It may be basic, but I’m thrilled to enter the field before I graduate. I can’t wait!!!!  It is definitely more experience than what I was doing volunteering and I feel I will be able to contribute more life experience to my graduate classes discussions.

Hey, I also receive 40% discount on personal book purchases and a small tuition reimbursement.

I will actually be sad to see volunteering go away. Volunteering makes you feel so selfless and loved. It is so rewarding. I HIGHLY recommend everyone do it.  I have enough on my plate (I fear too much), so I won’t be able to volunteer my time elsewhere at the moment, but maybe someday!

STILL ALICE by Lisa Geneva

Title: Still Alice

Author: Lisa Genova
Genre: Women Fiction

# Pages: 272
ED: Hardcover

STARS: 4 out of 5


Why I read: My TBR pal, May, picked it for me to read J

Time it took me to read: 6 days
Website: www.lisagen0va.com

Summary: This novel is narrated by a 50 year old Harvard professor who gets diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. It details the next year and a half of her and her families struggle with the new reality of the deterioration of the disease.

Review:  This book was a very well written novel and although scary at how quickly in can deteriorate in such a young adult; it is a very powerful novel.  Also, it makes it a very appreciated book that the author leads an Alzheimer’s online column. She knows what she is taking about and not just making it up. In the back of the book there is an interview of the author and she states that the individuals that have read the book were overwhelming positive too.

SPOILER ALERT

She is a courageous women and I love that she fights and creates her own support group when none is to be found. It irritates me how her husband and eldest daughter seem very selfish in the book especially at the beginning, but it all makes a better story. I do enjoy when a story can evoke feelings, very not so good ones, throughout. It shows an emotional bonding to the story and characters.

Alice struggles so much because she is known as a prestigious professor at Harvard, a grand lecturer and a very intelligent woman.  She constantly tests herself and is hard on herself as she struggles to lose her herself.

As the story continued, the husband became more understanding and supportive, although not entirely, but I began to see his side of things. He stayed with the love of his life, but wanted/needed a life of his own too. Who can’t understand that?

The only reason I did not give it a 5 star rating is because I am very much into novels with multiple storylines and this one simple had one although it did show her own struggles and that of her family’s with the disease.

I look forward to reading Lisa Geneva’s next book, Left Neglected.