I'm linking this review up to Mrs. Readalot's Bloggy Bookclub because I think this book should be seen by as many people as possible. And, to be honest, due to my health problems this month, I simply didn't get to reading the choice of the month. Thank you, Mrs. Readalot, for allowing us to choose other books as well!
Imagine your mother called to tell you she had early onset Alzheimer's. She needs you to move into the family home and take over the day to day activities in order to keep that home running smoothly. It's a no-brainer, right? You do what you can to help your family. But wait... What if I told you that you haven't spoken to your mother in years? You are the black sheep, and there are just too many skeletons in that closet for you to make that decision lightly. This is the basic idea behind Lynda Simmons' "Island Girl."
I can certainly understand why Liz feels pulled when she finds out what her mother is asking of her. I can also imagine being in her mother's position and wanting Liz to come home. That is exactly what makes this book as good as it is! Both Ruby and Liz have good points. Which one will you side with?
Lynda Simmons tells a good story, but the best part about this book, I think, is the character development. Each person in "Island Girl" is so real. Liz has some problems, and they aren't just on the surface. The author gets down and dirty with her feelings, actions, and language. Ruby doesn't just deal with her illness by accepting it. She really has to work through her feelings, and I LOVE that she's writing a blog- sort of. There are more great characters in this story, but I want to leave them for you to discover and fall in love with the same way I did.
Telling the story from alternating character views gives this book the feeling that the reader really is in the middle of this life. I could imagine myself hearing the telling from all sides, just as a person who would be friends with the characters would. We got to see into each storyteller's mind as they were giving their version of what was occurring.
"Island Girl" is one of those books you pick up and want to read all the way through. It is great for summer reading. Grab a great big glass of iced tea, find a comfy spot on your back porch, and read until the sun has set and the mosquitoes come out. Then keep reading because you'll forget all about the world around you as you become wrapped up in life on the island. Go ahead... you deserve some time to relax and enjoy a great book!
You can buy "Island Girl" on Amazon. She has another book, "Getting Rid of Rosie," that I can't wait to read!
Book Giveaway: I want to share my copy of "Island Girl" with a lucky reader! This book is one that doesn't deserve to sit on shelves, so I want to pass it along.
How to enter: Stop by Lynda Simmons website and tell me something you found interesting about the author or her books.
Additional Entry: Like Life with Karen on Facebook and say hello. Leave me a comment, then come back here and tell me you did. Please be sure to do this in a separate entry.
Don't forget to leave me your email address, if it's not in your profile, so I can contact you if you win!
Giveaway will run until 8 PM Arizona time on Saturday, July 2, 2011. Winner will be chosen randomly and will be contacted via email. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond with shipping information. This giveaway is good for U.S. residents only. Thank you!
This giveaway is sponsored by me, and the prize is a USED copy of "Island Girl" in almost new condition. I was given a copy of the book by the author for review, but all opinions are mine. I was not paid for this review.
Good luck, and enjoy "Island Girl!"
17 comments:
This sounds like a delightful read with some substance to it ~ Thanks for the review ~ wlll enter the 'giveaway' if I can 'follow the yellow brick' road' ~ LOL ~ Am also starting a book group this Fall ~ so may include this book on the list ~ enjoy the day ^_^
Commented on your FaceBook Page about your review here and also 'liked' you on FB ~ ^_^ ~ went to website of author ~ wasn't sure where I was suppose to post ~ LOL ~ I tried ^_^
I learned She grew up in Toronto reading Greek mythology
sweetums82red at gmail dot com
I like you on facebook and left a comment on your page.
sweetums82red at gmail dot com
This sounds like a great book! :)
That sounds like my kind of book... I think i will request it at the library (too bad I am not in the U.S.!!)
xx
I'm sorry Simone. I wish I could afford international shipping so I could open up my giveaways that way. I hope you are able to find it at your library!
LOL, I learned she was like me bringing home stray cats all the time and making up stories. I am glad she married a man with allergies so is writing books now, lol. I too married not a man with allergies but a dog lover and strong cat disliker. ;-)
My_2_cents at hotmail dot com
Hey Karen. I said Hi on your FB wall and, of course, was already a follower. Thx for joining me on Facebook Friday Free For All. Don't forget about Foto Friday today too!
my_2_cents at hotmail dot com
Hi, this looks like a great book! I "liked" you on Facebook!
Sounds like a good read. Am putting it my 'to read' list, thanks for sharing x
I learned that Lynda Simmons "grew up in Toronto reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement." Pretty cool!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I like/follow you om Facebook and I left a comment on your wall.
http://tiny.cc/e53gb
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I learned She grew up in Toronto reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement.
Thanks!
Jenn
learnquilling@gmail.com
I Love Making Hair Bows!
I liked Life with Karen on FB!
Thanks!
Jenn
learnquilling@gmail.com
I Love Making Hair Bows!
This book looks like a good read. Thanks for posting the review on it, I'm going to check if local library has it and squeeze it in to my reading pile!
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