Loved, loved, loved, loved. I started reading it on Friday and finished it Saturday morning! The story sucked me in after the first page and I was drawn to the hauntingly beautiful prose and character development.
This looks like a really good book. Do you find yourself starting to go broke due to the ease of purchasing new books on the Kindle? Since I got a Nook several weeks ago, I really have to watch myself. Fortunately, I’ve decided to re-read the classic novels so I can get them all free.
Susan
February 28, 2011 at 12:59 pm
I just got the Nook and was telling a friend I was worried I was going to overspend for that same reason. I have the same problem with iTunes, but when I go crazy, it never costs me more than $20 and that only happens a few times a year.
I have a deal with myself that I can only buy a nook book when I read a book I already own and can pass it on.
Actually – that’s the exact reason I don’t think I’d ever be able to give in and get one! It would be too easy to just download and not really think about it. I find just itunes for a $ gets me when you consider you get a bunch of songs that get old and boring after awhile. I want my $10 back 🙂
Does it have a happy ending? I’m in desparate need of a beautiful book with a happy ending right now.
Some of the best books I’ve ever read are:
Atlas Shrugged
The Red Tent
Memoirs of a Geisha
Maybe you can give one of those a try next if you’re starving for another good book! That’s how I always feel — after I finish one great book, I just want another. 🙂
Thank you for the suggestion. I know you read LOTS of books and for you to say it’s the best of the year and sucked you right in, I am putting it on my (very long) to-read list.
Thanks, Jenna!
Mary Catherine
February 28, 2011 at 2:10 pm
I’ve been looking for a new read! Just ordered this off Amazon 🙂 Thanks for the rec!
I love Jodi Picoult, and if she gives a good review, I definitely have to read this!
andrea
February 28, 2011 at 2:26 pm
I too have read this book, another friend really recommended. I did finish it but sadly didnt find it as good as you and she both thought! It was fine, but nothing I couldnt live without. i almost stopped reading midway through! glad you enjoyed!
Perfect! I’ve been on the hunt for a good book to read. I’m just about to finish “Saving Ceecee Honeycutt.” It’s a real charm and set in Georgia, I think you would love it for a light-yet-serious, engaging read, Jenna!
If it doesn’t have vampires, witches, or werewolves in it, then I generally don’t read it. ^_^; I am more of a sci fi/fantasy/horror fan (not Twilight!) but every now and then I do enjoy a book not in the genre.
Maybe on my next stop at the bookstore I’ll pick this one up.
Can you please tell me how you find the time to read in between the blogging, the baking, the book-writing, the yoga – and the rehabbing your broken-shoulder boyfriend of course 😉
Seriously though!? I find in my spare time I’m trying to fill it with figuring out my plans or how to make more money or doing odd jobs…no wonder I’m drained!
Thank you SO MUCH for this incredible review. Can I send you a signed bookplate as my thanks? Just get me your address and I will send out asap. Thank you, thank you again. And I hope all of you like my novel!
Caroline Leavitt
Michelle
February 28, 2011 at 7:13 pm
Hey Caroline! Just wanted you to know I’ve just requested that our local library in Queenstown NZ stock your book … look forward to reading it! 🙂
That’s so awesome! How do the Authors find this out?
I once did a review on a book by Geneen Roth and couldn’t believe it when she left a comment – amazing….very insightful – no gold plate though haha 🙂 I should re put up that post again (it was on a past blog).
Thanks for the recommendation–I have a bookstore holding it for pick-up tomorrow. I didn’t want to wait for shipment from Amazon. Some books I just want to hold in my hand to highlight, write margin notes, and analyze the construction.
I love all of these book recommendations! Sometimes I just get so stumped on what book to read next! This novel looks great!! Can’t wait to read it! Just need to find the time..
Jessie
March 1, 2011 at 4:51 am
Just added it my Shelfari page! Can’t wait to read it this summer when book club is done! Great place for tracking books is http://www.shelfari.com/ great place to get recommendations too!
Jessie
March 1, 2011 at 4:52 am
And, was just reading your comments . . . how cool to have the author leave a comment!!!!
I’ve never read a book by this author, but if you finished it that quickly…it must be good. I think I will try to get me a copy 😉
Amy
March 1, 2011 at 7:47 am
I think it’s great all the reading recommendations that you give! Thanks so much!
Nicole G
March 1, 2011 at 10:13 am
Thanks for the recommendation! I just finished two excellent books if you have not read them – do it! – The Book Thief and The Art of Racing in the Rain. Also, I Was Told There’d Be Cake is a hysterical collection of short stories. Have a nice day!
You should (must must must!!) read the Invisible Bridge by Julie Olinger. And please add it to the book club roster after. That is all, thank you!! 🙂
Fancy
March 2, 2011 at 4:36 am
Thank you for the recommendation! I have read many of the books you have recommended in the past (just finished Shanghai Girls….loved). I love when you give us new books to read—thank you 🙂 Have a good day!
Thanks for the rec- looks interesting. I think The Help is the best book I’ve read this year. I’m also reading the Golden Compass series which is pretty darn good too.
Can I make a recommendation? Check out Half-Broke Horses and/or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I read Half-Broke Horses first and was totally sucked in. I read it in three days, immediately went and bought Glass Castle and read IT in three days. It normally takes me about a month to finish a book because I just don’t have time to read anymore, if that gives you any idea how much I liked the books.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
February 28, 2011 at 12:42 pmThis looks like a really good book. Do you find yourself starting to go broke due to the ease of purchasing new books on the Kindle? Since I got a Nook several weeks ago, I really have to watch myself. Fortunately, I’ve decided to re-read the classic novels so I can get them all free.
Susan
February 28, 2011 at 12:59 pmI just got the Nook and was telling a friend I was worried I was going to overspend for that same reason. I have the same problem with iTunes, but when I go crazy, it never costs me more than $20 and that only happens a few times a year.
I have a deal with myself that I can only buy a nook book when I read a book I already own and can pass it on.
Baking 'n' Books
February 28, 2011 at 3:53 pmActually – that’s the exact reason I don’t think I’d ever be able to give in and get one! It would be too easy to just download and not really think about it. I find just itunes for a $ gets me when you consider you get a bunch of songs that get old and boring after awhile. I want my $10 back 🙂
Kim @ girlevolving
February 28, 2011 at 12:50 pmThanks for the recommendation! I added it to my “to read” book list!
I see Shanghai Girls is on your shelf. I love all of Lisa See’s books. Have you read Edith Wharton’s In the Time of Innocence? An excellent book!
Colleen
February 28, 2011 at 12:51 pmJust requested it from the library!! I love your book recommendations – keep them coming!! 🙂
Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun!)
February 28, 2011 at 12:56 pmDoes it have a happy ending? I’m in desparate need of a beautiful book with a happy ending right now.
Some of the best books I’ve ever read are:
Atlas Shrugged
The Red Tent
Memoirs of a Geisha
Maybe you can give one of those a try next if you’re starving for another good book! That’s how I always feel — after I finish one great book, I just want another. 🙂
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
February 28, 2011 at 1:19 pmOoh. Thanks for the tip. Looks good. I just finished Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman, which I really enjoyed.
mary (what's cookin' with mary)
February 28, 2011 at 1:21 pmI love when you reccomend books. Just read the brief description that Amazon had and am about to click ‘proceed to check out’. 😉
Chicago Cuisine Critique
February 28, 2011 at 1:32 pmThis book sounds great! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
cait
February 28, 2011 at 1:36 pmdef going to add this to my reading list 🙂 thanks for the recommendation!
Rachel
February 28, 2011 at 1:50 pmThanks for the suggestion! I am going to suggest this to my book club! I just got a kindle last month and am loving it. Do you still like yours?
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
February 28, 2011 at 2:06 pmThank you for the suggestion. I know you read LOTS of books and for you to say it’s the best of the year and sucked you right in, I am putting it on my (very long) to-read list.
Thanks, Jenna!
Mary Catherine
February 28, 2011 at 2:10 pmI’ve been looking for a new read! Just ordered this off Amazon 🙂 Thanks for the rec!
Sarah (The Rounded Teaspoon)
February 28, 2011 at 2:13 pmDarn you! I’ve already got a book buying problem. And, I’ve just ordered about 25 books for graduate school!!
Have you read Little Bee? It’s quite good.
Helena
February 28, 2011 at 2:17 pmI love Jodi Picoult, and if she gives a good review, I definitely have to read this!
andrea
February 28, 2011 at 2:26 pmI too have read this book, another friend really recommended. I did finish it but sadly didnt find it as good as you and she both thought! It was fine, but nothing I couldnt live without. i almost stopped reading midway through! glad you enjoyed!
Stephanie @ Thorns Have Roses
February 28, 2011 at 2:26 pmThanks for the suggestion!!
Natalia - a side of simple
February 28, 2011 at 3:04 pmPerfect! I’ve been on the hunt for a good book to read. I’m just about to finish “Saving Ceecee Honeycutt.” It’s a real charm and set in Georgia, I think you would love it for a light-yet-serious, engaging read, Jenna!
dee
February 28, 2011 at 3:13 pmMust read!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles
February 28, 2011 at 3:15 pmDefinitely going to see if my library has this – I trust your judgment!
Sonia (the Mexigarian)
February 28, 2011 at 3:17 pmIf it doesn’t have vampires, witches, or werewolves in it, then I generally don’t read it. ^_^; I am more of a sci fi/fantasy/horror fan (not Twilight!) but every now and then I do enjoy a book not in the genre.
Maybe on my next stop at the bookstore I’ll pick this one up.
Baking 'n' Books
February 28, 2011 at 3:55 pmCan you please tell me how you find the time to read in between the blogging, the baking, the book-writing, the yoga – and the rehabbing your broken-shoulder boyfriend of course 😉
Seriously though!? I find in my spare time I’m trying to fill it with figuring out my plans or how to make more money or doing odd jobs…no wonder I’m drained!
Never heard of that book – is it new out?
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
February 28, 2011 at 5:28 pmI am always looking for new books, I’ll ad that to my list!
Maura
February 28, 2011 at 5:49 pmThe Jodi Picoult endorsement alone has me sold.
Caroline Leavitt
February 28, 2011 at 6:19 pmThank you SO MUCH for this incredible review. Can I send you a signed bookplate as my thanks? Just get me your address and I will send out asap. Thank you, thank you again. And I hope all of you like my novel!
Caroline Leavitt
Michelle
February 28, 2011 at 7:13 pmHey Caroline! Just wanted you to know I’ve just requested that our local library in Queenstown NZ stock your book … look forward to reading it! 🙂
Baking 'n' Books
March 1, 2011 at 8:44 amThat’s so awesome! How do the Authors find this out?
I once did a review on a book by Geneen Roth and couldn’t believe it when she left a comment – amazing….very insightful – no gold plate though haha 🙂 I should re put up that post again (it was on a past blog).
Courtney
February 28, 2011 at 7:14 pmWas looking for a good new read. I have read a few reviews on this but wasn’t sure. Since I love everything else you’ve recommended … 🙂
Alyssa
February 28, 2011 at 7:19 pmIs it anything like Jodi Picoult’s books? I saw her comment at the top 🙂 Her books are always heart wrenching!
bianca
February 28, 2011 at 10:36 pmThanks for sharing! I am an absolute book nerd and after i purchased my kindle last year i can’t stop downloading! this one is going on my wish list…
stella
March 1, 2011 at 2:03 amnow THAT’S my kind of book – an overnighter! 🙂
French Heart
March 1, 2011 at 3:33 amThanks for the recommendation–I have a bookstore holding it for pick-up tomorrow. I didn’t want to wait for shipment from Amazon. Some books I just want to hold in my hand to highlight, write margin notes, and analyze the construction.
Vanessa
March 1, 2011 at 4:02 amI love all of these book recommendations! Sometimes I just get so stumped on what book to read next! This novel looks great!! Can’t wait to read it! Just need to find the time..
Jessie
March 1, 2011 at 4:51 amJust added it my Shelfari page! Can’t wait to read it this summer when book club is done! Great place for tracking books is http://www.shelfari.com/ great place to get recommendations too!
Jessie
March 1, 2011 at 4:52 amAnd, was just reading your comments . . . how cool to have the author leave a comment!!!!
megan @ blackberries for jam
March 1, 2011 at 5:26 amI love your book recommendations! This is going to the top of my reading queue.
Have you heard of Lendle (http://lendle.me) ? It’s a kindle lending network, and it may save me from spending a million dollars on kindle books.
Caitlin
March 1, 2011 at 6:10 amAwesome- I am going to go get this book today! I have been waiting for someone to post a book they love so I trust your judgement :)!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
March 1, 2011 at 7:19 amI’ve never read a book by this author, but if you finished it that quickly…it must be good. I think I will try to get me a copy 😉
Amy
March 1, 2011 at 7:47 amI think it’s great all the reading recommendations that you give! Thanks so much!
Nicole G
March 1, 2011 at 10:13 amThanks for the recommendation! I just finished two excellent books if you have not read them – do it! – The Book Thief and The Art of Racing in the Rain. Also, I Was Told There’d Be Cake is a hysterical collection of short stories. Have a nice day!
Lori
March 1, 2011 at 10:29 amJust added it to my TBR list!
Noelle
March 1, 2011 at 10:48 amYou should (must must must!!) read the Invisible Bridge by Julie Olinger. And please add it to the book club roster after. That is all, thank you!! 🙂
Fancy
March 2, 2011 at 4:36 amThank you for the recommendation! I have read many of the books you have recommended in the past (just finished Shanghai Girls….loved). I love when you give us new books to read—thank you 🙂 Have a good day!
Jen @ keepitsimplefoods
March 2, 2011 at 7:12 amThanks for the rec- looks interesting. I think The Help is the best book I’ve read this year. I’m also reading the Golden Compass series which is pretty darn good too.
Cake Betch
March 4, 2011 at 8:15 amCan I make a recommendation? Check out Half-Broke Horses and/or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I read Half-Broke Horses first and was totally sucked in. I read it in three days, immediately went and bought Glass Castle and read IT in three days. It normally takes me about a month to finish a book because I just don’t have time to read anymore, if that gives you any idea how much I liked the books.
Ordering Online
March 17, 2011 at 2:38 am[…] based on Jenna’s post about this book being the “best book she’s read all year” (and that woman reads […]
Peanut Butter Runner » Blog Archive » Beach Reads
May 10, 2011 at 9:02 am[…] of You” by Caroline Leavitt. I remembered Jenna saying it was the best book she’d read all year so I picked it up. Looks like a great beach […]