Amazon Top Bergin Books

All books are under $5 Bucks and have over 100 positive reviews (4-5 stars)

On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves starting at $ 2.99

When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family's summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the library any day."

The Lion, The Lamb, The hunted: A Psychological Thriller  byAndrew E. Kaufman starting at $2.99

"SHE ONLY STEPPED OUTSIDE FOR A MINUTE...
But a minute was all it took to turn Jean Kingsley's world upside down--a minute she'd regret for the rest of her life. 


Heaven is for Real: A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back by Todd Burpo starting $4.98

Heaven Is for Real  offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us, where as Colton says, "Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire starting at $2.99

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand."

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen starting at $4.99

The novel, told in flashback by nonagenarian Jacob Jankowski, recounts the wild and wonderful period he spent with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a traveling circus he joined during the Great Depression."

The Righteous by Michael Wallace starting $2.99

The small polygamous community of Blister Creek has a history of protecting its own. Even when a young woman is brutally murdered just blocks from her home, the residents of the conservative enclave close ranks

Book Club Meeting Agenda April 22nd 2012

Socializing and places orders/snacks (20-30 minutes)

Welcome, Announcements and Reminders (20 minutes)

Book Discussion (60 minutes)

Major Pettigrew's last stand by Helen Simonson

Meeting Leader Jessica

Brick Lane Curry House

540 Valley Road

Upper Montclair, NJ

973-509-2100

http://www.bricklanemontclair.com/

Next meeting:            

·         Select meeting leaders-Can be whoever suggested the book or a volunteer

§  The Forgotten Garden – Carla (book is almost 700pgs do we want to read this?)

§  Silver Sparrow – Eileen/any volunteers?  

§  We need to talk about Kevin – Eileen/any volunteers?   

§  Rules for Virgins – Saundra

·         Janet Volunteered to cover

·         Discuss meeting location & Dates review

o   Themed book club meetings- picking restaurants based on where the book takes place or the ethnic background of lead characters moving forward.

§  May  20^th – The Forgotten Garden is set in  England

·         http://www.gmtny.com/ English Traven Bleecker street NYC

·         http://www.innatirving.com/  Ivy Place -Gramercy Park NYC-

Lady Mendl’s  (High tea time) 5-Course Afternoon Tea - $35

Sunday 12:00pm, 2:30pm reservations required 212-533-4466

§  June 24^th - Silver Sparrow set in Atlanta (Southern Food)

·         http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/    Melba’s – Harlem NYC

·         http://redroosterharlem.com/  The Red Rooster – Harlem NYC

§  July 15^th  - We need to talk about Kevin- set in upstate New York

·         Picnic?  River side park again?

§  August 19^th  - Rules for Virgins is set in Shanghai China

·         http://www.goldenunicornrestaurant.com/ Golden Unicorn – China Town

Please E-mail me any coments

Favorite places to Read a Book……. What’s ours?

1. At the park. Make a picnic and bring a large blanket, find a nice spot and settle in for a la
   
   zy day. A calm overcast day is best for eyes and hair. You won’t tire easily and you won’t be distracted by flipping pages and clinging hair caused by the wind.
2. In bed. Morning or night, one of the best places to read is in your bed! You are your most relaxed and it’s extremely comfortable. Stack up those pillows or crawl under the bedclothes for some truly exceptional reading time.
3. In a library. It’s fairly quiet in a library and there are usually places for settling in with a book. Some have little nooks and others have open reading lounges. Find yourself a spot and crack open a book!
4. On a couch. Like your bed, the couch is a nice and comfy spot to sit/rest and read a book. Armrests make great pillows.
5. In the car. You spend a lot of time in the car. Open that book and fill those empty wasted minutes spent traveling by traveling to another world.
6. By the pool. Dangle your feet in the water or lie out on your towel. Both are great for reading. Bring a cool drink to quench your thirst and have fun!
7. Local book Store. Are any even still open? If so they can be a great quiet environment to sit and read, most serve coffee and cakes to sustain you long hours of reading.
8. In the bathtub. Get clean and get time to read at the same time! Add some bubbles or bath salts and you’re really having a party… a party for one, but still as fun!

Chick Lit is not Dead: Best Books of 2011

Best Books of 2011 by Liz

1. Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close I read this debut while on vacay in Hawaii over the summer and let’s just say that I’m pretty thankful neither of my kids drowned while I was engrossed of this witty, refreshing tale of a group of friends after they graduate from college and struggle with heartbreak and career changes, all while attending endless bridal showers. A MUST read if you were a big SATC fan-the narrative really captures the spirit of Carrie & co.  It’s not too late to pick this up for your stocking!

2. The Art of Forgetting by Camille Noe Pagan Another great debut!  When Marissa’s BFF Julia gets hit by a cab and suffers brain damage, it changes the dynamic of their friendship forever. As Julia struggles to regain her memory, things come up that Marissa would much rather forget and things get a bit complicated.  A engaging story about friendship and forgiveness that I couldn’t put down.  I highly recommend you grab a copy for you and your bestie TODAY.  One of my favorite covers of the year too!

3.  Skipping A Beat by Sarah Pekkanen I. Loved. This. Book! As a self-delared emotional robot, I found myself bawling like a freakin’ baby during the last few chapters of this delightful novel.  When Julia’s husband Michael has a near-death experience, he rewrites the rules of their struggling marriage, forcing her to choose whether to stay and take a leap of faith or leave forever. Insightful but also with with a healthy dose of Pekkanen’s trademark humor, you won’t be able to put it down- I PROMISE!

4. The First Husband by Laura Dave When Annie’s long-time boyfriend suddenly leaves her, she rebounds with a vengeance, marrying a down-to-earth chef after three short months of dating. Soon Annie finds herself in a small Massachusetts town and wondering if she was too quick on the trigger.  When her ex returns and wants her back, things get really complicated…  Laura Dave is one of my fave writers, her narrative on love and life always hits home and The First Husband is no exception.  I devoured this book in four hours flat-a new record for me. The perfect gift to give yourself this season!

5. Best Kept Secret by Amy Hatvany Cadence thought she had it all-good job, successful husband and adorable son-until her marriage went off the rails and the stress of single motherhood drove her to start drinking heavily. It’s only when her five-year old son is taken away that she realizes that her best kept secret has been discovered. Will she ever be able to find her way back and earn back the trust she’s lost? Honest and thought-provoking, I promise you’ll be thinking of Cadence long after you finish this fantastic book.
And one YA bonus pick!
Y’all know I have love for those young adult novels…here’s my fave of 2011.
Bumped by Megan McCafferty- When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, things get a little bit CRAZY.  Would-be parents pay top dollar for teens to conceive and carry babies, making them the most prized citizens in society-and the most genetically blessed are in the highest demand and considered celebrities. I LOVED this book-very high concept about the business of having babies, and our increasing desire for genetic perfection. I’m anxiously awaiting a sequel!

Taken form: http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com/

http://chicklitisnotdead.com/2011/12/best-books-of-2011-by-liz/

Beach Bag reads – The not so lighter side

Not your average Chick-Lit but easy reads when you need a little somthing more.

 

Bitter is the New Black - Jen Lancaster

The hysterical true story of newly unemployed ex-sorority girl Jen Lancaster.

On the Island – Tracy Gatvis-Graves

The relationship between Anna and TJ was sweet and sexy and very real...the idea of their age difference was neither a shock nor unbelievable. The bonds created between individuals under duress are strong and enduring. And the romantic in me loved it as well."

Good Grief - Lolly Winston

When Sophie's husband dies, she starts her life over in a new place and discovers just exactly who she is and what she wants out of life.

One Pink Line – Dina Silver

One Pink Line was such a great read. The story line immediately pulls you in and anyone who came of age in the 80s and 90s is going to love the historical references- acid wash jeans anyone? characters- so real like old friends.

Can You Keep a Secret? - Sophie Kinsella

This novel will make you think twice before revealing your innermost secrets to a stranger.