“On a summer day in 1946, Sally Werner, the precocious daughter of hardscrabble Pennsylvania farmers, accepts her cousin Daniel’s invitation to ride his new motorcycle. Like so much of what follows in Sally’s life, it’s a decision driven by impulse and a thirst for adventure, a decision with dramatic and far-reaching consequences.
Soon Sally abandons her newborn baby and her home. Fueled in equal measures by her eternal optimism and her mercurial moods, she embarks on an odyssey of self-creation that spans six decades, the story of which she entrusts to only one person: her granddaughter and namesake. It’s an uncommon legacy that young Sally believes until her father – a man she has never known – enters her life and offers another story altogether, forcing her to uncover the truth of her grandmother’s secret history.”
(Above excerpt is from the back cover of Follow Me)
The Review
This story swept me away into Sally’s life and mind. The story flowed like the river that ties the characters of this saga. The writing engulfed me. This story is one that I will never forget and am deeply grateful to JoAnna Scott for writing.
Scott is the author of nine books. Of these nine books, one was a finalist for the Pulitizer Prize and two were finalists for the PEN/Faulkner Award. If these books are anything like Follow Me, I can certainly understand why. In my never-to-be-humble opinion, this book should be nominated, as well.
Follow Me is an epic tale of women and the hard choices that they are often faced with. This is the heartbreaking story of what happens to families when adversity infiltrates them. This is a memoir of love that was never meant to be lost, but was stolen from the lovers. This is a woman’s search for redemption for a life that she couldn’t possibly replace with other choices; the outcomes were destined and unavoidable. This is a tragic song of a man who lost what should have been his. All of this is told by a granddaughter who pieces together the remnants of fantasy with the pieces truth searching to be found.
I have, very rarely, been impacted to the point in a review in which I recommend a book to this degree. The book is being released on April 22nd. For the price of $16.49 for a hardcover edition of this book, I highly recommend that you pre-order this book from Amazon and be ready for a read that is certain to make your “Best of 2009 List.” It has certainly made my top ten! You’ll read it, review it, and write me and tell me… “Yep, you were right! It’s a great book.” I promise… no “I told you so’s!”
On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”
Is there any doubt, whatsover, that I am going to rate this book a 10 OUT OF 10? Of course, not! I deserves it! I only wish our bookclub read hardcovers, because this will make A GREAT BOOK CLUB discussion.
My heartfelt thanks to Miriam and Hachette for this amazing read.
Belinda Carlisle has been voted off amidst the argument of the ladies competing over who’s done the most centerfolds. (Gag Me With A Spoon). This week, as we face the ramifications of yet more injuries, we look forward to who’s going to step up to the plate… or, dance floor.
Here’s my nagging and praising for this week’s couples:
Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Well, our Chelsie took a spill on the dance floor. But, that didn’t stop our newest Fred Astaire from being the hero of the ballroom. He picked right back up and they got started again. I was so sad for them about the fall, but, their scores proved to be good. This cowboy is certainly learning the ropes. Scores: 8-8-7
Steve-O and Lacy Schwimmer
I’m so totally bummed out about this dance. Steve really tried to pull it together and get the Foxtrot right. The beginning of their dance looked really sweet, but somewhere along the way he lost his steps. Now, if you couple this with twisting his ankle and straining his back AGAIN, I just don’t see how they have a chance. It’s a shame, Lacy is my VERY FAVORITE dancer on the program. She was very kind and considerate to Steve. Scores: 5-5-5. (Note: I’d rather watch him try again than Barbie-Skeletor or Whiny-Molly any day!)
Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff
“Shake Shake Shake, Senora” they did… NOT. There was some kind of freaky shaking by Steve, but it scared the hell out of Bruno. Bruno almost looked completely p’d off when the dance was through. Carrie Ann Inaba said that Steve’s worm looked like “an earthworm.” The poor guy pulled a hamstring this week. That, coupled with a hurt foot, is a recipe for disaster in dancing and it doesn’t help when you’re not naturally gifted with that sense of rhythm. So, their scores were worse than a Halloween Fright:4-3-3.
Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
I absolutely LOVED their dance this week. It was beautiful, fluid, graceful and just sweet. Pure, sweet, romance in a dance. I’m wondering if Mark is still with Sabrina? If not, little Shawnee would be a good next one for him (after she turns 18)! She obviously thinks he’s cute from her remarks in the rehearsal tape. I’m just a sucker for romance! Even without it, they are just beautiful to watch and with the scores of 9-9-9, they are sure to be around next week, as they should be! Very good!
Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovalani
Carrie Ann Inaba irritated me with her comments. She claimed that ballroom dancing came easy to Melissa. As far as I know, Melissa has never ballroom danced before. Yes, she was a cheerleader, but that’s not the same. That’s like comparing a tap dancer to a ballroom dancer. I know because I studied all types of dance growing up. No two genres are alike. It’s like saying a hip-hop dancer can perform a ballet. NO! I’m a bit miffed. But, anyway, she was lovely and I believe I spotted a diamond ring on her left finger. Hmm… could her old boyfriend that she re-united with have promised a future to Melissa? I loved the dance and she’ll be around for a while. I wonder, sometimes, if Jason and Molly watch the show and see her dance. Scores: 9-9-9.
Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough
I wish I could like her, I really do. But, she just plain BUGS me to death. She seems to be way to wrapped up in grabbing attention. Her comment about her “providing a party on the dance floor” and that we’re “all invited” just made me what to… (well, never mind what it made me want to do…). She’s constantly grasping for attention and I just can’t stand it. O.K. for the compliments. She does have some rhythm and some musicality. Why can’t I like her? I feel bad, I just can’t. Scores: 8-8-9
Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska
In Lawrence’s rehearsal film, were we all to be “wow’d” by his ability for forfeit his golf lesson for the sake of his performance in the show? Huh? He can golf when this season of DWTS is over, or he is eliminated. I shook my head at that one. That’s no sacrifice, Lawrence. If I got to be on DWTS, I’d pull out my eye teeth or whatever it took, I’d be so thrilled. But, I guess that’s just me. And, I really do need my chompers. Edyta’s eyeshadow was appalling! Shame on the make-up artist. Less, baby, is more. The dance? Not bad. Not bad at all! Score: 7-6-7.
Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Holy Guacamole! This dance was HOT HOT HOT! Bruno’s comment was that Gilles came out like a “throbbing red hot poker.” He came out like something. Carrie Ann’s comment was that Gilles brings out something in Cheryl that she hasn’t seen in a long time. I agree. Gilles brings passion out in Cheryl and she’s excited to be dancing with him. Their samba just kicked latin butt! I really found the rehearsal tape endearing when Gilles’ mother came in from France and she cried when she saw him dance. Aww…. Scores:9-9-9. (BTW: The twins call Gilles “The Naked Guy” whenever we talk about the show… no – they haven’t seen the movie, they just heard him talk about it when the show started. Go Naked Guy!)
Dmitry Chaplin and Holly Madison
In watching the filming of their rehearsal, Holly was nothing more than a whiny little baby. I can’t believe that she threw herself on the floor! Her exterior looks couldn’t mask her self-centered pouting in rehearsals for me. She even made the comment to Dmitry that he probably wished that he had Jewel back (uh, YEAH!). While dancing she resembled a barbie doll being tossed about by a handsome, prince. Her legs were lifeless and her boobs entirely too inflated. Len Goodman best described it when he said that Holly was like a match – “all fire on the top and nothing but wood on the bottom.” Yeah, wooden legs that didn’t have any bend or pizazz! I still don’t know who I want voted off more, her or Barbie-Skeletor aka Denise. Score: 5-6-6 (Note: When Samantha talked to them after the scores, you should have seen Dmitry’s reaction to the “bet you wish you had Jewel back” comment… uh… his face said it all! Tom Bergeron even came back with the comment that Holly must feel really reassured now. HEE HEE).
Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Watching this performance was sheer pain… like childbirth, I just wanted it to be over. The highlight was Maks cross-dressing as a pink samba queen… COOL! But, there wasn’t much that this stick figure could do to make this dance even resemble a Samba. With scores of 5-6-5, I wondered to myself… why not 3-3-3?
David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson
Mr. “All Sizzle and No Sausage” is up again. He practiced very hard this week and it showed. He did a nice performance. I wasn’t wow’d… but, it was a good, solid performance. He’s really trying and that’s what counts the most. Scores: 8-8-8
Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough
Chuckie-Boy is getting better. Good for this little potato farmer. I actually enjoyed their dance this week and suddenly thought to myself that my-Chuckie was a little cutie-pah-tootie. Their hard work paid off and Chuck is on his way to an improved season. Bravo! Scores: 8-7-8
For more commentary on this week’s DWTS, visitApooo’s Site… she’s got tons of good conversation on everything! The results show is on after the Presidential Address 9pm. Adele is performing (YEAH) along with Hall & Oates.
I invite everybody to participate in the weekly MEME and write about any movies, television or big screen, that you’ve seen over the past week and write about it. Please feel free to use the above logo photo in your post and/or link back to the site. I will post every Sunday Night or Monday Morning on the movie I’ve seen from the past week. I’m hoping that there are other movie buffs out there who will enjoy the MEME as much as I’m hoping to! The only small request that I have is that you rate the movie out of 5 bags of popcorn (so, 1 bag out of 5, 2 bags out of 5, and so on).
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This Week It’s My Daughters’ Choice…
My twins have each read the book series at least a couple of times a piece. I haven’t read the books, although many of my friends have. I’m just not a big vampire fan and I think that’s most likely why. My daughter begged, begged, begged… oh, and did chores in order for me to order Twilight for her. And, I did. And, we watched it. She swears that this is “the best movie ever made.” Uh, no! That’d be Gone With The Wind. So, since I watched it, I might as well make it my Monday’s Movie Review.
Movie:Twilight
Directed By:Catherine Hardwicke
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Patterson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli
Rated:PG-13
Runtime:122 Minutes
Although I doubt that there is anybody who would read my blog that hasn’t yet either read the Twilight Series or seen the movie, I will make the assumption that there is one or two of you out there. The story surrounds Bella, a 17 year old student who moves from Pheonix to Forks, Washington to live with her father. She has primarily lived with her mother during her life, but her mother has now remarried and is hitting the “Spring Training ” road with her new husband. Bella and her mom felt it best for her not to be on the road and for her to live with her father. Her dad is the Chief of Police in Forks and, in my opinion, a very likeable character. He tries very hard to make her feel welcome in her home, including a new bedset and a used truck.
Bella commences high school and meets a host of new friends. Quickly, she notices a group of “outsiders” that do not interwine, socially with the rest of the student body. They are eerily attractive and quiet and keep to themselves. Of the five of them, there are two couples and one single, Edward. Bella and Edward find an immediate intrigue with one another and find themselves table mates in Biology Lab. Edward is so apparently put-off by Bella that he skips school for some time to avoid her. But, eventually he returns, saves her life, and they begin to fall in love.
In the meantime, there are mysterious murders happening nearby the town that seem to be due to some type of strange animal attacks. What they are, in truth, are vampire attacks. But these cannot be attributed to Edward’s family as they are self-proclaimed “vegetarians.” Unlike Bella, who is a true vegetarian, their definition of vegetarian means not eating humans/drinking human blood… no, only that of animals (imagine a deer being hunted in the forest).
So, what the viewer discovers is that Edward’s family strives hard to find some type of place in society and not to injure humans. It is almost as if they are in denial as to who/what they are and attempt to be humanitarians who just happen to be immortal. When they understand Edward’s love for Bella, they give their best attempt to understand it and include her, despite the danger that puts them in. But, like their trust in Bella, Bella trusts in Edward that he will not harm her. They fall deeply in love.
This movie contains plenty of the “good vs. evil” story and gives a good dose of teenage lovesickness. I was a bit distracted by the redness of Edward’s lips during the entire movie, although my daughters disagree completely. I can’t imagine that there would be any tween/teenie-bopper who wouldn’t like this movie. I mean, I remember that age. Love did conquer all and mean all. Wow, am I jaded now? ~
P.S. The DVD Edition has a bonus disk where they have all the “behind the scenes” stuff. The twins have watched it twice. It’s pretty good.
I just love the Sunday Salon because I feel like it’s the best way to wrap up the week and talk about what’s coming up for the next week! It’s my absolute favorite post of the week! I’ve got a BOOK GIVEAWAY this week and ANOTHER ONE starting next week! I just love to GIVEAWAY books!
I’ve got a giveaway of this book coming up this week!
Busy Woman Seeks Wife by Annie Sanders
I just finished reading and reviewing Follow Me by JoAnna Scott. My review will post on Tuesday the 24th. Let me just tell you… the book is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the cover!
I also read and reviewed the KEEPER of LIGHT and DUST by Natasha Mostert. However, my review won’t post until it’s release date of April 2nd.
I’m getting ready to crack open The 8th Confession by James Patterson. I’ve read some of his books, but none of of his mysteries. I can’t wait!
In My Mailbox for Review
I’m still reading all of the books that I received for review. I haven’t finished (blush). So, I’m working on the pile. I have signed up for a couple that I’m looking forward to!
IF YOU ARE ONE OF MY AWARDEES, PLEASE GO AHEAD AND…. 1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude! 3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.
I also received the Beautiful Heart Award from Robin at My Two Blessings. She is celebrating her 2nd Blogiversary, so stop by and wish her a happy one. Two years! I can’t even imagine! Here’s how Robin describes what this award means:
This award also goes to all of the bloggers who put their hearts, mind and soul into their blogs and give us a glimpse into their worlds. They are positive and may not realize it, but are leading by example. They inspire with their words, educate and inform. They entertain and uplift with their humor. They are welcoming, helpful and friendly and no one is a stranger, whether you’ve commented once or a million times. They are ever so wise and giving. Most of all, they have Beautiful Hearts.
My awardees for the Beautiful Hearts Award goes to two special puppy mommies whose blogs I adore!
This week’s Thursday’s Thoughts ended on March 19th. I haven’t yet announced a winner… but, shall get to it sometime today. I have not scheduled meme for this week. If anybody out there has a good writing topic for the week, please email me at anovelmenagerie@aol.com.
This week, I will start a giveaway for Laura Rider’s Masterpiece. It’s a funky read that will give you something to write about!
READING CHALLENGES
For “Just For the Love Of It Reading Challenge” and “J. Kaye’s 100+ Book Challenge,” I’ve read 34 books so far year-to-date. WOW… that means that I’m 34% done with J. Kaye’s Challenge and we’re only 22.58% done with the year. I’m ahead by 11.42%. Yippee! I honestly never thought that I’d ever read this much in my lifetime. I’d love to hear from other bloggers on how you accomplished your first 100+ Challenge and what it felt like.
For the participants of the Just For the Love of It Challenge, please remember to link your review posts for March HERE. I’ve been reading some great reviews on the Mr. Linky List. For some good recommendations, you can go to the sidebar and click onto a month and check out what’s been linked. There are some really good reviews to sink your teeth into. Not only that, but these are some really great blogs that you may want to subscribe to!
At Home & On TV
Dancing With The Stars was interesting this week and, as such, I’ve posted about my thoughts on it (HERE). American Idol was about average this week. I was a bit surprised to see Alexis Grace voted off, but am looking forward to Motown Week next week.
I hit the movies and reviewed Race From Witch Mountain this week. I’m posting another Monday’s Movie tomorrow featuring TWILIGHT! (Can you hear the twins in the background watching it for the 10-millionth time?)
I’m making margaritas at the book club meeting today! Ole’! We’re discussing Sarah’s Key. You can read a great interview with Tatiana de Rosnay HERE and my review of the book HERE (and Lisa’s HERE).
On the home front, the twins lost their soccer game today… BADLY! We were on the wrong size field, but that really wasn’t the only problem. The girls just were being too passive about going after the ball. My poor baby was goalie for 1/2 of the game and she was unable to stop MANY goals. My other baby took a shot on goal and, as it was almost in, this amazing defender in pink HEADED the ball out of the goal. Man! It was a great play by pinkie!
Thanks, all, for reading not only this post, but the others as well. Your readership means the world to me!
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Author:
This story swept me away into Sally’s life and mind. The story flowed like the river that ties the characters of this saga. The writing engulfed me. This story is one that I will never forget and am deeply grateful to JoAnna Scott for writing. 
Is there any doubt, whatsover, that I am going to rate this book a 
Movie: 
~
I just love the Sunday Salon because I feel like it’s the best way to wrap up the week and talk about what’s coming up for the next week! It’s my absolute favorite post of the week! I’ve got a BOOK GIVEAWAY this week and ANOTHER ONE starting next week! I just love to GIVEAWAY books!
I also received the Beautiful Heart Award from Robin at 
My awardees for the Beautiful Hearts Award goes to two special puppy mommies whose blogs I adore!
