Thursday, September 29, 2011

Review: Cover-Up by Michele Martinez

Cover-Up by Michele Martinez
Harper Suspense, 2007
Crime Fiction; 368 pgs

In the process of donating books to my coworkers this past spring, I turned one of them onto Michele Martinez's Melanie Vargas series. Melanie is a federal prosecutor, raising her young daughter alone. My coworker enjoyed the first two books I'd given her so much she went out and bought the third and fourth books in the series. She was kind enough to loan me the third book (and if she can find the fourth, she will pass that along to me as well).

Melanie is not a hard as nails type character nor is she sassy. Instead, she's your average hard working woman who strives to do her best for both her daughter and her career. Melanie has her hang ups, especially when it comes to men, and she is not always sure of herself. She is smart--most of the time. It's rare you come across a suspense novel where the heroine/hero doesn't throw himself/herself in the line of fire despite it not being the brightest idea, and this one is no different.

In Cover-Up, Melanie lands herself a career making case, investigating the murder of a well known investigative reporter. The victim had a lot of enemies and Melanie must wade through the politics and scandals to get to the truth.

Cover-Up was an enjoyable read. Fast paced and suspenseful--just what I've come to expect from Michele Martinez. It's one of those books that is good in the moment but not necessarily memorable.

You can learn more about Michele Martinez and her books on the author's website.

Source: I borrowed a copy of the book from a coworker.


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Top Five: Songs That Got Stuck In My Head

I am a words woman. It's a given then that I love to read. Give me directions, and I prefer them written out as opposed to being handed a map. And yet, even as I describe myself as a words person, I confess that words alone do not always convey emotion, desire and thought quite as well as music can. It is a powerful medium, quite expressive, and can say so much in a single note or a simple lyric. I am not always good at saying what I want when I need to say it--but somehow, music rarely fails me.

What of those songs that get stuck in my head? Sometimes it's a song's catchy tune or lyric. Occasionally I hear a song so often that it just sticks with me no matter how hard I may try to shake it off. There are also those songs I keep replaying on my iPod or in my mind that become sort of temporary anthems.

My darling husband came up with a list of five memorable songs that have gotten stuck in his head. I decided to give it a try as well. Songs speak to me at differing times--depending on the time of day or year, my mood and what is going on in my life. Do I need inspiration, a little push, am I feeling melancholy or romantic? And the songs that I am drawn to change constantly over time.

Here is a list of five songs that I've got stuck in my head most recently:



Particularly when I am going through a rough patch, Rodney Atkins song, If You're Going Through Hell, pops into my head. It's an uplifting song both in music and lyrics, making me feel like I can get through just about anything. Given events in my life lately, this song has been playing in my head a lot.



Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol became a fast favorite of mine when I first heard it several years ago. To this day, when it's on the radio, I turn up the volume and sing along. The melody is simple and beautiful. It's a love song to be sure, one that evokes a feeling of wishing time could stop so that I can revel in the moment. I often catch myself singing or humming Chasing Cars without even realizing it at first.



Several months ago a popular song caught my attention, Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are. The song is yet another love song (I'm partial to love songs, what can I say?). There isn't anything particularly profound about the lyrics or music, but it is a song that I imagine speaks to many of us. Who doesn't want to be loved for who they are? While this song is about a man's love for a woman, it has, in part, come to mean something else entirely different to me. I can't help but think of my daughter when I hear (and sing) the song. So, not all the lyrics are fitting for a love song from a mother to her daughter and some probably take offense to the focus on outward appearance, but when I hear the song, all I see is my daughter and I feel an overwhelming sense of love for her. I can't take my eyes off her. She is perfect to me--inside and out. And I do love that smile--as far as I'm concerned, it's impossible not to stop and stare for awhile.



The movie Beaches starring Bette Midler is one of those movies that never fails to bring tears to my eyes. I enjoyed the movie, but I fell in love with the soundtrack more. While Wind Beneath My Wings is an awesome song, I confess to fancying a couple of others from the album much more. I adore Bette Midler's version of I Think It's Going to Rain Today. But perhaps my favorite is Otto Titsling about the invention of the brassiere. How can you not laugh when you hear that song? It's silly and not at all true, but oh so fun. Not to mention it's a story in a song--and I do love a story!

The most recent song to enter the ear worm stratosphere is not one that has especially deep meaning or influence over my life, but there it is. I hear the song every day, Monday through Thursday, at least twice in the span of an hour. Teeter Totter is a children's song by Tanya Goodman. It's got a sweet, gentle melody with very simple lyrics. It's part of the lullaby album my daycare provider plays for the children during their afternoon nap time while I am there to nurse Mouse. I find the entire album relaxing--a break from my hectic work day and a chance to settle in and enjoy my lunch hour with my daughter. Teeter Totter is the one song though I have playing in my head when I return to the office each afternoon.

So there you have it. Hop on over to Bullet Points to see what songs ended up on my husband's list.


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday Salon: September

September is usually my favorite month. Not so much this year, I'm afraid. I hadn't meant to take such a long break from blogging. It started with a slip on the stairs resulting in a badly hurt foot and then news that my dad died, all within a week. In between the two events was my birthday--a bright spot in the dark. Let's not talk about my backing into the garage door or being up at all hours because of a teething, stuffy nosed, coughing infant. Or about one of my cats who has trouble holding down food. It's all par for the course in this thing we call life.

Outside my window: A quiet street, brightened only by the lamppost across the way. No skunks exploring the yards today.

I am listening to: The sound of silence.

I am watching: We are nearly done with the 4th season of How I Met Your Mother. It's one of my favorite shows right now. We also are trying out a couple of new shows: Up All Night, a sitcom about parenting an infant, and Ringer, a mystery/soap opera drama type show. Up All Night is quite funny, not to mention one I can relate to all too well right now. I'm not too sure about Ringer. I wasn't impressed by the first episode and so haven't decided if I want to continue watching it.

I am thinking: Endlessly thinking. My mind is running a mile a minute. Best not to delve into that abyss right now. Trust me.

I am grateful for: Today I am grateful for the simple things. My husband's embrace. A single tooth grin; the determined set of that tiny jaw as she goes after what she wants; two small arms reaching for me . . .

I am reading: I finished Michele Martinez's Cover-Up and am now reading a cozy mystery called The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt. The types of books a person reads for a thrill or for escape. Nothing too meaty or thought provoking right now.

Around the house: The old dining table is finally in the garage. There are toys everywhere. I made my bed, and we've yet to put any of the pictures and paintings on the walls. Except for one. No, two.

The child this week: Mouse is a bundle of energy and motion. She loves to explore unknown territory and is now pretty proficient at pulling herself up into a standing position. She's mastered her crawl and is now a force to be reckoned with.

She has a lot to say, but like me tends to be shy around people she isn't very familiar with.

Poor Mouse seems to have allergies--or a very persistent cold.

I am hoping and praying: For an uneventful rest of the month.

Plans for the week: This coming Friday is Mouse's sixth month well check-up. So she'll be closer to 7 months old then. Blame the vaccinations. Other than that, it'll be business as usual. Work, play, eat, sleep. Shuffle and repeat.

On the blog: Expect to see my review Cover-Up by Michele Martinez later this week!

Thanks to Suey from It's All About Books for sharing this format with me, and to Ibeeeg of Polishing Mud Balls for inspiring Suey's use of the format.


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Monday, September 12, 2011

I Love You, Dad

My Dad
January 30, 1943 - September 11, 2011


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Review: Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak

Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak
Broadway, 2005
Crime Fiction; 352 pgs

After hearing Harley Jane Kozak speak during a panel discussion at the L.A. Times Festival of Books one year, I had to try out her series. A greeting card artist and shop manager, Wollie, isn't the type of person you'd expect to get mixed up in trouble. At least not the kind that puts her life at risk. In an effort to make some extra cash, Wollie has signed up for a research project put on by a radio talk show host who is writing a book. She must date 40 men in 60 days. Doesn't sound so bad except for the fact that she came into the project late and is now rushing to fit in as many dates as she can in a short amount of time. Wollie is also under close scrutiny by the company who she works for as they determine whether she is franchise material or not. But that's just background information.

The trouble comes when Wollie receives a call from her brother about a murder at the mental hospital where he is a patient, discovers a dead body on the road, is taken hostage by a rather good looking and charming man, and becomes a target of the mafia. Yes, this book requires a bit of suspension of that ol' disbelief, but it's actually quite fun and comical.

Wollie is a great character--she doesn't always make the smartest choices, but she certainly is no slouch. There were only a couple of eye rolling moments; and as much as I could see the appeal of her main love interest, he was a bit too perfect. But you know what? That's okay. This book hit the spot and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now to get my hands on the second book in the series . . .

You can learn more about Harley Jane Kozak and her books on the author's website and the blog The Lipstick Chronicles in which she contributes.

Source: I purchased a copy of the book many moons ago.


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Independent Literary Awards - It's Nomination Time! What Are You Waiting For?!


It's time! I hope all of you will take the opportunity to nominate your favorite 2011 books for the Independent Literary Awards. This is your chance as readers to cast your votes as to what books published in 2011 you enjoyed most. The following categories are being considered:

Biography/Memoir
GLBTQ
Literary Fiction
Mystery*
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Speculative Fiction

Nominations are open from September 1st to December 31st; so if you aren't ready to nominate your favorites yet, you still have plenty of time. Be sure and mark your calendar so you don't miss the deadline! And please, please, please spread the word! The more nominations, the better!

For more information and to make your nominations, visit the official website.

What are the Indie Lit Awards?
Independent Literary Awards are given to books that have been recommended and voted on by independent literary bloggers. Nominations are open to all readers, and are then voted upon by a panel of bloggers who are proficient in the genre they represent. Each panel is led by a Director who oversees the integrity of the process.

*This year I am a voting member for the Mystery category and am looking forward to casting my vote based on your nominations.

© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.