MizB of Should Be Reading hosts this weekly meme. To play along just answer the following three (3) questions:

What did you recently finish reading?

What are you currently reading?

What do you think you'll read next?

My answers:

I recently finished reading Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg. Enter to win a brand new copy of this book in my current giveaway! (see sidebar)

I'm currently reading Marley and Me by John Grogan. Having two dogs myself, it's fun to read about another dog's antics and compare them to what my own do!

Keeping in the same vein with reading about animals, I think I'm going to read Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron next. I can't read a book about dogs and not show cats any love, can I? You know how cats are, they might get offended by that haha :)! In all seriousness though, it really does look like a cute and cozy read.

Review: Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg

Synopsis in a Sentence: A woman (Helen Ames) tries to move on with her life after the death of her husband.

My Thoughts: While reading this novel, I kept thinking of how poignant the story line is and how intimate the "voice" feels. You really feel as if you are friends with the main character, Helen. I really loved the premise of this book...starting over after a heartbreak. We've all been there...whether that heartbreak results from loss of a job, death of a loved one, the end of a relationship. The honest truth is that it sometimes is very hard to remember who you are without that person or thing, and it's incredibly hard to pick up the pieces.

This slim novel definitely brings this scenario of starting over again to life. Helen Ames is trying to figure out who she is and where to go now after the death of her beloved husband. She is a writer who is currently suffering from writer's block and has a complicated relationship with her daughter, Tessa, on top of everything else.

You find yourself cheering for Helen as she gains confidence and learns from her mistakes. I would definitely recommend this quiet and subtle novel to anyone who wonders "where do I go from here?" when they find themselves in a transition spot in life.

What I liked most: The relationship that Helen has with her daughter mirrors what many mothers and daughters go through together in real life. The truth and honesty of their relationship is touching and endearing. Also, Berg's writing style is simple, clear, and charming.

What I liked least: The storyline had a tendency to become a little repetitive and there is not a lot of action or drama in this book. At points, I wished for a little more "spice" but there was definitely still beauty and truth in the quietness of it. I'm sure I will read more from Elizabeth Berg in the future!

The book blogger hops are great ways to meet other book lovers and make new friends! So, join in the fun :).

This week, Crazy For Books asks us: Which book blogger would you most like to meet in real life?

My answer: Well, she's not a book blogger, but she's still an amazing blogger! I'm going to say my blog designer, Emily, from Blogaholic Designs. She literally went above and beyond in creating my book blog and I'm not sure it would have gotten off the ground without her. Emily has responded to every question I've had along the way, sometimes within hours! Also, even though my blog has been up and running for months, she always seems so sweet and cheerful if I still email her with questions or concerns. In other words, she is totally awesome! :)

I also want to give a shout out to Cheryl over at the blog, CMash Loves to Read. I met her when I noticed that Emily had also designed her book blog. Cheryl has been beyond sweet and kind by answering my questions and encouraging me with my blog. Thanks, Cheryl!

This week, Parajunkee asks us: What character in a book would you most like to be and what character in a book would you most like to date?

My answer: Elizabeth Bennett. Haha, that was easy! What girl at some point doesn't dream of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice sweeping them off their feet?! Sorry hubby ;).

This Thursday's meme asks us: Name one book that you hope never, ever ever gets made into a movie? Last Thursday's question that I'd still like to answer is: If you could see a book turned into the perfect movie, one that would capture everything you love...the characters, the look, the feel, the story-what book would you choose?

My answers:

To answer last week's meme, I would definitely say, without hesitation, that I would love to see author Kristen Britain's Green Rider series made into movies. I'm a huge fan of fantasy books and I just think the adventures in these books would translate into an exciting and engrossing film. The characters are rich and deep and the romantic tension between some of them is almost palpable. I would really love for more fantasy books to be made into movies...there's such a great escape element to fantasy. And isn't film more or less about escapism from the everyday?

My answer for this week's question was more difficult to decide on. I guess I'd have to go with Life of Pi by Yann Martel. It was a very well written book and a totally unique plot, but it might be a little boring to watch a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger for two hours, I'm just sayin'! :) Plus, it would probably take some kick butt trainers to make sure the tiger wouldn't eat the entire film crew!

Review of William and Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Andersen

Synopsis in a Sentence: The author chronicles the relationship of Prince William (of England) and his bride, Catherine Middleton as they go from college sweethearts to a royal engaged couple.

My Thoughts: I loved this book! And I love William and Kate! And I loved watching the royal wedding! Haha, was that a little too over the top for you? Sorry :). I just find their love story to be very charming and genuine. I decided to read and review this book as their was so much hype and excitement about the royal wedding last week. It seemed a very appropriate book choice!

The author, Christopher Andersen, who has written several other books on the royal family, seems to have done a lot of research for this book and it really shows. He gives plenty of little tidbits in this book about the couple which I didn't know before, like the fact that they go grocery shopping together and have actually a very normal relationship. I also really liked learning more about Kate (now Princess Catherine) and the author actually goes into quite a bit of detail about her background, schooling and family. There are also a number of color photographs of the couple which add to the romantic and cute ambiance of the book.

Princess Diana was a woman whom I always really admired. You have the feeling that she would have been really proud of how her son has seemingly turned out. It was really fun learning more about the newly married couple in this book, and if you are looking for a fluffy, light read for an upcoming beach vacation or are just in the mood for something cheerful and fast paced, I would definitely recommend this.

By the way, did anyone get up early to watch the royal wedding or even have a viewing party? I got up at 3:30 a.m. (central time)! I also am slightly embarassed to admit that I bought a cheapie tiara at Target and vanilla bean scones from Starbucks to celebrate the event. Cheesy? Yes, but when do you ever get to do stuff like that in life hehe :)? If you did watch it, what did you think, most especially about the dress? I thought it was very Grace Kellyish!

What I liked Most: You get the sense in reading this book that this couple might actually have a fairytale happy ending, unlike what happened with Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

What I liked Least: The author includes 1 or 2 stories about the couple which I'm not sure I believe, such as that they supposedly got engaged a year before they announced it to the public, in Scotland. There just seems like too much evidence to the contrary, but who knows. I just wanted to read stories about a genuine seeming couple, rather than rumors and gossip.