Posts Tagged: deseret book

Book Review-How To Stuff A Wild Zuchinni

12 Aug, 2010 by in book review 2 comments

How To Stuff A Wild Zucchini
by Heather Horrock
published May 13th 2009
by Deseret Book
details Paperback, 224 pages
isbn 1606410946
3.5 stars
description: Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first …more Sophisticated New York playwright Lori Scott feels like a failure when her producer boyfriend calls it quits on both their relationship and her first play. On a dare, she throws a dart at a map and ends up moving to Brigham City, Utah, where she plans to set aside writing, religion, and men to focus on her new career substituting as The Garden Guru for the local paper. But fate has something else in mind. When she accidentally lights her house on fire, Lori has no idea of the sparks that lie ahead. Will she be able to resist the charm and persistence of local firefighting hero John Wayne Walker? Will old hurts and fears cause her to turn her back on the best thing that’s ever happened to her? Author Heather Horrocks brings a fresh, fun voice to this delightful contemporary romance about following your heart, finding true love, and wrestling with a basket full of zucchini!

I have to admit with summer being almost over I have been on a little chick lit binge and what a blast it has been. This one I picked up while used book shopping because I loved the cover. I was expecting a funny light hearted read, but the message in this book left a deep impression with me. It started out a bit slow and I had a hard time connecting with the main female character Lori, however, by the last couple of chapter I had tears. What influenced me the most was the integrity and deep love of main fireman, John Wayne Walker (yes, it is a cheesy name) He follows the whisperings of his heart even when they seem far fetched and sticks by Lori when she is ruled by fear. Heather Horrock addresses strained parental relationships, divorce, and infertility in a way that readers will internalize and understand. Lori brings a lot of baggage with her by John handles it in a way I wish all men would. He is just plain amazing! The other surprise development for me was how I felt about the hometown writer Lori comes to replace while he vacations in China, and his neighbor Agatha. Their story is heart warming. Heather spiced up this book with Garden Guru column excerpts in between chapters full of quirky comments and garden advice. Overall, it is a book I would re- read and recommend to others. It is completely clean, romantic and has a good message. Toss in quite a few zucchini and you have the perfect summer combination! What a refreshing read!

The Makeover of James Orville Wickenbee

21 Jul, 2010 by in the makeover of james orville wickenbee Leave a comment

published August 1st 2008 by Deseret Book
details Paperback, 272 pages
isbn 1590387074
3 stars
At Fairport High School, Jana has taken on a special project. She’s determined to turn James Orville Wickenbee, her brother’s new best friend, into James Orville Wickenbee, her brother’s new best friend, into one of the “cool kids.” After all, Jana can’t afford to have James–a “nobody,” not to mention a Mormon–ruin her plans to get her brother elected as student body president. The problem is, Alex doesn’t want to be president, and James has no interest in becoming popular. Not to worry–Jana has everything under control. James will just have to be president instead. The makeover might take some extra work, but she’s ready for the challenge. She’s very convincing. In fact, the entire school begins to see James as “Super-Jim.” But the “makeover” creates a surprise that nobody saw coming, especially Jana.
This a fun, light summer read that will leave you with a good feeling afterward. The narrator reminded me a lot of Polly in Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland. Jana is one of those girls who feels ugly on the inside, but presents herself as confident on the outside. She has an agenda to change everyone around her into what she thinks they should be. At the top of her list is brother Alex. He would be perfect in politics, only he doesn’t want to be. Then along comes James…with big glasses, thick white socks and a shirt that doesn’t quite fit he is the perfect candidate for a makeover before he can be seen at their lunch table.

It does get a little annoying living inside of Jana’s head through the entire novel until she begins to change. She likes to stereotype and look down at others. But, you’ll want to see what happens with her and James so the pages keep flipping. The plot is somewhat predictable but I was entertained and endeared to James. His mere existence and character changes the lives of all those around him. He embodies the idea that beauty is more than skin deep. This is a clean read, and in my opinion is great for middle grades, junior high-sophomores in high school. I enjoyed it and give the book three stars!