Trial is truly a departure for James Patterson. I almost felt like I was reading a John Grisham book. This book is not about Alex Cross at all! He isn’t even in this book. It is told as a retelling of a story told by his ancestors and passed down in his family. This is the story of  Alex Cross’s family in the early 1900′s.

The main character of the book is a white lawyer who is sent back from Washington to his childhood home of Eudora, Mississippi at the behest of President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt has outlawed lynchings and yet he keeps getting reports that they are still happening in large numbers in the small cities of the south. The lawyer, Ben Corbett is sent to document these reports as fact or fiction so that Roosevelt can act on the information.

This book details in uncensored ways the cruelties and discrimination that colored people were experiencing in that time period. It gives you a bird’s eye view of their lives and the utter desperation they felt at not being able to do anything right. If they did something they were lynched, if they didn’t do anything they were lynched, if they were in the wrong place and the wrong time they were lynched. I also like that the author is not merely trying to make a statement about the evil nature of white people. He showed that many of their decisions were not actually based on hate but on fear. They feared that they would lose all that they had to the colored people who had only recently been freed. Most importantly they feared a loss of income by colored men who now would take their jobs. Excusable? Absolutely not! However, it does show another side and doesn’t just assume that people are evil and do bad things because of the hatred in their heart. Another interesting point of view is that of the Ku Klux Klan members in this book. He asserts that they were not merely haters of colored people but of ALL people who they felt had caused harm to them. There is a graphic description of a lynching of a Jewish man who they believe has jilted some of the wealthy women out of money in an attempt to sell them undeeded land in Louisiana.

The biggest part of this that I found interesting and frustrating at the same time is the justice system as depicted in this story. There was no justice for people of color in those days. If you were arrested you were going to jail. They would allow you a trial but it would look nothing like a fair trial and it would end in nothing that even remotely resembles justice. The frustrating part is that it is not so hard to see that this is more truth than fiction. The courts really were partial and they really did dole out their own form of justice.

I have to tell you that there is an unbridled use of an offensive word in this book so if you are easily offended by it’s use then you should avoid this book. I think that it was completely necessary to use it in order to tell this story with any sort of accuracy. I think it was used as it was always used in reality. I think it was not used as a creative word to make the book more interesting or for entertainment shock value. It was merely a fact that had to be included.

I love history and I love crime dramas. This book gave me both. I love that as predictable as I thought it was going to be it still gave me a twist at the very end that I just didn’t expect. I am renewed in my appreciation of James Patterson and his ability to tell a story. This is a must read for Patterson fans and those who have been disheartened by his recent attempts. Enjoy!

Here is another book I have added to the stack. I am from New Orleans so the Saints are my "Home Team" and Payton is my coach. I have been hearing some really amazing things about this book. I do realize though that they are coming from people who love Sean Payton and the Saints like no other coach and team. There have been raffles and lotteries for people to stand in line to get a chance to get a signature on this book from Payton. The bookstores in the greater New Orleans area are making a windfall on this book. With these things in mind I had to add this one to my list. I have heard him speak and I am always amazed at his ability to inspire people. I have had several people tell me that the book was really great so I can’t wait to read it and let you guys know what I think. Go get it today so we can talk about it soon!!!

Many of you know that I love when QVC carries the American Girl dolls. They usually carry sets that are not available anywhere else and at prices that you can’t find anywhere else. I have purchased 6 sets through them in the past few years and so I am always looking out for their next show.

I have heard some rumbling on the "street" that the next show will be in September for the 2nd Anniversary of American Girl on QVC. There is also some talk that they will possibly carry Lainey who is the Girl of the Year this year in an effort to give her a push before the end of the year. I also have heard talk that Rebecca will be featured since she is the only AG historical doll that hasn’t been on QVC yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if they gave a deal with the new My American Girl dolls. Probably the new dolls with extra outfits.

This is still all in the rumor stage as I have no confirmation for sure but I will keep my ear to the ground and as soon as I know for sure I will be sure to let you guys know. I know that QVC just started their Christmas in July sales and that they have a Christmas in August series planned also. There is a possibility we will see the AG dolls in August but I believe September was the first show last year. Let me know if you hear anything and I will keep an eye out too!

The new My American Girl dolls are pretty much just like you dolls. They are sold to look like your child with similar hair, eye color and features like freckles. What makes these dolls different than the old just like you dolls they sold. These dolls have their own internet world called innerstaru.com. The catalog says this about innerstaru.com:

"a fun, enriching, and safe online world created for you and your doll. Together, you can play games, make friends, earn awards, and learn to be your very best in everything you do!"

The online version of your doll will look just like the live version and therefor very similar to your child. This will give your child a new way to play with their dolls. It will be similar to a Webkinz with American Girl dolls instead of pets! I know my girls are going to want to have one of these. They have been asking for one of the just like you dolls so this will be even better. The doll sets come with doll, outfit, accessories and full-access to the online world at innerstaru.com for $95. You will also be able to customize the dolls with any of the amazing outfit sets and accessories to make the doll even more like your child. Whether she likes to cheer, play soccer, swim or ice skate there is a set to match her interests.

I love that American Girl is trying to stay innovative and not become stagnant with the same old items. I think girls today will love the option to see and interact with their dolls online. It will give them new and exciting things to do with the dolls each day. Enjoy!

I have been hearing a lot of amazing things about both the Steig Larsson book and the Anne Rice book so I am very excited to begin those two. I think we will be able to have some amazing discussions on these two books. The other two are James Patterson books I have been wanting to read and I am hoping that they don’t follow the same path as the last Alex Cross books I read. I want James Patterson to impress me with one of these books. Start reading and get your list of questions together and I will see you in the Booknook in the next few weeks!! Enjoy!

I have another Disney themed book for you guys to read! This one is not your typical Disney book though. This book isn’t going to reveal any great information about how to "do" Disney or what to see and what not to see. It will however change the way you look at those brightly dressed Cast Members who always seems to want to cheerfully help you with all your Disney needs.

Mitchell spent a year as a Cast Member at Disney and gives a recount of what he encountered in that year when it came to the other people he worked with daily. I have to warn that I there is drinking and sex in this book so buyer beware. This is kinda like the "animal house" of the mouse world. The escapades of the mostly college aged CMs and what goes on around Disney when we aren’t looking.

If you are looking for a deeper understanding of Disney this isn’t the book for you. This is a fun and light read and really more of an add on for those who love Disney information and it will make you laugh. Who could ask for more from a summer read? Enjoy!

 I am so excited I just had to come and tell you guys! Two of my very favorite things are reading books and earning money online. Now I have found a way to combine them both in a great deal that you guys will love! I have been a member of Sunshine Rewards for several years now and have earned almost $2300 by taking surveys and shopping online. I cash out these earnings in Disney gift cards and then use the money for my trips to Walt Disney World. I have found so many great deals through SR on things I already need or things that make my life easier.

The deal I found today is something that combines my love for books with my love for Sunshine Rewards. Sunshine Rewards is partnering with BookSwim to offer a contest that will give the winner and a friend a 2 month membership to BookSwim! This is an awesome deal and one that book lovers everywhere should take advantage of.

What is BookSwim? BookSwim is the Netflix of the book world. It is a membership club that offers members the chance to read books, three at a time, for a low monthly fee. When you are finished with the books you send them back and they send you a new book from your list. This eliminates the need to store or dispose of books on your own. You can simply read them and send them back. Many would say that you could do the same thing at the local library. However, have you ever tried to get a new release from the local library? You can sit on a waiting list for weeks. By the time you get the book to read you already know everything that happens in it because it has been discussed on the news, newspapers, blogs and internet. BookSwim has new releases available right away. You can read as many books as you want in a month having three of them at a time. This is the answer for avid book readers like myself who hate to have old books lying around but don’t want to waste my time with book swaps and can’t get a good return from half price book stores.

How do you enter to win this contest? It’s easy and fast. Just go to the Sunshine Rewards Videoblog and watch Tricia discuss BookSwim and the contest. Then choose one or all 4 options for entering the contest. The winner will receive a 2 month membership to BookSwim for themselves and their nominee. What a great way to share reading with a friend!

Not lucky? Never win? Impatient? You can also sign up for BookSwim today and get your membership started right away. The prices are really good at around $24 a month for the 3 books at a time membership. With books costing $20 a piece for new releases you will pay for your membership after the first book each month. A plus is that you don’t have to get rid of or store the books afterward. If you are a fast reader this club is for you!

Go visit Sunshine Rewards! Go watch the Videoblog! Go win a BookSwim membership! Enjoy!

Hello Saints fans!!! I am from New Orleans so I always love to promote anything that has to do with my hometown. I really love to promote anything that has to do with the Superbowl Champion New Orleans Saints! Throw Drew Brees in to that mix and this book is a definite must read for me.

Coming Back Stronger is Brees’ story about how a shoulder injury nearly ended his career and how his determination and that of the city of New Orleans brought them to top of the world from the depths of depression. It is a story of resilience and survival and the underdog overcoming adversity.

I have heard Drew Brees speak before and he has an amazing ability to draw you in to his life and make you see where he is coming from. I have no doubt this book will be a great story to read.

The book is set  for release on July 6th and can be pre-ordered now for a July 6th delivery. I have no doubt it is going to be a bestseller and like its author go all the way to the top. Enjoy!

I have just started to reread the book The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness. I have read this book before but I like to read it again when I am getting close to a new trip. This book has so many terrific tips, secrets and insight in to the parks at WDW. I love all of the little hidden things that Disney puts in to the parks and this book helps me remember to stop and "smell the roses" and look for these things. The book claims to have "over 600 secrets" and I have to say that it has at least that many. It is a fun read and gives the reader a new perspective on things they see every trip. I have been making a list of things I know I want to look for on the next trip. I recommend that anyone going to Disney take the time to read this book. There are a few out of date items but that is to be expected with Disney making so many changes so quickly. I imagine the new Fantasyland expansion will make it even more out of date but it is still a very useful and enjoyable book to read. Enjoy!