Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!


When it rains, it pours. Sometimes when I work the Reference Desk, it is rather slow, so I find myself reading reviews and placing books on hold (sshh!) Never fails that they come in at the same time! Here is what I have from the library for this week:

 



This is the third and final book in the Rot and Ruin Series by Jonathan Mayberry (Rot and Ruin; Dust and Decay) Can't wait to start this one!






This is also a third book in a series. The series is Hater (Hater, Dog Blood) by David Moody. It is violent and scary but so good.





This is the follow-up to the best seller by Sylvia Day called Bared to You. *Hangs head in shame*


 

I loved Gone Girl and am curious to see if this is just as awesome!






This book has been on my list for a long time and I heard that the movie is coming out in 2013.




Loved Shiver, Linger and Forever. Excellent writer. First in a trilogy.

What are you reading to start the New Year?

Oh, and if you received a Kindle for Christmas you might want to check out http://the-cheap.net/. I have found some decent free books or books that have recently been reduced to $3.99 or lower. Yeah for free books!

What is New Adult?

School Library Journal's Blogger Elizabeth Burns (A Chair, A Fireplace and a Tea Cozy) wrote some interesting posts about a genre labeled New Adult:

What is New Adult

New Adult and Where Does it Go?

Books that May or May Not Be New Adult


I read a few things in 2012 that I would consider New Adult:

The Perfect Game by J. Sterling
Easy by Tammara Webber
On Raven's Wings by Isobel Lucas
 
What do you think about this new genre? Have you read anything this year that would be considered New Adult?

Book Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

 

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.
But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.
From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

Unraveling was published in April and it took me until December to get this book from interlibrary loan. Most libraries in our system do not lend "New" books and it will take them 6 months to a year to take it off "New" status. So I was happy that I finally received it and happy that C-Car (CT's book transport service) was not removed from the State budget, as it has been threatened to be in the past few years. It is a great service!

Generally I am not a sci-fi fan. I was not a Star Trek Fan and went to see Star Wars because everyone else did. I did enjoy The Host by Stephenie Meyer and can't wait for the third book in the Sky Chasers series by Amy Kathleen Ryan. That being said, when I read that Unraveling had a sci-fi twist, I thought I would give it a try.  Unraveling can best be described as an adventure-mystery-sci-fi-love story. It was a real page turner. Difficult to put down. But not too difficult to understand. Maybe that is why I shy away from this genre. If I need to do read and re-read to understand the plot line, I am likely to put it down. I also enjoyed Unraveling because it was different from a lot of the other YA books that I have read lately, not dystopian! 

If you were a fan of the X-Files or a fan of Fringe which is on Fox currently, you may be a fan of this book.  It had a lot of X-Files references, but more than that, it had an X-Files feel. Janelle was involved in a freakish accident, her father is an FBI agent and he is investigating a case where they are finding burned, melted people in random places.  Sounds like something Mulder and Scully would investigate, right?

I really liked Janelle as a character. She started off as a typical high school student, but one with a lot of responsibility (her father is always working and her mother is bipolar) so she is responsible for her younger brother and will do just about anything for him. She is strong, smart and fearless. You don't want to change anything about her.

The writing was wonderful and the pacing was perfect.  There were a lot of twists and turns and just when you thought you had it figured out, the author added another surprising element.  Although the book does not end with a total cliffhanger that begs for a sequel, there are still some plot elements that I would like to find out more about and I am hoping that the story is not finished.

Just googled it and yes a sequel will be published in 2013 and it will be called Unbreakable. Can't wait!

 

Highly recommended!

Book Review: Dust and Decay by John Maberry

 

Six months have passed since the terrifying battle with Charlie Pink-eye and the Motor City Hammer in the zombie-infested mountains of the Rot & Ruin. It’s also been six months since Benny Imura and Nix Riley saw something in the air that changed their lives. Now, after months of rigorous training with Benny’s zombie-hunter brother Tom, Benny and Nix are ready to leave their home forever and search for a better future. Lilah the Lost Girl and Benny’s best friend Lou Chong are going with them.

But before they even leave there is a shocking zombie attack in town, and as soon as they step into the Rot & Ruin they are pursued by the living dead, wild animals, insane murderers, and the horrors of Gameland—where teenagers are forced to fight for their lives in the zombie pits. Worst of all…could the evil Charlie Pink-eye still be alive?

 In the great Rot & Ruin, everything wants to kill you. And not everyone in Benny’s small band of travelers will survive…. (description from amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I loved John Maberry's first book in the series, Rot and Ruin. It happens to be a 2013 Connecticut Nutmeg nominee! I would love for it to win, but I suspect that Matched by Ally Condie will. I loved Matched, but Rot and Ruin is a great book that deserves some recognition. The fact that it is a zombie story will keep it from winning. The subject matter isn't for everyone. Can't compete with a dystopian love story. 

I waited and waited for Dust and Decay to come back to the library (someone took their own sweet time). Ugh. Finally came in and I loved it.  Just as much as I did the first. Yeah!  Sometimes the second book in a trilogy is just a set up for the third book and the story remains stagnant and so do the characters.  Not this one.

Benny, Nix, Lilah and Chong actually grew a lot in this book. A lot. Benny is learning more about what happened First Night and therefore gains a lot of respect for his brother Tom. Nix is healing from the loss of her mother, Lilah is learning to live with and interact with people, and Chong, he learns what the Rot and Ruin is really about, and ends up surprising himself.  A relationship or two might have developed, and I like the fact that the author was able to keep it awkward and teenage-like while they are killing zombies in the middle of the apocalypse.

As for the story itself, Mr. Maberry does a decent job of reintroducing you to what happened in Book One. I did not feel the need to even skim Rot and Ruin, even though I had it right by my side. We see the introduction of a lot of new characters; many of them the bounty hunters that were introduced in the first book. Loved Sally Two-Knives and the Greenman. We see the return of a major problem character from the first book. Without spoiling the story, it was filled with action, gore and surprisingly for a zombie book, a lot of emotion. I was not prepared for the ending.  I have the third book in the series, Flesh and Bone, on reserve from the library and hope to read it soon.

Book Review: Reached by Ally Condie

 

Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.

The wait is over.

One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most—family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion.

With exquisite prose, the emotionally gripping conclusion to the international–bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

Reached was the third book in the Matched trilogy. I loved the first book, liked the second book and went into it hoping to like the third book. And it was just ok.

I had a hard time getting into the book; it was a long, slow start. Dare I say I was bored. The story did not "start" until 2/3 of the way into the book (in my humble opinion) and it was so anticlimactic. The author spent way too much time talking about The Plague and The Mutation and The Cure . I really wanted to see more of the love story between Cassia, Ky and Xander. It was practically non-existent.  It seemed of a friendship than this great love story that I was expecting to continue when I read Matched. So I was left disappointed. As for the writing, no one can diminish what a poetic writer Ally Condie is. That is probably the one thing that kept me reading. If you started the series, you probably will want to read to see how it ends, because Matched was so intriguing. Too bad it didn't end as strong as it began. I think I can surmise what the reason for this is, but that is another post.

One big long blog post...

It has been a long time since I have been able to put up a new post. Between a hurricane, an early dismissal, a snow day and a holiday, I have not had more than a few minutes to sit down in front of the computer. The boys have been home a lot! I have read 8 books since my last blog post. I am not going to do full reviews on all of these books but I am going to say now that I am going to do a full review on the book I am currently reading; Reached by Ally Condie. Now that I've said it I have to make time to do it!

Book #1 since last post was UnWholly by Neal Schusterman.



Thanks to Connor, Lev, and Risa—and their high-profile revolt at Happy Jack Harvest Camp—people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of troublesome teens while simultaneously providing much-needed tissues for transplant might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but also expand to the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished.

Cam is a product of unwinding; made entirely out of the parts of other unwinds, he is a teen who does not technically exist. A futuristic Frankenstein, Cam struggles with a search for identity and meaning and wonders if a rewound being can have a soul. And when the actions of a sadistic bounty hunter cause Cam’s fate to become inextricably bound with the fates of Connor, Risa, and Lev, he’ll have to question humanity itself.

Rife with action and suspense, this riveting companion to the perennially popular Unwind challenges assumptions about where life begins and ends—and what it means to live. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

UnWholly is the sequel to Unwind which was published in 2007. 5 years is a long time for a sequel, but it was well worth the wait. It was so fast paced and kept you really involved the entire time. The one thing I was worried about was whether or not I would remember Unwind. The author added a quiz at the beginning of the story so you could re-familiarize  yourself with the characters and plot.  It was a thoughtful way of doing this and I did not have to go back and reread the first book! Can't wait for the third book in the series. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 5 years!

Book #2 was Flightless Bird by Paulina Ulrich




The summer of her seventeenth birthday Livy Eckels was faced with something she wasn't ready for. In the midst of a crumbling family, devastated, she grabs her bicycle and heads out of town to escape the heavy atmosphere at home. Livy unexpectedly crashes into the lives of two mysterious people living on the outskirts of town. As she prepares to start her final exhaustive year of high school, she already has enough on her plate. Then with the entrance of Gregory Mason, her life becomes even more complicated. Tall, handsome, and ever so annoying, Livy can't stand being around him until she finds herself being pulled closer and closer to things she cannot explain. She was determined to understand why Gregory Mason was so interested in her until she discovered something that may put her curiosity to an end. Before she knows what is happening Livy becomes entangled in the mystifying plots of a secret society, a vengeful ex-lover, and a situation she never expected to find herself in: falling in love with a boy whose secret she should have never known.(Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

This book was recommended to me by my friend Rebecca. I bought it for my Kindle and dove right in. I really liked this book, although I would say that it might have used a bit more editing to make it a little shorter.  The characters were very relate-able and I liked the mystery involving Gregory and his sister. It took me some time to figure it out. That usually never happens. Bravo to the author for that! I have the second book on my Kindle and I know that the third is out soon. I will continue with this series.

Book #3 was 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson



Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.
In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.
The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.
Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?
Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I love Maureen Johnson. Big fan of Suite Scarlett and The Name of the Star. I loved this book just as much as the others. It was a fun, entertaining kind of book. The descriptions of all of these faraway places made me want to hop on a plane and see them all. Going to reserve The Last Little Blue Envelope right now!


Book #4 was The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton




From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Distant Hours, The Forgotten Garden, and The House at Riverton, a spellbinding new novel filled with mystery, thievery, murder, and enduring love.
During a summer party at the family farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson has escaped to her childhood tree house and is happily dreaming of the future. She spies a stranger coming up the long road to the farm and watches as her mother speaks to him. Before the afternoon is over, Laurel will witness a shocking crime. A crime that challenges everything she knows about her family and especially her mother, Dorothy—her vivacious, loving, nearly perfect mother.
Now, fifty years later, Laurel is a successful and well-regarded actress living in London. The family is gathering at Greenacres farm for Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday. Realizing that this may be her last chance, Laurel searches for answers to the questions that still haunt her from that long-ago day, answers that can only be found in Dorothy’s past.
Dorothy’s story takes the reader from pre–WWII England through the blitz, to the ’60s and beyond. It is the secret history of three strangers from vastly different worlds—Dorothy, Vivien, and Jimmy—who meet by chance in wartime London and whose lives are forever entwined. The Secret Keeper explores longings and dreams and the unexpected consequences they sometimes bring. It is an unforgettable story of lovers and friends, deception and passion that is told—in Morton’s signature style—against a backdrop of events that changed the world. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I have loved all of Kate Morton's previous books, and this one was no exception. She is such a talented writer. I love a deep, thoughtful family story with a lot of secrets and lies. Her books always include some kind of mystery and I always look forward to the reveal. Highly recommended!

Book #5 was Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single by Heather McElhatten



Quirky, clever, cubicle-bound Jennifer Johnson is desperate. Everyone around her is getting married, while she's still single and stuck writing ad copy about men's dress socks.

Her life hits crisis level, launching her into a humiliating and painfully hilarious quest to find Prince Charming at any cost. This includes agonizing online dates, diet-clinic cults, drag-queen fights, and a debilitating addiction to Cinnabon icing. When she meets handsome, wealthy Brad Keller, she wonders if he's the answer to all her dreams, or is he just too good to be true?
Darkly funny and outrageously honest, McElhatton's wit shines in this no-holds-barred cautionary tale about getting what you want—and how it can be the worst thing for you. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I read about this book while reading Booklist at the reference desk at work. They were actually reviewing the sequel.  Sequel sounded intriguing so I  ordered the original from another library. It was funny and witty. Made me laugh out loud. Maybe a black comedy? Moral of the story is be careful what you wish for. Can't wait to hear what happens to Jennifer next.

Book #6 was Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews




Sometimes, when you need a change in your life, the tide just happens to pull you in the right direction….
Ellis, Julia, and Dorie. Best friends since Catholic grade school, they now find themselves, in their mid-thirties, at the crossroads of life and love. Ellis, recently fired from a job she gave everything to, is rudderless and now beginning to question the choices she's made over the past decade of her life. Julia—whose caustic wit covers up her wounds--has a man who loves her and is offering her the world, but she can't hide from how deeply insecure she feels about her looks, her brains, her life.  And Dorie has just been shockingly betrayed by the man she loved and trusted the most in the world…though this is just the tip of the iceberg of her problems and secrets. A month in North Carolina's Outer Banks is just what they each of them needs.
Ty Bazemore is their landlord, though he's hanging on to the rambling old beach house by a thin thread. After an inauspicious first meeting with Ellis, the two find themselves disturbingly attracted to one another, even as Ty is about to lose everything he's ever cared about.
Maryn Shackleford is a stranger, and a woman on the run. Maryn needs just a few things in life: no questions, a good hiding place, and a new identity.  Ellis, Julia, and Dorie can provide what Maryn wants; can they also provide what she needs?
Five people questioning everything they ever thought they knew about life. Five people on a journey that will uncover their secrets and point them on the path to forgiveness. Five people who each need a sea change, and one month in a summer rental that might just give it to them.
(Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts: 

This is the second book by Mary Kay Andrews that I have read this year. A fun summer type read.  Her books are good to have around when you need something fun and light that is not going to tax your brain.  A good story about friends supporting one another. 


Book #7 was Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell



Cleo Quinn doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along. Handsome and attentive, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting her as if he'd never been away.
Meanwhile Cleo's sister Abbie has a problem of her own-husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she's determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage?
The sisters are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places... (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I have given my praise for Jill Mansell's British chick lit in previous reviews. This my third Jill Mansell book of the year. Good to have on hand while I am waiting for a bestseller. Never fails to make me happy. Good characters, different plot lines. Always recommended!

Finally book #8 was Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead




The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the Newbery Medal book When You Reach Me: a story about spies, games, and friendship. Seventh grader Georges moves into a Brooklyn apartment building and meets Safer, a twelve-year-old self-appointed spy. Georges becomes Safer's first spy recruit. His assignment? Tracking the mysterious Mr. X, who lives in the apartment upstairs. But as Safer becomes more demanding, Georges starts to wonder: what is a lie, and what is a game? How far is too far to go for your only friend? Like the dazzling When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy will keep readers guessing until the end. (Description from www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I have read Rebecca Stead's previous books, First Light and When You Reach Me (which happened to win a Newbery!) Both were superb. Again, this one was no exception. It is full of interesting quirky characters and deals with a bunch of contemporary subjects (bullying, the recession, friendship) that middle grade kids will love. There are a lot of secrets in this book and most of them are revealed in the last few chapters of the book. The writing is so good that it will keep kids interested to the end. I won't be surprised if this book winds up a multiple  "Best of 2012" lists.  I put it in my boys library book bag and will encourage them to pick it up. Hopefully one of them will.

Book Review: From Notting Hill with Love Actually by Ali McNamara

Movie fanatic Scarlett O'Brien dreams of a life as glamorous and romantic as all the big screen flicks she worships. When a chance house-sitting job in iconic Notting Hill comes along, she knows living in one of her favorite movie settings is an opportunity too good to pass up.
Leaving behind her skeptical friends, family, and fiance, Scarlett heads to London and finds herself thrust into the lead role of her very own romantic comedy. But can real life ever be just like the movies? Larger-than-life new friends, a handsome but irksome new neighbor, and a mystery from her past may prove to Scarlett that living her life like a RomCom is more complicated than she thought! (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts: 

How could I not read a book with two of my all time favorite RomCom movies in the title? I mean, I need a new copy of Notting Hill because it has a scratch in it (just at the part where Spike is trying on t-shirts for Will). I love Spike. Anyway...

Loved, loved, loved.Yes, it was predictable. But so what.  I read chick lit because it is light and fluffy and makes me happy. It will make you happy too. 

Looking forward to the sequel called: 

Book Review: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec

 

Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life.  

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.  

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: contains explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

 

I bought this book for my Kindle with high hopes. Read reviews that said it was laugh out loud funny, so I kept it for a time that I might need that. Like when the Northeast has been threatened by a hurricane and we might be without power for days and my boys might be home... for days. The book started out funny but then...

 

I don't consider myself a prude (but I'm sure classmates from high school might beg to differ) but I have never read a book that finds more ways to say penis or vagina and it was just too much for me. And the 4 year old had quite a potty mouth. I mean, I do too(especially when driving) and I know my boys know all of the four letter words, but it was overkill and stopped being funny the second time he said "Holy Shit!"  Too much trashy talk from every character. I sure hope I never meet people who talk this way in real life.

As for the story itself, it had potential but was poorly executed. I don't see how people could give this 5 stars on amazon. Seriously. Not recommended!

Book Review: Every Day by David Levithan

 

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan, bestselling co-author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)


My thoughts:

Bottom line, this book was awesome and probably will make it into my Top 10 of 2012 list!  The premise is unique and the writing is brilliant.  Although it is a YA, I could see this being read by a lot of adults. It would make a good book club selection because it is very thought provoking. It would make a great book to teach at the middle/high school level also.


David Levithan did an amazing job of placing A into a different person each day and exploring their life, family and relationships. For the day A could be boy/girl, black/white, gay/straight, fat/thin, happy/suicidal. A does not try to change or deviate away from what his "host" is typically doing or feeling. I enjoyed reading about the person who A inhabits and how their day would go. "A" has no physical identity himself, but most definitely a personal one. When "A" meets a girl (in her boyfriend's body) and falls in love, things change. Levithan then begs the question, what makes you love a person? Can you love someone in a different body every day?

David Leviathan manages to teach some lessons about love without becoming too preachy and I appreciate that, and I think a lot of teens will too.

My one criticism of the book is actually the cover. I have seen this before. Like here:

 

and here:

 

The subject matter is totally different (time travel and fallen angels) but someone might pass this by thinking, I might have already read this! Much to similar. But still highly recommended!

Book Review: The Playdate by Louise Millar

 

In a quiet London suburb, a group of mothers relies on each other for friendship, favors, and gossip. But some of them shouldn’t be trusted, and others have dark secrets.
When Callie moved into her new neighborhood, she thought it would be easy to fit in. The other parents have been strangely hostile, though, and her frail daughter Rae is finding it impossible to make friends. Suzy, with her rich husband and her three energetic children, has been the only one to reach out, although their friendship has recently felt inexplicably strained. Now the police have suggested that someone dangerous may be living in their neighborhood, and the atmosphere feels even more toxic. Then there’s the matter of Callie’s ex-husband, and the shocking truth behind their divorce . . . a truth that she would do anything to hide. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

Finally, a book that I started reading and couldn't stop! At first I thought it was going to be a chick lit type book, with the title being The Playdate and all. It is not a funny story about mothers meeting other mothers at the park. It is a bit more serious and psychological. 

The writing is excellent and Louise Millar finds a way to keep you vested in the plot.  You know that things with the main characters are a little off, but you can't put your figure on exactly why so you keep on reading.

Louise Millar successfully used three characters as narrators; Callie, Suzy and Debs. Each managed to have something to hide and the author was able to bring you more than half way through the story before revealing important information about each character.  Just when I thought I had it all figured out...

I can't reveal to much more without giving away some of the plot, so I am going to stop here. But I enjoyed it and would read another book by this author.

Book Review: Stone Heart by Luanne Rice

Nomadic archaeologist Maria Dark is returning home again to the Connecticut shore–a magical place where she, her sister Sophie, and their brother Peter spent their childhood on the banks of Bell Stream. After fifteen years away, Maria hopes that she can rediscover the joy and optimism of her youth in the arms of her family. But things have changed. Maria’s siblings and her mother have weathered difficult times...and Sophie and her children are not as happy as they seem. Now Maria will embark upon an emotional journey–navigating the memories of a tender past–toward the truth at the heart of her family and the chance for a new beginning.

A remarkably graceful and intuitive novel, Stone Heart reveals the depths of faith and love that can mend life’s most fragile and precious ties. As never before, Luanne Rice inspires us all to look love squarely in the eye and never let it go. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts: 

My friend Ron from my gym handed me this book and suggested that I try it to get out of my post "The Casual Vacancy Funk." I was having trouble finding something to read and he thought this might cure my book slump.  I had seen a lot of people at the library check out books by this author and I really don't know why I didn't try them previously.  I also did not know that Luanne Rice is a Connecticut author!  Having visited the Connecticut shoreline many times, I could picture some places that could be Hatuquitit. I enjoy reading about places that I "might" have been. It helps bring the story to life.

This book was a serious read. It is about domestic violence and about how much it can be hidden, even among close family members. Maria finds out that her sister Sophie's life isn't as perfect as it seems. Maria must find the way to the truth about her sister. As she is doing this, Sophie make a choice that has a lot of consequence for herself and her family. I liked the way the author includes a subplot ( Maria is an archaeologist and finds the skeleton of an Indian woman who was murdered on a nearby island). The subplot was nicely woven into the main plot without becoming overbearing. Luanne's writing style is easy to read and although the ending was sad, it made sense to the story. Recommended!

Book Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

 

Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate’s sexy older brother.

Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything ‘more’. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare…to the very soul. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I think this book popped up on Amazon for me, you know, those who bought Fifty Shades of Grey also bought...

So I decided to give it a shot.  Plus I love Scottish boys. The only thing that was a little strange for me was that the lead male character is named Braden, and that is my son's name, and it was a little weird. At times. Like during the sex scenes.  Oy.

If you are looking for something to read after reading Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to You, this would be the one. It is a love story, with lots of sex, a female character with some issues from her past,  and a rich guy who pursues her.  Basically the same formula. Not bad, but not great either. What is different about this one is that is a stand-alone; everything is tied up nicely, no sequel.

I'm not sure if I can highly recommend, but if you are looking for some spice, this might fit the bill.

Book Review: The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

 

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.
When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.
She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.
To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests—or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever. (Description from http://www.amazon.com)

My thoughts:

I am a big fan of Lauren Oliver, with Before I Fall one of my favorite YA books. I am also eagerly awaiting the third book in the Delirium series (Delirium, Pandemonium).  I had heard good things about The Spindlers and put it on my must read list.  This book is a fantasy novel for middle grade readers. I enjoyed it immensely, and I am not a huge fantasy fan. 

This book begs to be read aloud. Lauren's descriptions are vivid and real. Her creatures are fun, sometimes a little scary and have human-like emotions, causing the main character Liza to deal with things like friendship and betrayal.  There are quite a few twists and turns in the plot which will make you want to read "just one more chapter." I am sure it would make a great film.

If you are looking for a middle grade fantasy with a strong heroine, descriptive writing, and adventure, put this one on your list!

Race Review. Disney's Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run

Finally sitting down to write this post. Randy and I took a vacation in late September/early October.  I did very little reading, due to a poor book choice on my part. Our vacation was a cruise on the beautiful Disney Dream.  But we managed to sneak in a 5k!

I know what you are thinking. Why would two adults choose a Disney Cruise? Disney cruises are not just for families, there are a lot of activities for adults and a lot of adult only spaces. We had a great cruise, met some wonderful people and spent some quality kid-free time. Since our cruise coincided with the Tower of Terror 10 Miler Weekend, we decided to run the 5K that Disney holds along with the longer, major race.

On Saturday September 29, Randy and I ran The Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. We had picked up our bibs and goodies the day before at the expo, so we were all ready.

The race started at 7:00 a.m. so we were in the car at 6:00 from our hotel outside Disney to make it to The Wide World of Sports and the beginning of the race.

Randy got corral B and I got corral A.  We were planning to run together, so I just hopped into corral B with him. It was a little dark and since it was a trail run, they had to wait until about 7:10 to let the first corral go. That way the sun was up and it would make the run a little less dangerous.  Disney does a great job of  "entertaining" you while you wait for your start. They had some characters, lots of music and a costumed comedian picking people out of the crowd and having some fun.  Everyone is happy. You are at Disney! At about 7:15 we were off. It was very humid and about 75 degrees, so I knew I was going to sweat.

It was a true trail run that wound somewhere behind the Wide World of Sports facility. 

There were some characters, some music but no surprises (like things jumping out at you!)  The trail was well marked and lined with a lot of volunteers to direct you.  We ended up on the track where we ran into these folks. This was the only photo I took during the race because Braden loves the Haunted Mansion and I knew he would have been mad if we didn't stop.

This was not a timed race, so I think we finished in about 31 minutes. The heat, the trail and my leg probably slowed us down. We both received "medals" which were plastic but still so cute!

And we got to see Mickey at the end! What could be better!

Disney provided a great post-race goodie box which was filled with cheese, crackers, gummy energy chews, a powerbar and a hand wipe!

We paid $55 each to run this race, which is quite pricey for a 5k, but when you are doing anything Disney, you pay more. I would do another 5k in a heartbeat but I'm not sure I would plan my trip around a race.With this one, I knew I could handle a 5k and we were going to be there anyway.   I would love to do a half marathon at Disney, but $155 is steep for the registration only, and then add flight, hotel, etc.  Plus, for many of their races, they either begin at 10 p.m. (ugh!) or at 5:30 a.m. which means you are getting up at 2:30 am to get to the start (double ugh!). We shall see...

Book Review: The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…. Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations? Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults. (Description from amazon.com)

Since this book was published on September 27, 2012, I decided to buy it and bring it with me on vacation. I was so looking forward to reading this book and letting you know that I loved it and that you must read it. 

Not!

Let me begin by saying that I love Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling and what she did for children and children's literature as a whole. I was a new librarian when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was published in 1998. I remember reading the a starred review in School Library Journal, having a few patrons come in and ask about the book and then watching the whole thing explode. It was such an exciting time. It was clear to me that this was a phenomenon that was rare and that would take years or maybe decades to happen again.  I truly believe that the publication of these books paved the way for a lot of other authors and the explosion (almost saturation) of children's/young adult literature series. Without Harry Potter, I believe, there would be no Twilight or The Hunger Games.

That being said, I did not finish this book. The first chapter seemed promising, but I think the most interesting character happened to be the one who died.  I thought it was dull, boring, depressing and I did not get attached to any characters (and there were many of them) enough to find out what happened to them.  It was filled with foul language and a lot of adult situations; rape, drug use, child abuse. There wasn't a whole lot of plot and every page seemed tedious to get through. I held off on reading any reviews until I was about half way through the book, because I didn't want to cloud my opinion. Sadly, my review seems similar to many other readers. 

I just read that J.K. Rowling's next book will be a children's book. Hmm.....

If you must read it, borrow it from the library or get in touch with me, it is just sitting there on my shelf.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand. Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. (Description from amazon.com).

Browsing the bookstore, I kept seeing Beautiful Disaster all over the place, and especially next to 50 Shades of Grey. I read some reviews that it was similar to 50 Shades, but without all the sex.  I also found out that it was first published independently and then picked up by a publisher. It is such a great thing to work in a library because I was shelving some new books and in the pile was Beautiful Disaster. So I checked to make sure it was not reserved and took it home.

This book was so-so.  It was strangely addicting. Even though I did not really connect with the characters, I found myself not being able to put it down because I wanted to see where this relationship was headed. I really hated the abusive, co-dependent relationship between Abby and Travis. The girl needs to have some self-respect. Travis becomes very controlling and stalker-ish. Abby sort of teases him and plays with his mind. Yuck!  I was never attracted to the "bad boy" type and have consoled many a friend who has been deeply affected by a crazy relationship. The ending was a little rushed and unbelievable.

The writing was ok and I found myself skimming parts of the book. There were few plot problems (no spoilers here!). See if you agree with me. There were some cheesy moments; Travis singing in the cafeteria stands out as one. Maybe I am too far removed from college to appreciate this. Or maybe this does happen in college cafeterias? I went to a women's college and it definitely did not!

Jamie McGuire is working on the sequel Walking Disaster which comes out in the spring of 2013. It is told from Travis' point of view. You can read find out more on the author's website: http://www.jamiemcguire.com/

This book is marketed as a YA but I will tell you it is an older YA; high school senior or college-aged/adult. Not a book for younger teens. Ages 17+

The book has also been optioned by Warner Brothers.

If you love Downton Abbey..

I "liked" Downton Abbey(or Downtown Abbey as my husband calls it) on Facebook and found out that those lucky British people are watching Season 3 now, while we have to wait until January!!! While I would love to find a Torrent in order to view it now, I am going to be a good girl and wait until January.

However, I found some things that will tide me over until then.

While perusing the DVD collection at the library, I found this gem that I must have missed when it premiered on PBS last March.

It is about a British soldier during WWI who is fighting in France and he recalls his affair with a French woman.  It reminds me a little of Atonement by Ian McEwan. I finished Part One this afternoon and will try to finish Part Two tomorrow. I am enjoying it. I might even read the book.

  

I also found out that Call the Midwife will be premiering on PBS on Sunday, September 30th at 8:00 p.m., which is great because I just started the book and am about 1/2 way through it. It is about a group of midwives/nuns in 1950's London.  I will post a review in the next few days.

Happy reading/watching!

Beautiful Creatures

I saw on Twitter that the trailer based on the book Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl was released. I have tried to read this book twice, and never was able to get past the first 50 pages. The movie looks interesting and has a strong cast; Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis and Emma Thompson. Now I am wondering if I should give it a third try, or just see the movie in February 2013. Take a look for yourself!

Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

 

Marriage can be a real killer.
 One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
 On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
 As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? (Description from amazon.com).

Gone Girl is part crime thriller and part realistic fiction. Crime thriller in that someone has disappeared and from all evidence has been murdered. Realistic fiction in that it shows an unraveling marriage.

The book is told from different points of view; from Nick in the days after Amy disappears and from Amy's diary in the past. The book is divided into two parts. Part One is definitely slower than the second. In Part One, the evidence is pointing to Nick (you learn a lot about his secrets). In Part Two, the entire story is turned upside down and you learn more about Amy. And you learn A LOT! I don't want to give any spoilers, but it will leave you smacking your forehead. I have heard a lot about how people really liked the book and hated the ending, but I thought the ending made a lot of sense to these characters. Really, it couldn't have ended any other way.

I didn't peek, but this was one of those books that you wanted to skip to the ending to find out exactly what happened. Every once in a while, I find myself wanting to read a thriller, and this one fit the bill. It is rather creepy and psychological, but it is written in a way that will make you keep turning the pages. Highly recommended.