Sunday, August 7, 2011
Behind
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Book Review #34
Barnes and Noble
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.
My Review:
I read this book without knowing what it was about. So when I actually got into the book it intrigued me. I like books about fantasy and this book does that. I went ahead and bought the next two so we will see how these books are. So stay tuned for the next two.
Book Review #33
"There's humor and action aplenty, but Four Corners is also a warm-hearted look at how we love and forgive. Five hundred and forty-four pages never seemed so short." People Magazine 4-Star Review
Barnes and Noble
In small towns between the North Carolina Piedmont and the coast the best scenery is often in the sky. On flat sweeps of red clay and scrub pine the days move monotonously, safely, but above, in the blink of an eye, dangerous clouds can boil out of all four corners of the sky…The flat slow land starts to shiver and anything can happen. In such a storm, on Annie Peregrine's seventh birthday, her father gave her the airplane and minutes later drove out of her life.
Twenty years is a long time to be without a father, and, for Navy pilot Annie Peregrine-Goode, the sky has become a home the earth has never been. So when her father calls out of the blue to ask for a dying wish—one both absurd and mysterious—no is the easiest of answers. Until she hears that the reward is the one thing she always wanted …
Thus begins an enchanting novel that bursts with energy from the first pages, and sweeps you off on a journey of unforgettable characters, hilarious encounters, and haunting secrets.
My Review
A book about a girl who achieves much because of her criminal father (she wants to be better then him) and her coming to terms with him. I love books that are easy to read and this one was. Also I loved the ending and that is not something that happens often.
Book Review #32
From Barnes and Noble
In the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs, not far from Aspen, artist/photographer Gwyn Sanders discovers a cryptic letter her sister Kelly left behind. The victim of a deadly hit and run, Kelly reveals she was sexually involved with her sister’s boyfriend and is scared for her life. Both Gwyn and her remaining sister Linda have since married their boyfriends, so either of their husbands could be guilty of murder. The sisters received a large inheritance before meeting these men, and know little of either man’s background. Worse, both Gwyn and Linda love their husbands deeply, but steps must be taken to find the truth. And the truth is complicated. Is it one of the two men, or another previous lover? Or none of them? Danger abounds and everyone is a suspect as Gwyn tries with the help of a gifted private detective to track a killer....
My Review:
This was a good read. It kept me guessing the entire time who may had been the true murderer. All in all a decent book.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Book Review #31
From Barnes and Noble.com
When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.
My opinion:
This is a cute story of a 17 year old going on an unplanned trip around Europe based on 13 envelopes her aunt left her when she passed away, kind of like P.S. I Love You. It is an easy read and I find that I couldn't wait to find out what the next envelope would say.
Book Review #30
From Barnes and Noble.com
With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...
My Opinion:
I am not a fan of the True Blood series on HBO however I am a huge fan of the books. This is the 11th book in the series so far and last year I read all 10 in two weeks. I love Sookie, she is such a neat character and all the trouble that seems to follow her keeps the storyline moving forward, to what I don't know, I guess we will have to find out soon!
Book Review #29
From Barnes and Noble.com
In this candid and gripping account, President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions that shaped his presidency and personal life.
George W. Bush served as president of the United States during eight of the most consequential years in American history. The decisions that reached his desk impacted people around the world and defined the times in which we live.
Decision Points brings readers inside the Texas governor’s mansion on the night of the 2000 election, aboard Air Force One during the harrowing hours after the attacks of September 11, 2001, into the Situation Room moments before the start of the war in Iraq, and behind the scenes at the White House for many other historic presidential decisions.
For the first time, we learn President Bush’s perspective and insights on:
His decision to quit drinking and the journey that led him to his Christian faith
The selection of the vice president, secretary of defense, secretary of state, Supreme Court justices, and other key officials
His relationships with his wife, daughters, and parents, including heartfelt letters between the president and his father on the eve of the Iraq War
His administration’s counterterrorism programs, including the CIA’s enhanced interrogations and the Terrorist Surveillance Program
Why the worst moment of the presidency was hearing accusations that race played a role in the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, and a critical assessment of what he would have done differently during the crisis
His deep concern that Iraq could turn into a defeat costlier than Vietnam, and how he decided to defy public opinion by ordering the troop surge
His legislative achievements, including tax cuts and reforming education and Medicare, as well as his setbacks, including Social Security and immigration reform
The relationships he forged with other world leaders, including an honest assessment of those he did and didn’t trust
Why the failure to bring Osama bin Laden to justice ranks as his biggest disappointment and why his success in denying the terrorists their fondest wish—attacking America again—is among his proudest achievements
A groundbreaking new brand of presidential memoir, Decision Points will captivate supporters, surprise critics, and change perspectives on eight remarkable years in American history—and on the man at the center of events.
This was a book that took time to get through. There was a lot of information in it. I found myself turning the pages and respecting Mr. Bush more and more. The amount of faith that he has is amazing and the fact that he let that guide his every decision is inspiring. He had so many hurdles to deal with in his presidency and I felt he did it with grace and diginity. A truly amazing man!
Book Review #28
From Barnes and Noble.com
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.
My Opinion:
I was unsure of how they were going to continue the books after the first one but I was very surprised and I loved all three of them. I couldn't put the down. There really wasn't much I didn't like about this series. All in all I am a Hunger Games Fan! Go read them for yourself!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Book Review #27- The Scent of Lightning and Rain
From Barnes and Noble.com
One beautiful summer afternoon, Jody Linder receives shocking news: The man convicted of murdering her father is being released from prison and returning to the small town of Rose, Kansas. It has been twenty-three years since that stormy night when her father was shot and killed and her mother disappeared, presumed dead. Neither the protective embrace of Jody’s three uncles nor the safe haven of her grandparents’ ranch could erase the pain caused by Billy Crosby on that catastrophic night.
Now Billy Crosby is free, thanks to the efforts of his son, Collin, a lawyer who has spent most of his life trying to prove his father’s innocence. Despite their long history of carefully avoiding each other in such an insular community, Jody and Collin find that they share an exclusive sense of loss.
As Jody revisits old wounds, startling truths emerge about her family’s tragic past. But even through struggle and hardship, she still dares to hope for a better future—and maybe even love.
My Review:
The one thing that I loved about this book was that when the ending came my guess was wrong. I rarely come across an ending that I haven't guessed at. This time I was wrong. This was just a good read. It was easy to read, the characters were relatable, I liked the family. It was just a good book.
Book Review #26- OMG
From Barnes and Noble.com
It's not every day your car breaks down, you're helped out by The Sacred Church Of The Reborn Lord’s Ambassadors On Earth, visited by mysteriously beautiful women and become an unwitting participant in a Reality TV show. But it happens to Colin in this witty story featuring sex, mystery, excitment, scullduggery, intrigue and a complete failure to understand what's going on!
My Review:
From the synopsis I thought for sure I would LOVE this book. How wrong I could have been. The idea behind this book was good but it was not well thought out. It was rushed and I know it would be a flop when the entire book had to be finished up in less then 20 pages. All in all don't waste your time.
Book Review #25- Catching Fire
From Barnes and Noble.com
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
My Review:
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I wasn't sure where they would try to go after the first book but I was pleasantly surprised. I read this one in one day and can't wait to read the third one.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Book Review #24
From Barnes and Noble:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.
My Review:
This story captivated me from the first page. The thought of a country treating its people the way these people are treated was just wow. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to Katniss. I am definitely going to read the next two as well. REALLY LIKED!
Book Review #23
From Barnes and Noble
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?
My Review:
Ok you caught me I am a huge fan of smutty romance novels and this series is ABSOLUTELY GREAT! Romance novels about Vampires. This one was one of my favorites because it focused a lot of more then one Brother and I love the relationships between the Brothers as much as the blooming romance between the leading vampire and his girl. There should be one more in this series that should be out next year. Looking foward to seeing how the series ends.
Book Review #22
From Barnes and Noble:
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness.
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.
My Review:
This was another really good book by my favorite author Jodi Picult. I have been holding off watching the movie until I read the book since I heard they have very different endings. The end of this one literally took my breath away.
Book Review #21
From Barnes and Noble:
A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.
Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.
My Review:
I found this book to be a little slow going at first but once I really got into it I loved it. I can not wait for the next book to come out. I think I actually like this one more then the Twilight series and that saying a lot! It may also be turned into a movie!Thursday, March 24, 2011
Book Review #20
From Barnes and Noble.com
An awe-inspiring, often hilarious, and unerringly honest story of one mother's exercise in extreme parenting, revealing the rewards-and the costs-of raising her children the Chinese way.
All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires.
Here are some things Amy Chua would never allow her daughters to do:
• have a playdate
• be in a school play
• complain about not being in a school play
• not be the #1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• not play the piano or violin
The truth is Lulu and Sophia would never have had time for a playdate. They were too busy practicing their instruments (two to three hours a day and double sessions on the weekend) and perfecting their Mandarin.
Of course no one is perfect, including Chua herself. Witness this scene:
"According to Sophia, here are three things I actually said to her at the piano as I supervised her practicing:
1. Oh my God, you're just getting worse and worse.
2. I'm going to count to three, then I want musicality.
3. If the next time's not PERFECT, I'm going to take all your stuffed animals and burn them!"
But Chua demands as much of herself as she does of her daughters. And in her sacrifices-the exacting attention spent studying her daughters' performances, the office hours lost shuttling the girls to lessons-the depth of her love for her children becomes clear. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is an eye-opening exploration of the differences in Eastern and Western parenting- and the lessons parents and children everywhere teach one another.
My Review:
I will say that most people I have talked about this book with found it to be very offensive and could not believe that a mother would actually behave this way. I had a different take on it. I found that the mother was really just doing what she felt was in the best interest of her daughters. I think a "chinese" mother could be compared to a "competitive" mother who wants her children to be the best (not that I could relate to that at all...lol). I have to say while her tactics may have been a little harsh I do feel that in the end her daughters were better prepared to face challenges head on with the confidence that they could succeed. You should read it for yourself and let me know what you think of this book!
Book Review #19
From Barnes and Noble.com
He's the best thing that ever happened to her. He's also the worst. He's Millie's Fling.
My Review:
This was last Friday's Free NookBook. I love that you can get a free book every Friday, in addition to all the other free books that they offer. Most of the time the Friday books don't catch my eye but this one looked right up my alley. The characters felt real and I could imagine watching this book as a movie. It was funny and had some awkward romance (girl likes boy but boy doesn't like girl kind of awkward). I found this book to be very entertaining. I also really like the ending which I am hard to please when it comes to that. I definitely recommend this book!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Book Review #18
This was a recommendation from a friend, she suggested this author. Thanks Bonnie!From Barnes and Noble
Perpetual optimist Claire Harte-Mathias and her disabled husband, Jon, run a successful foundation to help people with spinal cord injuries. One night, Claire witnesses a woman leap to her death from a bridge, and the tragedy sparks murky childhood memories that leave her confused and frightened. As Claire becomes obsessed with trying to understand the power the haunting memories have over her, she's torn between blocking them from her mind entirely and trying to unearth their source. Putting both her marriage and self image on the line, she struggles to uncover the truth, only to discover that the past, present and future are connected in ways she never dreamed.
Library Journal called Brass Ring "well-written" and "suspenseful." Brass Ring was a Literary Guild and Doubleday alternate selection.
My Review:
If you like Jodi Pucoult you will like Diane Chamberlain. I downloaded this book just based on the author (it was recommended) and I thought I would give it a try. Then I saw the page count and I thought this may be a little long winded. I started reading and before the end of the first chapter I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I felt so close to the characters and I wanted to see everything work out for all of them. A truly well thought out and written book. I look forward to reading more by Diane Chamberlain!
Book Review #17
From Barnes and Noble
Get a glimpse of heaven
On the way home from a conference, Don Piper's car was crushed by a semi that crossed into his lane. Medical personnel said he died instantly. While his body lay lifeless inside the ruins of his car, Piper experienced the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty and music.
Ninety minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper miraculously returned to life on earth with only the memory of inexpressible heavenly bliss. His faith in God was severely tested as he faced an uncertain and grueling recovery. Now he shares his life-changing story with you.
90 Minutes in Heaven offers a glimpse into a very real dimension of God's reality. It encourages those recovering from serious injuries and those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The experience dramatically changed Piper's life, and it will change yours too.
My Review:
Wow! That is all I could say! How amazing it would be to get a glimpse of Heaven! This was truly an amazing story and humbling as well. To read how hard the author had it after his accident really made me greatful for how healthy I am. It really reminded me of how powerful prayer can be. A definite must read!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Book Review #16
This book will be a movie soon.From Barnes and Noble.com
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
My Review:
I LOVED this book! It had romance, murder, laughter, a touch of inappropriateness. It was a unique look into a life that I had never read about. I am anxious for the movie to come out. I hope you enjoy this story!
Book Review #15
From Barnes and Noble.com
A beautifully written, compulsively readable debut that deals with the aftermath of a shocking act of violence that leaves two young sisters with nothing but each other—in the tradition of White Oleander, this haunting novel is a testament to the power of family and the ties that bind us together, even as they threaten to tear us apart
Mama was “no macaroni-necklace-wearing kind of mother.” She was a lipstick and perfume-wearing mother, a flirt whose estranged husband still hungered for her. After Mama threw him out, she warned the girls to never let Daddy in the house, an admonition that tears at ten-year-old Lulu whenever she thinks about the day she opened the door for her drunken father, and watched as he killed her mother, stabbed her five-year-old sister Merry and tried to take his own life.
Effectively orphaned by their mother’s death and father’s imprisonment, Lulu and Merry, unwanted by family members and abandoned to a terrifying group home, spend their young lives carrying more than just the visible scars from the tragedy. Even as their plan to be taken in by a well-to-do foster family succeeds, they come to learn they’ll never really belong anywhere or to anyone—that all they have to hold onto is each other.
As they grow into women, Lulu holds fast to her anger, denies her father’s existence and forces Merry into a web of lies about his death that eventually ensnares her own husband and daughters. Merry, certain their safety rests on placating her needy father, dutifully visits him, seeking his approval and love at the expense of her own relationships. As they strive to carve lives of their own, thespecter of their father, unrepentant and manipulative even from behind bars, haunts them. And when they learn he’s about to be paroled, the house of cards they’ve built their lives on teeters on the brink of collapse.
My Review:
A good book that reminds us that our past is part of us but that it is our responsibility to grow and move past it. It was a good book not a great book.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Book Review #14
This was a book that I received at work for a job well done in the month of February :)From Barnes and Noble.com
Sarah Barkley has come to Sweet Grass Valley, Montana, with a mission in mind. Ever since her heart transplant, she's wanted to secretly help the family of the woman whose heart saved her life. And with two motherless children and a sprawling ranch to care for, Kurt Ryder could sure use some support. Falling for the rugged rancher is an unexpected complication. Does Kurt want Sarah for herself—or for her connection to the past? Her heart brought her to Sweet Grass Valley, but only love—and a leap of faith—will make it her home.
My Review:
This was one of those easy, predictable stories. You know guy meets girl, girl falls for guy, they live happily ever after stories. It was a nice change from all the murder mystery type books that I have been reading and I was able to read it in two days which is great when I am trying to read at least a book a week. I am going to give this book an inbetween thumbs up and thumbs down.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Book Review #13
I have to see this series through since I started it.From Barnes and Noble:
After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen’s future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath. Don’t miss this explosive new installment of the #1 bestselling series that’s enchanted millions across the world!
Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.
Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.
Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future?
My Review: This is really one of those books that I am just trying to finish up the series. I find the writing to be a tad redundant and predictable. There is one left that will be out this summer and I am curious to see how the author will tie up the story line.Reading is so fun!
Book Review #12
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You will probably hear this a lot from me. I picked this book because I liked the cover. I was intrigued by the "a love story". I have read a lot of murder type books and was beginning to have weird dreams about being chased by crazy psychos. Doesn't help that I am a crime show junkie as well. I picked this as the next read hoping for a love story but boy was I surprised. I should mention that I seldomly read the backs of books. That may seem strange but that is how I roll.From Barnes and Noble
For eighteen years the Hartes and the Golds have lived next door to each other, sharing everything from Chinese food to chicken pox to carpool duty - they've grown so close it seems they have always been a part of each other's lives. Parents and children alike have been best friends - so it's no surprise that in high school Chris and Emily's friendship blossoms into something more. They've been soul mates since they were born.
So when midnight calls from the hospital come in, no one is ready for the appalling truth: Emily is dead at seventeen from a gunshot wound to the head. There's a single unspent bullet in the gun that Chris took from his father's cabinet - a bullet that Chris tells police he intended for himself. But a local detective has doubts about the suicide pact that Chris has described. As its chapters unfold, alternating between an idyllic past and an unthinkable present, "The Pact" paints an indelible portrait of families in anguish... culminating in an astonishingly suspenseful courtroom drama as Chris finds himself on trial for murder.
My Review:
Jodi Picoult is my all-time favorite author. Nineteen minutes was my absolute favorite book by her. This book was right up there with it. I could not put it down from the very first page. I don't want to say to much without giving anything away so I am going to leave it at, I really LOVED this book!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Book Review #11
This is the 3rd story in The Girl..... series. I found these books to be great! I had a hard time putting this one down.From Barnes and Noble:
The stunning third and final novel in Stieg Larsson’s internationally best-selling trilogy
Lisbeth Salander—the heart of Larsson’s two previous novels—lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge—against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.
Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back.
My Review:I think this one of the Trilogy my have been my favorite. I LOVE crime type books and throw in a little conspiracy theory and I am in heaven. I am sad that I have finished the serious and look forward to finding something else to keep my attention. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did. Now on to a completely different genre, Jodi Picoult's The Pact.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Book Review #10
Recommended by Aunt Jennifer and then some friends. This was a very good book.From Barnes and Noble:
Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town...
My Review:
I felt this was a very well written book and I could imagine that it was very similar to how things really were in the 60's. When I read books like this it is so hard to imagine how poorly people are treated just because of the color of their skin. What is worse though is there are still places where people are treated poorly. It is nice that we have come such a long way as a country but I think we still have a ways to go. Overall, this book was very good and I definitely recommend it to all of you!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Book Review #9
A very eye opening account of the resturaunt business from the point of view of those who serve us.From Barnes and Noble:
According to The Waiter, eighty percent of customers are nice people just looking for something to eat. The remaining twenty percent, however, are socially maladjusted psychopaths. Waiter Rant offers the server's unique point of view, replete with tales of customer stupidity, arrogant misbehavior, and unseen bits of human grace transpiring in the most unlikely places. Through outrageous stories, The Waiter reveals the secrets to getting good service, proper tipping etiquette, and how to keep him from spitting in your food. The Waiter also shares his ongoing struggle, at age thirty-eight, to figure out if he can finally leave the first job at which he's truly thrived.
My Opinion:
I found this book to be very revealing about the resturaunt business. I have never worked in food service but I never would have figured it to be an easy job and boy was that right. The things that this waiter went through from customers, coworkers, bosses was unbelievable. I definetely will be sure to treat waitors with respect (though I usually do and I am married to a man who LOVES to tip waitors). All in all this was an ok book.Sunday, February 6, 2011
Book Review #8
When I pick a book I usually do so just by the cover. I will even read it without reading the cover. That was the case with this book (it was a different cover with a cute little girl in a red hat). I thought this is going to be a cute story about a little girl. A chapter into the story I turned it over and realized it was NOT a book that I ever would have picked. Those who now me may know that I have a hard time with religious stories that contain stigmata's and hearing voices. It is way to real for me and I tend to avoid them like the plague. You guessed it that is exactly what this book is about.From Barnes and Noble:
One of America's most powerful and thought-provoking novelists, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult brilliantly examines belief, miracles, and the complex core of family. When the marriage of Mariah White and her cheating husband, Colin, turns ugly and disintegrates, their seven-year- old daughter, Faith, is there to witness it all. In the aftermath of a rapid divorce, Mariah falls into a deep depression—and suddenly Faith, a child with no religious background whatsoever, hears divine voices, starts reciting biblical passages, and develops stigmata. And when the miraculous healings begin, mother and daughter are thrust into the volatile center of controversy and into the heat of a custody battle—trapped in a mad media circus that threatens what little stability the family has left.
My Opinion:
While this is not a book that I ever would have read and I found myself feeling creeped out I did in the end enjoy the book. I LOVE Jodi Picoult, she is by far my favorite author. She always does her research and it shows in her stories. This book did push me to leave my comfort zone. But U got through it and I felt it was a good book when all was said and done.
Book Reviw #7
The second one in a series of 3. I am really enjoying these books.From Barnes and Noble:
The electrifying follow-up to the phenomenal best seller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ("An intelligent, ingeniously plotted, utterly engrossing thriller" —The Washington Post), and this time it is Lisbeth Salander, the troubled, wise-beyond-her-years genius hacker, who is the focus and fierce heart of the story.
Mikael Blomkvist—crusading journalist and publisher of the magazine Millennium—has decided to publish a story exposing an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden, implicating well-known and highly placed members of Swedish society, business, and government.
On the eve of publication, the two reporters responsible for the story are brutally murdered. But perhaps more shocking for Blomkvist: the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to Lisbeth Salander.
Now, as Blomkvist—alone in his belief in her innocence—plunges into his own investigation of the...
My Opinion:
I feel like these book are so easy to read and they leave me guessing what is going to happen all the way to the end. I love the character (Lisbeth and Michael). There are some graphic sexual scenes in this book as well as the first book. If you like crime type books you may enjoy these. I can't wait to read the next one. I have a few books ahead of it though.
Book Review #6
This was the second book that we read for our book club at work.It is by the same author as Inkheart ( a series of books that I thoroughly enjoy). I have noticed that since I am trying to see how many books I can read this year I am flying through books quicker then I normally would. It is a lot of fun to take time to escape from the day to day and enjoy another world for a little while.From Barnes and Noble
Beyond the mirror, the darkest fairy tales come alive. . . .
For years, Jacob Reckless has enjoyed the Mirrorworld's secrets and treasures.
Not anymore.
His younger brother has followed him.
Now dark magic will turn the boy to beast, break the heart of the girl he loves, and destroy everything Jacob holds most dear. . . .
Unless he can find a way to stop it.
If you're looking for happily ever after, you've come to the wrong place.
My Review:
I found this book to be alright. It wasn't really a story that I would have picked to read on my own. Overall, I felt that it was an ok story but I thought it could have been developed a little better. The thing I like about a good book is that I don't feel like I am reading a book but that I am watching a movie in my head. With this book I really felt like I was reading a book. The characters just seemed very flat to me. A little disappointed.Book Review #5
From Barnes and Noble:
After a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June Parker finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written: “20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday.” The tasks range from inspiring (run a 5K) to daring (go braless) to near-impossible (change someone’s life).
To assuage her guilt, June races to achieve each goal herself before the deadline, learning more about her own life than she ever bargained for.
My Review: I LOVED this book. I even liked the ending, which is not something that happens very often. I found this book to be so funny, laugh out loud funny. I am not the only one I hear my co-workers chuckling in the nap room as well. It was just an easy book to read, with no gory or racey parts. It was nice to read a book that was just about a person trying to do a nice thing. I definitely recommend this book.Book Review #4
The Girls With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.A Word of Warning: This book has some graphic violent sexual scenes in it. Don't want people to read it and then be like what the heck did Audra recommend.
From Barnes and Noble: A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga,
love story, and financial intrigue.
It s about the disappearance forty years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden . . . and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know the truth about what he believes was her murder.
It s about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet s disappearance . . . and about Lisbeth Salander, a twenty-four-year-old pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age who assists Blomkvist with the investigation. This unlikely team discovers a vein of nearly unfathomable iniquity running through the Vanger family, astonishing corruption in the highest echelons of Swedish industrialism, and an unexpected connection between themselves.
Contagiously exciting, it s about society at...
My Review:
I really enjoyed trying to figure out what had happened to Harriet throughout this book. It did keep me guessing. Even when I thought I had figured it out and the characters involved something else would happen. I found it to be very well written. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Book Review #3
Book Review #3
I had started reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo but on Monday when I left for work I realized that I had forgotten my book. The thought of having nothing to do for 2 hours was to much so I stopped at Albertsons with the hopes of picking up a magazine to get me through and what to my wondering eyes should I see, a box of bargain books. This one caught my eye. As far as easy reads go this one was alright but I had guessed the murder pretty early on so that was some what of a disappointment.An Unsolved Crime...
It was a winter morning in 1978, that the body of a young barmaid was discovered in the snow banks of a Scottish cemetery. The only suspects in her brutal murder were the four young men who found her: Alex Gilbey and his three best friends. With no evidence but her blood on their hands, no one was ever charged.
That Was Never Forgotten...
Twenty five years later, the Cold Case file on Rosie Duff has been reopened. For Alex and his friends, the investigation has also opened old wounds, haunting memories-and new fears. For a stranger has emerged from the shadows with his own ideas about justice. And revenge.
Or Forgiven.
When two of Alex's friends die under suspicious circumstances, Alex knows that he and his innocent family are the next targets. And there's only way to save them: return to the cold-blooded past and uncover the startling truth about the murder. For there lies the identity of an avenging killer...
My Review: Like I said earlier in my post it was an alright book. I did guess that the murdered was %@#$! from the first or second chapter, so that sucked. It did keep me entertained enough to see it through. I am looking forward to spending all my reading time devoted to my other book now though.Book Review #2
My second book for 2011 was a gift from my coworker (Thanks Melissa).Description: (From Barnes and Noble)
A tail-wagging three hanky boo-hooer, this delightful fiction debut by newspaper columnist Cameron (8 Simple Rules for Marrying My Daughter) proposes that a dog's purpose might entail being reborn several times. Told in a touching, doggy first-person, this unabashedly sentimental tale introduces Toby, who's rescued by a woman without a license for her rescue operation, so, sadly, Toby ends up euthanized. He's reborn in a puppy mill and after almost dying while left in a hot car, he's saved again by a woman, and he becomes Bailey, a beloved golden retriever, who finds happiness and many adventures. His next intense incarnation is as Ellie, a female German shepherd, a heroic search and rescue dog. But the true purpose of this dog's life doesn't become totally clear until his reincarnation as Buddy, a black Lab. A book for all age groups who admire canine courage, Cameron also successfully captures the essence of a dog's amazing capacity to love and protect. And happily, unlike Marley, this dog stays around for the long haul.
Review:
I cried quite a few times during this book. It was very well written and I found myself thinking about my own four legged friend while reading this. It was an easy read and I couldn't wait to find out what the Dog's Purpose was. I really liked the ending, which if you know me is something that does not happen often. A definite must read for all dog lovers.
Book Review #1
The first book that I read in 2011 was Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks.Description (from Nicholas Sparks himself)
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.
But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.
Review
I LOVE Nicholas Sparks books because they are easy reads full of emotions (usually sad). I can usually predict what will happen in his books though. This one had a twist at the end that I did not see coming. Someone even told me that there was a twist and I still didn't see it coming. All in all I think this was one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks book.
