One Day by David Nicholls - Read and Relate

One Day by David Nicholls
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I must admit that this book is not typically one that would interest me. Lately though I have been on a read it before the movie comes out kick. This books is just a relatable story. It's not a thriller, fantasy, or suspense novel. It's just a story about Emma and Dexter. It's just real and believable. I really don't have much more to say about it except maybe its a fast read that is easy to pick out the pieces that are personal to me as I read. Thats all.

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The Help by Kathryn Stockett-More People need to get this help.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found it funny that a few of my co-workers who had read this book thought it may not be one I would like. They were wrong, but the important thing is to try it and experience it and you may be surprised or you may not.

There are so many things I love about this book. The honesty in the writing. The way not everything is roses and sunflowers more like real life. I love the conflict of hope and reality. The one thing I wouldn't say I didn't like but I was hoping for is to see the antagonist get her come upins. I was also hoping for loose ends to be tied up. The ending is truly bitter sweet but maybe just a little to one side. I wish more people would read this book and consider how their actions reflect on others.



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Forever by Maggie Stiefvater - The title is perfect.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I saw Maggie on Wednesday she asked who in the audience were criers. Some people raised their hands (not myself). She quickly informed them this book was guarenteed to bring on the tears. I thought of my friend sitting besided me and knew she would be doom to the kleenex curse. Well, I finished the book two days later at work, not the best place to finish this book. Really not good when you have your subordinate's coming in to ask questions and you have tears in your eyes. This book was a tense, touching read and I truly loved it. I'm sure at least one of the tears was because it was the last book. Magie's writing is read with easy and relatable at any level. The concept is is not too over the top that can't be grasped as reality. The details of science implied in this final installment ground the tale to a real foundation. I love the way she plays charactrs off one another and give them very distinct actions and voice that tie specificall to them. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Rachel and Grace's family and Rachel and Sam. Maggie also does a incredible job of varying family dynamics that stay true to how the more central characters of the story act and have been molded into who they are. I would definately recommend this book to everyone but would tell them not to rush through them. Read it, savor it, take in the scent of the story and really enjoy it. It is so worth it!



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Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins - Loose ends not so tied up

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Once I found the time to start this book, it was a fast read and hard to put down. I had to keep reading to get answers to questions I had about characters and the plot but alas not all of them get answer so this leads on to the next installment. I really didn't get a very good sense of what Cal is about but I suspect there is a reason for that. I do believe I would place the first book a little more of a favorite than this book but I really think this book works as a bridge to something bigger. We shall see.



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Red Glove by Holly Black - Sophomore superstar

Red Glove by Holly Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The saga continues and so does the greatness of this story. Reading Holly's work is effortless and this world of workers is absolutely believable. I literally just finished reading this book. I have been revamping concurrently by audio in my car on my way to and from work. I love the story and really love Jessie Eisenberg reading it. Reading these books is like seeing the movie in my head. There has not been a time I questioned anything I read. I could have read this book in one sitting if life didn't get in my way. If I could just be a worker who could have an ability to give myself more time to do what I enjoy and not what I have to get done. This book was a great escape. I kinda wish I could get a little of the story from Lilla's pov. Maybe in a novella form would be nice. I think I will tweet Holly and ask. Till then I will just wait for Black Heart.



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Where She Went by Gayle Foreman - Right through my Heart

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Lately I've been fortunate enough to be tuned into some amazing books. This one just carries the torch and even that much higher. I revamped If I Stay in audio in anticipation of this book. I fell in love with that story all over. The audio was great. It has been a while, probably a little over a year, that there has been a book that I have read in less than a day. If not for my adult responsibilities, I know for positive that I would have read this book in one sitting. However, I read this book every chance I got, sneaking it when I probably shouldn't have. This book had my heart and soul enthralled and on the edge the entire book. This story had perfect dramatic balance and reading it was effortless and a pleasure. No one in this book is perfect, but actually flawed to the point of realism. I can see these people on stages performing or passing me in a public place. They are just people that had something happen and choices were made. These books are definitely books I aspire to make annual reads, true treasures. If you haven't yet go read them now.



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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- You'll Never Forget This One

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow, I wish I would have read this book sooner. This is one of those stories that is hard to put down and when you have too, you can't wait to get back to it. I must admit that knowing Robert P was cast to play Jacob in the movie, this was how Jacob looked while reading this book. Not necessarily a bad thing. I am eager to see if they do the book justice. This tale was engaging and dramatic in every sense of the word. There was tension every day for someone, somehow. I was heartwrenched to furious at times and was most sad for the scenes with elderly Jacob and people who really didn't value him. If you haven't read this you should.



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City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare - Definitely Dive into this one.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How could I give any of Ms. Clare's books anything but 5 stars. I could go outside the rules and give a six or ten but that would defeat the basis of the concept. Speaking of concepts Ms Clare has stepped up the pace. There were so many things in this story I just didn't see coming and can I say thank you. Being book four I am even more connected and invested in these characters. I love the setting being back in New York and the start of it seeming to be more of the day to day events that stew and twist into ultimate chaos. What else should we expect from Cassie. Peppered throughout are appreciated looks into to all the relationships, both young and adult. I do wish I had a better grasp of the fairy involvement. I'm sure it has strategic placement that will come to light in future books. I truly love these books and cannot get enough. Too bad the wait is a year. So off I go to devour the book again but this time in audio with Mr. Westwick and Ms. Quinn.



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Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan - It's just that.

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan




I actually took vacation to have uninterrupted time to finish this book. So well worth it. There are so many things I love about these books. All kinds of tension for one. No one in these books is the best at anything. All characters are dealing with a truly hopeless situation and just trying to get by and live. Something else I love about these books are the short chapters. I don't know why, but I felt the progress of the story better because I navigated scenes better with the shorter chapters. Not that some of these chapters aren't cliff hangers so that you can't help but keep reading right into the next chapter, cause you do. I just like the sense of accomplishment of gain ground through the book and the story. The story itself is of course the best thing about this book. I really didn't see almost all of what happened next. I really enjoy the fact that Ms Ryan tells it with anticipation but not way you can presume what will be. She builds her world with such skill you get anxious just reading. I know she it tackling a new series that is different and I can't wait to see what it's about.



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Sisters Red - Better than the original

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Almost nothing like Little Red Riding Hood, but better. Only the cloake(s) is the same. You get two for the price of one for sisters. You get double the perspective, one tarnished and driven by trauma and the other just trying to live and be real while staying loyal. I would have loved to have gotten a little more backstory on how the Fenris came to be, but that's just my thirst for lore perspective and spins. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to sink into a tense story with an constant engaging plot. I will definitely be lending this book out and moving on to read the other Jackons Pearce book I have. Thank you Ms. Pearce for writing this.



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Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright - Postscript

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is definitely the adult version and I really liked it. There were just a few smatterings of lines from the tale that were placed in just the right places. I need to see the movie and see if they were actually in the script too. I found it interesting that the script was a predecessor to this book. I think in all this was a good marketing tool but I don't understand why they put the last chapter online and not in the book. Going online to read the last chapter was all I did. I didn't see the need to browse the site because I already know I will see this movie (if just to see the cute Peter and Henry).



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The Last Sacrifice - Great ending with just enough unanswered.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


These books are fantastic YA. My personal opinion is top shelf. Ms. Mead weaves a story that lets you participate in more than just holding the book. You feel vested in characters. She has a talent for the unforseen twist and turn. I can't wait for the next spin off series to begin. In the mean time I will try my hand at her adult series. Kudos Ms. Mead.



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Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg: Don't judge this book by the cover.

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Truthfully, if I were to judge a book by its cover, I would have passed by this book. To reinforce my poor judgment, I really loved this author's first book but the pink tones and the dress made this book appear, to me, to be something not my taste. I, in no way, classify myself as a girlie girl and even more both of my prom experiences from my younger years were pretty much dreadful disasters. I thought about checking it out from the local library, but alas their copy is on order. Thank you, Eve’s Fan Garden (Twilight Moms) for coordinating a read along, even though I was late to the party in the participation arena. I ventured into my local book chain to acquire several books and add this one to the stack. I am so glad I did. This book was fantastic. After chapter 6 I found it impossible to put down and read straight on to the wonderful finish. I’m going to pass it around to all my reader coworkers, it’s so good. Ms. Eulberg’s writing is effortless to read and you travel along through the story as if you were there. With bullying so prominent in today’s social discussions, this book does not preach to its reader but paint the picture as a backdrop. Primarily the story reinforces the one thing I did, DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK/PERSON BY ITS/THEIR COVER. Go buy it today, find a nice comfy nook and dive into this great story.



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Griftopia: bubble Machines, bampire Squids, and the Long Con That is Breaking America by Matt Taibbi -- Nuff Said

Griftopia: Bubble Machines, Vampire Squids, and the Long Con That Is Breaking America by Matt Taibbi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I think I heard about this book from one of the participants of a podcast I listen to (smartmouths). This books is full of information sometimes a bit too much and overwhelming. I did find it very interesting and made me feel a bit guilty about not being up on all the current events and happening in just our country alone. Granted this book is mostly a historical perspective it really opens an eye to what really goes on and how media and others are so very talented on putting a spin on or just covering up what they don't want you to know for their own personal gain. So many in this country of golden opportunity are loosing their conscience and humanity. It's a sad state of affairs.



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The Lost Saint - Bree Despain - Hanging in there

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really liked this second book in the series, but was horrified that Bree could just cut the story where she did. Has she no compassion for her readers. Has she no sympathy for our tender hearts. So many questions left unanswered and fate teetering on the edge of dispair. Why Why Why!!!



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Toment by Lauren Kate- Not the same reaction as Fallen

Torment by Lauren Kate

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was better for me than the first one. I'm not sure exactly why, but I seemed to visualize the scenes better and feel more involved in the story. I was definitely was on Luce's side, wanting to figure out her past. There were times when I wanted to take her by the hand and just drag her into action so I could find out too, but it doesn't work that way. So, I will be reading Passions when it come out this year. I might even go back and read Fallen again (giving it a second chance) and then surely Torment.



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