Trashed by Diana Morgan

This mystery story is the first novel for a woman from New Hampshire.  Having spent years of my childhood playing around Lake Winnepausakee, I enjoyed the references to the New Hampshire lifestyle.  The mystery itself was good.  The story is interesting, fast, and creative.  I figured it out a bit earlier than I liked, but I enjoyed the ride nonetheless.

The characters in this novel were great.  I really liked (and related to) Will and Vic.  I appreciated the fresh take on the cliche mystery characters this author provided.  She was not afraid to break that mystery mold and I admire her choices.

The only nuances I found, probably due to the fact that this is a first novel, were the difficulties in dialogue.  At a few points in the story I had trouble tracking who was speaking in a conversation.  There are little or no indications (ie "he said") to help you follow.  Occasionally there is even a direction (ie "Will shrugged") that will follow a different character speaking and confuses the reader.  It is a small criticism and it honestly didn't ruin the book at all.

Overall, great story and a remarkable first novel.  Kudos Ms. Morgan.

4 smiles

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald

I really wanted to like this book.  Mostly because I've always liked Molly Ringwald movies, honestly.  The book has cute illustrations, glossy pages, and plenty of short lists to keep any reader interested.  But the content is nothing more than dribble.  I wanted the book to be about finding inner beauty, discovering that you have a youthful "pretty" side still inside your aging body.  Instead, the book is about fashion, dinner parties, hair, and other crap I am simply not cut out for.  I can practically hear her hundred dollar bills flying out the window as I turn pages.  Meanwhile, I cannot even fathom a situation that would justify spending that kind of money on a Hermes scarf.

Sorry Molly, I simply hated the tips you provided.  To be fair, if you are the kind of person who reads fashion magazines and lives for fashion tips you'll probably love it.

1 smile since I can't do less.

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

"Inside each of us is a monster; inside each of us is a saint.  The real question is which one we nurture the most, which one will smite the other."

Read nothing about the details of this book-search for no other reviews (I promise not to ruin it) and look for no spoilers.  Do this, and you will be shocked with a 1-2 punch that leaves you holding your breath with goosebumps decorating your arms within the first 50 pages.

Jodi Picoult weaves a story of a young woman who makes an unlikely friend harboring a secret she doesn't see coming (and you won't either).  What she chooses next can shape so many things.  Like all good Jodi Picoult books, this one rang with a truth and an emotion that you cannot help but feel.

As my husband, and anyone else who happened to see me reading this book, can attest to this book is an emotional roller coaster.  I couldn't binge read this one like I wanted to, because I often had to set it down to let my emotions roll back downward toward normal.  The topic becomes chilling quickly and the story is masterfully told from points of view that Ms. Picoult certainly must have researched well.

No matter what you like to read, read this one.  Seriously.

5 huge smiles
1 tear

Middle School the Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

On my quest for finding books that will make students read-I tried this one.  In the style made popular by "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this book is told by a sixth grader, Rafe, and is heavily illustrated.  The story is fast and full of voice kids will appreciate.

The premise of the story will have some adults turned off of this one-so read it before you hand it to your kids.  Rafe has decided to make it his mission to break every single rule in the school handbook.  Not exactly an idea you want in your kids head.  Patterson makes it pretty obvious that this was not a great choice.  Rafe gets in a LOT of trouble (obviously) for this plan.

The entire theme SEEMS like it's "rules are not for everyone" which some adults may see as a dangerous idea.  However, when you dig for it with your child they will soon realize the true theme is that traditional learning is not for everyone.

I enjoyed the book, but I won't be adding it to the classroom library anytime soon.

2 smiles for the cute idea and the voice

Broken Harbor by Tana French

I've said from the first novel of Tana's that I ever read (In the Woods, rated 4 smiles and wink in June of 2013) that her novels are brilliant.  Ms. French has a knack for giving us murder mysteries that don't read like typical murder mysteries.  The novels move at a different pace than other mystery authors, but the intrigue is still alive.  The detectives don't get everything right the first time, and you can't predict it all.  You don't get all your answers when the book ends, but enough to be satisfied.

This particular novel follows Mike Kennedy (anyone who read Faithful Place will know him as Scorcher Kennedy) as he attempts to find out who killed 3 people in a family of 4 and left the 4th to die.  Mike is also training a rookie, Richie Curran, who adds another level of depth to the novel.

I continue to be a fan of Tana French.  Her characters come alive for me.  I enjoy that she takes a minor character from the previous book and makes them the focus of the next.  As a reader you often wonder "what's their story?" when a minor character is introduced.  With Tana French, you have a chance of finding out later!

Note: This book is NOT a sequel to any of Tana's earlier books.

Highly recommended.  5 smiles and a wink

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins

Book 2: The Underland Chronicles

This book is targeted for younger readers (I'd suggest grades 4-8).

I previously read (and apparently neglected to review) Gregor the Overlander, Book 1 in the Series.  Had I remembered to review it, the reviews for the two books would be very similar.

Suzanne Collins, author of the Hunger Games, penned this series of a fantasy world below New York.  Gregor and his adorable sister, Boots, accidentally stumble upon this world in book 1.  How, you ask?  Think Alice in Wonderland...although there aren't many rabbit holes in New York city, especially in a laundry room.  In book 2 Gregor returns to the Underland, this time because of the Prophecy of Bane.

As with the first book this one is packed with action.  There are sad moments, but they are some kids would understand with a little conversation.  The book is fast-paced and keeps you interested.  The characters are believable and often explain their actions, making it perfect for children.  Most of the characters are honorable, which I love, and the theme was easy enough to find.  There's an added bonus of a prophecy to figure out and a twist in the ending.

I recommend this one to read with your kiddos for sure!

4 smiles and a wink

Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick

This whodunit novel is set in London circa 1900.  When I first glanced the cover (a woman in a wedding dress brandishing an interesting looking fan) I expected a romance.  Although there is romance (enough to make me decide I could use a new smiley-one that depicts the scenes which are descriptive enough to raise a blush to your cheeks) it was not what I was expecting at all.

The story follows Amity Doncaster, a woman who travels alone in order to write articles about globetrotting.  I absolutely adored Amity.  She is before-her-time independent and strong.  Had I lived during the 1900s I imagine I would've had to live like Amity, and I enjoyed reading about her.

Amity has a rather scary meeting with a serial killer, which brings her into the case.  I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it.  I enjoyed the small romance.  I enjoyed this book.

4 smiles, a wink, and a blush (the new one)