This book takes an interesting twist on a murder mystery. You wonder who did it and, of course, suspect both twins. I enjoyed this one. Recommended for mystery fans.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
The Third Twin by CJ Omololu
Ava and Lexi are identical twins. Growing up they invented Alicia. Someone broke a lamp? Must be Alicia. As teenagers they use Alicia to take on a new personality, go places they may not have otherwise gone, date boys they wouldn't otherwise date. Then a boy "Alicia" dated turns up dead.
This book takes an interesting twist on a murder mystery. You wonder who did it and, of course, suspect both twins. I enjoyed this one. Recommended for mystery fans.
This book takes an interesting twist on a murder mystery. You wonder who did it and, of course, suspect both twins. I enjoyed this one. Recommended for mystery fans.
The Mummy or Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice
It begins as a story you think you've heard. An archaeologist finds a mummy in a tomb with a warning. The mummy comes to life.
From there, this story went somewhere completely above my expectations. This is NOT the story you think you know. It's better.
Ramses is a tortured character, full of life and struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he learned and the way he soaked up information about our present day. The decision he makes that changes the trajectory of this book is one I didn't see coming and it completely hooked me.
This book is remarkably well written and worth the read. Highly, highly recommended.
Five smiles and a wink.
From there, this story went somewhere completely above my expectations. This is NOT the story you think you know. It's better.
Ramses is a tortured character, full of life and struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he learned and the way he soaked up information about our present day. The decision he makes that changes the trajectory of this book is one I didn't see coming and it completely hooked me.
This book is remarkably well written and worth the read. Highly, highly recommended.
Five smiles and a wink.
Crazy House by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Becca Greenfield is snatched from her own home, thrown into a maximum security prison, and put on death row. All without a trial or even a crime. Becca's only hope is that her twin sister, Cassie, can find her before it's too late.
I like dystopian novels. I like to read about worlds that make me happy we live in a society where safety and civil rights are valued. This book fell flat for me. As much as I liked Becca and Cassie, I just didn't love the storyline. I kept expecting something new to pop up, but it just kept reading like too many other books I've read.
Nothing jumps out at me as being awful, but nothing wonderful either. Three smiles.
Give it a read if you want to try dystopian but haven't read a lot of them, you'll probably love it!
I like dystopian novels. I like to read about worlds that make me happy we live in a society where safety and civil rights are valued. This book fell flat for me. As much as I liked Becca and Cassie, I just didn't love the storyline. I kept expecting something new to pop up, but it just kept reading like too many other books I've read.
Nothing jumps out at me as being awful, but nothing wonderful either. Three smiles.
Give it a read if you want to try dystopian but haven't read a lot of them, you'll probably love it!
Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
Gwendy's entire life will change when a mysterious stranger gifts her the button box in this novella written for teens.
This is a wonderfully written story about a teenager who is given the chance to find out what kind of person she really is when given immense power. It could spark great conversations with other readers, including teenagers, about decisions and responsibility. I recommend this book for the intrigue and ending alone.
That being said I didn't love the way Gwendy thought about herself and her body. I had no problem with it in the beginning, because we all have self esteem issues. I just thought the improved self esteem as a direct relation to her appearance was far fetched. More often than not we get the body we "wanted" only to realize that wasn't the problem. Anyway, that's just my opinion. Still a great book.
Four smiles.
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia
Hattie Hoffman spends her life playing roles. She can be a good student, a good daughter, and a good girlfriend. None of that is what Hattie really wants. The question is, which role got her killed?
This book has some good thriller elements to it. I enjoyed the concept and the inner dialogue for Hattie was well written. That being said it seemed a little predictable and anticlimactic for my tastes. I wasn't particularly fond of the direction they went with Hattie's relationship. I felt like this was a played out angle.
Overall, it's a good story.
Three smiles.
This book has some good thriller elements to it. I enjoyed the concept and the inner dialogue for Hattie was well written. That being said it seemed a little predictable and anticlimactic for my tastes. I wasn't particularly fond of the direction they went with Hattie's relationship. I felt like this was a played out angle.
Overall, it's a good story.
Three smiles.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
A family takes a vacation to try and reconnect but it turns into a nightmare.
In typical James Patterson fashion, this is a quick read. I can't say I didn't enjoy it, as I read the entire thing very quickly. It's intriguing and full of unexpected turns.
That being said, it's also a little unrealistic. That normally doesn't bother me, but this one seemed to be fraught with "oh, come on" moments. It almost seems like every single idea that popped into his head went into the book, no filter. Sharks, bombs, suicide attempts, death, deserted islands...that's not even all of them.
If you don't mind unrealistic, enjoy. It's entertaining, for sure.
In typical James Patterson fashion, this is a quick read. I can't say I didn't enjoy it, as I read the entire thing very quickly. It's intriguing and full of unexpected turns.
That being said, it's also a little unrealistic. That normally doesn't bother me, but this one seemed to be fraught with "oh, come on" moments. It almost seems like every single idea that popped into his head went into the book, no filter. Sharks, bombs, suicide attempts, death, deserted islands...that's not even all of them.
If you don't mind unrealistic, enjoy. It's entertaining, for sure.
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
Here is a thing everyone wants: A miracle.
Here is a thing everyone fears:
What it takes to get one.
The concept behind this book is wonderful. A group of saints, capable of granting miracles, live in Colorado. All you have to do to get your miracle is travel there and ask. Of course, it doesn't always go as you planned.
The book started a little slow, in my opinion, but stick with it. I adored the way this book described inner darkness as outward manifestations. I loved the solution to the problem and the resolution for the book. I can imagine using this one with middle or high school students and really talking about personal lessons.
Four smiles. Recommended.
Here is a thing everyone fears:
What it takes to get one.
The concept behind this book is wonderful. A group of saints, capable of granting miracles, live in Colorado. All you have to do to get your miracle is travel there and ask. Of course, it doesn't always go as you planned.
The book started a little slow, in my opinion, but stick with it. I adored the way this book described inner darkness as outward manifestations. I loved the solution to the problem and the resolution for the book. I can imagine using this one with middle or high school students and really talking about personal lessons.
Four smiles. Recommended.
Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs
Temperance Brennan novel (Technically #2, but you don't have to read them in any particular order)
I must admit that I decided to read this series, like a lot of other people, simply because I adored the Bones TV show and I'm having withdrawals that it's off the air. This will satisfy your craving for dangerous cases (how does she always get herself into these situations) and the brilliant workings of a forensic anthropologist. However, this Temperance Brennan is not that Temperance Brennan. Just remember that and you'll be fine.
The mystery in this one is intriguing. Readers who like to figure it out will be challenged.
Recommended.
I must admit that I decided to read this series, like a lot of other people, simply because I adored the Bones TV show and I'm having withdrawals that it's off the air. This will satisfy your craving for dangerous cases (how does she always get herself into these situations) and the brilliant workings of a forensic anthropologist. However, this Temperance Brennan is not that Temperance Brennan. Just remember that and you'll be fine.
The mystery in this one is intriguing. Readers who like to figure it out will be challenged.
Recommended.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
I read this book after already watching the TV series. That seems important to mention because it definitely influenced my love of the book. I don't think I've ever said I love a book with a premise that I hate as much as this one, but that is the point.
This book, if you're unaware, is based in the dystopian future society where women are slaves to men in the biblical society, Gilead, where they reside. They are stripped of their names and used only for what they can bring to society. The premise is disgusting and shocking. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this isn't it. But it is important. It will give you feelings about your own worth. There are even lessons in there about perseverance and what humans are capable of withstanding.
Recommended.
This book, if you're unaware, is based in the dystopian future society where women are slaves to men in the biblical society, Gilead, where they reside. They are stripped of their names and used only for what they can bring to society. The premise is disgusting and shocking. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this isn't it. But it is important. It will give you feelings about your own worth. There are even lessons in there about perseverance and what humans are capable of withstanding.
Recommended.
Always Looking Up by Michael J Fox
Like so many others, I absolutely adore Michael J. Fox. He is an actor who I will always watch.
This book breaks into four topics, four pillars of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, family. I enjoyed learning about his life and optimism. I didn't so much enjoy the parts about politics, which I am naturally adverse to reading/talking about. Sometimes it seemed a little disjointed, but it didn't ruin the book for me.
I'd read it again. Three smiles.
This book breaks into four topics, four pillars of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, family. I enjoyed learning about his life and optimism. I didn't so much enjoy the parts about politics, which I am naturally adverse to reading/talking about. Sometimes it seemed a little disjointed, but it didn't ruin the book for me.
I'd read it again. Three smiles.
Room by Emma Donoghue
To five-year-old Jack the room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up. It is where he learns about life and plays with his Ma. To Jack the Room is everything. But to Ma the room is a prison where she's been held captive for seven years.
This is a book that will stay with you. Donoghue makes the choice to have Jack tell his story himself. The story is dark and dangerous from an adult standpoint. Once we learn what is really going on with the story, it's our worst nightmare come to life. But when a child tells the story, particularly a child who has never known anything else, the story takes on a whole new dimension. It's brilliant. This take on the story is one that we, perhaps, never would have thought about. She doesn't just tell us about how hard this is for the child, we live it and experience it with him. Yes, it was hard to understand some of what the five-year-old narrator is talking about. But it's worth it for what you learn and feel from this perspective.
A wonderful, highly recommended book.
This is a book that will stay with you. Donoghue makes the choice to have Jack tell his story himself. The story is dark and dangerous from an adult standpoint. Once we learn what is really going on with the story, it's our worst nightmare come to life. But when a child tells the story, particularly a child who has never known anything else, the story takes on a whole new dimension. It's brilliant. This take on the story is one that we, perhaps, never would have thought about. She doesn't just tell us about how hard this is for the child, we live it and experience it with him. Yes, it was hard to understand some of what the five-year-old narrator is talking about. But it's worth it for what you learn and feel from this perspective.
A wonderful, highly recommended book.
The MacGregor Brides by Nora Roberts
This book read like three novellas. Actually, let's be real, this book read like a single novella told three times. All three books follow the exact same plot. Girl who doesn't want to fall in love meets guy who is set up with, she "accidentally" falls in love, they get married.
Let me quickly address the major problem I have with this book. The grandfather, Daniel MacGregor. According to five star reviews of this book I'm "supposed" to love this guy. Maybe it's because I didn't read the earlier books in this series, but I doubt it. The entire premise of this book involved this guy, a dangerous guy who seems to believe in traditional gender roles to an extreme level, trying to "marry off" his granddaughters.
There are scenes in this book where I was absolutely disgusted. Scenes when women are written as flaky or worthless, valued only for what they can bring to a relationship. Scenes when a woman is kissed against her will and is supposed to enjoy it. The worst part about this book is that it is written under the guise of romance, sold like it's supposed to be the way of the world. This book tells this story three times, making the point that this is what romance is supposed to look and sound like. It's toxic.
I don't like to speak out about a book this much, but this one really turned my stomach. I'm going to recommend you avoid this one.
Let me quickly address the major problem I have with this book. The grandfather, Daniel MacGregor. According to five star reviews of this book I'm "supposed" to love this guy. Maybe it's because I didn't read the earlier books in this series, but I doubt it. The entire premise of this book involved this guy, a dangerous guy who seems to believe in traditional gender roles to an extreme level, trying to "marry off" his granddaughters.
There are scenes in this book where I was absolutely disgusted. Scenes when women are written as flaky or worthless, valued only for what they can bring to a relationship. Scenes when a woman is kissed against her will and is supposed to enjoy it. The worst part about this book is that it is written under the guise of romance, sold like it's supposed to be the way of the world. This book tells this story three times, making the point that this is what romance is supposed to look and sound like. It's toxic.
I don't like to speak out about a book this much, but this one really turned my stomach. I'm going to recommend you avoid this one.
The Knight by Steven James
Patrick Bowers is back in this third installment of the thriller series that draws its titles from chess pieces. (You absolutely do not need to read these in order)
This time agent Bowers is tracking a killer who may also be tracking him. It's a high stakes game of cat and mouse, but who is the mouse?
This is a fast-paced book filled with characters you'll adore. The case is intense and the villain is captivating. I would've liked a few more answers in the ending, leaving this at four smiles. But overall, a well written book.
Sidenote: I just discovered this book is published by a Christian publishing house and is, therefore, labeled as a Christian thriller. I would never have guessed that. Atheists among my readers should not be afraid to pick this one up. No one is going to shove faith down your throat in these books.
This time agent Bowers is tracking a killer who may also be tracking him. It's a high stakes game of cat and mouse, but who is the mouse?
This is a fast-paced book filled with characters you'll adore. The case is intense and the villain is captivating. I would've liked a few more answers in the ending, leaving this at four smiles. But overall, a well written book.
Sidenote: I just discovered this book is published by a Christian publishing house and is, therefore, labeled as a Christian thriller. I would never have guessed that. Atheists among my readers should not be afraid to pick this one up. No one is going to shove faith down your throat in these books.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
Every town has its secrets.
This book has a chilling premise. A town with a lake where people die. I was fascinated enough by the concept of cursed women and cursed lakes to keep reading. Even when the characters got confusing. Even when there were too many and I had trouble keeping track of them all.
I did feel like the ending was a little anticlimactic. I had hoped for a little more. If you ask me about this book in a month, you'll have to remind me what it was about. If you asked me in six months I don't think I'd remember much of anything about it. The forgettable nature of the plot makes this a three smile book for me.
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