Monday, March 05, 2012

NOTHING TO ENVY

Author:  Demick
Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2009
Personal Rating:  DNF #2
Format:  Audiobook



After almost completing 2 of 10 CDs, I decided to let this one go.  I had only read great things about it and saw high ratings on Amazon, but I am just not in the right mood for it.  At one point in my reading life, I would probably try this book again at a more mood appropriate time.  However, now-a-days, I'm learning to just let things go.

Saturday, March 03, 2012

BLUE MONDAY

Author: Nicci French
Genre: Thriller, Frieda Klein Series #1
Published: 2012
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: eBook
Yearly Count: 19


From Goodreads:
The stunning first book in a new series of psychological thrillers introducing an unforgettable London psychotherapist.

Frieda Klein is a solitary, incisive psychotherapist who spends her sleepless nights walking along the ancient rivers that have been forced underground in modern London. She believes that the world is a messy, uncontrollable place, but what we can control is what is inside our heads. This attitude is reflected in her own life, which is an austere one of refuge, personal integrity, and order.


The abduction of five-year-old Matthew Farraday provokes a national outcry and a desperate police hunt. And when his face is splashed over the newspapers, Frieda cannot ignore the coincidence: one of her patients has been having dreams in which he has a hunger for a child. A red-haired child he can describe in perfect detail, a child the spitting image of Matthew. She finds herself in the center of the investigation, serving as the reluctant sidekick of the chief inspector.

When I saw that this book was the beginning of a new series by an author (authors) that I have been curious about, I jumped at the chance to read it.  And, I was not disappointed!  I read the first half in one sitting, which is unlike me (at least lately), and finished it rather quickly as well.

Frieda Klein was somewhat an aloof character, but intriguing.  I liked learning about her and how she ticked.   I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.  Although, I did not like the way the book jumped from one scene to another.  I don't know if it was the formatting of the eBook (ARC) or that's how the story reads, either way -- I did not like it one bit.  I felt jolted and confused more than a time or two.  That did not make me a happy reader.  (But I got over it.)  :)

Needless to say, I am pleased to have met Frieda and look forward to the next in this series.  I'm especially eager to be the fly on the wall in her office once again.






My thanks go to Penguin Group, USA and NetGalley for providing me with this eBook. Blue Monday is scheduled to be published on March 5, 2012.

Friday, March 02, 2012

NIGHT WORK

Author: Steve Hamilton
Genre: Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2007
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 18


Joe Trumbell is a juvenile probation officer in Kingston, New York.  His fiancĂ© was brutally murdered two years prior, and he's finally stepping out of his shell to begin dating again.  The date doesn't go exactly how he planned.    

Even though I haven't rated any of Steve Hamilton's books above a 4.25/5 (very good +), I consider myself a major fan.  His books are comfort reads for me.  Every time I pick one up, I know I'll enjoy it to some extent.  This one was no different in that respect.  However, it was different in the fact that I missed the wit Hamilton has brought in the past.  That made the book have a totally different feel from his Alex McKnight series, but I still liked the main character, and it was an interesting read/listen.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

February Reads



10.  The A.B.C. Murders (Christie) ~ 3.5/5

11.  Saving June (Harrington) ~ 2.75/5

12.  The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Larsson) ~ 3.75/5

13.  Before I Fall (Oliver) ~ 2/5

14.  The Litigators (Grisham) ~ 3.75/5

*The World Around Us (Cummings) ~ 3.25/5

*Ugly to Start With (Cummings) ~ 3/5

*Mountain Wake (Cummings) ~ 3.25/5

*The Wallet (Cummings) ~ 4/5

15.  Blood Hollow (Krueger) ~ 3.75/5

*Rusty Clackford (Cummings) ~ 3.25/5

*The Fence (Cummings) ~ 4/5

*John Brown the Quaker (Cummings) ~ 4/5

*Two Tunes (Cummings) ~ 3.5/5

*We Never Liked Them Anyway (Cummings) ~ 3/5

*Carter (Cummings) ~ 1/5

*Indians and Teddy Bears Were Here First (Cummings) ~ 3/5

*The Scratchboard Project (Cummings) ~ 3.5/5

*Generations (Cummings) ~ 3.5/5

16.  Ugly to Start With (Cummings) ~ 3.5/5

17.  The Choice (Fisher) ~ 3/5



*Short Story

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

THE CHOICE

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Fiction,
Lancaster County Secrets #1
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 17


Carrie, an Amish young woman, takes us on her journey of making choices for her life.

This wasn't an empty novel.  There actually was a lot going on; however, nothing that was very exciting.  And, I didn't feel an attachment or connection to any of the characters either. Ultimately, nothing really mattered to me, so I won't be continuing with the series.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

UGLY TO START WITH

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: eBook
Yearly Count:  16


From Goodreads:
Jason Stevens is growing up in picturesque, historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the 1970s. Back when the roads are smaller, the cars slower, the people more colorful, and Washington, D.C. is way across the mountains—a winding sixty-five miles away.

Jason dreams of going to art school in the city, but he must first survive his teenage years. He witnesses a street artist from Italy charm his mother from the backseat of the family car. He stands up to an abusive husband—and then feels sorry for the jerk. He puts up with his father’s hard-skulled backwoods ways, his grandfather’s showy younger wife, and the fist-throwing schoolmates and eccentric mountain characters that make up Harpers Ferry—all topped off by a basement art project with a girl from the poor side of town.


Ugly to Start With punctuates the exuberant highs, bewildering midpoints, and painful lows of growing up, and affirms that adolescent dreams and desires are often fulfilled in surprising ways.

This was a difficult collection to read.  It was filled with heartache after heartache, and it hurt to watch a childhood blowing in the wind being whipped around in a tornado.  I suppose the author's ability to bring Jason alive to me is to be praised; however, I wish there were some good moments shared as well.  Maybe there were some for Jason, but as a parent -- it was all bad.  It definitely made me think, and I always wanted to get back to reading more about him.  Again, kudos to Mr. Cummings.  He's a fine, vivid writer.  I would not hesitate to read more of his work, IF it were not so gloomy.

The following titles are listed in the order in which I read them.  In other words, out of order.  It worked out for me, but they should be read in order to avoid spoilers.


The World Around Us


Ugly to Start With


Mountain Wake


The Wallet


Rusty Clackford


The Fence


John Brown the Quaker


Two Tunes


We Never Liked Them Anyway


Carter


Indians and Teddy Bears Were Here First


The Scratchboard Project


Generations   




My thanks go to the author, John Michael Cummings, for sending me the PDF file of this collection for reviewing.


GENERATIONS (13 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 13


Jason's father takes him on a road trip.

The dysfunction of this family never ceases, and that is so very disappointing. I am choosing to look at the last of these connected stories as if there is a glimmer of hope for Jason. Otherwise, I would be extremely annoyed.


THE SCRATCHBOARD PROJECT (12 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 12


A school art project lands Jason in a neighboring black community.

This story opened the doors of another poor family. And, oddly enough, there were some bits and pieces (mainly the mention of clothing, hair and the general attitude) that I could relate to due to the fact that I work with many poor students. I enjoyed the descriptions and process of Jason's drawings.


INDIANS AND TEDDY BEARS WERE HERE FIRST (11 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count:  11


Jason seeks out attention from his granddad that he hasn't seen in over a year.

Obviously, I decided to finish the collection. I'm still angry about the previous story and hate that Cummings added it to this book, but I want to still visit with Jason.

Jason's need for approval isn't satisfied with this visit, but options for a better life were brushed upon. 


Friday, February 24, 2012

CARTER (10 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 1/5 (don't bother)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count:  10


Jason is se*ually abused.

I should not have read this story. Absolutely appalling. I'm really angry and don't know if I'm going to finish the book.  


WE NEVER LIKED THEM ANYWAY (9 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count:  9


Jason and his mom find out some disturbing news about their Superintendent, so Jason tries to find out more information as he hangs out with the Superintendent's sons.

I didn't like this one as much, because I didn't like how Jason acted.  There's really nothing else to say.  


Thursday, February 23, 2012

TWO TUNES (8 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 8


Two Rangers make a visit to Jason's home.

Hmmm. Seeing another side of Jason's father was interesting, as was seeing the inside of the house.


JOHN BROWN THE QUAKER (7 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 7


Jason joins his immediate neighbors in a community play that practices in a neighboring home.

Oh my. I felt like I was in the house with this group of people. It, also, brought back a childhood memory of an old, small town we stopped in when visiting relatives in Canada. Cummings is a very descriptive writer, and I love the images he creates in my mind, as well as the emotions.


THE FENCE (6 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 6


Jason wants a break from working on the property, so he asks to go see his friend (girl) that lives nearby.

I've realized that my lack of enthusiasm with these stories has everything to do with my inability to relate to these people. Sometimes, okay - most of the time, I just don't understand their thought process. However, there was an unexpected turn in this story that had me intrigued, and I thought the ending sent quite a message.


RUSTY CLACKFORD (5 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (just okay +)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 5


Jason visits Rusty in hopes of selling him a magazine subscription.

This was a peek into the life of a man living in the mountains. A sad and peculiar peek, but a peek nonetheless.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

BLOOD HOLLOW

Author: William Kent Krueger
Genre: Mystery, Cork O'Connor Series #4
Published: 2004
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 15


Cork O'Connor is an ex-Sheriff of a small town in Minnesota. He gets involved in a case regarding a teenaged girl gone missing on New Year's Eve.

Throwing caution to the wind (and going with what was available), I decided to finally give this series by Krueger a try. I have 3 hardcovers on my TBR shelf and a few audiobooks in iTunes, and this was the closest to the beginning. I've already given myself permission to read series out of order (sense of freedom comes with that), but I would have liked to have started closer to #1.

While I am glad to have finally met Cork and his family, I admit that I am a little disappointed in him. His personality didn't stand out or bring any spark to the story. :( Following leads with him to dead ends or proceeding forward with new information was very realistic, so I did like the plot - minus the religion.  I just hope when I meet up with him again, I grow to actually like him.  Right now, he's just blasĂ©. 

THE WALLET (4 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 4


A friend of Jason's mom is temporarily staying with them due to the friend's violent husband. One morning he comes to the house for a visit.

This short story was very good. It kept me captivated and curious as to how the story would end. I was pleased with the irony.


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

MOUNTAIN WAKE (3 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (just okay +)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 3


Jason and his family go to a wake in a mountain home.

Another not so pleasant topic; however, this time I was able to get a glimpse of Jason's siblings.


UGLY TO START WITH (2 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 2


Jason and his family adopt a stray cat. Their emotions change as the cat changes.

This story is difficult to comment on because it touches on feelings that made me very uncomfortable. And, just because it makes me feel something, doesn't make it a good read.


THE WORLD AROUND US (1 of 13)

Author: John Michael Cummings
Genre: Short Story Collection
Published: Ugly to Start With, 2011
Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (just okay +)
Format: eBook
(ss) Yearly Count: 1


Picturesque West Virginia, in the 1970s, is the home of Jason Stevens who has dreams of becoming an artist.  On their way home from town, Jason spots a local artist walking along the road and persuades his mother to stop to give him a ride.  A conversation ensues.

I was drawn into this story immediately.  The language was very real, and I felt like I was there.  The problem was it didn't go anywhere.  It had an ending, but it needed more oomph.  I'm not sure what I was supposed to take away and hope the rest of the stories in this collection of connected stories will fill the void.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

THE LITIGATORS

Author: John Grisham
Genre: Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2011
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format: Book
Yearly Count: 14


Finley & Figg, Chicago law partners of 20 years, are pure ambulance chasers and are barely making a living.  Young David Zinc, on the other hand, is secure, but miserable at his high rise downtown firm.  David chooses to run and make something different of his career, and joining Finley & Figg seems to be the answer.  One partner's eyes turn into dollar signs and the other drags his feet when a popular cholesterol drug has been linked to the deaths of several consumers.  David gets swept up, not sure if this is a good thing or a bad.
  
This book had a comic feel to it and would work well as a movie. There wasn't anything particularly laughable, it was just the bumbling attorneys trying to get ahead that made me shake my head. I enjoyed the tone and appreciated a break from Grisham's traditional serious cases.

   

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

BEFORE I FALL

Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 2/5 (not enjoyable)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 13


A popular high school senior and her friends are mean girls. After an evening of partying, the girls end up in a deadly car crash. Confusingly, Samantha wakes up the next morning in her bed and able to relive the day again. And again. And again. And again. Etc.

I wonder why I think (yes, I'm even baffling to myself) I like YA novels and continue to read/listen to them. It is becoming very apparent to me that I just might not. The ones I truly enjoy seem to be far and few between. Maybe it's the case of too many in a row or poor choices on my part, but I really need to give this genre a rest.

Had I known the storyline would repeat 7 times, I would not have read it. I don't even like to reread books once!  I can understand others enjoying the unique approach, but it was not for me. I really didn't like anything about this book; however, I did want to know the ending even after on occasion only listening with one ear. Oh, and that ending . . . terrible.  :(

Saturday, February 11, 2012

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST

Author: Stieg Larsson
Genre: Fiction, Lisbeth Salander
Trilogy #3
Published:  2010
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 12


When Lisbeth Salander wakes up in a hospital bed, she finds herself in custody for attempted murder, as well as, other charges.

The first half of the book consisted of a lot of rambling.  I was tired of hearing descriptions and backstory that if I weren't listening to it, I may have called it quits.  My husband told me to keep listening, it would get better.  Thankfully by mid-book, it did.  However, what I did notice was the same as with the second in this trilogy -- if Salander wasn't in the scene, I wasn't as interested.  Overall, I am happy with the conclusion and glad I stuck it out.

Friday, February 10, 2012

SAVING JUNE

Author:  Hannah Harrington
Genre:  YA Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  2.75/5 (eh +)
Format:  eBook
Yearly Count:  11



From NetGalley:

If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.

When Harper Scott’s older sister, June, takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split up her sister’s ashes, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She'll steal the urn and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He's a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession…and an unknown connection to June. So when he insists on joining them, Harper's just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. Except...Jake's keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper's life upside down—again.

I, unfortunately, did not connect with Harper or the plot in general.  Many scenes seemed disjointed or randomly thrown in, so it just didn't flow for me.  I do remember connecting music to everything in my life when I was a teenager, so that thread seemed realistic, but I'm sad to say that I just didn't enjoy it in this book.    

The author made a statement in the Acknowledgements about her 5th grade teacher encouraging her in class.  I loved reading that and hope the teacher is aware of the recognition and appreciation.  Keep pursuing your dreams, Hannah.





My thanks go to Harlequin and NetGalley for sending me this eBook.

Thursday, February 02, 2012

THE A.B.C. MURDERS

Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Mystery, Hercule Poirot Series #12
Published: 1936
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 10


A serial killer is intent on killing his way through the alphabet (victim's name and city). He sends typed, taunting letters to provoke Hercule Poirot, but also gives clues to the next murder scenario.

This was my first introduction* to Hercule Poirot, and I liked him. It took me by surprise that he was not the narrator, though.  I look forward to more mystery solving with him.





*Oops!  Apparently, I was already introduced to Hercule Poirot when I listened to Murder on the Orient Express!  I liked it more than this one.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

January Reads









State of Wonder (Patchett) ~ DNF




CHASING WINDMILLS

Author:  Catherine Ryan Hyde
Genre:  YA Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2008
Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)
Format:  Audiobook
Yearly Count:  9


A woman who lives with the father of her two children cross paths with a teenager during a time when they are both struggling with their personal relationships at home.

One of my first thoughts while reading this book was "desperate people do desperate things," and that theme somewhat continued throughout the book.  Unfortunately, I felt like the plot wasn't as believable as it should have been, but I did enjoy the characters and the writing.  Even though I didn't buy into it 100%, I will definitely read/listen to another book by Catherine Ryan Hyde.  

Friday, January 27, 2012

STATE OF WONDER

Author: Ann Patchett
Genre: Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating: DNF #1
Format: Audiobook



After wasting hours upon hours on a previous book I should have abandoned, I decided to not let this one go down the same path. I abandoned this one in the middle of Disc 4 of 11.  It was b-o-r-i-n-g.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

FEED

Author: M. T. Anderson
Genre: YA Science Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2004
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 8



This futuristic YA novel focuses on the relationship between Titus and Violet, both of which have a feed wired into their brains. The feed is a barrage of information from the Internet, television and smart phones combined.

I had no idea what this book was about and was pleasantly surprised at how it kept my attention. The unique plot was intriguing, and I liked the main characters. The narrator of the audiobook exaggerated the voices of a few and that ruined it a bit for me, but overall it was an interesting book.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

YOU'RE NEXT

Author:  Gregg Hurwitz
Genre:  Thriller?, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  2.25/5
(not enjoyable +)
Format:  Audiobook
Yearly Count:  7


Mike Wingate was abandoned on a playground at the age of four; therefore, he was raised in foster care.  He had no memory or understanding of the reason why, but forges ahead with his life and becomes a loving and devoted husband and father.  Out of the blue, someone threatens Mike and his family.  Again, he doesn't understand the reason why.

I should not have spent 14 hours listening to this book!  The tiny bit I knew about it intrigued me, but ultimately it never captivated me by its plot or characters.  I considered giving up at Disk 3, but plodded on because I thought for sure I would end up liking it.  I would have been better off following my gut!  Even with Scott Brick as the narrator, who usually is a favorite of mine, annoyed me.  So, I'm chalking this one up to not good timing.  However, this is the first Hurwitz book I've read, so sad to say, I'm fairly certain I won't be picking up another one by him any time soon.
   

Sunday, January 22, 2012

TEACHING WITH POVERTY IN MIND

Author:  Eric Jensen
Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2009
Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)
Format:  Book
Yearly Count: 6


The subtitle does the job of sharing its actual content: What Being Poor Does to Kids' Brains and What Schools Can Do About It.

I read this for our District-Wide Book Study. It definitely had some interesting and eye-opening stats, but there wasn't any revelations regarding teaching techniques. However, revisiting this topic is never wasted time, so I'm glad I participated and will take a refreshed attitude about our students.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

LUCIFER'S TEARS

Author:  James Thompson
Genre:  Mystery,
Inspector Vaara Series #2
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)
Format:  Audiobook
Yearly Count:  5

Inspector Vaara lives with his very pregnant wife in Helsinki, Finland.  He's assigned two cases with his new partner.  One case revolves around a war hero's participation in WWII and the other involves the murder of a wealthy woman.

Oh my. While I enjoyed learning more about the main character and the Finland culture, I did not enjoy the foul language and crass plot line.  The new partner definitely added some interesting scenes, as did Vaara's in-laws who came to visit, but the whole book seemed a bit odd.  However, at the same time, it had an appeal.  I'm not exactly sure what the appeal was, but it encourages me to stay on the lookout for the third in this series.  I hope all the trashy talk is out of the author's system by then.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

BLOOD RED ROAD

Author: Moira Young
Genre: YA Fiction, Dustlands Series #1
Published: 2011
Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 4


Set in some type of dystopian time-frame, Saba's teen-aged, twin brother, Lugh, is kidnapped and she will do anything to save him. 

The main character, Saba, was the biggest obstacle that stood in my way of really enjoying this book. As the story progresses, she changes and grows, but she didn't change quick enough. I also was extremely annoyed with her saying, "I says" instead of "I said," and the swearing, in general, was unnecessary. Putting all of that aside (although, very difficult to do), I thought the story line was okay. I did want to know why and how Saba was going to save her brother; however, it was not all I had hoped it would be.

Saturday, January 07, 2012

THE BUNGALOW

Author:  Sarah Jio
Genre:  Women's Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)
Format:  eBook
Yearly Count: 3


From the Author's Website:

A sweeping saga of thwarted love, murder and a long-lost painting. In the summer of 1942, twenty-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific Island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiance, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world until they witness a gruesome crime, Westry is suddenly redeployed and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war. A timeless story of enduring passion, The Bungalow chronicles Anne’s determination to discover the truth about the twin losses of life and of love that have haunted her for seventy years.

I really enjoyed this book. There were a few predictable and not-so-believable parts, but overall I looked forward to visiting with these characters and didn't freely want to put the eBook down.

I don't read a lot of women's fiction, but discovered that I really liked Jio's style. Her words captivated me from the start, and I was even swept away with the sweet romance. I'm excited about getting to her debut novel The Violets of March. Thankfully, it's sitting on my TBR shelf.  :)





My thanks go to Penguin Group USA and NetGalley for sending me this eBook.

Friday, January 06, 2012

MOCKINGBIRD

Author: Kathryn Erskine
Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 2


Caitlin, a 5th grader, tries to navigate through her life after the death of her brother, the person she relied upon for advice and guidance due to her Asperger's Syndrome.

This is a perfect story for both adults and children to learn about and understand the mind of a child with Asperger's Syndrome. Caitlin was delightful and did not seem fictitious at all. The narrator did a fabulous job portraying her.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

HEADS YOU LOSE

Author:  Lisa Lutz & David Hayward
Genre:  Mystery, Standalone
Published:  2011
Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)
Format:  Audiobook
Yearly Count:  1


An adult brother and sister discover a body in their backyard.  They can't call the police because they are running an illicit business, so they take care of matters themselves.  The problem does not go away. They become sleuths to find the killer and the reason as to why they have been involved.  That's virtually the plot, but the authors allow us to view their conversations with one another (notes at the end of each chapter) and they really "make" the story.

I am one of the few that wasn't wowed by the first book in Lisa Lutz's Spellman Series, so I didn't jump at this book when it came out, but . . . was curious nonetheless.  I took the opportunity to listen to it when I saw it sitting before me at the library.

As with The Spellman Files, I was not impressed.  The plot wasn't anything that I was excited about, and I certainly didn't relate to any of the characters. The banter (notes) between Lisa and David was the best part by far.  Overall, it wasn't horrible or anything, but it just wasn't my preference for enjoyable reading. 

Not a great start to a new year, but there are many more books ahead.  Can't wait to add books to my Best Reads of 2012! 

Saturday, December 31, 2011

BEST READS OF 2011



My following favorites (received an "excellent" or "absolutely outstanding" rating) are listed in the order in which they were read and all except two* were published in 2011.






3. Between Shades of Gray (Sepetys) ~ YA Historical Fiction
















7. *Triptych (Slaughter) ~ Thriller














11. The Stranger You Seek (Williams) ~ Thriller