THIS LOVELY LIFE

Author: Vicki Forman

Genre: Memoir, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 85

From the ARC cover:

Vicki Forman gave birth to Evan and Ellie, weighing just a pound at birth, at twenty-three weeks' gestation. During the delivery she begged the doctors to "let her babies go" -- she knew all too well that at twenty-three weeks they could very well die and, if they survived, they would face a high risk of permanent disabilities. However, California law demanded resuscitation. Her daughter died just four days later; her son survived and was indeed multiply disabled: blind, nonverbal, and dependent on a feeding tube.

The Lovely Life tells, with brilliant intensity, of what became of the Forman family after the birth of the twins -- the harrowing medical interventions and ethical considerations involving the sanctity of life and death. In the end, the long-delayed first steps of a five-year-old child will seem like the fist-pumping stuff of a triumph narrative. Forman's intelligent voice gives a sensitive, nuanced rendering of her guilt, her anger, and her eventual acceptance in this portrait of a mother's fierce love for her children.

Vicki Forman won the Bread Loaf Writer's Conference Bakeless Prize for this book and thus far has received very positive reviews. I'm happy for her accomplishments and hope that it has brought much healing.

The struggles that Vicki and her family went through are certainly devastating and life-changing, and my heart truly goes out to them. However, putting her experience into words seems to be more of a cathartic measure than a message or encouragement to others. My thoughts or rating has nothing to do with what she endured or carries with her the rest of her life - it has everything to do with my feelings while reading it.

I'm going to end this with a warning: If you are in the child-bearing years, my suggestion is that you do not read this. Others that have had similar experiences may find comfort in reading Vicki's experience - assuring them that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid.

Thank you, Mariner Books, for sending me this ARC. It is scheduled to be released on July 23, 2009.

THE MURDER OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Author: Rick Geary

Genre: YA NF Graphic Novel, Series

Published: 2005

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count: 84

This graphic novel covers the timeframe from March 4 - May 4, 1865 of Abraham Lincoln's life and death.

Another winner by Rick Geary! I love this series of Victorian Murders. Geary does a fabulous job in researching, depicting and telling the facts of particular murders. The story of Abraham Lincoln's murder was no different. The maps of the cities and homes are so helpful in visualizing the actual places, and the drawings of the people give so much character to the individuals that they become very realistic. The full story has been sifted through and the major remaining events and people have been highlighted. Geary does an excellent job with this genre, and I'm looking forward to more.

RAVENS

Author: George Dawes Green

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.75/5 (better than eh)

Yearly Count: 83

From the ARC cover:

The Boatwrights just won 318 million dollars in the Georgia State Lottery. It's going to be the worst day of their lives.

That night, he visits the Boatwright home and takes the family hostage, while Romeo patrols the streets nearby, prepared to murder the Boatwrights' loved ones at any sign of resistance. At first, the family offers none. But Shaw's plot depends on maintaining constant fear -- merciless, unfaltering terror -- and soon, under the pressure, everyone's sanity begins to unravel....

At once frightening, comic, and suspenseful, RAVENS is a wholly original and utterly compelling novel from one of our most talented writers.

I couldn't wait to find out how these two were going to scheme their way into the family and then confiscate half the winnings. The plan ended up being interesting, but the execution turned out to not be fully developed. It became implausible, therefore a bit silly to me. I did enjoy a couple of the characters - they actually added some stability to the plot.

Thank you Miriam, from Hachette Book Group, for sending me this ARC. Ravens is scheduled to be released on July 15, 2009.

THE SLEEPING DOLL

Author: Jeffery Deaver

Genre: Thriller, Series #1

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 82

A Sleeping Doll begins a new series featuring Kathryn Dance. She was previously introduced and consulted for her kinesics (body language) expertise in Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series. In this first book, "Dance" is the lead interrogator of an inmate charged with murder who escapes from prison. She continues as lead during the chase.

I love Kathryn Dance's job! Watching people and determining if they are lying or not is fascinating stuff. (I love the new TV series Lie To Me, too.) The book actually follows along the lines of the TV series - giving explanations of movements or choice of words, and definitions of the terms used when interrogating someone.

As for the plot, it was very good. There were a time or two when I wasn't buying in, but for the most part it was a smart written book with many twists. It wasn't on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspenseful, but the story was still very good. The 2nd Kathryn Dance novel just came out last month and it's titled Roadside Crosses. I'm looking forward to it.

THE LETTER

Author: Eileen Dunbaugh - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 30

During the Great Depression, Sadie's father was assigned to publicly defend an indigent man who was being tried for the death of a little girl who was found amongst his possessions.

This was not a very intense story, but a mysterious one. Doing the job Sadie's father was assigned to do was riddled with tough choices. It was interesting to find out the reasons behind those choices. I would have preferred some clarification on a few events; therefore, I dropped my rating down a little.

THE BLUE NOTEBOOK

Author: James A. Levine

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 81

From the publisher Spiegel & Grau:

"It all began, Jim Levine told me, when, as part of his research for Mayo Clinic, he was interviewing homeless kids on a famous street of prostitution in Mumbai known as the Street of Cages. A young woman writing in a notebook outside of her cage caught his attention, and he interviewed her at length. The powerful image of a young prostitute engaged in the act of writing haunted him. And his career as a novelist was born."

From the ARC cover:

A Haunting Yet astonishingly hopeful story of a young Indian prostitute who uses writing and imagination to transcend her reality.

A tribute to the powers of imagination and the resilience of childhood, The Blue Notebook tells the story of Batuk, a precocious fifteen-year-old girl from rural India who was sold into sexual slavery by her father when she was nine. As she navigates the grim realities of the Common Street, Batuk manages to put pencil to paper, recording her private thoughts and stories in a diary. Taking us where few writers have dared to explore, The Blue Notebook is a devastating look at a global crisis. Yet it is also an unforgettable, deeply human, and beautifully crafted novel about the ability of stories to give meaning to our lives.

All of the U.S. Proceeds from this novel will be donated to the International and National Centers for Missing and Exploited Children.

WOW! What an eye-opener. The story of Batuk is absolutely heart-wrenching and deplorable. My experience reading this book was filled with cringing and gasping moments - just sickened at the possibility of this being remotely realistic. After a little bit of research (it didn't take much), I unfortunately discovered that variations of Batuk's story are not uncommon. My stomach literally flips and my skin crawls at the images left in my mind.

Interestingly enough, the story is told in a factual manner instead of from an emotional viewpoint. I was thankful for that. The facts alone were enough to trouble my heart. The dramatic, devastating events shocked me from the get-go, but without a doubt I was wide-eyed by page 4. The book is filled with explicit acts of violence and is hard to believe that it really happens. Even though, the subject is beyond tough, the author tells the story well, but leaves an ambiguous ending. Unfortunately, that did not leave me satisfied. Although, throughout the book - I was glued.

I applaud James A. Levine for addressing such a brutal subject - one that has to come to the surface. Also, my heart is hopeful that more awareness will create more action. Thank you, James for donating all the US proceeds of this book to the International and National Centers for Missing and Exploited Children to help in that process. I respect your work.

Thank you, Cindy, from Spiegel & Grau, for sending me this ARC. It has left a lasting impression on me. The book will be released on July 7, 2009.

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK (4 of 22)

Author: Charlie Drees - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (better than very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 29

A court-appointed attorney is assigned to defend a "two-time loser" who is charged with murder.

Sounds simple enough. However, defending someone who has already been in prison is one that already knows the ropes, making this particular task not so simple after all. This story is full twists and turns that were easy to follow, yet cleverly created.

THE ACTOR AND THE HOUSEWIFE

Author: Shannon Hale

Genre: Chick-Lit, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 80

From the cover:

What if you met your number-one dream celebrity - you know, the one your spouse has agreed you could run off with if ever you had the chance? And of course since it'll never happen it doesn't matter . . .

Mormon housewife Becky Jack is seven months pregnant with her fourth child when she meets celebrity heartthrob Felix Callahan. A few hours, one elevator ride, and one alcohol-free dinner later something has happened, though nothing has happened.... It isn't se*ual. It isn't even quite love. But soon Felix shows up in Salt Lake City to visit and before they know what's hit them, Felix and Becky are best friends - talk-on-the-phone, drop-everything-in-an-emergency, laugh-out-loud-at-stupid-jokes best friends.

Becky's loving and devoted husband, Mike, is mostly unconcerned. Her children roll their eyes. Her large extended family and neighbors gossip endlessly. But Felix and Becky have something special, something unusual, something that seems from the outside - and sometimes from the inside too - completely impossible to sustain.

On the surface, Becky's story of a steadfast housewife and the handsome star is the ultimate romantic fantasy. But the depth of emotion that Shannon Hale shows us in Becky is the srength that underpins only the strongest relationships. It is what makes this story resonate beyond the glitter of Felix's movie-stardom to the deeper understanding of the kinds of true love we all dream of having.

Shannon Hale has created a magical and often hilarious story that explores what might happen when your not-so-secret celebrity crush walks right into real life, and changes everything.

I requested this book because it was written by Shannon Hale. I have enjoyed a couple of her other books, so I thought I'd give this a try without knowing anything about it. It turned out to be not what I expected - at all! I can't say what I expected, but I know it wasn't this. And, "this" wasn't bad by any means, just different.

In general, I was surprised by the voice behind Becky! Was this really Shannon Hale's work? Not that she wasn't capable, but again - just not what I expected. The sarcastic wit was very fun and feisty, and for the most part was entertaining, but some times it seemed forced. Also, I didn't necessarily care for the plot. There are many ways in which to view Becky's choices and mine tended to side on the "not too pleased" side. For being a professed Mormon housewife (referred to in several scenarios, but not pushy), I would expect more from her. Also, Felix and Becky's husband, Mike, were not believable characters.

As a unique departure from strict chick-lit, The Actor and the Housewife was an okay read for me. Although, those that love humor and relational books should find themselves laughing and loving this one.

Thank you Kristina, from Bloomsbury USA, for sending me this book.

June Reads

66. April & Oliver (Callahan)

* AIBO or Love at First Sight (Bluestein)

67. Operation Yes (Holmes)

68. Hold Tight (Coben)

69. The First Part Last (Johnson)

* The Cut the Crap Machine (Bluestein)

70. Beach Trip (Holton)

* The Blanks (Bluestein)

71. Killer Angels (Shaara)

72. Wintergirls (Anderson)

73. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston)

74. Garden Spells (Allen)

75. The Angel's Game (Zafon)

* A Ruined World (Bluestein)

* North of the Faro (Bluestein)

* Tea (Bluestein)

76. Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales (Bluestein)

77. How Not To Look Old (Krupp)

* The Secret Session (Hoch)

* Designer Justice (Cohen)

78. The Chosen One (Williams)

* Follow Up (Dereske)

79. BoneMan's Daughters (Dekker)

*Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 1 - 2

Classic: 1 - 1

Fiction: 4 - 22

Memoir: 0 - 2

Mystery: 0 - 11

Non-Fiction: 1 - 1

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 1 - 3

Thriller: 2 - 13

True Crime: 0 - 1

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 4 - 10

YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 0 - 3

Children's Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 0 - 3

Short Stories: 9 - 28

Audiobooks: 7 - 47

Books: 7 - 32

Total: 14 - 79

Best Reads: 1 - 12

Series: 0 - 28

DNF: 0 - 3

BONEMAN'S DAUGHTERS

Author: Ted Dekker

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.5/5

Yearly Count: 79

From the audiobook cover:

Would you kill an innocent man to save your daughter?

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who's abducted six young women. He's the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them do die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan's estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. new evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.

Grrr. This book started out excellent. I was so captivated and mesmerized that I thought I was in for a winning read. As time went on - maybe the second half of the book, it evolved from excellence to acceptable to ridiculous. The characters and plot just fell apart. I'm definitely disappointed, especially starting out on such a fabulous note. Oh well.

Thank you, Anna from Hachette Audio, for providing me with this audiobook.

FOLLOW UP (3 of 22)

Author: Jo Dereske - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 28

Bi-monthly, Jeff travels to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Go Blue!) to determine if prisoners are ready for parole. This time, Jeff is traveling through a snow storm, and he encounters a woman who is stranded on the side of the road with her car in a ditch. Soon Jeff discovers that the woman is a mother of an inmate, and she doesn't know who he is or his occupation.

Another really good short story - that's 3 for 3! I never knew what was going to happen in this one, so I enjoyed the suspense. However, I had to reread parts of the story to make sure I didn't miss anything, because the ending wasn't defined as much as I would have liked it to be. I can surmise, but I would have preferred more clarity.

THE CHOSEN ONE

Author: Carol Lynch Williams

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 78

Kyra, at the age of 13, has been officially ordered by Prophet Childs (leader of the cult) to marry her 60-year-old uncle - in turn, becoming his 7th wife. Kyra is emphatically opposed to the idea and does whatever it takes to prevent it from happening. Does she succeed?

This book has watered the seed of curiosity in me. I am now, more than ever, ready and eager to learn more about the polygamy culture.

The Chosen One was well-written, and it opened my eyes to what may actually take place in a polygamist compound, but not knowing where truth and fiction blur, it wasn't easy for me to just accept what was happening. The characters and Kyra's home life seemed realistic, but once the tension began to build and reach an alarming state - I questioned the validity of the practicing cult members. I know it's fiction and my questioning didn't change my thoughts about the book, but I want to know the truth behind the fence.

I'd like to read a memoir of an escaped cult member. Any suggestions?

DESIGNER JUSTICE (2 of 22)

Author: Phyllis Cohen - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 27

A mugging turns into a murder, and the accused is on trial.

I really liked this one. The mugging, courtroom and outcome scenes are written with great clarity. I felt present throughout and loved the twist!

FRAGMENT ~ Mr. Joy's Thoughts

Author: Warren Fahy

Genre: Suspense, Standalone

Published: 2009

Mr. Joy's Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

I requested this book for Mr. Joy (my husband) when I noticed that there was reference made to Jurassic Park. After reading more about it, I thought it was a perfect fit - and I was right! :)

After he read it, I asked (out of courtesy to the publishers that provided this ARC) if he would write something up regarding his thoughts on the book. He agreed.

From the cover:

The time is now. The place is the Trident, a long-range research vessel hired by the reality show Sealife. Aboard is a cast of ambitious young scientists. With a director thirsting for drama, tiny Henders Island might be just what the show needs. Until the first scientist sets foot on Henders -- and the ultimate test of survival begins.

For this is not a lost world frozen in time, an island of mutants, or a lab where science has gone mad: this is Earth as it might have looked after evolving on a separate path for half a billion years. Here scientists will stumble on something more shocking than anything humanity has ever encountered: because among the terrors of Henders Island, one life form defies any scientific theory -- and must be saved at any cost.

As brilliantly imagined as Jurassic Park and The Ruins, Fragment is guaranteed to be summer '09's powerhouse suspense debut.

So . . . in the same vein as I write my posts, here is Mr. Joy in his first appearance on my blog - sharing his thoughts on Fragment:

A hot new reality show follows a group of hip, young scientists on their research ship out on the high seas. The group responds to a distress signal coming from what they think is a deserted island paradise. It doesn’t take very long to shatter those illusions.

From the book cover I thought this sounded like an interesting read and after the first few chapters it evolved into a compelling and intriguing drama that I just couldn’t put down. It has a great cast of characters, the opportunistic environmentalist, the fame crazed TV journalist, the endearing and earnest scientists and nature as it could be in the isolation of a kill or be killed world. I’m no biologist, but the science was believable and the story line was plausible. This debut novel kept me guessing and coming back for more. I can't wait to see what this author has for us next.

Thank you, Random House, Inc. for providing this ARC. Fragment was released on June 16, 2009.

BEACH TRIP

Author: Cathy Holton

Genre: Chick Lit, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 70

From the cover:

For four college friends, a beach trip promises a chance to reconnect and reminisce. Having traveled distinct and diverse paths in the early 1980s and their freshman days at a small southern women's college, the quartet -- now in their forties -- reunites for the first time in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Over the course of a week they eat, drink, laugh and cry. But one by one each reveals the hardship she's hidden from the others. And one secret threatens to change their lives, and their bond, forever.

If you are female and/or have lived on a college campus, you most likely will relate to the women in Beach Trip - in one way or another. The four women are unique (aren't we all?) and together make up an interesting group. Each individual woman's voice is heard via their background and current life situations as the author takes you back as early as 1981 during their college days to the more recent 2005 trip together to the beach. In addition, when in the year of 2005, there is reminiscing as well.

What I liked most was the author's ability to tell four different detailed stories of these women - with some being individualized and some being enmeshed with others. I didn't anticipate them to have as much depth as they turned out to have; however, I didn't anticipate them to be constantly drinking on the trip either. Despite the drinking, it was a good read for exploring friendships of the past and a hope for the future, with a healthy dose of reality thrown in. A reality that began during the most free, yet tumultuous time of their lives - living on their own for the first time.

This is not Cathy Holton's debut novel as she has already published two others: Revenge of the Kudzu Debutantes and Secret Lives of the Kudzu Debutantes.

MORE TOUR STOPS:

Thursday, June 25th: Books and Cooks
Friday, June 26th: Peeking Between the Pages
Monday, June 29th: It’s All About Books
Tuesday, June 30th: Bermuda Onion

Thank you, Lisa from TLC Book Tours for inviting me to join in on this tour.

THE SECRET SESSION (1 of 22)

Author: Edward D. Hoch - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 26

To ward off any bad publicity of the Court of Appeals, a judge resigned due to rumors circulating about his conduct. Later, another rumor surfaces, so an additional meeting is set up to determine its truth.

This was a good start to this collection. I felt that the characters reflected accurate emotions and thoughts, which made it realistic and relatable. Even though the mystery was easily solved, I enjoyed the process of solving it.

HOW NOT TO LOOK OLD

Author: Charla Krupp

Genre: Non-Fiction (beauty)

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count: 77

From the back cover:

RIGHT NOW, ARE YOU WEARING . . .

Too-short bangs . . . Granny glasses . . . Dark lipstick . . . Cakey foundation . . . Fake nails . . . A matchy-matchy outfit . . . Blue eye shadow . . . Baggy jeans?
All these things scream "Old Lady" to the world.
Look younger and hipper - right now!

Because looking great is critical to every woman's personal and financial survival, Charla Krupp offers a comprehensive plan to keep you in the game. Acclaimed by the press, her runaway bestseller has already helped hundreds of thousands of women. Now updated with new product and salon recommendations, as well as lists of go-to experts, her book, more than ever, teaches you how to look younger and hipper - and still appropriate. Discover:

* 10 things you can do in the next 10 minutes to take off 10 years

* What's too young, what's too old, what's just right

* When you should (and shouldn't) spend the big bucks

* The top 25 clothes that just gotta go

* High - , Medium - , and low - price options

* "Brilliant Buys" - shopping lists of products that really deliver

. . . and advice from Charla's A-list of hair pros, makeup artists, designers, dermatologists, cosmetic dentists, and personal shoppers.

What a wonderful surprise this book turned out to be! I did not request it, but I'm so glad to have received it. (Is someone trying to tell me something?!?) Anyway, I've been reading a little bit here and a little bit there, and have absorbed all sorts of fun little facts and ideas along the way. It is overflowing with fantastic ideas that can fit everybody's financial situation and to top it all off - it was simply a fun book to read!

Charla has a down-to-earth, matter-of-fact manner of speaking that can help any woman feel better and look better. She often uses herself as an example, but also points out well-known celebrities. Most of the tips are geared towards 40 - 60 year olds, but there are plenty examples and suggestions for those women in their 30s to maintain or ward off some of the natural aging process. It's definitely a book that I will keep as a treasured reference to assist me in not looking old. :)

This came out at approximately the same time as another 'beauty' book, so I believe credit goes to Anna from Hachette Book Group. Thank you so much, Anna. I truly enjoyed this gem.

TEA & OTHER AYAMA NA TALES

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 76

My trip to Ayama Na was definitely an interesting one. I met a lot of unique characters, which is usually fun, but the odd cultural differences made it out to be an uncomfortable place and one that I would not ever want to visit. Overall, I found this collection to be good, but felt a bit of gloom over most of the stories.

The author, Eleanor Bluestein, was the winner of the G.S. Sharat Chandra Prize for Short Story Fiction, Selected by Marly Swick. Congrats, Eleanor! :)

Here are the titles (linked to my thoughts) in the order in which I read them:

Pineapple Wars

Hamburger School

Skin Deep

The Artist's Story

AIBO or Love at First Sight

The Cut the Crap Machine

The Blanks

A Ruined World

North of the Faro

Tea

TEA (10 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 25

A seventeen year old is strongly rejecting the idea of a marriage that her father has arranged. She seeks guidance from her older brother.

This was a little peculiar, but Ayama Na has its oddities anyway, so it was no surprise. I liked the path in which the story took and found the brother to have a simple idea, but profound and odd in its execution. This story provided me a solid ending - one that was interesting to watch develop.

NORTH OF THE FARO (9 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

(ss) Yearly Count: 24

A woman with the gift of fortune-telling, a common practice in Ayama Na, informs a young man to walk a great distance to his future. The family is left to deal with his decision.

This was pretty good. The story turned out to be something totally different from where I thought it was going, so it was an interesting trek. The ending didn't hold as much flair, but made perfect sense.

A RUINED WORLD (8 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 2/5 (not enjoyable)

(ss) Yearly Count: 23

Two sisters, each with a child of their own, struggle with acceptance of one another while the children suffer the consequences.

My dislike of this story has nothing to do with the writing. Actually the writing, in and of itself, was obviously well done to provoke such unpleasant emotions in me. In general, I found the story to be very negative and without hope, making it an unenjoyable experience.

THE ANGEL'S GAME

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Genre: Fiction (magical realism), Prequel

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.75/5 (better than eh)

Yearly Count: 75

Amazon.com Review Book Description

From master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind, comes The Angel’s Game--a dazzling new page-turner about the perilous nature of obsession, in literature and in love.

“The whole of Barcelona stretched out at my feet and I wanted to believe that, when I opened those windows, its streets would whisper stories to me, secrets I could capture on paper and narrate to whomever cared to listen...

”In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martín, makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city’s underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house lie photographs and letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner.

Like a slow poison, the history of the place seeps into his bones as he struggles with an impossible love. Close to despair, David receives a letter from a reclusive French editor, Andreas Corelli, who makes him the offer of a lifetime. He is to write a book unlike anything that has ever existed--a book with the power to change hearts and minds. In return, he will receive a fortune, and perhaps more. But as David begins the work, he realizes that there is a connection between his haunting book and the shadows that surround his home.

Once again, Zafón takes us into a dark, gothic universe first seen in The Shadow of the Wind and creates a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Through a dizzingly constructed labyrinth of secrets, the magic of books, passion, and friendship blend into a masterful story.

First off, I have to say that I love this author's writing style. In The Angel's Game, I loved his word choice, the atmosphere he created in my mind, the sentence structure -- virtually all the dynamics of writing, except for the plot. There were some interesting and exciting parts that truly kept my attention, but it also contained parts that were extremely dry and dull. Also, at times the magical realism went a bit too far for me. Even with all that said, I am thankful to have had the experience of Zafon's storytelling. It's that ability that compelled me to read until the very end of the 544 page hardcover (470 page ARC), even though I wasn't enjoying it as much as I would have liked.

My thanks go to Doubleday for sending me the ARC. It allowed me to experience Carlos Ruiz Zafon's work when I might not have otherwise. This book was released on June 16, 2009.

GARDEN SPELLS

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Fiction (magical realism), Standalone

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

Yearly Count: 74

The sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley, have lived their adult lives separate from one another until unfortunate circumstances drive Sydney back home to Bascom, N.C. where Claire still resides in the family home. Both the sisters learn to deal with their relationship and their relationship with others, as well. Amidst their story is the added bonus of a peculiar backyard - one that contains a magical garden of sorts and a supernatural tree.

Out of the norm again - I found this book to be a little better than just okay. I didn't want to abandon it, but it did not draw me in either. The magical components were not way out there, so I was able to accept them with no problem (actually enjoyed them) - I just didn't think the story line was all that strong. It was definitely a light, quick read and I understand its appeal to others, but it held nothing special for me. I will not hesitate to give Allen's second novel, The Sugar Queen, a try. I'm hoping for a better outcome, though.

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

Author: Zora Neale Hurston

Genre: Classic, Standalone

Published: 1937

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 73

In Southern Florida, Janie Crawford, an African American in her 40s, recounts her relationships with men - which is the broad plot. How Janie grows as an independent woman is the heart of the story. The majority of her tale is told to her friend Pheoby regarding the years she spent out of town.

I was concerned about this one - my attention span was waning, but near the middle of the book my head was turned. As soon as one of Janie's suitors entered the picture I perked up; their "dance" was so much fun to observe.

While the audiobook was easy to follow along (no dialect adjustment on my part), I had to listen to the ramped up inflection and drama, which actually had a negative effect on my experience. However, despite the vocal gymnastics, I think this turned out to be a good classic read. Yay!

WINTERGIRLS

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 72

Eighteen-year-old Lea struggles with the eating disorder, anorexia. Her detailed trials and tribulations are brought to our attention through this first person narrative.

The interview with Laurie Halse Anderson at the end of the audiobook really makes this book come alive. It assists in our understanding that just because the story of Wintergirls is fiction, doesn't mean that the emotions and thoughts of this troubled girl are fiction, as well. Anderson included her personal research and the challenging thoughts she has had of her own body image.

The depth of Lea's despair was devastating and being in her mind was a very scary place to be. Listening to the magnitude of particular thoughts that propelled her into action was difficult, especially knowing outsiders can only do so much to help. While negative, repetitive thoughts are part of the disorder, for me as a reader, it became a bit redundant. Lea is a great example of the exhausting effects those types of repetitive thoughts can have on an individual and how they effect those closest to them.

THE KILLER ANGELS

Author: Michael Shaara

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Standalone

Published: 1974

Personal Rating: 2/5 (not enjoyable)

Yearly Count: 71

The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1 - 3, 1863, is described in detail by the key leaders including Confederate Generals Lee, Longstreet, and Armistead and Federal General Buford, Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain. We listen to each leader as they make difficult decisions and watch as they are carried out. In the process, we learn about each leader and can distinguish their personalities, and at the same time experience the painful pressures of war.

Many Civil War buffs have claimed that even those that don't have much interest in this historic timeframe would be enthralled with this book. I beg to differ. The Killer Angels would have been a DNF had I attempted to read it. However, it is a perfect choice for those that are curious about the minute details of the 3 days in Gettysburg. Unfortunately, the amount of curiosity I held was saturated by the time I reached the 2nd CD.

The contents are based on actual letters and other extensive research, but Shaara changed the dialog to represent the current flow of language. Also, Shaara was award the Pulitzer Prize for this work, and it was the basis for the movie Gettysburg in 1993. So, obviously more than a few like this book, but you won't be seeing me joining that camp.

THE BLANKS (7 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 22

An angry American couple visit Ayama Na and test the tour guide to his limits with their rude and obnoxious behavior.

I found this to be very interesting due to the psychological aspect of the characters. Figuring out why people make the choices they do, and how others are affected by them and respond to them was intriguing to me. There was a supernatural element to the story and usually I don't care for that, but it worked great in this one.

BEACH TRIP

Author: Cathy Holton

Genre: Chick Lit, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: Coming on June 24

Yearly Count: 70

From the cover:

For four college friends, a beach trip promises a chance to reconnect and reminisce. Having traveled distinct and diverse paths in the early 1980s and their freshman days at a small southern women's college, the quartet -- now in their forties -- reunites for the first time in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Over the course of a week they eat, drink, laugh and cry. But one by one each reveals the hardship she's hidden from the others. And one secret threatens to change their lives, and their bond, forever.

My thoughts will be posted on June 24 for

Cathy Holton's Book Tour through TLC Book Tours.

THE CUT THE CRAP MACHINE (6 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

(ss) Yearly Count: 21

Two polar opposite writers collaborate to produce the first play since the coup that wiped out almost every single artist and intellectual in the country.

The personalities of the two playwrights were clearly defined by their contribution to the play. I enjoyed reading the ping-pong activity of the 'good guy' dialog counteracting the 'bad guy' dialog. That was fun to anticipate; however, I did not anticipate the ending. I really like how it was presented, but not so much the content.

THE FIRST PART LAST

Author: Angela Johnson

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2003

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 69

Bobby at the age of 16 is determined to be the father that Feather, his newborn, needs him to be. We get a personal view into Bobby's life as he shares the details of his struggle.

Oh crud. I really wanted to like this one more. With the rave reviews and award it received, I didn't think I could miss. HA! I can't even blame my mood on this one - I was ready and in a good frame of mind for it. However, a 3.5/5 isn't a poor rating by far - it was good, but ultimately, I was not deeply touched or over impressed by the writing like I had hoped. Although, it was laced with emotion and authenticity making it a sentimental read.

Others have loved this book, so don't hesitate to go for it - it's really a novella, so it won't take you long. It's worth it. :)

*Recommended By: 3m from 1morechapter

HOLD TIGHT

Author: Harlan Coben

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 68

Mike and Tia Baye, of Glen Rock, New Jersey (just outside of New York), struggle with their 16-year-old son who is withdrawing after the suicide of a friend. What do they do? Do they intervene? Do they let his grieving emotions take their course? Concurrently, the city is struggling with their discoveries of tortured, then murdered woman adding even more angst to the Baye's life.

Hold Tight reminded me of a flow chart of life: if you do this, then life goes down this path - if not, then life takes the other path. But then, you have to add in the randomness that appears and it can change your life onto yet another path. Decisions we make do affect our life, of course, but we truly never know what would have happened if we did the opposite of our original choice. This book does a fabulous job of exploring those type of issues amongst family and city events that slowly merge together by the end. Even with the many subplots, much of this book was extremely realistic and very relatable, especially if you are a parent.

I don't think there's been a book by Harlan Coben that I haven't liked. He is definitely a solid, dependable author for me. I've never been disappointed. Do you have any authors like that?

OPERATION YES

Author: Sara Lewis Holmes

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 67

From the front cover:

PLAN A
Bo is going to behave for his new teacher.
His father, an airforce colonel, says so.

Gari is going to live peacefully with her cousin.
Her mother, an army nurse, says so.

Miss Loupe is going to teacher her class language arts, social studies, math and science.
What's to stay secret: the theater lessons - and her tattoo.


PLAN B
Bo stages a food fight.
His father isn't pleased.

Gari stages a protest.
The army isn't pleased.

And when something happens that none of them could plan for . . .
they lose Miss Loupe too.

And what comes out of this is . . .


PLAN C
It involves misbehaving - and working together.
Protests, fighting - and making something amazing.

For everyone's parents. Everyone's families.

It's a plan so big, so daring, so life-changing, that it can only be called:

OPERATION YES

This book was part of a generous package I was so grateful to receive from Scholastic. As I glanced at the covers and read the titles, I immediately thought this was a "boy book" because of the green, plastic army men on the cover. After a closer look, I noticed a piece of chalk and an eraser - the army men were standing on a chalkboard ledge. Now, that got my attention! I love school and almost everything about it, so I opened the book. I have to say that I immediately was swooped up in the story and had to make myself stop at page 12. (If I didn't - I would not have stopped and I couldn't add another book to my current readings.) Yesterday, I finally had an opportunity to squeeze it in and discovered that it is not a "boy book" - it's good for all.

The story takes place on an Air Force base, so the military theme was throughout. It was interesting to watch how the children dealt with their emotions and thoughts about the war and their parents' role in it. It has spurred a desire to read more about military families. Anybody know of any good books?

I thoroughly enjoyed being with the students from Room 208. They were not the silly, lovesick classmates one might expect at that age, but they were still children that made mistakes and learned along the way. I felt like the class was very typical in many respects, so it's a very relatable book for children and adults alike. Amazon labels it as YA, but in relationship to other YA books I have read - this fits better in a 9 - 12 age group. It's a good, clean book. Also, the students were blessed with a unique teacher that inspired learning in all areas of their lives and would especially appeal to educators.

Many thanks to you, Tracy, for sharing the goodness of Scholastic! OPERATION YES will be published in September, 2009.

AIBO OR LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT (5 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

(ss) Yearly Count: 20

A rice farmer gets swept up in illicit behavior when circumstances force him to work in a factory to support his family.

This story contains a lesson on how devastating it can be when we do not keep our eyes and thoughts where they belong.

APRIL & OLIVER

Author: Tess Callahan

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 66

From the back cover:

Soul mates since childhood, the attraction between April and Oliver has always been palpable. Years after being completely inseparable, they become strangers, but the wildly differnt paths of their lives collide once again withthe sudden death of April's brother. Se*ual tension builds as Oliver, the responsible, newly engaged law student, finds himself drawn more than ever to the reckless, mystifying April -- and cracks begin to appear in his carefully constructed life. Even as Oliver attempts to "save" his childhood friend from her grief, her manacing boyfriend, and herself, it soon becomes apparent that Oliver has some secrets of his own -- secrets he hasn't shared with anyone, even his fiancee. But April knows, and her reappearance in his life derails him. Is it really April's life that is unraveling, or is it his own? The answer awaits at the end of a downward spiral . . . toward salvation.

My experience with this book was pretty rocky at first. I did not like April in the first 50 pages, but with a little help from my friend Mary from Bookfan-Mary (she loved it, btw), I decided it would be best to give April a break. My feelings of dislike did turn into something resembling compassion, and I was able to continue on. Even though I did not agree with all of Oliver's actions, I was able to connect with him more, and for the most part, I liked him.

The plot itself or maybe more like - where the two would encounter one another, seemed a bit contrived, but once in the moment, the emotions felt like anything but contrived. The tension and confusion were palpable, and the suspense of what the ending may entail was always there.

Overall, it's a read filled with gloomy anxiety that went hand-in-hand with the characters. It turned out to be a good one, though, and I'm glad I stuck with it.

My thanks go to Miriam, from Hachette Book Group, for sending me this ARC! April & Oliver will be released on June 3, 2009.

May Reads

*Pineapple Wars (Bluestein)

55. Glory in Death (Robb)

56. The Weight of Heaven (Umrigar)

*Hamburger School (Bluestein)

57. Still Life (Fielding)

58. Astrid & Veronika (Olsson)

*Serial (Kilborn & Crouch)

59. The Scarecrow (Connelly)

60. A World I Never Made (LePore)

61. The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Pearson)

62. Voodoo River (Crais)

63. The Walking People (Keane)

*Skin Deep (Bluestein)

*The Artist's Story (Bluestein)

64. The Dead and the Gone (Pfeffer)

65. The Reader (Schlink)

*Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 0 - 1

Fiction: 4 - 18

Memoir: 0 - 2

Mystery: 2 - 11

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 0 - 2

Thriller: 3 - 11

True Crime: 0 - 1

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 0 - 6

YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 2 - 3

Children's Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 0 - 3

Short Stories: 5 - 19

Audiobooks: 7 - 40

Books: 4 - 25

Total: 11 - 65

Best Reads: 0 - 11

Series: 2 - 28

DNF: 0 - 3

THE READER

Author: Bernhard Schlink

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 1997

Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (better than very good)

Yearly Count: 65

As an adult, Michael recounts and reflects upon his relationship with Hanna, a 40-year-old woman, when he was a mere 15. His memories include the surprising discovery of when she was on trial for her past involvement with the Nazi Party.

I was absorbed in Michael's story from the first word until the very last. There was romance, philosophy, law and compelling writing that brought about many thoughts and questions. It's a memorable read.

THE DEAD AND THE GONE

Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Companion

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 2/5 (not enjoyable)

Yearly Count: 64

New York experiences the ramifications of an astroid ramming into the moon - knocking it out of kilter. The focus is on Alex, 17 and his younger sisters Bri, 15 and Julie, 13.

Last year, Life As We Knew It was a "Best Read" for me and so, The Dead and the Gone was a highly anticipated read. Boy did it fall short. I am a believer, so a little spirituality sprinkled here and there isn't bad, but GEEZ - this book was oozing Catholicism. I didn't like it or appreciated it in the least. Also, the characters were just not believable.

What I did like was the general plot - how the city would respond to the devastating changes and the plans that would unfold. That was what kept me interested.

Let's Talk with James LePore!

James LePore

author of

A World I Never Made

(my thoughts)

Joy ~ Who or what was your inspiration for writing A World I Never Made?

James ~ I had written two other novels that were not published. I was determined, however, to keep on writing. One night I was told a very sad story about a young woman who had committed suicide and left a taped message to each of her parents and siblings. This woman had been seemingly happy. But what if she had had reason to be angry at one of her loved ones? What was on those cassettes? What story did they tell? I got to thinking about a father-daughter relationship that had gone wrong, that had given the daughter reason to be bitter, and angry at her father. And then it occurred to me that a faked suicide could be the premise for a story not only of adventure but of the process of redemption for such a father and daughter. This was the genesis of A World I Never Made.

Joy ~ I really enjoy learning about the path that an author's thoughts have travelled when arriving at a premise. A sad situation turned into something positive with your story.

Joy ~ Are you currently working on something new? If so, will you tell us about it?

James ~ I am about a third of the way through a novel about a divorced Manhattan D.A. (the guy who handles all the office’s toughest murder prosecutions), whose twenty-two year old son is wrongly accused of murder. The son is not a likeable character. Arrogant and spoiled by his mother (who is re-married to a super rich Syrian oil magnate) he is selfish and contemptuous of most people, including his father. Nevertheless the father quits his job, so as to negate any conflict of interest, and, with the help of a beautiful attorney friend, works his way through many layers of deceit and great danger, to prove his son’s innocence.

Joy ~ Ohhhhhh, this sounds intriguing. Quitting his job as the D.A. speaks loud and clear about his commitment to his son.

With this response, you have somewhat answered my next question.

Joy ~ Do you have any plans to incorporate your former career as a lawyer into a future novel?

James ~ I did not do criminal law, but often tried civil cases to juries, so yes and no. The criminal law element I can either figure out or do research or consult with an expert.

Joy ~ I love the courtroom, so I look forward to the possibility of reading some jury scenes in your future books.

Joy ~ What does a day in the life of James LePore look like?

James ~ I try to write every day for four or five hours. After that my brain is tired so I do something else that doesn’t involve too much thinking. People can look at my photography at www.nakedeyeimages.com.

Joy ~ There are many book bloggers that enjoy photography, too. We'll all have to take a peek! :)

Joy ~ What is your greatest challenge as a writer? What is the most rewarding?

James ~ I think the greatest challenge is to write as truly and honestly as possible. Hemingway said that good writers have built-in ‘b.s.’ detectors, which I hope I have. When I hit this mark that’s the reward in itself.

Joy ~ I agree that reaching one's own goals is pure satisfaction.

Joy ~ Do you believe that a writer needs to read, read, read in order to write? What are you reading now?

James ~ Yes, I think reading is essential. I am currently reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, a tour de force so good that it should not be a model for writers but simply an inspiration.

Joy ~ Unfortunately, Cloud Atlas is not the book I read by David Mitchell, but I have read numerous raving reviews about it and have it on my TBR list. I'm happy to learn that you are among the ravers, too.

Joy ~ Do you have a home library? If so, what genre dominates the shelves? If not, why not?

James ~ I have thousands of books, mostly all novels. They include most of the American, English and international classics, and many contemporary novels that fall into the adventure/thriller genre.

Joy ~ Thousands!!! Wow! So there's no need to ask if you've been a reader throughout your life - well, since adulthood anyway. Well, I guess you could be a collector and not a reader, but I thinking you may be both. ;)

Joy ~ I have corresponded with many publishing representatives, authors and bloggers to ask their opinion of negative or underwhelming book reviews. I’m curious as to what your thoughts are on that topic. Do you agree with the cliché, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity?” Why or why not?

James ~ I’m not sure how to answer this. Bad reviews can’t be good, but then again Van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive.

Joy ~ Well, I hope you have many, many years of positive reviews to enjoy.

Joy ~ Highly recommended books – would you share a few of yours?

James ~ There are too many to list, but here are a few:

Lucky Jim, by Kingsley Amis

The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway

The Leopard, by G. De Lampedusa

So Long, See You Tomorrow, by Wm. Maxwell

Cry The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton

James ~ Okay - I'm slightly embarrassed. I have not read any of your choices. I have heard of two of them, but they haven't made it into my hands . . . yet. At least, Cry, the Beloved Country (Paton) is on my TBR Shelf. That should count for something, huh? :)

Joy ~ Thank you, James, for sharing some of yourself with us. It's always interesting to learn a little bit about the person behind the book. I appreciate your time, and I hope you enjoy your monthly tour around the blogosphere.

Future James LePore's Tour Stops with TLC Book Tours

THE ARTIST'S STORY (4 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

(ss) Yearly Count: 19

Alan Jackman travels to Ayama Na for business a few times a year, but this time he is on a rescue mission for his mistress's brother, and it leads him to the seediest parts of town.

This story has some unique characters in it that kept me curious, and I could visualize the setting. However, the ending wasn't as climatic as I expected, so it left me feeling a little let down.

SKIN DEEP (3 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 18

Song, a university student, takes a year off to participate in beauty pageants. She is ambivalent to begin with, but eventually gets swept up in the hoopla.

I enjoyed this trip down the walkway. Song is a great example of people that come to crossroads in their life - a decision needs to be made, but at what cost? This lesson was taught in a very unique way. I liked it.

Give-Away Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS!

There are 5 winners of:

ARAID

Jack Kilborn

Sharon 54220

Rabid Fox

Vickie

Scottsgal

Stephanie

I look forward to reading your reviews!

I have all your e-mail addresses, so I will be contacting you. The actual book will be mailed to you by Brianne from Hachette Book Group.

THE WALKING PEOPLE

Author: Mary Beth Keane

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 63

In the mid-50s, many of the families living on the West coast of Ireland already immigrated to surrounding countries and the United States of America. Johanna (18) is intrigued by the prospect of adventure, yet her younger sister, Greta (16) who isn't that adept at managing her life, has concerns about leaving the rest of the family at home. Eventually, Johanna meets a gypsy boy, Michael, and the three of them travel to the new world.

The Walking People is not focused on the walking people per se, but it does contain characters that have lifestyles that resemble the gypsies in one form or another. Its focus is about family and the challenges and joys that life can bring.

This is Mary Beth Keane's debut novel and it is well done. There were 5 sections to the book that indicated a change in time and concluded in 2007. I enjoyed the section that switched to an epistolary style. That was a nice addition. The plot, in general, was a bit slow for my taste, but I still liked reading about Greta's life. She had a simple personality, but she grew and changed over the decades.

Thank you, Keturah, from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for sending me this ARC. The Walking People was released on May 20, 2009.

VOODOO RIVER

Author: Robert Crais

Genre: Mystery, Series #5

Published: 1995

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 62

Elvis Cole, LA private eye, travels to Louisiana to find the biological parents of a well-known actress.

This book provided the missing piece I've been waiting for. Having read the series out-of-order (my bad), I already knew something and wondered how it came to be. Now I know. :)

Elvis's wit continues (and again, some phrases are repeated too often, but I still like him - a lot) and Joe Pike makes his appearance as well, making this a another very good mystery.

THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX

Author: Mary E. Pearson

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 61

Jenna Fox is a 17-year-old that was badly injured in an accident. Her father, as a scientist, had access to the latest technology to save her life - even when there was only 10% of Jenna's brain to save. When Jenna wakes up, she has to face who or what she has become.

Science fiction has really grown on me over the last couple of years, as has YA, but this one just didn't hit me right. Nothing stood out as red flags, but nothing enticed me either. However, at the end of the audio version, there was a short interview of Mary E. Pearson, and I did enjoy that.

Give-Away Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Bobbi Brown Living Beauty (Bobbi Brown)

*Pam

Vickie

The Man's Book: The Essential Guide for the Modern Man

(Thomas Fink)

Bridget3420

*thatsthebook

*BevE

Carlene

MarionG

The Women's Murder Club (James Patterson)

Audiobook Set (Books 1 - 3)

Dar

Trish

The Women's Murder Club (James Patterson)

Audiobook Set (Books 4 - 6)

Debs Desk

*Ms. Bookish

*Okay you lucky ducks - please leave your e-mail address in the comments of this post, and after I record it, I'll delete it. You must respond by Wednesday, May 20, 2009 or another name will be drawn. So - hurry! :)

A WORLD I NEVER MADE

Author: James LePore

Genre: Suspense, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 60

From the front cover:

A major novel of suspense, love, betrayal and terror by a powerful new writer. Pat Nolan, an American man, is summoned to Paris to claim the body of his estranged daughter Megan, who has committed suicide. The body, however, is not Megan's and it becomes instantly clear to Pat that Megan staged this, that she is in serious trouble, and that she is calling to him for help.

This sends Pat on an odyssey that stretches across France and into the Czech Republic and that makes him the target of both the French police and a band of international terrorists. Joining Pat on his search is detective Catherine Laurence, a beautiful but tormented Paris detective who sees in Pat something she never thought she'd find - genuine passion and desperate need. As they look for Megan, they come closer to each other's souls and discover love when both had long given up on it.

Juxtaposed against this story is Megan's story. A freelance journalist, Megan is in Morocco to do research when she meets Abdel Lahani, a Saudi businessman. They begin a torrid affair, a game Megan has played often and well in her adult life. But what she discovers about Lahani puts her in the center of a different kind of game, one with rules she can barely comprehend. Because of her relationship with Lahani, Megan has made some considerable enemies. And she has put the lives of many - maybe even millions - at risk.

A WORLD I NEVER MADE is an atmospheric novel of suspense with brilliantly drawn characters and back-stories as compelling as the plot itself. It is the kind of novel that resonates deeply and leaves its traces long after you turn the final page.

A World I Never Made is James LePore's debut novel and is one of suspense, indeed. The story is told in alternating parts: Pat's search for Megan in 2004, and Megan's life in 2003, which leads up to the 2004 search. Both parts contain continual action and kept me turning the pages. I really liked the writing technique of the two years eventually merging.

It's unfortunate for me when I read a lot of foreign names and places because I tend to get mixed up. Due to the large cast of characters and the unfamiliar territory, I found it difficult to keep every person/group straight. I managed, but in the beginning I had to work at it. Also, in general, I liked the main characters, but would have liked to have known them at a deeper level.

Interestingly enough, the book has left me with an unexpected curiosity. A group of Gypsies played a role in this book, and they have piqued my interest. I hope to learn more about them and their ways.

MORE TOUR STOPS:

Thursday, June 4th: Raging Bibliomania

Monday, June 8th: Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Thursday, June 11th: Under the Boardwalk

Monday, June 15th: The Printed Page

Thursday, June 18th: Life in the Thumb

Monday, June 22nd: Alvah’s Books

Tuesday, June 23rd: The Bookworm

Thursday, June 25th: Jen’s Book Thoughts

Tuesday, June 30th: Beth Fish Reads

Thank you, Lisa from TLC Book Tours for inviting me to join in on this tour.

Later on "Thoughts of Joy..."

I asked James quite a few basic questions about his life as an author. I hope you'll come back and read what he has to say.

You can read the interview HERE!

Give-Away: AFRAID

Brianne at Hachette Book Group has generously offered me 5 copies of AFRAID (Kilborn) to give away. It is a horror novel - you have been forewarned!

ARAID

Jack Kilborn

From Publishers Weekly

Known for cop thrillers, J.A. Konrath (Fuzzy Navel) debuts his Jack Kilborn pseudonym and reveals some serious horror chops in this carnival of carnage. Five government-sponsored Red-ops fighters, psychotic torturers with modified brains and extensive training in killing anyone in their way, have been accidentally assigned to a mission in small, sleepy Safe Haven, Wis. Gen. Alton Tope sends in a dozen Green Berets, two other Special Forces teams, navy SEALs and some marines, all of whom may be just about enough to stop the killers. The townies also band together to save their little rural paradise, though several get trampled into red goo along the way. Any attempt to make a point about U.S. support of international terrorism gets a bit lost in the gore fest, but fans of gross-out horror will love it.

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY (up to 4 entries):

1. Leave a comment that you downloaded the free novella SERIAL by Kilborn & Crouch. (1 entry)

2. Leave a separate comment that you are interested in this book. (1 entry)

3. Leave a separate comment linking to where you blog about this give-away (either a post or the sidebar). (1 entry)

4. Leave another separate comment indicating where you follow my blog (new followers welcome). (1 entry)

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, May 25 , 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - another name will be drawn on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

~ The give-away is open to people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada. (No PO Boxes)

HAPPY ENTERING!

THE SCARECROW

Author: Michael Connelly

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 59

Going out with a bang is what Jack McEvoy decides to do right after he is informed that he is laid off from his job as a newspaper reporter. His "bang" is going to be the best story of his journalistic career. Jack begins by following a lead to reveal someone's innocence and then, uncovers someone else's guilt.

What I liked best about this book was the journalistic angle. It was interesting to learn the jargon and the general goings-on in the newspaper business. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed being by Jack's side as he discovered new information.

The main character, Jack, happens to be the reporter from Connelly's book The Poet. I didn't read The Poet, but I did read The Narrows, which follows it (didn't know that at the time - oops). However, it is not necessary to be familiar with Jack - The Scarecrow definitely stands on its own.

Thank you, Miriam, from Hachette Book Group for sending me this ARC. I'm grateful! The Scarecrow will be released on May 26, 2009.

SERIAL - An Exclusive eBook (Novella)

SERIAL

Jack Kilborn & Blake Crouch

SERIAL is a terrifying tale of hitchhiking gone terribly wrong. Like a deeply twisted version of an “After School Special,” it is the single most persuasive public service announcement on the hazards of free car rides. SERIAL is a horror novella.

The SERIAL eBook also contains a Q&A with Kilborn and Crouch, author bibliographies, and excerpts from their most recent and forthcoming works: Kilborn’s Afraid and Crouch’s Abandon.

FREE DOWNLOAD

(bottom right-corner under Book Extras)

My thoughts of SERIAL can be found here.

There's more . . .

Watch for a Give-Away later this week! All you have to do is let me know that you downloaded the FREE eBook SERIAL and you will be entered in the give-away. What's the give-away, you ask? Trust me, it's so good, it's scary! :) Stay tuned.

Thank you, Brianne, at Hachette Book Group for offering up this exciting, exclusive eBook!

SERIAL

Authors:

Jack Kilborn (aka J. A. Konrath)

& Blake Crouch

Genre: Horror Novella, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 17

SERIAL is a terrifying tale of hitchhiking gone terribly wrong. Like a deeply twisted version of an “After School Special,” it is the single most persuasive public service announcement on the hazards of free car rides.

You are left with no doubts as to the moral of this novella, and it is "deeply twisted", indeed! There were three chapters, all of which read with lightning speed; however, the first two were horrific (yes, it has lived up to its genre). They were actually sickening, but I had to see what was going to happen in the third. It, too, was no bed of roses, but it was not as descriptive - thank goodness! I actually couldn't take my eyes off the pages, due to the very clever twist.

I have rated this novella "very good" for the wrap up of the story, not the ugly horror. (I don't think I fully understood what I was getting myself in to when I read it.) If you are in the least bit squeamish, I don't think this is for you. And be prepared if you aren't, you just might become so. EEK!

ASTRID & VERONIKA

Author: Linda Olsson

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 58

After some emotional events in her life, Veronika rents a house in a small village to begin working on her second book in solitude. Her closest neighbor, Astrid, is an older woman with emotional baggage as well. The two strike up a gentle, compassionate relationship.

This was a heartwarming tale. The back stories of both women were interesting, and I enjoyed the slowly developed relationship; however, it was a bit predictable and sometimes choppy in the timing. Despite that, Olsson's writing was like watching a loved artist paint. You sense that it's going to be beautiful, and you know that every brush stroke is created with gentleness and precision, afterwards you are left with a quiet and pleasurable experience.

STILL LIFE

Author: Joy Fielding

Genre: Suspense, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 57

A life full of joys - a wonderful husband, friends, a dream job and money, it all comes to a screeching halt when Casey is hit by a car and falls into a coma. Once she begins to wake up, Casey realizes that her world is dark and she's incapable of any movement, but her hearing - it's sharp. As the days go by, Casey listens to the conversations of doctors, nurses, friends and family that were unaware. Eventually, Casey questions if the hit-and-run wasn't an accident after all.

Outside of a traumatic event, being the proverbial fly on the wall is something that many of us have had the desire to be at one time or another. In this case, it wasn't close to a wanted experience. The frustration level that Casey feels is what we might expect - a trapped feeling. I felt Casey's frustration and wouldn't wish that on anybody. It definitely makes you think about how you might handle the situation.

The plot was predictable, and I didn't care for the narrator's (audiobook) interpretation of some of the characters, but I still liked being the fly on the wall to Casey's story.

*Recommended By: Dar from Peeking Between the Pages

HAMBURGER SCHOOL (2 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 16

Something not-quite-right is going on at the McDonald's where two high school friends work.

I liked this one for its wise thinking or philosophical view. Also, I enjoyed that the story had a circular nature, making this 2 for 2. I'm curious to see if the other stories in this collection will follow that pattern.

THE WEIGHT OF HEAVEN

Author: Thrity Umrigar

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 56

With the devastating death of their 7-year-old boy, Frank accepts his boss's offer to run the company in India. Frank and his wife, Ellie, pack up their belongings, rent out their home in Ann Arbor, MI (Go Blue!) and fly off to discover a new land, a new life and new personal discoveries.

I had slight variations in my feelings as I travelled through this book. The beginning was engaging. The characters had real-life qualities that created a desire to follow their story to see how they would deal with their loss and the adjustment of living in a foreign country. The middle lost some of the spark and drive. There was a shift in time, so the content had a more settled-in feeling, and frankly, I was more interested in getting back to the current story. Then the ending - it was dramatic.

Like all people, Ellie and Frank deal with the death of their son in their own ways; however, there's a palpable, life-breathing ache inside Frank that can touch even the coldest soul.

Thank you, Kevin, from Harper Collins Publishers for sending me this ARC.

Four Fabulous Give-Aways!

Bobbi Brown Living Beauty (Bobbi Brown)

Click here for details.

The Man's Book: The Essential Guide for the Modern Man

(Thomas Fink)

Click here for details.

The Women's Murder Club (James Patterson)

Audiobook Set (Books 1 - 3)

1st to Die (my thoughts)

2nd Chance

3rd Degree

Click here for details.

The Women's Murder Club (James Patterson)

Audiobook Set (Books 4 - 6)

4th of July

5th Horseman

6th Target

Click here for details.

#4 Give-Away: Women's Murder Club Audiobooks (4-6)

I have the pleasure of giving away 2 audiobook sets of Women's Murder Club, courtesy of Anna from Hachette Audio!

Women's Murder Club

Boxed Audio Set

(Books: 4 - 6)

From James Patterson's Website:

4th of July

After an arrest goes awry, Lindsay finds herself facing police brutality charges. But taking time off to cool down proves harder then she thought. As she heads out of town, Lindsay finds herself in the middle of a killing spree, and must locate the killers before they find her. Back in San Francisco, the Women's Murder Club helps to get Lindsay through the trial...but will she be found innocent?

The 5th Horseman

Patients at San Francisco medical Center are mysteriously dying hours before they are to be released with a clean bill of health. Lindsay and the rest of the Women's Murder Club begin their own investigation into the hospital, but the list of suspects proves to be as long as the list of patients.

The 6th Target

Someone opens fire on unsuspecting pedestrians and one of the Women's Murder Club is caught in the middle. As she struggles for her life, the others must work fast to track down the madman. In another part of the city, somebody is targeting children and their nannies. As the kidnappers await their ransom, Lindsay and company are faced with finding the mastermind before more children are harmed.

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY:

~ Leave a comment on this post that you are interested in this audiobook set.

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, May 18, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, May 20, 2009, another name will be drawn.

~ The give-away is open to 2 people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada. (No PO Boxes)

HAPPY ENTERING!

#3 Give-Away: Women's Murder Club Audiobooks (1-3)

I have the pleasure of giving away 2 audiobook sets of Women's Murder Club, courtesy of Anna from Hachette Audio!

Women's Murder Club

Boxed Audiobook Set

(Books: 1 - 3)

From James Patterson's Website:

1st To Die

A serial killer is stalking and murdering newlyweds on their honeymoon. San Francisco Homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer takes the case and along the way meets three other women–a lawyer, a reporter, and the city medical examiner. Joining forces to solve this gruesome crime, the Women's Murder Club is born.

2nd Chance

When family members of San Francisco cops are found dead, Detective Lindsay Boxer, Medical examiner Claire Washburn, reporter Cindy Thomas and Assistant D.A. Jill Bernhardt are faced with a tough case. As the killer looks for his next victim, the women must quickly track him down before he kills again.

3rd Degree

Lindsay Boxer and friends must track down a deadly terror group who begins their killing spree by blowing up an expensive townhouse–with the family still inside. In the meantime, a member of the club may be in some trouble of her own and Lindsay could be too late to save her.

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY:

~ Leave a comment on this post that you are interested in this audiobook set.

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, May 18, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, May 20, 2009, another name will be drawn.

~ The give-away is open to 2 people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada. (No PO Boxes)

HAPPY ENTERING!

#2 Give-Away: The Man's Book

I have the pleasure of giving away 5 copies of The Man's Book, courtesy of Anna from Hachette Book Group USA!

The Man's Book: The Essential Guide for the Modern Man

Thomas Fink

Product Description

Being modern and manly in today's world isn't always easy.

Do you know how to tie a bow-tie, mix a martini, or make a potato gun?

Do you know when to get married and how to break up, or the difference between a bock beer and a bitter?

Do you know which urinal to choose or how to start a fire with a Coke can?

The answers to every man's burning questions are within these pages, from the morning wet shave to the whiskey night-cap, from hunting deer with a .30-06 to wooing women like 007. At a time when the sexes are muddled and masculinity is marginalized, THE MAN'S BOOK unabashedly celebrates maleness. Organized by subject in a man-logical way, it's the go-to guide for anyone with a Y chromosome.

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY:

~ Leave a comment on this post that you are interested in this book.

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, May 18, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, May 20, 2009, another name will be drawn.

~ The give-away is open to 5 people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada. (No PO Boxes)

HAPPY ENTERING!

#1 Give-Away: Bobbi Brown Living Beauty

I have the pleasure of giving away 5 copies of Bobbi Brown Living Beauty, courtesy of Anna from Hachette Book Group USA!

Bobbi Brown Living Beauty

Bobbi Brown

Product Description:

Bobbi Brown, CEO of her eponymous cosmetics company, began the trend toward natural-looking cosmetics with a simple philosophy: "Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident." Today, top editors at elite fashion magazines--including In Style, Vogue, Allure, and Harper's Bazaar--revere her, and celebrities and millions of "regular" women throughout the world swear by her beauty advice.

Now on her own 50th birthday, Bobbi Brown has written the book redefining beauty for women over 40, BOBBI BROWN LIVING BEAUTY. In this refreshing look at beauty and aging, Bobbi offers readers specific makeup tricks for a stunning face--showing how makeup can solve most of the "flaws" that many women go under the knife to fix. In fact, the right makeup can create an even skin tone, lift the cheeks, plump a smile...even take years off any woman's face. The key is to use makeup to enhance each woman's best features and showcase her natural beauty. With step-by-step makeup instructions and quotes from beautiful women like Marcia Gay Harden, Vera Wang, Susan Sarandon, and Lorraine Bracco, Bobbi Brown's natural, celebratory approach to aging will enlighten and inspire women everywhere.

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY:

~ Leave a comment on this post that you are interested in this book.

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, May 18, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, May 20, 2009, another name will be drawn.

~ The give-away is open to 5 people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada. (No PO Boxes)

HAPPY ENTERING!

GLORY IN DEATH

Author: J. D. Robb

Genre: Romance Mystery, Series #2

Published: 1995

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 55

The second edition of the In Death series has Lt. Eve Dallas hunting down a serial killer of strong, high-profiled women. Also, they all have a connection with Rourke, Eve's boyfriend.

I think this is the end of the line for the In Death series for me. My plan was to give the second book a chance, and I have accomplished that. The mystery and the characters are very good; I really enjoyed those components. I even like the futuristic elements in the story - they add a touch of uniqueness that is appealing. However, the repeated romance scenes are not. I love the tension and banter between Eve and Rourke, but the rest is stuff I just don't care to read. Onward I go!

PINEAPPLE WARS (1 of 10)

Author: Eleanor Bluestein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Tea & Other Ayama Na Tales, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 15

There are ten short stories in this collection, and they all are set in Ayama Na, which is a fictional country in South East Asia. In this first story, a brother and sister need to make arrangements for their ailing father.

I have had a difficult time rating this first of ten. This is one of those stories that the more I think about it, the more I appreciate (like) it. It's difficult for me to express that I "liked it", because of the story's content. I can say that I've been ruminating on it, for sure. So #1 has made me very eager to explore more of the country and its people in story #2.

April Reads

40. A Cold Day in Paradise (Hamilton)

41. Shanghai Girls (See)

42. The Girl She Used To Be (Crisofano)

*Prominent Couple Slain (Potter)

43. The Keepsake (Gerritsen)

44. Poisoned Love (Cane)

*May 18, 2010 (Potter)

45. Crank (Hopkins)

46. 1st to Die (Patterson)

47. Among the Mad (Winspear)

48. Dairy Queen (Murdock)

49. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Bradley)

50. The Big Sleep (Chandler)

51. Crazy for the Storm (Ollestad)

52. Out Stealing Horses (Petterson)

*Bent, Not Broken (Potter)

*Surviving the Fall (Potter)

53. Lighting the Dark Side (Potter)

54. Manhunt (Swanson)

*Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 0 - 1

Fiction: 3 - 14

Memoir: 2 - 2

Mystery: 5 - 11

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 1 - 2

Thriller: 1 - 8

True Crime: 1 - 1

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 2 - 6

YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 0 - 1

Children's Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 0 - 3

Short Stories: 4 - 14

Audiobooks: 9 - 33

Books: 6 - 21

Total: 15 - 54

Best Reads: 3 - 11

Series: 7 - 26

DNF: 1 - 3

MANHUNT

Author: James L. Swanson

Genre: Historical True Crime, Standalone

Published: 2006

Personal Rating: 5/5

Yearly Count: 54

This is the historical account of the John Wilkes Booth chase after he assassinated President Lincoln. The 12 days it took to apprehend him are told in detail, along with the events that led up to the assassination and following his capture.

I thought this was absolutely excellent! The rich components make it a complete and fascinating story from beginning to end. There are many characters in the book and each are very purposefully explained in terms of how they fit into the plot, so I did not experience any confusion. Also, it is told with fluidity and suspense, even though we know the outcome. I now feel well-versed on the assassination of President Lincoln and have already shared unknown details with family and friends. :) Great book.

Friendly Blogger Award

Bonnie from Redlady's Reading Room bestowed this award upon me and I am handing it right back to her. :) If you haven't been by her blog yet, this would be a great time - she is hosting a give-away. Thank again for the award, Bonnie!

Proximidade & Super Comments Award

Joanna from It's All About Me has passed on the Proximidade award to me. Thank you! Joanna is a self-professed Reading Challenge Addict, so it's no surprise that she is a participant in numerous challenges for the 2009 year. She also participates in memes. Her latest blog post is a meme about Diversity in Reading; you may want to stop by and give it a try yourself. Thanks again, Joanna.

Suey from It's All About Books gave this award to the last 10 commenters and I happened to be one of them. :) Thanks Suey!

Here's a bit from Suey's blog. It's a description of her "perfect day":

My perfect day would include a couple of hours reading (probably YA), a couple of hours doing computer connections, a couple of hours at the movies, a picnic lunch up the canyon with the family, a nap, a dinner at an Italian restaurant followed by seeing Josh Groban live in concert (from a front row seat!) Do you think I could do all that in a day?

LIGHTING THE DARK SIDE

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 53

This collection consisted of three short stories and three novellas - each being unique, engaging stories that crossed many genres in fiction. I was engrossed in them all, but liked some better than others. Overall, it was a good collection and I'm glad I read it. I would be happy to read more by Potter.

Here are the titles (linked to my thoughts) in the order in which I read them:

In the Gray

Blessing or Curse

Prominent Couple Slain

May 18, 2010

Bent, Not Broken

Surviving the Fall

SURVIVING THE FALL (6 of 6)

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 2/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 14

James Goodal takes in a stray - a stray 14-year-old named Ashley.

This was creepy. (Creepy as in sick, not scary.) I don't think it was meant to be that way, but that's the feeling I got, and I didn't like it.

BENT, NOT BROKEN (5 of 6)

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 13

Living with his disability can be very challenging, but Dwayne has learned to cope - for the most part. However, a wrench is thrown into his life when he finally meets a woman that has caught his eye.

Dwayne becomes very likable, despite his impulsive tendencies that make him appear and act odd. But, those are the characteristics that made Dwayne so interesting to watch. Before too long, I was feeling his personal angst and anger towards the way others treated him. There was also a suspense element to the story, which always pleases me.

Proximidade & Friends Award

I'm grateful to Carrie from Books and Movies (Subtitle: Talking books, movies, TV and all things entertainment) for thinking of me when she was passing this award on to others. I've been reading Carrie's blog for quite some time now and she posts on exactly what her subtitle states. The latest post is a book review of Leonardo's Swans (Essex) that she read for the Art History Challenge. Prior to that she posted a meme, Twitter info and an informal poll on whether or not you peek at the last page of a book prior to finishing it. Lots of interesting topics, don't you think? Stop by and see for yourself. :) Thanks again for the award, Carrie. I'm honored.

I hope that you will help me welcome Missy from Missy's Book Nook to the blogosphere! She is a new blogger as of March 18th and received this as her first award! I'm so pleased that she generously passed it along to me. Missy's debut post was a book review - imagine that! :) However, she does add some personal posts, video clips and animal cartoons to entertain. I hope you will stop by and say "Hi". Thank you, Missy! I'm happy to be friends.

OUT STEALING HORSES

Author: Per Petterson

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 52

Living in an isolated Norwegian cabin, 67-year old Trond meets a neighbor that happens to be a part of his past. The meeting triggers Trond's memories of his childhood.

The first half of this book was terrific. The second half didn't have as much steam, but the quiet suspense kept me curious. There were times, though, when I wasn't sure of the chronological pattern of his memories, so I would become briefly lost in time. Maybe I just couldn't keep up with the narrator - I don't know, but the segments of memory were all of interest.

The writing was not fanciful or forceful, but the setting and mood were very clear. I liked that I could sense the surroundings. However, a lot of inferring was needed when it came to some specific events or emotions, and other things were simply left unanswered. Even with the unfinished business, I am glad that I defied my skeptical thoughts prior to choosing this book, because overall, I am very pleased with the outcome.

CRAZY FOR THE STORM

Author: Norman Ollestad

Genre: Memoir, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.25/5

Yearly Count: 51

From the front cover:

On February 19, 1979, I was in a plane crash with my father; his girlfriend, Sandra; and the pilot of our chartered Cessna. Sandra was 30 years old. My dad was 43. I was 11. Just after sunrise, we slammed into a rugged 8,600-foot mountain engulfed in a blizzard. By the end of our nine-hour ordeal, I was the only survivor.

Norman shares his life growing up with his father and the actual plane crash in alternating chapters; both of which were captivating. There was never a dry patch, and I was very touched by the relationship that Norman and his dad developed. The attitude of his dad made me smile and was infectious - it's one of life's lessons that I will take away with me.

I truly appreciated Norman's story and wanted to give it a 4.5/5; however, two relatively large aspects of the book prevented me from doing so. First is the fact that there were no quotation marks around the dialog. It wasn't difficult to read, but it would have been easier had they been used. Second, the detailed descriptions of surfing, skiing and surviving were somewhat difficult to follow. I'm not familiar with the lingo, so often I couldn't visualize particular events. Gratefully, there was one picture provided, and it added so much to my experience - I would have loved to have seen more. All the best to you, Norman.

Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers for providing me this advance copy. It will be released on June 2, 2009.

PLEASE NOTE:

Rachel from Harper Collins sent me exactly what I needed to make this book whole - a YouTube video that Norman put together. I loved it! You can view it here.

THE BIG SLEEP

Author: Raymond Chandler

Genre: Mystery, Series #1

Published: 1939

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 50

Private investigator, Philip Marlowe of Los Angeles is hired by an elderly millionaire to find out who and why he is being blackmailed.

Chandler's style is revered by many, but I found it to be a bit too wordy. I'm also discovering that I don't necessarily care for the old time detective novels with their smoky rooms, long overcoats and hats, so unfortunately it started out behind from the get-go. As for the plot, it did contain much more than blackmail, but it didn't carry much pizazz or intrigue for me; however, it held enough of my interest to continue. Well, at the very least, I can cross Raymond Chandler off my TBR List and I love doing that.

INFECTED

Author: Scott Sigler

Genre: Science Fiction, #1 of 2

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: DNF #3

I spent well over 5 hours listening to this book. GRRR. Why didn't I catch on sooner that I didn't care for it? I actually did think about giving up on it - several times, but I was doing my best to adapt, until . . . the infections talked! I flipped out and couldn't listen to another word. I have to say, though, there was one* thing that I really liked about it - the relationship between the main character and his buddy. That made me smile, but not enough to maintain sanity for another 5 hours.

*Okay, so there's two things: the setting was in Michigan and there's just something about reading a book in your home state that keeps you plodding on.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE

Author: Alan Bradley

Genre: Mystery, Series #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 49

From Publishers Weekly

Fans of Louise Fitzhugh's iconic Harriet the Spy will welcome 11-year-old Flavia de Luce, the heroine of Canadian journalist Bradley's rollicking debut. In a early 1950s English village, Flavia is preoccupied with retaliating against her lofty older sisters when a rude, redheaded stranger arrives to confront her eccentric father, a philatelic devotee. Equally adept at quoting 18th-century works, listening at keyholes and picking locks, Flavia learns that her father, Colonel de Luce, may be involved in the suicide of his long-ago schoolmaster and the theft of a priceless stamp. The sudden expiration of the stranger in a cucumber bed, wacky village characters with ties to the schoolmaster, and a sharp inspector with doubts about the colonel and his enterprising young detective daughter mean complications for Flavia and enormous fun for the reader. Tantalizing hints about a gardener with a shady past and the mysterious death of Flavia's adventurous mother promise further intrigues ahead.

Flavia is certainly an interesting character - precocious, curious and bold. Throughout the book I had moments when her offbeat wit was enjoyable and other times when I simply didn't like it at all. By the end, there still weren't any warm-fuzzies towards her, but I did learn to accept her. Even so, following Flavia around to solve the mystery was engaging. Her knowledge of chemistry added a unique flavor to the book and mixed in with the plot nicely. The book has been well-received by other readers.

This is Bradley's debut novel and he won the 2007 CWA Debut Dagger Award from the British Crime Writers' Association. There's more to come of Flavia because The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first book in The Buckshaw Chronicles. This book will be released on April 28, 2009.

Thank you, Quinne, from Random House for sending me this ARC!

DAIRY QUEEN

Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Genre: YA Fiction, #1 of 2

Published: 2006

Personal Rating: 3.25/5

Yearly Count: 48

A Wisconsin dairy farm is where 15-year-old D. J. Schwenk lives and works - continuously, due to her father's medical problem. A star football player from a nearby town is sent to work on the farm in order to help the Schwenks and himself. D. J. discovers she's not too happy with her current circumstances, so she decides to have some fun by making choices that could not only affect her, but everybody around her.

D. J. tells us her story, which gives us insight into her true emotions and heart. Despite some language, she is a wholesome girl and one that I liked. Some of the story line was unrealistic for high school, but it was a pleasant book. There is a sequel, The Off Season, which I will probably listen to as well.

AMONG THE MAD

Author: Jacqueline Winspear

Genre: Historical Mystery, Series #6

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 47

Maisie Dobbs, psychologist/investigator, witnesses a random suicide on the streets of London. Then, she is summoned to join a high-powered team to assist in finding the writer of a threatening letter to the government, in which her name was specifically mentioned. Due to some characteristics of the letter, Maisie wonders if the suicide and the letter have a connection.

I have enjoyed all of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries, but this one is my favorite after the first one. There is a great deal of psychology involved, especially relating to the minds of WWI veterans. I found it sad, yet interesting and educational. It makes me wonder about our veterans of today. Are their needs being met?

Maisie's intelligence, tenderness and attitude creates such a wonderful character. Her supporting characters offer accuracy to the timeframe in regard to employment, friendships and the government, let alone adding to the continuing story line. And last, but not least - the narrator, Orlagh Cassidy, was superb.

1ST TO DIE

Author: James Patterson

Genre: Mystery, Series #1

Published: 2001

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 46

From the audiobook box cover:

In San Francisco newlyweds are being stalked -- and slaughtered. Enter four unforgettable women, all friends . . . Lindsay, a homicide inspector in the city's police department . . . Claire, a medical examiner . . . Jill, an assistant D.A. . . . and Cindy, a reporter who has just started working the crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle. Joining forces, pooling their talents, courage, and brains, they have one goal. To find, trap, and outwit the most diabolical and terrifying killer ever imagined.

I finally have met the Women's Murder Club members! They are intelligent woman, and they all add their own unique ability and experiences to the group. The plot was good and had its share of twists and turns that kept me wondering. It also kept moving in the traditional Patterson style. I look forward to the next book in the series, 2nd Chance.

Thank you, Anna, from Hachette Audio. This is #1 of a boxed collection of 3.

I'm the Winner of Also Known As Harper!

Also Known As Harper

Ann Haywood Leal

(Release Date: May 26, 2009)

Amanda from A Patchwork of Books had a give-away, and I am one of the three winners! Woo!

Also Known As Harper is Ann Haywood Leal's debut novel and is geared towards ages 9 -12, but adults are sure to like it, too. Amanda loved it!

You can read Amanda's terrific interview with Ann Haywood Leal here.

Many, many thanks and smiles from me, Amanda!

CRANK

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Genre: YA Semi-Autobiographic, Trilogy #1

Published: 2004

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 45

Crystal meth (aka - crank, aka - the monster) is a highly addictive drug and Kristina (aka - Bree), a 17-year-old based on Hopkins' daughter, is introduced to "the monster" as Bree. Once the introduction turns into an acquaintance, it's a slippery slope for Kristina - one that is as uncontrollable as speeding down an iced-covered mountain on a round sled.

This was a very scary book. Several times I shouted in my mind, "WHAT!?! What are you doing?", so from that perspective - I was deeply involved and thought it was a great book. However, there were two major issues that prevented it from feeling realistic. One - the mother lets Kristina visit her estranged father and two - the "action" begins with a snap of a finger. Even at other times within the book, I felt like everything just happened so fast! Now that could be the whole point with the drug, but not prior to the drug. Needless to say, this was a very devastating, but informative look into where making poor choices can lead.

MAY 18, 2010 (4 of 6)

Author: William R. Potter

Genre: Short Story/Novella, Collection

Published: Lighting the Dark Side, 2008

Personal Rating: 3/5

(ss) Yearly Count: 12

Ivan's Comet is headed towards Earth causing daily chatter and concern regarding the possibility of its crash landing. The topic creates tension and hype regarding how much devastation it could cause. Trevor talks about it with Kelly-Anne, his girlfriend, and his buddies at work. (This is not the whole story, but more details would ruin it.)

The story itself was interesting, along with the characters, but the twist was confusing. I had to reread portions to figure out what was going on, and I didn't appreciate that. I think if there had been more distinction around the twist - just a clarifying sentence, it would have worked much better. Or if I had read it with more scrutiny, that may have worked too. Needless to say, I was annoyed that I had to go back; therefore, it receives a "just okay" rating.

POISONED LOVE