AUGUST READS

92. We Need to Talk About Kevin (Shriver)

93. Die Trying (Child)

94. Illegal (Levine)

95. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County (Baker)

96. Hattie Big Sky (Larson)

97. Escape (Jessop)

98. Holly's Inbox (Denham)

* Death, Cheated (Grippando)

99. The Case of Madeleine Smith (Geary)

100. Sworn to Silence (Castillo)

101. The Castaways (Hilderbrand)

102. Ender's Game (Card)

103. Tilt-A-Whirl (Grabenstein)

* Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

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

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Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 2 - 5

Classic: 0 - 1

Fiction: 2 - 26

Memoir: 1 - 4

Mystery: 1 - 14

Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 0 - 3

Thriller: 3 - 19

True Crime: 0 - 2

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 1 - 12

YA Graphic Novel: 1 - 4

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 1 - 4

Children's Historical Fiction: 0 - 1

Children's Thriller: 0 - 1

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

Short Stories: 1 - 33

Audiobooks: 8 - 60

Books: 4 - 43

Total: 12 - 103

Best Reads: 1 - 15

Series: 7 - 39

DNF: 1 - 4

TILT-A-WHIRL

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Genre: Mystery, Series #1

Published: 2005

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 103

In Sea Haven, New Jersey, during the peak of the tourist season, John Ceepak, an ex-military policeman, and Danny Boyle, a "summer cop" are investigating partners in the death of a wealthy real-estate resident. As the two join forces to catch the murderer, we learn about them as individuals and as a team.

Oddly enough, I found the narration to be awkward at first - Boyle is the narrator. Ceepak is the stronger character, so in the beginning I thought Ceepak was talking, but I was wrong. It was clearly identified who was speaking, but it felt off to me. I'm not so sure why that happened, but I adjusted quickly.

Ceepak and Boyle are different. Ceepak appears to be somewhat uptight and too perfect (a bit tiring after a while) and Boyle - a little green in police work. However, those characteristics add some spice to the plot and makes for an enjoyable read. There's humor, which creates some smirks and smiles, and by the end, Ceepak and Boyle are a team that I want to ride with again. I look forward to getting to know them more.

ENDER'S GAME

Author: Orson Scott Card

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Series #1

Published: 1985

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 102

At the age of 6, Andrew (Ender) Wiggin is recruited to train at Battle School. Ender is taught skills as a soldier in the event of an attack by the Buggers. His high intelligence makes him a great candidate as a leader, but can his emotional-self handle the stress that accompanies leadership?

I had my highs and lows with Ender's Game. My interest level was high for the first third, then the repetition began to gnaw at me in the middle, which caused boredom and irritation. The last third picked up in plot and became a bit more interesting. So, in general, it turned out to be a good read at best.

This is probably ideal for high schoolers (mainly boys) who are interested in science fiction and the details of battle movements. Also, those that understand politics and don't mind swearing in their books should really find this a great read. I was actually surprised at the language and would never suggest this to a younger crowd. In the epilogue, Card even states that he wouldn't want his young son to read it due to the language, so he removed it all (that may have been for the short story version which came out well before the novel), but somehow it reappeared in the book.

Needless to say, the plot had some unique features and some minor surprises. I liked Ender and cheered him on, but I have no interest in continuing with the series.

THE CASTAWAYS

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Genre: Chick Lit, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Yearly Count: 101

Please Note: While being thankful for the opportunity to receive and read this book, I feel the need to post the blurb from its cover. However, in my opinion there is usually too much disclosed. Read at your own discretion.

From the front cover:

On the tiny island of Nantucket, everybody's business is everyone's business. When the charming, talented music teacher Greg MacAvoy shares a rainy Sunday night with the beautiful high school senior April Peck, rumors swarm the island like tourists on Memorial Day. The stories strain Greg's marriage, and his wife, Tess, is torn between her love for her husband and a secret of her own. With their anniversary approaching, the MacAvoys head out on their sailboat to celebrate, hoping the roughest waters are behind them.

But instead comes heartbreaking news: Greg and Tess have mysteriously drowned, leaving behind two small children. Their closest friends - the Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers - are devastated. For as long as anyone can remember, the four couples have vacationed and celebrated together confided in and depended on one another. But tragedy brings long-simmering conflicts and emotions to the surface. The Six Friends, upended by grief and denial, set out to answer the question: What happened to Greg and Tess MacAvoy?

A page-turning story of passion and suspense, The Castaways is a masterful exploration of the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness, filled with the perfect details of summer life that have made Elin Hilderbrand's novels bestsellers nationwide.

The mystery component gave this book its backbone, otherwise it was pure soap opera. There were 8 characters (4 couples), and their stories were told in the present, as well as in the past, to help reveal what was going on in the lives of the couple that died. At first, it was difficult to keep everybody straight, but their personalities ended up being easily distinguishable. (I suggest taking notes, though.) Unfortunately, I never really connected with any of the 8, but didn't dislike any of them either.

The Castaways is truly a drama-filled novel. It has all the makings for a solid soap opera, so if that's what you like - this is perfect! I was hoping for something more, but still thought it was okay. The mystery is what kept me engaged. In the long run, I liked Elin Hilderbrand's writing style and am curious about her other books.

Thank you Miriam, from Hachette Book Group, for sending me a copy of the book, and Anna from Hachette Audio, for providing me with the audiobook.

Taking Care of Business 2

Oh my goodness! I've been trying to catch up on some blog posts and rediscovered another neglected award.

Jenn from Jennifer Morrill's Attempt at a Blog bestowed this award upon me earlier this month. Her "attempt" at a blog is a very successful blog that contains a variety of reviews that span from children to adult and covers a multitude of genres. Check out her blog - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Please don't take my lack of response personally, Jenn. I am truly grateful and appreciative. Thank you very much for passing the award this way. :)

Taking Care of Business

I have been extremely busy and have absorbed too many Google Reader subscriptions lately that I have neglected my regular commenting and even posting on my own blog! I've been barely able to keep up with posting my thoughts on the books I've read, let alone any other business. So, today I'm going to catch up a bit with a couple of things where I've dropped the ball.

First, Book Dragon from Book Dragon's Lair, presented me with this Lemonade Award on June 15th!

Book Dragon's header:

BOOK DRAGON'S LAIR

BECAUSE A BOOK IS A TREASURE WORTH PROTECTING

I think most of us book lovers can relate to that!

Book Dragon hosts 4 challenges and participates in many, so you may have already been introduced to her. If not, please stop by and say hello.

Thank you, Book Dragon! I'm sorry for the delay.

AND . . .

I was totally shocked to receive an e-mail that I have been nominated for BBAW. The category is Best Thriller/Mystery/Suspense/Crime Blog! Thank you so much to the {{{person}}} that nominated me. I'm very grateful and love the fact that someone likes to read my thoughts on the books I read. It's an honor to be nominated. Thank you!

SHIVER

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: YA Fantasy, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: DNF #4

I received this from the kind people at Scholastic (unsolicited) and felt the need to give it a try. Unfortunately, after 100 pages (double the amount of pages I usually give a book!), I cannot continue. My dislike is focused on the topic, not the writing. Plain and simple - I am not a fan of werewolf stories. Shiver has been received with high marks, so don't let my thoughts deter you from reading it.

SWORN TO SILENCE

Author: Linda Castillo

Genre: Thriller, Series #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 100

Kate Burkholder grew up in the Ohio Amish country and is now the Chief of Police. Kate is faced with a serial killer in her jurisdiction, and at the same time, is faced with her past. She must do everything possible to catch this evil person while protecting her and her family's secret.

Kate is a likable, flawed character. Her team consists of people of varying ages and life circumstances making it a well-rounded group. In general, the plot follows a typical formula for thrillers, but does a great job in setting up the series. I'm thrilled to have found this new-to-me author at the beginning of it. I'm interested in the Amish culture, so the contrast with police encounters is intriguing to me.

This is not a book for the squeamish, though. There is extremely descriptive violence of the tortured victims and crude language. That was a bit difficult to get through. Also, I listened to this thriller and would have preferred to read it. The narrator's rendition of the male characters and the Pennsylvania-Dutch language didn't set well with me. I do not think it would bother others, though. I've discovered that I prefer my books to be read flat. Next time I will skip the audio version and pick up the book. I'm looking forward it.

THE CASE OF MADELEINE SMITH

Author: Rick Geary

Genre: YA NF Graphic Novel, Series

Published: 2006

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

Yearly Count: 99

Madeleine Smith is secretly dating a man of lesser means and doesn't want to disappoint her family by continuing the relationship.

I find this series, A Treasury of Victorian Murder, to be fascinating. Geary has a way of succinctly describing the events and depicting them with his drawings that keep me engrossed. With my natural curiosity towards true crime books, these are a fantastic way to learn about and see the time period.

DEATH, CHEATED (8 of 22)

Author: James Grippando - Edited by Linda Fairstein

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: The Prosecution Rests, 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 33

The ex-girlfriend of attorney Jack Swyteck asks if he would represent her as she is being sued for a million and a half dollars.

This story is a great introduction to Jack Swyteck, who is a criminal defense lawyer in a series written by Grippando. There weren't any fabulous twists or gripping dialog, but I enjoyed the solid writing style and Jack.

HOLLY'S INBOX

Author: Holly Denham

Genre: Chick Lit, Series #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 98

Holly's a new employee at a major bank in London. She works at the reception desk with a co-worker and does her best to fit in. This five month collection of Holly's e-mails has been made available for us to read, and they mainly include her friends, family members and co-workers.

I am so on the fence with stepping this up to "very good" status, because for the most part it was just frivolous nonsense; however, I was always happy to pick it up again and see what Holly and her friends were up to. It's a book that I had to be in the mood to read and I was - therefore, it worked.

I thoroughly enjoyed the e-mail format and didn't find any difficulty in reading or following along even with the many times I had to put it down (due to its length). My only complaint is that sometimes the content (s*x talk) became a bit much. Even so, I had a grin here and there throughout the book and enjoyed the various characters and the interactions between them. I think the author did a fabulous job keeping the flow of all the story lines and the depth he was able to create in such a difficult venue.

Recommended By: Bookfool from Bookfoolery and Babble

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From: Joy

To: Trish (Trish's Reading Nook)

Hey, Trish! Thank you so much for sending me Holly's Inbox! I really needed a book like this right now and am so thankful to you. You have been such a kind soul since I met you and appreciate you more than you know.

Joy

xxx

*grin*

ESCAPE

Author: Carolyn Jessop

Genre: Memoir, Standalone

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count: 97

Carolyn Jessop, who grew up in a family that followed the practice of the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (FLDS), found herself at the age of 18, to be the 4th wife of a 50-year-old man. Carolyn shares the unbelievable (but true) details about her childhood through her escape.

Wow. I read the YA fiction book on the same topic titled The Chosen One (Williams) at the end of July and became very curious as to how much truth it contained. Escape was a perfect choice to help me determine what was fact or fiction. It turns out that The Chosen One was very much fact, and the whole book could have actually been a memoir of a 13-year-old girl. Shockingly, Escape and The Chosen One were identical in their basic story.

I was mesmerized by Carolyn's story. I never wanted to stop listening to it (fabulous narrator) and thought about it when I wasn't. The rumors I heard and, of course, things that I learned about in The Chosen One seemed so crazy that I had a difficult time believing them. Carolyn's story clarified and convinced me of the truth that lies behind those closed doors. What a harrowing, debilitating, repressed existence the followers of the FLDS live. Unfortunately, those born into it don't know anything else and are brainwashed. Carolyn "rebelled." She is a remarkable woman who exhibited strength, courage and determination to save her children and herself from a life of further torment.

HATTIE BIG SKY

Author: Kirby Larson

Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2006

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 96

Sixteen-year-old, orphaned Hattie, travels to Montana in 1918 to inherit a homestead from her uncle. She struggles with making it on her own, but also discovers who she is and what she is capable of doing.

There were interesting historical accounts weaved throughout the story. The war and its draft, along with the reprecusions that reverberated all the way back to Montana, and the weather that farmers were so dependent upon both created tension and apprehension between community members. However, some relationships added much needed reprieve and reciprocated love.

The lifestyle during the timeframe was researched by Larson and actually prompted by her grandmother's experience as a young, female homesteader. Hattie was a strong character and persevered in the tough living environment, but she was not without concerns. However, she focused on reaching her goal and to make the best of each situation. I liked Hattie's attitude and determination.

THE LITTLE GIANT OF ABERDEEN COUNTY

Author: Tiffany Baker

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 95

Truly, the little giant of Aberdeen, struggles through life due to an overactive pituitary gland, which causes her to grow continually. Throughout childhood she suffered, not only because of her medical problem, but because both of her parents died leaving her and her sister as orphans. Truly gets shuffled from home to home, but eventually she learns to make the best of her life.

I thought this story line was unique and interesting. There were many issues touched upon including neglect, marriage, witchcraft - just to name a few and just as many emotions to go along with them. Throughout the book, my interest never faltered, but there were a few spots that I thought were gratuitous, and there was a lot that I didn't like regarding the witchcraft. Ultimately, I didn't find it to be anything special, but a good read nonetheless.

ILLEGAL

Author: Paul Levine

Genre: Thriller, Series #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 94

Please Note: While being thankful for the opportunity to receive and read this book, I feel the need to post the blurb from its cover. However, in my opinion there is usually too much disclosed. Read at your own discretion.

From the inside cover:

Haunted by a tragedy in his past and wanted by the cops for his latest malfeasance, trail lawyer Jimmy "Royal" Payne needs to skip town. That's when he crosses paths with twelve-year-old Tino Perez, newly arrived from Mexico with nomoney and no papers. The gutsy kid first robs Payne, then pleads for his help. Marisol, the boy's mother, is missing, after crossing the border with a vicious coyote.

Payne doesn't go out of his way for anyone. But ex-wife Sharon, the L.A.P.D. detective he still loves, gives him a choice: help the boy or go to jail.

Following a chain of greed, corruption, and betrayal, Payne traces Marisol's steps from Mexicali to California's Hellhole Canyon, swept into the dark current of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and se*ual slavery. Soon the cynical lawyer and the savvy kid are bonding . . . and battling cunning predators on both sides of the border. It's the two of them against an army of cops, coyotes, vigilantes, and s*x slavers. Most dangerous of all is Simeon Rutledge, a wealthy grower and the biggest employer of farm workers in California.

Just why is Rutledge willing to bribe Payne - 0r kill him - to keep Marisol under wraps? Will Payne's quest redeem his mistakes and resurrect his dead marriage - or get him buried in a shallow grave? Either way, he'll find out there's no escaping his past . . . .

From the shadows of migrant stash houses to the fertile fields of the San Joaquin Valley, Illegal delivers a searing mix of live-wire prose, shattering violence, and rich characterization. Set against a backdrop of larger social issues, this is a masterful tale from one of the most skillful practitioners of the contemporary thriller.

Right from the start, I was caught up in the two main stories and didn't mind the switching from one to the other at all. Levine kept them both moving along at a fast pace and neither had any dull moments. My only complaint, which affected me a lot, were the scenes and talk of the se*ual slavery. It took the wind out of my sails. I almost dropped the rating more, but I enjoyed the first two-thirds too much to rate it lower. Illegal was a very good introduction to this new-to-me author. I will definitely be seeking out his past work and future novels of Jimmy Payne.

My thanks go to the Goodreads Firstreads Program and Bantam Books for providing me with this book.

DIE TRYING

Author: Lee Child

Genre: Thriller, Series #2

Published: 1998

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 93

Jack Reacher, an ex-military policeman, is kidnapped while being an innocent bystander. Jack and the intended victim, Holly, begin to communicate to figure out the reason behind the kidnapping and how they are going to escape.

This kidnapping scenario was very intriguing, and I enjoyed the book a lot for about a third of it, then it began to wane. My interest wasn't totally lost, but I was tired of the dragged-out plot.

The best part was how Jack made general observations that lead him to discoveries. These observations were not at a rocket scientist's level, but interesting nonetheless. I hope his character deepens as the series moves along because I really don't know much about this guy and I want to.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

Author: Lionel Shriver

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2003

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 92

An affluent, New York family consists of challenging relationships that mainly focus around the high school son named Kevin. Kevin's world is skewed and it affects all those that surround him in a profoundly negative way. This family's story is told by Eva, the wife of Franklin and the mother of Kevin and Celia.

The story line of We Need to Talk About Kevin was a tough one. The family structure was challenged with difficult relationship, and I believe the struggles depicted were common, but in my experience have been handled differently - thus creating different outcomes. Thankfully. I would have liked to have heard more conversation, instead of being talked at so much, but that was the nature of the format. The main characters were interesting and as the book settles in my mind, I'm appreciating more of what was shared.

I found rating this book to be difficult. While I thought the story to be very intriguing, it truly didn't grab me until the second half. I have to take into account the fact that I do not care for the narrator of this audiobook - at all, so I struggled throughout. I knew that going into it, but I just didn't have the time to read it - leaving audio as my only other option. Also, there is an hour long interview with the author at the end of the book, which I loved, but it did not encourage me to rate the book any higher.

Both of those experiences were odd. Usually when a book builds and gets better, so does my rating, just as reading or listening to an interview. I love learning the behind the scene thoughts and intentions. This time, my rating was only raised by a marginal amount due to the second half improving and was not affected by the interview. I know that the narrator played a huge role in my displeasure and the author had an air about her that I didn't care for either. I can't say for sure if my rating would have gone up more if those two entities didn't exist, but I think a book being "better than good" is terrific under the circumstances.

I have to ask this: Did anybody else laugh at some of Kevin's responses? I honestly don't know if I would have laughed had I not listened to it.