I absolutely LOVED this book. I believe I found it from Amazon, recommended to me based on previous books I looked at. The Kindness of Strangers was probably one of my favorite reads so far this year and I give it an A.
From Amazon:
A young widow raising two boys, Sarah Laden is struggling to keep her family together. But when a shocking revelation rips apart the family of her closest friend, Sarah finds herself welcoming yet another troubled young boy into her already tumultuous life.
Jordan, a quiet, reclusive elementary school classmate of Sarah's son Danny, has survived a terrible ordeal. By agreeing to become Jordan's foster mother, Sarah will be forced to question the things she has long believed. And as the delicate threads that bind their family begin to unravel, all the Ladens will have to face difficult truths about themselves and one another—and discover the power of love necessary to forgive and to heal.
The Kindness of Strangers is touching, heartbreaking, and extremely emotional. My husband kept asking me what I was shaking at my head for but I just couldn't help it. This book just touched me in a way that is hard to explain. While not graphic, it is disturbing. Since I've been trying to get pregnant for over a year and a half without any luck, I've thought about becoming a foster parent and this book gives an honest look at what happens. I know my review isn't making a lot of sense, but I just can't encourage you enough to go and check this one out.
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
64. The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah
Aw yes, another book by Ms. Hannah. I have to admit I almost didn't read this one as I thought it would cut to close to home, and while it did, it taught me a lot too. An excellent, tear-jerker, I give it an A.
From Amazon:
Years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child have broken more than Angie DeSaria’s heart. Following a painful divorce, she moves back to her small Pacific Northwest hometown and takes over management of her family’s restaurant. In West End, where life rises and falls like the tides, Angie’s fortunes will drastically change yet again when she meets and befriends a troubled young woman.Angie hires Lauren Ribido because she sees something special in the seventeen-year-old. They quickly form a deep bond, and when Lauren is abandoned by her mother, Angie offers the girl a place to stay. But nothing could have prepared Angie for the far-reaching repercussions of this act of kindness. Together, these two women—one who longs for a child and the other who longs for a mother’s love—will be tested in ways that neither could have imagined.
For over a year and a half, my husband and I have been trying and failing to get pregnant. We're both young and in good health, so it's difficult to understand why this isn't happening. I have to admit to nodding along with a lot of Angie's thoughts and feelings throughout the book, including those that she doesn't understand why God will give children do those who aren't deserving, but not allowing others the privilege of having just one. I think I came to grips with a lot of my feelings while reading this story, and while I understand that it is fiction, I have hope for the future. I have decided to count my blessings, not the things I don't have, and the biggest blessing of all is my wonderful husband. He is more than enough and more than I deserve, and I would never want something like children to drive us apart. Thank you Ms. Hannah for writing such a wonderful story, and one that is sure to stay with me for a long time, hopefully forever.
From Amazon:
Years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child have broken more than Angie DeSaria’s heart. Following a painful divorce, she moves back to her small Pacific Northwest hometown and takes over management of her family’s restaurant. In West End, where life rises and falls like the tides, Angie’s fortunes will drastically change yet again when she meets and befriends a troubled young woman.Angie hires Lauren Ribido because she sees something special in the seventeen-year-old. They quickly form a deep bond, and when Lauren is abandoned by her mother, Angie offers the girl a place to stay. But nothing could have prepared Angie for the far-reaching repercussions of this act of kindness. Together, these two women—one who longs for a child and the other who longs for a mother’s love—will be tested in ways that neither could have imagined.
For over a year and a half, my husband and I have been trying and failing to get pregnant. We're both young and in good health, so it's difficult to understand why this isn't happening. I have to admit to nodding along with a lot of Angie's thoughts and feelings throughout the book, including those that she doesn't understand why God will give children do those who aren't deserving, but not allowing others the privilege of having just one. I think I came to grips with a lot of my feelings while reading this story, and while I understand that it is fiction, I have hope for the future. I have decided to count my blessings, not the things I don't have, and the biggest blessing of all is my wonderful husband. He is more than enough and more than I deserve, and I would never want something like children to drive us apart. Thank you Ms. Hannah for writing such a wonderful story, and one that is sure to stay with me for a long time, hopefully forever.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
53. Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
I picked up Magic Hour while browsing. While I am sure I'd heard about Ms. Hannah before, I never read anything by her. I'm glad I gave it a go, it was a warm and touching book, one I needed to read while planning and getting through my beloved grandmother's funeral. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
Deep in the Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest– nearly one million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. Even in this modern age, much of it remains undiscovered and uncharted. From the heart of this old forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she can give no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past. . . .Until recently, Dr. Julia Cates was one of the preeminent child psychiatrists in the country, but a scandal shattered her confidence, ruined her career, and made her a media target. When she gets a desperate call from her estranged sister, Ellie, a police chief in their small western Washington hometown, she jumps at the chance to escape. In Rain Valley, nothing much ever happens–until a girl emerges from the deep woods and walks into town. She is a victim unlike any Julia has ever seen: a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. When word spreads of the “wild child” and the infamous doctor who is treating her, the media descend on Julia and once again her competence is challenged. State and federal authorities want to lock the girl away in an institution until an identification can be made.But to Julia, who has come to doubt her own ability, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. To heal this child, Julia will have to understand that she cannot work alone and must look to others–the people in the town she left long ago, the sister she barely knows, and Dr. Max Cerrasin, a handsome, private man with secrets of his own.Then a shocking revelation forces Julia to risk everything to discover the truth about Alice. The ordeal that follows will test the limits of Julia’s faith, forgiveness, and love, as she struggles to ascertain where Alice ultimately belongs.In her most ambitious novel to date, Kristin Hannah delivers an incandescent story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the mysterious places in the heart where love lies waiting.
While in some spots a bit predictible, I fell in love with Ellie, Julia, the small twon where the story takes place, and of course Alice. This book was so warm and caring and it was so well written that I felt like I belonged there with the town. While I thought the ending could have been a bit better, I was left feeling happy and sad at the same time and content with reading it. As I mentioned above, while reading it we were planning and then attending my grandmother's funeral and in some ways, the book allowed me to escape but also remember the wonderful things my grandma did. I will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Hannah's backlist (as a matter of fact I already have checked out one of her other books!).
From Amazon:
Deep in the Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest– nearly one million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. Even in this modern age, much of it remains undiscovered and uncharted. From the heart of this old forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she can give no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past. . . .Until recently, Dr. Julia Cates was one of the preeminent child psychiatrists in the country, but a scandal shattered her confidence, ruined her career, and made her a media target. When she gets a desperate call from her estranged sister, Ellie, a police chief in their small western Washington hometown, she jumps at the chance to escape. In Rain Valley, nothing much ever happens–until a girl emerges from the deep woods and walks into town. She is a victim unlike any Julia has ever seen: a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. When word spreads of the “wild child” and the infamous doctor who is treating her, the media descend on Julia and once again her competence is challenged. State and federal authorities want to lock the girl away in an institution until an identification can be made.But to Julia, who has come to doubt her own ability, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. To heal this child, Julia will have to understand that she cannot work alone and must look to others–the people in the town she left long ago, the sister she barely knows, and Dr. Max Cerrasin, a handsome, private man with secrets of his own.Then a shocking revelation forces Julia to risk everything to discover the truth about Alice. The ordeal that follows will test the limits of Julia’s faith, forgiveness, and love, as she struggles to ascertain where Alice ultimately belongs.In her most ambitious novel to date, Kristin Hannah delivers an incandescent story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the mysterious places in the heart where love lies waiting.
While in some spots a bit predictible, I fell in love with Ellie, Julia, the small twon where the story takes place, and of course Alice. This book was so warm and caring and it was so well written that I felt like I belonged there with the town. While I thought the ending could have been a bit better, I was left feeling happy and sad at the same time and content with reading it. As I mentioned above, while reading it we were planning and then attending my grandmother's funeral and in some ways, the book allowed me to escape but also remember the wonderful things my grandma did. I will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Hannah's backlist (as a matter of fact I already have checked out one of her other books!).
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
50. Dial H for Hitchcock by Susan Kandel
As a lover of all things Hitchcock, when I saw this book while browsing at my local library I knew I had to read it. While goofy at times, it was the perfect light hearted cozy mystery and one that I enjoyed. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Cece Caruso—mystery biographer extraordinaire, vintage clothing enthusiast, and part-time sleuth—is in freefall. First, she calls off her wedding, for reasons even she can't explain. Second, her newest biography (of Alfred Hitchcock) is way past deadline.
So Cece puts on a houndstooth suit with peplum and heads out to see Vertigo, only to come home with a cell phone belonging to a stranger named Anita Colby. Nothing if not a good citizen, Cece tries to return the cell phone—only to hear someone push Anita off a cliff.
Now a woman is dead, and Cece is under suspicion (tip: don't leave rambling, incoherent messages on someone's answering machine just before she gets murdered). To clear her name and put the real murderer in jail, Cece's going on the lam, where she'll encounter mysterious strangers, unhelpful strippers, a bottle of blond hair dye, and twists and turns so eerie it's as if Hitch himself were writing the script
I loved all of the little details thrown in about Alfred Hitchcock's life and some of the stories behind his movies. Certain plot lines that occurred in the movies also happen in the book which I thought was real clever. This is part of a series, and while I normally don't enjoy reading books out of order, I thought it was ok in this sense. I think I missed some of the realationship aspects of Cece's life, but I don't think it will bother me. I even went to the library to check out the previous book in this series, Christietown, based on Agatha Christie books. I read this book while sitting at my grandmother's bedside while she was in hospice (we just lost her last night... I'm still numb from it all) and it was the perfect type of book to pick up and read a few pages here and there. It wa a quick read and probably would have gotten a higher rating if it weren't for the silly ending. I thought the ending was lacking quite a bit. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Cece Caruso—mystery biographer extraordinaire, vintage clothing enthusiast, and part-time sleuth—is in freefall. First, she calls off her wedding, for reasons even she can't explain. Second, her newest biography (of Alfred Hitchcock) is way past deadline.
So Cece puts on a houndstooth suit with peplum and heads out to see Vertigo, only to come home with a cell phone belonging to a stranger named Anita Colby. Nothing if not a good citizen, Cece tries to return the cell phone—only to hear someone push Anita off a cliff.
Now a woman is dead, and Cece is under suspicion (tip: don't leave rambling, incoherent messages on someone's answering machine just before she gets murdered). To clear her name and put the real murderer in jail, Cece's going on the lam, where she'll encounter mysterious strangers, unhelpful strippers, a bottle of blond hair dye, and twists and turns so eerie it's as if Hitch himself were writing the script
I loved all of the little details thrown in about Alfred Hitchcock's life and some of the stories behind his movies. Certain plot lines that occurred in the movies also happen in the book which I thought was real clever. This is part of a series, and while I normally don't enjoy reading books out of order, I thought it was ok in this sense. I think I missed some of the realationship aspects of Cece's life, but I don't think it will bother me. I even went to the library to check out the previous book in this series, Christietown, based on Agatha Christie books. I read this book while sitting at my grandmother's bedside while she was in hospice (we just lost her last night... I'm still numb from it all) and it was the perfect type of book to pick up and read a few pages here and there. It wa a quick read and probably would have gotten a higher rating if it weren't for the silly ending. I thought the ending was lacking quite a bit. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
35. Trouble by Jesse Kellerman
I've wanted to read something by Jesse Kellerman for awhile, so I grabbed Trouble off of my shelves. It was a good read, and I bit different in a good way. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Saving lives is Jonah Stem's job-but he usually does it at the hospital, not at 3 a.m. on the dark streets of Manhattan. When he impulsively intervenes to save a beautiful woman from a man menacing her with a knife, killing the attacker in the process, he is transformed from an overworked medical student to a hero in the media spotlight. The woman, Eve Gones, is profoundly grateful, and wants to show it. Before long, they're engaged in a wildly passionate love affair. An affair that Eve doesn't want to end. Ever.
It's clear to see that Mr. Kellerman takes after his famous parents. The suspense was built nicely and I thought that the story had interesting twists and turns. The story and words themselves were printed differently on the pages and in a way that added character. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Kellerman in the future.
I totally disappeared there for awhile, and I am not sure if that is a trend that is going to continue or not. I'm just not motivated to blog lately, and I have been sick for the past couple of weeks and still am. Hopefully it gets better soon~ I do miss everything and everyone!
From Amazon:
Saving lives is Jonah Stem's job-but he usually does it at the hospital, not at 3 a.m. on the dark streets of Manhattan. When he impulsively intervenes to save a beautiful woman from a man menacing her with a knife, killing the attacker in the process, he is transformed from an overworked medical student to a hero in the media spotlight. The woman, Eve Gones, is profoundly grateful, and wants to show it. Before long, they're engaged in a wildly passionate love affair. An affair that Eve doesn't want to end. Ever.
It's clear to see that Mr. Kellerman takes after his famous parents. The suspense was built nicely and I thought that the story had interesting twists and turns. The story and words themselves were printed differently on the pages and in a way that added character. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Kellerman in the future.
I totally disappeared there for awhile, and I am not sure if that is a trend that is going to continue or not. I'm just not motivated to blog lately, and I have been sick for the past couple of weeks and still am. Hopefully it gets better soon~ I do miss everything and everyone!
Monday, April 26, 2010
32. I'm So Happy for You by Lucinda Rosenfield
I'm So Happy For You was found by browsing Amazon one day and sounded like something I could totally relate to. I got it from the library and read it quickly, within one day. It was good and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way? Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head.
I thought that there was so much truth in the book and really got me thinking of how I treat others around me. I've been trying to get pregnant for over a year now and my best friend (who already has 2 kids) decided she wanted to try and again, and BAM! one month later, she is pregnant. I admit, at times, it is hard to be happy for those we are supposed to love and get over our own feelings. I think this book opened my eyes to some of my not so great moments (though I think I do a good job of hiding my feelings). Anyways, a pleasant read and while chick-lit, it did have some thought provoking moments.
From Amazon:
What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way? Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head.
I thought that there was so much truth in the book and really got me thinking of how I treat others around me. I've been trying to get pregnant for over a year now and my best friend (who already has 2 kids) decided she wanted to try and again, and BAM! one month later, she is pregnant. I admit, at times, it is hard to be happy for those we are supposed to love and get over our own feelings. I think this book opened my eyes to some of my not so great moments (though I think I do a good job of hiding my feelings). Anyways, a pleasant read and while chick-lit, it did have some thought provoking moments.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
25. House Rules by Jodi Piccoult
I've been a fan of Ms. Piccoult's for awhile, but nothing really stood out to me like Nineteen Minutes. I was really intrigued to read House Rules because it deals with autism, something I find fascinating since I work daily with children who live with autism and I really would like to get my Master's in it. House Rules gets an A-.
From Amazon:
They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.
Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's -- not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect -- can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
This was a long book, but it really didn't take me long to read it. I was fascinated with the story and would sneak in pages whenever I can. I probably spent too much time blow-drying my hair because of it, but it was worth it. I loved this book, and it now has me dying to check out more fiction books where autism plays a role in the plot. I thought the ending was a bit weak, however, and that left me grading the book an A- instead of an A. I thought the author did an excellent job in explaining autism and how it effects everyone involved. It's obvious Ms. Picoult did her research. I found myself reading passages aloud to my husband so he could get a better understanding of what autism is and what it looks like since I often talk about my autistic students, but he's never had any experience. I would recommend this book to you if you like family dramas, or ever wondered what the story is behind autistic children and adults, for that matter.
From Amazon:
They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.
Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's -- not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect -- can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
This was a long book, but it really didn't take me long to read it. I was fascinated with the story and would sneak in pages whenever I can. I probably spent too much time blow-drying my hair because of it, but it was worth it. I loved this book, and it now has me dying to check out more fiction books where autism plays a role in the plot. I thought the ending was a bit weak, however, and that left me grading the book an A- instead of an A. I thought the author did an excellent job in explaining autism and how it effects everyone involved. It's obvious Ms. Picoult did her research. I found myself reading passages aloud to my husband so he could get a better understanding of what autism is and what it looks like since I often talk about my autistic students, but he's never had any experience. I would recommend this book to you if you like family dramas, or ever wondered what the story is behind autistic children and adults, for that matter.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
14. Momzillas by Jill Kargman
I've read previous books by Ms. Kargman and enjoyed them, so I decided to check out Momzillas. It was a quick read and I finished it in one day. It was enjoyable, if not a bit predictible, and I give it a B.
From Amazon:
The mothers on Manhattan’s chic Upper East Side are highly educated, extremely wealthy, and very competitive. They throw themselves and all of their energy and resources into full-time child rearing, turning their kids into the unwitting pawns in a game where success is measured in precocious achievements, jam-packed schedules, and elite private-school pedigrees.Hannah Allen has recently moved to the neighborhood with her New York City–bred investment banker husband and their two-year-old daughter, Violet. She’s immediately inundated by an outpouring of advice from her not-so-well-intentioned new friends and her overbearing, socially conscious mother-in-law, who coach her on matters ranging from where to buy the must-have $300 baby dress to how to get into the only pre-pre-preschool that counts. Despite her better instincts and common sense, Hannah soon finds herself caught up in the competitive whirl of high-stakes mothering.
I always like reading these books about the wealthy and get a good chuckle out of the worries and personalities. The scary thing is, I am sure it goes on. I mean calling a preschool for an application as soon as the pregnancy test turns up positive? Seems a little crazy to me... but these chick-lit novels are always an enjoyable break from the norm. Hannah was a refreshing character, especially when you consider who she was associating with. While the ending was a bit predictible, I enjoyed the book and may consider reading more by the author.
Well, I am off. I have had a migraine all day and have worked too much through it, so I am going to jump in a hot shower and go to bed. Happy Reading all!
From Amazon:
The mothers on Manhattan’s chic Upper East Side are highly educated, extremely wealthy, and very competitive. They throw themselves and all of their energy and resources into full-time child rearing, turning their kids into the unwitting pawns in a game where success is measured in precocious achievements, jam-packed schedules, and elite private-school pedigrees.Hannah Allen has recently moved to the neighborhood with her New York City–bred investment banker husband and their two-year-old daughter, Violet. She’s immediately inundated by an outpouring of advice from her not-so-well-intentioned new friends and her overbearing, socially conscious mother-in-law, who coach her on matters ranging from where to buy the must-have $300 baby dress to how to get into the only pre-pre-preschool that counts. Despite her better instincts and common sense, Hannah soon finds herself caught up in the competitive whirl of high-stakes mothering.
I always like reading these books about the wealthy and get a good chuckle out of the worries and personalities. The scary thing is, I am sure it goes on. I mean calling a preschool for an application as soon as the pregnancy test turns up positive? Seems a little crazy to me... but these chick-lit novels are always an enjoyable break from the norm. Hannah was a refreshing character, especially when you consider who she was associating with. While the ending was a bit predictible, I enjoyed the book and may consider reading more by the author.
Well, I am off. I have had a migraine all day and have worked too much through it, so I am going to jump in a hot shower and go to bed. Happy Reading all!
Monday, February 1, 2010
9. If You Ever Tell by Carlene Thompson
If You Ever Tell is a book that had been sitting on my shelves for far too long so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I was a bit disappointed, however, and can only give it a B-.
Back cover:
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother- both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or speak at all, those suspicions never went away...
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying "justice". As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil conealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever...
This book was just blah. The suspense part was the miniority in the book, in my opinion, and focused much more on Teri and her family and friends. There was a lot of repeating of events as Teri thinks back to the scene that was just played out in the previous chapter, and in some cases, the previous paragraph. Teresa isn't the most likeable character, either. She's selfish and a lot of her thoughts were about her and how everyone's actions affected her. There was also quite a bit of romance in the story and it wasn't billed that way, so I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if I've lost my reading mojo or what, but I just couldn't get into this book that much. I've read previous books by Ms. Thompson and enjoyed them, so this was a bit of a letdown. I hope the next book I read grabs me more than this one did.
That's it for me tonight. Work has been crazy and as a matter of fact, I am tutoring online right now. I think some students are about to enter, so I must get off. Have a great night everyone and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother- both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or speak at all, those suspicions never went away...
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying "justice". As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil conealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever...
This book was just blah. The suspense part was the miniority in the book, in my opinion, and focused much more on Teri and her family and friends. There was a lot of repeating of events as Teri thinks back to the scene that was just played out in the previous chapter, and in some cases, the previous paragraph. Teresa isn't the most likeable character, either. She's selfish and a lot of her thoughts were about her and how everyone's actions affected her. There was also quite a bit of romance in the story and it wasn't billed that way, so I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if I've lost my reading mojo or what, but I just couldn't get into this book that much. I've read previous books by Ms. Thompson and enjoyed them, so this was a bit of a letdown. I hope the next book I read grabs me more than this one did.
That's it for me tonight. Work has been crazy and as a matter of fact, I am tutoring online right now. I think some students are about to enter, so I must get off. Have a great night everyone and Happy Reading!
Friday, January 22, 2010
7. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
I've heard so much about The Lovely Bones since it was released years ago, that I probably shied away from it. With the release of the movie and seeing the commericals for it, I decided I had to read it. It seemed like something I would really like, so I was able to borrow it from someone I work with. It was all right, and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
Susie Salmon, murdered at age fourteen, is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, while back on earth her grief-stricken family is unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.
This is not the usual type of book I read, since there are aspects of the supernatural in it. I often have a hard time turning off my reality colored glasses and while I like to believe there is a heaven, how can someone right a book where the main character is there when no one has seen it? I also had a hard time reading this book because of the writing... it was done beautifully and it was so touching. I thought Ms. Sebold does a fantastic job of accurately describing and showing all of the different emotions Susie's family faces and deals with as they come to terms with her disappearance and murder. I mainly read suspense novels that are sometimes graphic and tough to read, but nothing as affected me like some of the passages from The Lovely Bones. I only hope the movie holds up to the book (though I doubt it!).
Up next is more of my usual fare, a suspense novel by a new to me author called No Mercy by John Gilstrap. I just picked it up from the library and hope to get through it this weekend. I do have some plans this evening and am talking my nephew out to lunch tomorrow, but other that I hope to get some reading and relaxing time in! I've been busy and tired lately and just haven't been placing much focus on my reading and visiting of other blogs. I've tried to keep up, but haven't had much time to comment. I hope to fix that this weekend! Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Susie Salmon, murdered at age fourteen, is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, while back on earth her grief-stricken family is unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.
This is not the usual type of book I read, since there are aspects of the supernatural in it. I often have a hard time turning off my reality colored glasses and while I like to believe there is a heaven, how can someone right a book where the main character is there when no one has seen it? I also had a hard time reading this book because of the writing... it was done beautifully and it was so touching. I thought Ms. Sebold does a fantastic job of accurately describing and showing all of the different emotions Susie's family faces and deals with as they come to terms with her disappearance and murder. I mainly read suspense novels that are sometimes graphic and tough to read, but nothing as affected me like some of the passages from The Lovely Bones. I only hope the movie holds up to the book (though I doubt it!).
Up next is more of my usual fare, a suspense novel by a new to me author called No Mercy by John Gilstrap. I just picked it up from the library and hope to get through it this weekend. I do have some plans this evening and am talking my nephew out to lunch tomorrow, but other that I hope to get some reading and relaxing time in! I've been busy and tired lately and just haven't been placing much focus on my reading and visiting of other blogs. I've tried to keep up, but haven't had much time to comment. I hope to fix that this weekend! Happy Reading!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
5. The Innocent by Harlan Coben
As I mentioned in my previous post, I saw The Innocent while I was browsing at the bookstore. It sounded good but I knew it was a book the library would have, so I saved my gift certificate and went to the library to check out. It was a good read, but nothing I would write home about. I give it a B.
Inside cover:
The horror of one night is forever etched in Matt Hunter's memory: the night he innocently tried to break up a fight- and ended up a killer. Now, nine years after his release from prison, his innocence long forgotten, he's an ex-con who takes nothing for granted. With his wife, Olivia, pregnant and the two of them closing on a house in his hometown, things are looking up. Until the day Matt gets a shocking, inexplicable video call from Olivia's phone. And in an instant, the unraveling begins.
A mysterious man who'd begun tailing Matt turns up dead. A beloved nun is murdered. And local and federal authorities- inlcuding homicide investigator Loren Muse, a childhood schoolmate of Matt's with a troubled past of her own- see all signs pointing to a former criminal with one murder already under his belt: Matt Hunter. Unwilling to lose everything for a second time, Matt and Olivia are forced outside the law in a desperate attempt to save their future together.
I feel somewhat disappointed in The Innocent. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but I feel like this isn't an uncommon feeling after reading a Harlan Coben novel. Perhaps it's all of the hype that I see and hear from other reviewers and reviews, but it wasn't anything outstanding or special. Olivia is not a very likeable character in my eyes, and some of the events were just a bit too unbelievable. There were also quite a few characters to keep track of and I had to flip back and forth a couple of times to make sure everyone was who I thought they were. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed The Innocent and thought that the suspense was built up well. I loved Loren's character and wanted to jump into the pages and hug Matt. I guess I can sum up this book by saying I had very conflicted feelings.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I called back to my online job, so things have been a bit busier around here. I am happy to be picking up some extra money, but this week has been a long one and I am worn out. I have a training session in about an hour, so I need to pick something up quickly to have with me. I apologize for not visiting and commenting on blogs lately, but I have barely had any energy to turn my computer on for anything other than work. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
The horror of one night is forever etched in Matt Hunter's memory: the night he innocently tried to break up a fight- and ended up a killer. Now, nine years after his release from prison, his innocence long forgotten, he's an ex-con who takes nothing for granted. With his wife, Olivia, pregnant and the two of them closing on a house in his hometown, things are looking up. Until the day Matt gets a shocking, inexplicable video call from Olivia's phone. And in an instant, the unraveling begins.
A mysterious man who'd begun tailing Matt turns up dead. A beloved nun is murdered. And local and federal authorities- inlcuding homicide investigator Loren Muse, a childhood schoolmate of Matt's with a troubled past of her own- see all signs pointing to a former criminal with one murder already under his belt: Matt Hunter. Unwilling to lose everything for a second time, Matt and Olivia are forced outside the law in a desperate attempt to save their future together.
I feel somewhat disappointed in The Innocent. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but I feel like this isn't an uncommon feeling after reading a Harlan Coben novel. Perhaps it's all of the hype that I see and hear from other reviewers and reviews, but it wasn't anything outstanding or special. Olivia is not a very likeable character in my eyes, and some of the events were just a bit too unbelievable. There were also quite a few characters to keep track of and I had to flip back and forth a couple of times to make sure everyone was who I thought they were. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed The Innocent and thought that the suspense was built up well. I loved Loren's character and wanted to jump into the pages and hug Matt. I guess I can sum up this book by saying I had very conflicted feelings.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I called back to my online job, so things have been a bit busier around here. I am happy to be picking up some extra money, but this week has been a long one and I am worn out. I have a training session in about an hour, so I need to pick something up quickly to have with me. I apologize for not visiting and commenting on blogs lately, but I have barely had any energy to turn my computer on for anything other than work. Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Flesh Wounds by Mick Cochrane
I really didn't think I would be able to sneak one more book in before the end of the year, but I was just able to make it. Flesh Wounds was a book I found while at the library and I am so glad I picked it up. I give it an A-.
Inside cover:
When the police come to arrest Hal Lamm, a Minneapolis salesman, for abusing his thirteen-year-old granddaughter, his entire family must come to terms with their secrets and unhealed wounds. Hal's wife, Phyllis, after decades of denial and emotional estrangement, finally confronts him. His daughter, Ellie, herself once abused by Hal, has sought to find strength by moving away, and now discovers it back in the midst of her family. Cal, the youngest son, is a lawyer whose instinct to defend Hal- until he becomes a father himself. Most poignantly of all, the granddaughter Becky, unconsoled by the parties and gifts her parents give her, and suspicious of the therapist she is now required to see, keeps her rage hidden- and nearly tears herself up.
Flesh Wounds was a touch family story, one that grips you and doesn't let go long after you close the book. As I mentioned, I saw the book next to one I was planning on picking up by Harlan Coben and I thought it was a new book. I was surprised when I realized it was written in 1997 and takes place in the early 90s. Even though it's over 10 years old, the story isn't affected and one that is a pleasure to read. The reader gets an inside view of many of the family members nd is taken through a year in the life of the family. We see the characters grow and change as they deal with the aftermath of abuse that has happened for decades. While it is a different type of book that I normally read, it was one I really enjoyed. I started it last night and finished it this afternoon and was just gripped throughout the entire story. I couldn't recommend it more to anyone. I am going to have to check and see if Mr. Cochrane wrote any other books.
Well, all of my Christmas decorations are done, the house is clean, and everything is put away. We had insulation added into our attic and also got that cleaned out this morning. I am still feeling a bit under the weather with a cold, but am looking forward to relaxing and perhaps reading a bit more before I perhaps go to my BIL and SIL's house tonight for a small get together. I ended up falling four books short of my reading goal this year, only reading 131. Next year, I am going to shoot for 135 books again but am not going to join any challenges. I am just not good with following up with them and like the flexibility of reading whatever I like whenever I like. I'm too competetive to just relax and hope to finish the challenges. Good luck to all of you in your challenges and wherever you are ringing in the New Year I hope you have a safe and happy one! Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
When the police come to arrest Hal Lamm, a Minneapolis salesman, for abusing his thirteen-year-old granddaughter, his entire family must come to terms with their secrets and unhealed wounds. Hal's wife, Phyllis, after decades of denial and emotional estrangement, finally confronts him. His daughter, Ellie, herself once abused by Hal, has sought to find strength by moving away, and now discovers it back in the midst of her family. Cal, the youngest son, is a lawyer whose instinct to defend Hal- until he becomes a father himself. Most poignantly of all, the granddaughter Becky, unconsoled by the parties and gifts her parents give her, and suspicious of the therapist she is now required to see, keeps her rage hidden- and nearly tears herself up.
Flesh Wounds was a touch family story, one that grips you and doesn't let go long after you close the book. As I mentioned, I saw the book next to one I was planning on picking up by Harlan Coben and I thought it was a new book. I was surprised when I realized it was written in 1997 and takes place in the early 90s. Even though it's over 10 years old, the story isn't affected and one that is a pleasure to read. The reader gets an inside view of many of the family members nd is taken through a year in the life of the family. We see the characters grow and change as they deal with the aftermath of abuse that has happened for decades. While it is a different type of book that I normally read, it was one I really enjoyed. I started it last night and finished it this afternoon and was just gripped throughout the entire story. I couldn't recommend it more to anyone. I am going to have to check and see if Mr. Cochrane wrote any other books.
Well, all of my Christmas decorations are done, the house is clean, and everything is put away. We had insulation added into our attic and also got that cleaned out this morning. I am still feeling a bit under the weather with a cold, but am looking forward to relaxing and perhaps reading a bit more before I perhaps go to my BIL and SIL's house tonight for a small get together. I ended up falling four books short of my reading goal this year, only reading 131. Next year, I am going to shoot for 135 books again but am not going to join any challenges. I am just not good with following up with them and like the flexibility of reading whatever I like whenever I like. I'm too competetive to just relax and hope to finish the challenges. Good luck to all of you in your challenges and wherever you are ringing in the New Year I hope you have a safe and happy one! Happy Reading!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver
I came across The Blue Nowhere last week while browsing at my local library. I've enjoyed the other books by Deaver that I've read and decided to give it a try. It was a good book and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
His code name is Phate- a sadistic computer hacker who infiltrates people's computers, invades their lives, and with chilling precision lures them to their death. Desperate to stop him, the California State Police Computer Crimes Unit frees former hacker Wyatt Gillette to aid the investigation. As the obsessive Gillette fervently attempts to trace the hacker's insidious computer virus back to it's source, Phate delivers a huge blow- murdering one of the division's own. Now, teamed with old-school homicide detective Frank Bishop, Gilette must combine their disparate talents to catch a brilliant and merciless killer.
This was a long book, coming in at over 500 pages, though it moves pretty quickly. I was afraid that some of the technical aspects of the story that deal with the hacking of computers would bog down the story, but I was able to understand it and enjoy the story. While some of the story was at times a bit unbelieveable, it was a suspenseful read and I was curious to see how everything would work out in the end. There were lots of twists and turns which I appreciate and I enjoyed the book. I probably would have finished it earlier if the holidays hadn't been so busy. Today is the first day since Tuesday that I have had time to just sit and enjoy a book and be lazy and I hope to spend more of my vacation time the same exact way. Wyatt was a likeable character and one who I was rooting for Bishop was a great dectective. I hope to read more books by Jeffrey Deaver in the near future.
I had a nice Christmas and was spoiled by my loved ones as usual. I did receive some gift cards for the bookstore and hope to make it over there this week sometime. My husband also thought it would be nice to share his cold with me and today I woke up to the lovely head cold, scratchy throat and general tired feeling. This evening we are going out to dinner with some family and other than that I plan on relaxing and hoping to read. I also need to catch up on some blog reading. I hope all of you have had a fantastic Christmas and some books were found under your trees. Happy Reading!
Back cover:
His code name is Phate- a sadistic computer hacker who infiltrates people's computers, invades their lives, and with chilling precision lures them to their death. Desperate to stop him, the California State Police Computer Crimes Unit frees former hacker Wyatt Gillette to aid the investigation. As the obsessive Gillette fervently attempts to trace the hacker's insidious computer virus back to it's source, Phate delivers a huge blow- murdering one of the division's own. Now, teamed with old-school homicide detective Frank Bishop, Gilette must combine their disparate talents to catch a brilliant and merciless killer.
This was a long book, coming in at over 500 pages, though it moves pretty quickly. I was afraid that some of the technical aspects of the story that deal with the hacking of computers would bog down the story, but I was able to understand it and enjoy the story. While some of the story was at times a bit unbelieveable, it was a suspenseful read and I was curious to see how everything would work out in the end. There were lots of twists and turns which I appreciate and I enjoyed the book. I probably would have finished it earlier if the holidays hadn't been so busy. Today is the first day since Tuesday that I have had time to just sit and enjoy a book and be lazy and I hope to spend more of my vacation time the same exact way. Wyatt was a likeable character and one who I was rooting for Bishop was a great dectective. I hope to read more books by Jeffrey Deaver in the near future.
I had a nice Christmas and was spoiled by my loved ones as usual. I did receive some gift cards for the bookstore and hope to make it over there this week sometime. My husband also thought it would be nice to share his cold with me and today I woke up to the lovely head cold, scratchy throat and general tired feeling. This evening we are going out to dinner with some family and other than that I plan on relaxing and hoping to read. I also need to catch up on some blog reading. I hope all of you have had a fantastic Christmas and some books were found under your trees. Happy Reading!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Unspoken Fear by Hunter Morgan
I read two books by Hunter Morgan earlier this year and really enjoyed them, so when looking over my shelves, I decided to pick this one up. I enjoyed it and give it a B+.
Back cover:
Vineyard manager Rachel Gibson's once-blissful marriage crashed to an end with the imprisonment of her husband following a series of senseless tragedies that peaked one night on a bloody stretch of Delaware highway. Five years later, Noah's coming home, and Rachel wonders if he'll be able to piece together some kind of life, with or without her help...
But the Noah who returns is a virtual stranger, a mere shadow of the man Rachel once loved. And he may be more changed that she realizes. People around town are dying- grisly, torturous deaths- and the hands of someone making them "pay" for their secret sins. And who better to know the victims' deepest secrets than their local clergyman... the former Reverend Noah Gibson?
As body after body is discovered, Rachel can't let go of a sickening snense that the killer's twisted path is pointing in her direction. And to stop the next slaying before it begins, Rachel will have to face her worst nightmare- a terror born of the darkest power of all...
While this book is classified as a romantic suspense, I wouldn't really call it that. There are a few little romance subplots running through the story, but none of the usual cliches that bother me and not whole chapters of the romance taking over the story. It was perfectly done if you ask me. There were several red herrings thrown out throughout the story which I always enjoy and there were a lot of suspects that I kept going back and forth with. The murderer was a surprise, but once I started thinking about it, the more it made sense to me. Hunter Morgan hits another win with me, and I will continue to read more books by the author.
I am pretty sure I have finished the RYOB challenge, in which I said I wanted to read 50 books I owned. I need to count up my final tally, but I know it's over 50 and there are still slightly less than 2 weeks left in 2009. I don't think I am going to be entering any official challenges this upcoming year because I really didn't do a good job of reporting updates, but I think I will do my own little mini-challenges including reading 50 of my own books again and 50 library books. I doubt I will hit my goal of reading 135 books this year (I'm at 128 right now, so I guess it's possible, but unlikely) but I am going to shoot for that again next year. I am officially on break now, and almost have all my Christmas shopping done so bring on the books! Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Vineyard manager Rachel Gibson's once-blissful marriage crashed to an end with the imprisonment of her husband following a series of senseless tragedies that peaked one night on a bloody stretch of Delaware highway. Five years later, Noah's coming home, and Rachel wonders if he'll be able to piece together some kind of life, with or without her help...
But the Noah who returns is a virtual stranger, a mere shadow of the man Rachel once loved. And he may be more changed that she realizes. People around town are dying- grisly, torturous deaths- and the hands of someone making them "pay" for their secret sins. And who better to know the victims' deepest secrets than their local clergyman... the former Reverend Noah Gibson?
As body after body is discovered, Rachel can't let go of a sickening snense that the killer's twisted path is pointing in her direction. And to stop the next slaying before it begins, Rachel will have to face her worst nightmare- a terror born of the darkest power of all...
While this book is classified as a romantic suspense, I wouldn't really call it that. There are a few little romance subplots running through the story, but none of the usual cliches that bother me and not whole chapters of the romance taking over the story. It was perfectly done if you ask me. There were several red herrings thrown out throughout the story which I always enjoy and there were a lot of suspects that I kept going back and forth with. The murderer was a surprise, but once I started thinking about it, the more it made sense to me. Hunter Morgan hits another win with me, and I will continue to read more books by the author.
I am pretty sure I have finished the RYOB challenge, in which I said I wanted to read 50 books I owned. I need to count up my final tally, but I know it's over 50 and there are still slightly less than 2 weeks left in 2009. I don't think I am going to be entering any official challenges this upcoming year because I really didn't do a good job of reporting updates, but I think I will do my own little mini-challenges including reading 50 of my own books again and 50 library books. I doubt I will hit my goal of reading 135 books this year (I'm at 128 right now, so I guess it's possible, but unlikely) but I am going to shoot for that again next year. I am officially on break now, and almost have all my Christmas shopping done so bring on the books! Happy Reading everyone!
Friday, December 18, 2009
I'll Be Watching You by Samuel M. Key
I'll Be Watching You is an older book which was published in 1990. At times you can tell, but it really didn't bother me. A good book that I've had on my shelves for awhile that deals with stalking, I decided to pick it up and give it a go. I should have finished it much earlier this week, but as life has a tendency to get in the way, I just finished it this afternoon. I give it a B.
Back cover:
Rachel Sorensen feared she would never escape the abuse of her ex-husband. Until a passing stranger came to her rescue. A stranger who watched her from afar. He was a photographer and collector of beautiful things. And Rachel was his perfect subject. He lived only to make her happy. And eliminate those who didn't. Once he used his camera to trap Rachel's beauty forever. Now he wanted something more. She owed him for life. And tonight he will collect on his debt...
As I mentioned, this was an old book and it in some spots it showed, but really didn't take anything away from the story. Rachel is a character that one has to have compassion for, after barely escaping from her absuive husband only to have him track her down time and time again. The reader is introduced to her guardain angel who turns out to not be the angel that Rachel thinks she is. As you read, you get an inside view of the psychopath's mind and why he is the way he is. The suspense builds throughout the story to a surprising ending. There was one part that was a bit unbelieveable, but I was able to overlook it. I have to see if Mr. Key has any more old books out there that I can read because this one was a spooky one.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Today I went to the library and did some browsing and picked up 7 books to read over the Christmas break. The one district that I work in had the last day of school today, but another district goes until the 23rd. I am working Monday, but that will probably be it. I always do a project for my mom over break but I hope to have plenty of reading time as well. My hubby's birthday is Sunday, so of course there will be those festivities, but I plan on getting lots and lots of reading in. My cleaning is done for the weekend and my laundry is currently in the washer, so here's to a relaxing weekend before the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Rachel Sorensen feared she would never escape the abuse of her ex-husband. Until a passing stranger came to her rescue. A stranger who watched her from afar. He was a photographer and collector of beautiful things. And Rachel was his perfect subject. He lived only to make her happy. And eliminate those who didn't. Once he used his camera to trap Rachel's beauty forever. Now he wanted something more. She owed him for life. And tonight he will collect on his debt...
As I mentioned, this was an old book and it in some spots it showed, but really didn't take anything away from the story. Rachel is a character that one has to have compassion for, after barely escaping from her absuive husband only to have him track her down time and time again. The reader is introduced to her guardain angel who turns out to not be the angel that Rachel thinks she is. As you read, you get an inside view of the psychopath's mind and why he is the way he is. The suspense builds throughout the story to a surprising ending. There was one part that was a bit unbelieveable, but I was able to overlook it. I have to see if Mr. Key has any more old books out there that I can read because this one was a spooky one.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Today I went to the library and did some browsing and picked up 7 books to read over the Christmas break. The one district that I work in had the last day of school today, but another district goes until the 23rd. I am working Monday, but that will probably be it. I always do a project for my mom over break but I hope to have plenty of reading time as well. My hubby's birthday is Sunday, so of course there will be those festivities, but I plan on getting lots and lots of reading in. My cleaning is done for the weekend and my laundry is currently in the washer, so here's to a relaxing weekend before the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Happy Reading everyone!
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Kill by Allison Brennan
I have had The Kill and several other Allison Brennan books on my shelves for far too long and decided to finally finish out this triliogy. The Kill is the third and final book in a loosely connected series featuring three women who went through the FBI Training Academy together and years ago I read The Prey and The Hunt. The Kill was a bit scary and a bit suspensful peppered with romance. I give it a B.
Back cover:
For thirty years, FBI scientist Olivia St. Martin has lived with guilt and one abiding certainty- that while she wasn't able to save her sister's life, she did testify and helped to convict the rapist and killer. When shocking new evidence exonerates the man Olivia is sure she saw abduct her sister, she breaks every rule in the book to uncover the truth.
Driven by the possibilty that she put the wrong man behind bars, Olivia discovers that a serial killer has been at large all these years. Believing that the monster has just struck again in Seattle, Olivia leaves her lab and poses as a field agent, sharing her unofficial investigation with a hardworking Seattle cop. Olivia doesn't want to lie to detective Zack Travis. And she certainly doesn't want to fall in love. But as the investigation intensifies, Oliva and Zack find they are rapidly losing control- over their hearts, their secrets, and a case that threatens to consume them.
I just really am not a fan of romantic suspense. While I used to really enjoy romance novels, they became a bit predictible and dry to me, so I ended up reading more mysteries and suspense. The Kill had a great premise and the villian was certainly a scary one, but the romance part could have been left out for me. I admit there were parts that I completely skimmed and skipped over, but that was because they weren't part of the story that I was reading for... the monster who is abducting and killing young girls across the country. The book itself probably could have be done in about 50 pages or so less if part of the romance between Zack and Olivia had been toned down and usual cliches were eliminated. With all of that being said, I still did enjoy the mystery and the way it was solved. I do have more of Ms. Brennan's books on my shelves and will continue to read her books, but maybe next time it will be when I am more in the mood for a bit of romance.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I need to run by the library and drop a book off, so perhaps I will do a bit of browsing or I will just pull a book off of my own shelves. I am going to the Wings game again tonight (this was a surprise but a pleasant one!) and need to run up to the grocery store along with finishing up some last minute chores around the house. I worked this morning and was hoping to get some Chrismtas shopping done, but that hasn't turned out the way I wanted so maybe tomorrow. I hope everyone else is having a good start to the week and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
For thirty years, FBI scientist Olivia St. Martin has lived with guilt and one abiding certainty- that while she wasn't able to save her sister's life, she did testify and helped to convict the rapist and killer. When shocking new evidence exonerates the man Olivia is sure she saw abduct her sister, she breaks every rule in the book to uncover the truth.
Driven by the possibilty that she put the wrong man behind bars, Olivia discovers that a serial killer has been at large all these years. Believing that the monster has just struck again in Seattle, Olivia leaves her lab and poses as a field agent, sharing her unofficial investigation with a hardworking Seattle cop. Olivia doesn't want to lie to detective Zack Travis. And she certainly doesn't want to fall in love. But as the investigation intensifies, Oliva and Zack find they are rapidly losing control- over their hearts, their secrets, and a case that threatens to consume them.
I just really am not a fan of romantic suspense. While I used to really enjoy romance novels, they became a bit predictible and dry to me, so I ended up reading more mysteries and suspense. The Kill had a great premise and the villian was certainly a scary one, but the romance part could have been left out for me. I admit there were parts that I completely skimmed and skipped over, but that was because they weren't part of the story that I was reading for... the monster who is abducting and killing young girls across the country. The book itself probably could have be done in about 50 pages or so less if part of the romance between Zack and Olivia had been toned down and usual cliches were eliminated. With all of that being said, I still did enjoy the mystery and the way it was solved. I do have more of Ms. Brennan's books on my shelves and will continue to read her books, but maybe next time it will be when I am more in the mood for a bit of romance.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I need to run by the library and drop a book off, so perhaps I will do a bit of browsing or I will just pull a book off of my own shelves. I am going to the Wings game again tonight (this was a surprise but a pleasant one!) and need to run up to the grocery store along with finishing up some last minute chores around the house. I worked this morning and was hoping to get some Chrismtas shopping done, but that hasn't turned out the way I wanted so maybe tomorrow. I hope everyone else is having a good start to the week and Happy Reading!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
See Jane Run by Joy Fielding
I've been a fan of Ms. Fielding for awhile now and picked up See Jane Run from a library book sale awhile back. While trying to decide what to read next, this one caught my eye and I was off and reading. It was a good book and kept my heart racing at times. I give it a B.
Back cover:
Jane Whitaker has awakened to a nightmare. She doesn't know her name, her age... or even what she looks like. Frightened and confused, she wanders the streets of Boston wearing a blood-soaked blue dress- and carrying $10,000 in her pocket. Her life has become a vacaum- her past vanished... or stolen. And all that remains is a handsome, unsettling stranger who claims to be her husband, whispered rumors about a dead child whom she cannot recall... and a terrifying premonition that something truly horrible is about to occur.
See Jane Run spooked me a few different levels. Imagining myself waking up one day having no idea who I am, where I'm from and lost on the streets is quite frightening and Ms. Fielding does a fantastic job illustrating that. Once Jane returns home, bits and pieces of her past start returning and the fear doesn't let up. It's hard for Jane to know who to trust and it's hard for the reader to know who to trust as well. I couldn't imagine it. I liked Jane's character and was rooting for her the entire time. I thought Ms. Fielding did an excellent job of highlighting her fear and the real feelings that one must go through while suffering from amnesia. Though the book was written in 1990, it isn't too difficult to get into the story and there were only a few times when I had to remind myself, "No, she can't just go and look that number or address up on the internet." I think that is a sign of a good author, one who can write a book that is timeless for the ages. I know I'm always in for a good read when I pick up one Joy Fielding's books.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I am out of library books and didn't have a chance to run up there today. Between cleaning, including getting rid of so many clothes and old junk (why did I think it was necessary to keep shoes from the 90's?), grocery shopping, Christmas shopping and laundry I have been busy but now plan on kicking back tonight with a good book and perhaps some TIVOed shows and the Wings game. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Jane Whitaker has awakened to a nightmare. She doesn't know her name, her age... or even what she looks like. Frightened and confused, she wanders the streets of Boston wearing a blood-soaked blue dress- and carrying $10,000 in her pocket. Her life has become a vacaum- her past vanished... or stolen. And all that remains is a handsome, unsettling stranger who claims to be her husband, whispered rumors about a dead child whom she cannot recall... and a terrifying premonition that something truly horrible is about to occur.
See Jane Run spooked me a few different levels. Imagining myself waking up one day having no idea who I am, where I'm from and lost on the streets is quite frightening and Ms. Fielding does a fantastic job illustrating that. Once Jane returns home, bits and pieces of her past start returning and the fear doesn't let up. It's hard for Jane to know who to trust and it's hard for the reader to know who to trust as well. I couldn't imagine it. I liked Jane's character and was rooting for her the entire time. I thought Ms. Fielding did an excellent job of highlighting her fear and the real feelings that one must go through while suffering from amnesia. Though the book was written in 1990, it isn't too difficult to get into the story and there were only a few times when I had to remind myself, "No, she can't just go and look that number or address up on the internet." I think that is a sign of a good author, one who can write a book that is timeless for the ages. I know I'm always in for a good read when I pick up one Joy Fielding's books.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I am out of library books and didn't have a chance to run up there today. Between cleaning, including getting rid of so many clothes and old junk (why did I think it was necessary to keep shoes from the 90's?), grocery shopping, Christmas shopping and laundry I have been busy but now plan on kicking back tonight with a good book and perhaps some TIVOed shows and the Wings game. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends and Happy Reading!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Church of Dead Girls by Stephen Dobyns
The Church of Dead Girls is a book I've had on my shelves for far too long. I got this from either a library sale or thrift store, and I am a bit disappointed I waited this long to read it. It was a good book, more literary fiction than straight up suspense, and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
For decades, the faded, rural upstate New York village has lain dormant- until it is startlingly stirred to life when, one by one, three young girls vanish...
Nightmares are turned into horrifying reality when their corpses are found, brutally murdered, each missing their left hand...
Now as the search for a madman gets underway, suspicion shrouds the quiet streets of Aurelius when its residents soon realize that a monster lives among them...
But not even prayers can save their loved one from the rage of a twisted mind who has only just begun his slaughter...
In The Church of Dead Girls, the town of Aurelius is in itself the main character of the story. The narrator, a man who I am not even sure is ever named and if he was I don't remember, serves as the readers eyes and ears for the events that turn this small town upside down as three young girls are kidnapped and seem to vanish. There are many characters to keep track of, but while reading these pages, you are transported to small, snowy Aurelius and all of it's residents. Suspicion is thrown on everyone, the gay residents, the single men, the married men, and even one or two women. I believe the story is an accurate picture of what would happen to a small town suddenly thrust into the national spotlight because of a terrible person. While I normally enjoy the heavier and grittier suspense books, The Church of Dead Girls was a great literary suspense book that encouraged me to escape from my ususal comfort reads.
It took me a week to read this book! Part of it was because the book was long and desires to be read slowly so you savor the story and the other reason was because I've been busy. A couple of weeks ago, I accepted a subbing job for a week for the same teacher. On Tuesday she became quite sick and had to have an emergency surgery and I was called to take over her class again. Since this wasn't a planned abscence, I had to do planning and now it seems she will be out for another two weeks and progress reports are due! Today my day was totally shot by a wedding (I am currently in between the church portion and we are leaving shortly for the reception), so tomorrow will be checking papers and prepping for the next week. As much as I am missing my free time, I am thankful to have this long term subbing position since I get to actually teach and I like the class! I also need to start managing my time a bit better as I seem to be spending much time surfing the internet, looking at nothing. Time to fix my makeup and leave. Happy Reading everyone and have a fantastic weekend!
Back cover:
For decades, the faded, rural upstate New York village has lain dormant- until it is startlingly stirred to life when, one by one, three young girls vanish...
Nightmares are turned into horrifying reality when their corpses are found, brutally murdered, each missing their left hand...
Now as the search for a madman gets underway, suspicion shrouds the quiet streets of Aurelius when its residents soon realize that a monster lives among them...
But not even prayers can save their loved one from the rage of a twisted mind who has only just begun his slaughter...
In The Church of Dead Girls, the town of Aurelius is in itself the main character of the story. The narrator, a man who I am not even sure is ever named and if he was I don't remember, serves as the readers eyes and ears for the events that turn this small town upside down as three young girls are kidnapped and seem to vanish. There are many characters to keep track of, but while reading these pages, you are transported to small, snowy Aurelius and all of it's residents. Suspicion is thrown on everyone, the gay residents, the single men, the married men, and even one or two women. I believe the story is an accurate picture of what would happen to a small town suddenly thrust into the national spotlight because of a terrible person. While I normally enjoy the heavier and grittier suspense books, The Church of Dead Girls was a great literary suspense book that encouraged me to escape from my ususal comfort reads.
It took me a week to read this book! Part of it was because the book was long and desires to be read slowly so you savor the story and the other reason was because I've been busy. A couple of weeks ago, I accepted a subbing job for a week for the same teacher. On Tuesday she became quite sick and had to have an emergency surgery and I was called to take over her class again. Since this wasn't a planned abscence, I had to do planning and now it seems she will be out for another two weeks and progress reports are due! Today my day was totally shot by a wedding (I am currently in between the church portion and we are leaving shortly for the reception), so tomorrow will be checking papers and prepping for the next week. As much as I am missing my free time, I am thankful to have this long term subbing position since I get to actually teach and I like the class! I also need to start managing my time a bit better as I seem to be spending much time surfing the internet, looking at nothing. Time to fix my makeup and leave. Happy Reading everyone and have a fantastic weekend!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bad Chemistry by Gary Krist
Bad Chemistry is a book I've had on my shelves for quite awhile, probably bought from a library book sale or thrift store. I decided to pick it up and while it took me awhile to read, it was a good read. I give it a B+.
Back cover:
How well do you know your spouse?
What if the person you married was keeping secrets from you?
What if the one you love is involved in something so dangerous it could destroy you both?
Kate Theodorus is about to find out...
I think one of the things that made this book so scary was the fact that though you are married to someone, someone you sleep with every night, use the same sink to brush your teeth, and share a hair brush with could hide so many things from you and be a totally different person than the one you thought you knew. While there were some sci-fi aspects to the book, which is something I normally totally avoid, it didn't bother me at all. There was a lot of suspense and the pages were turning and Kate was a great character.
I finally quit my job I hated. I was just absolutely miserable there and felt myself slipping back into the anxiety and depression state I battled for over three years. My mental health just wasn't worth the extra money I was making and I am going to go to back to subbing. I also have an interview on Tuesday, and when I got the call to set it up yesterday, I felt like it was a sign telling me to go with my heart and so I resigned at the end of the day. While I have feelings of guilt, I know it will be better in the long run. I am off to get some cleaning and laundry done, along with starting the next Katherine Dance book by Jeffrey Deaver, Roadside Crosses. I have high hopes for this! Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
How well do you know your spouse?
What if the person you married was keeping secrets from you?
What if the one you love is involved in something so dangerous it could destroy you both?
Kate Theodorus is about to find out...
I think one of the things that made this book so scary was the fact that though you are married to someone, someone you sleep with every night, use the same sink to brush your teeth, and share a hair brush with could hide so many things from you and be a totally different person than the one you thought you knew. While there were some sci-fi aspects to the book, which is something I normally totally avoid, it didn't bother me at all. There was a lot of suspense and the pages were turning and Kate was a great character.
I finally quit my job I hated. I was just absolutely miserable there and felt myself slipping back into the anxiety and depression state I battled for over three years. My mental health just wasn't worth the extra money I was making and I am going to go to back to subbing. I also have an interview on Tuesday, and when I got the call to set it up yesterday, I felt like it was a sign telling me to go with my heart and so I resigned at the end of the day. While I have feelings of guilt, I know it will be better in the long run. I am off to get some cleaning and laundry done, along with starting the next Katherine Dance book by Jeffrey Deaver, Roadside Crosses. I have high hopes for this! Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Too Close for Comfort by Ellen Feldman
Too Close for Comfort is a book that has been sitting on my TBR shelves for far too long. I probably got it from a UBS or library sale, as it's an older book set in the 1990s. I thought it sounded right up my alley, but I was a bit disappointed. I give it a B-.
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
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