24. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

Skin Deep by J.M. Stone, read by Jessica on 05/22/2013

Oh, who was she kidding? Emma knew that going to the tattoo shop with her best friend, Allie, would result in getting badgered until she ended up with some sort of needle piercing her flesh in one way or another. What she didn’t plan on was ending up face-first on the floor of the shop with a busted lip. Or doing it in front of the hottest guy she’d seen since…well, ever.

Mortified, Emma never thought she’d ever step foot back in Skin Deep again. But fate, with a little help from Emma’s flighty best friend and a chance encounter with a fudge bar, steps in. Now Emma’s torn between taking a chance on getting her heart broken by the enigmatic, gorgeous Lucas, and playing it safe with good ol’ trusty B.O.B.

Lucas lets Emma know that he gets what he wants, and what he wants is her. When Emma gives in and quits pushing him away, she’s surprised at how quickly the walls around her heart crumble. She’s even more surprised that her unconventional, zany family just endears her even more to him.

But no one knows there’s someone that wants her more, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her.

23. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Tammy

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, read by Tammy on 05/20/2013

Gillian Flynn’s wildly popular novel does pull the reader right into the psychological mystery of the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her 5th wedding anniversary. Did Amy runaway? Did her husband, Nick, kill her? Did one of her stalkers kidnap or kill her? As the inspiration of a wildly successful children series, Amazing Amy, Amy has had a number of stalkers during childhood and adulthood or has she? Switching narrators between Amy’s diary and Nick’s thoughts and conversations with the police, his in-laws and his twin sister, Margo, the reader is led on a series of events that slowly unwind into a tangled, twisted web. Nick is definitely not husband of the year material either. Pushed by Amy’s doting parents and her best friend, that Nick didn’t even know Amy had, the police follow the winding trail of clues back to Nick. But is he the real killer? And if he didn’t kill her, where is Amy?
gone girl
Though the writing is quick and clever and the mystery definitely sustains your interest some of the author’s details are out of whack. There really is a town of Carthage, Missouri, but it is on the opposite side of the state from St. Louis and it is not a river town. The Mississippi River features prominently in the story as do St. Louis and Hannibal and their proximity to “Carthage” is important in the plot. The Ozarks are described as flat land, while the region is well known for it’s hills and valleys. If you enjoy details of the setting of a story and know this and also know that the author is from Missouri, which I did, these repeated inconsistencies are grating. Also, the authors description of people who live in the Midwest is far from complimentary. Most of these descriptions do come from Amy, who loves her previous life in New York City and did not want to move to Missouri, but even general descriptions aren’t kind. As a well-educated and life-long resident of Missouri, who does not consider herself in any way a “hick” this grew very tiresome too.

For me the conclusion was also very unsatisfying. I didn’t guess what was going to happen, which is usually a plus for me. The more mysteries I read the harder it is for an author to surprise me, but what does happen was so upsetting to me that it totally ruined the surprise factor for me.

23. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Classics, Fiction, Tammy · Tags:

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright, read by Tammy on 05/19/2013

Thimble SummerNewbery Winner 1939

A few hours after nine-year-old Garnet Linden finds a silver thimble in the dried-up riverbed, on her family’s Wisconsin farm, the rains come and end the long drought on the farm. The rains bring safety for the crops and the livestock and money for Garnet’s father. Garnet’s good luck continues throughout the summer and she’s convinced its because of her lucky thimble. Though not a long book, it is easy for the reader to picture Garnet’s family farm, their small town and the close-knit farming community. Garnet clearly loves the farm, but her older brother is determined to never be a farmer as he watches their father struggle to pay the bills. He realizes the famiy income is based on the weather and things beyond his control no matter how hard dad works. But through the eyes of a stranger and Garnet he also grows to appreciate the benefits of farm life.

22. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Drama, Fiction, Kira, Paranormal · Tags:

Eva moves the furniture by Margot Livesey, read by Kira on 05/21/2013

jacket-eva-moves-the-furniture If you liked the book “A Certain Slant of LIght” you will like Eva Moves the Furniture.  It has the same eevavocative feel to me, slightly haunting.

Growing up,Eva has 2 companions a girl her age, and a grown woman, eva moves furnthat no one else can see.  Her Mom died right after she is born, and she experiences a certain degree of loneliness, and is less than successful forming friendships at school.  The companions meddle in her life, sometimes to Eva’s delight, sometimes to her disappointment.

It is Never clear whether the ghosts are real, or a figment of Eva’s imagination, because the ghosts don’t always behave well.  It could be that Eva blames her bad behavior on these ghosts, which are nothing more than a figment of her imagination.  But I lean to the other possibility, that they really are present.  But you can see where either narrative makes sense.

21. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Jessica, Romance

A Terrible Love by Marata Eros, read by Jessica on 05/20/2013

ter loveJess Mackey is living a meticulously fabricated lie of necessity. She’s left the secret tragedy of her past behind along with who she was and is forging ahead with a clean slate. But Jess soon discovers that passion can’t be left behind—neither her own, nor that of the one man who sees who she really is…and whose unexpected presence may breach the peaceful life Jess has painstakingly created for herself.

Devin Castile didn’t expect to meet a young woman who may be the missing puzzle piece to his existence…and who is also the victim of a heinous crime. Devin convinces himself that he can remain emotionally distant even while indulging his physical desire for her. But when Jess’s lies begin to crumble in the face of their undeniable attraction and the truth is revealed, one of them might pay with their life.

21. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Angie, Fantasy, Fiction, Teen Books

Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta, read by Angie on 05/21/2013

I have been eagerly anticipating this book for the last year (ever since I finished Froi of the Exiles). Melina Marchetta is one of my favorite authors and she has created a magical series with the Lumatere Chronicles. In this finale, Quintana and Froi have been separated. Quintana is pregnant and hiding out in the Monts’ Valley with Phaedra and Froi is recovering from his wounds with Arujo. Froi is frantic to find Quintana and keep her and their little king safe. He scours the entire Charyn countryside trying to find her. Back in Lumatere, Finnickin and Isaboe are expecting their second child and trying not to get caught up in the Charyn chaos.

I really wish I would have reread atleast Froi before tackling Quintana since it has been so long between them. Marchetta is not an author who recaps all her previous books, which I like, but there is a lot going on and a lot of people and events to remember. This book is all about the connections between the characters, both politically and familially. Can Isaboe let go of her hatred of Charyn to help Quintana? Can the people of Charyn unite and form a more stable, hospitable country? Will Quintana and Froi ever be together? Will the Little King bring peace?

I am sad to see the end of this series, but I can’t wait to read what Marchetta comes up with next. I am also going to reread the entire trilogy sometime when I have a free minute! These characters are so wonderfully written and the world so detailed that it is really hard to leave them behind.

21. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Fantasy, Fiction, Janet · Tags:

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann, read by Janet Bowles on 05/20/2013

The Unwanteds     In the “perfect” society of Quill, those who don’t follow the exact rules or meet the highest qualifications are weeded out when they reach thirteen.  They are taken to the outer wall of the kingdom, through a gate always kept locked from the inside, and handed to some enormous Eliminators to be thrown into the Boiling Lake of Oil.  Alex and the others knew they were doomed, but were very surprised to be welcomed by a giant flying tortoise and Mr.Today.  They actually had escaped from a land of black and white with stiff rules to a colorful place where people were enjoyed and taught many magic and creative activities that would eventually save their lives.  Alex missed his twin, Aaron, who was a Wanted in Quill, but visited him in dreams, hoping to someday bring him here to Artime.  There are many surprises and lots of exciting experiences – good booki!

21. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Sarah, Teen Books

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt, read by Sarah on 05/21/2013

going vint.

After a break-up with her cheating boyfriend, Mallory swears off of all modern technology until she can complete a list.  Her list is borrowed from her Grandma’s junior year in high school and includes such things as make a homecoming dress and find a steady.  Mallory learns a lot about herself and her family during her two week quest to go vintage and live like they did in the ’60′s.  She thinks that being a teenager was so much easier during that time, but she learns that adolescence is hard regardless of the time period.

I enjoyed the bantering between Mallory and her younger sister.  They had a great relationship and were able to tell each other what they really thought without fear of losing each other.  Also, Oliver’s unique personality added charm and comedic relief.  I enjoyed Going Vintage.

20. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Playing Patience by Tabatha Vargo, read by Nikki on 05/13/2013

51He+kmsowL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_Zeke lives in a trailer on the crappy side of town. He plays guitar in a band, drinks, does drugs, parties and is constantly fighting. Patience goes to private school, plays soccer and is the Governors daughter. Though it seems the these two have nothing in common, they do. They both hide a secret from everyone they know. A dark secret that has both of them broken inside. So when Zeke and Patience meet for the first time, they can see right through eacother. They both know the other is hiding something serious. Eventually their one chance meeting turns into several and they begin a relationship and both find out the horror of their secrets that they’re living with.

Wow! This was a really difficult book to read. In the summary of the book you have no idea what exactly you’re getting yourself in to. In the second chapter I was completely shocked and wasn’t sure if I could even continue reading the book. It was an extremely emotional read, and really makes you think about what is going on in people’s lives, or makes you realize that these things really do happen. It was a very sad story, but one with a happy ending. One of my favorite books so far.

20. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Knight and Stay by Kitty French, read by Nikki on 05/09/2013

51d5m0zwzNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_Sophie Black’s husband has just found out she’s been cheating on him with her new boss Lucien Knight. What he doesn’t know is that Sophie knows that her husband has been cheating on her for the past year and a half. So now Sophie has decided to cut ties with both men and try to get her life figured out. Eventually though she finds herself returning as Luciens PA, while trying to keep her personal life separate from him. But once Sophies husband returns to their house, she has to decide to stay with her husband, or try to make a relationship work with Lucien, who never wanted to settle down with one woman.

Well I couldn’t be happier that this series is over. This book was slightly better than the first, because it had more of a story to it. Though, it was the typical, bad boy who refuses to settle down, then meets the good girl who convinces him that he’s lovable. Just wish there was more drama, or action to it.

20. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Nikki, Romance

Knight and Play by Kitty French, read by Nikki on 05/08/2013

51R3qOSeHjL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_Sophie Black is a married woman who is bored with her home and work life. Sophies husband is always gone for business and although she suspects him of cheating she chooses to ignore her instinct and trust her husband. So she decides to do something out of character for herself, she applies for a PA position with Knight Inc. Knight Inc. is owned and operated by Lucien Knight. A native to Norway, who has moved to London and built a wealthy company that builds adult clubs and sells adult “toys”. Once Sophie has the job, Lucien takes it upon himself to help Sophie not only come out of her shell, but also to use him as a way to get back at her cheating husband. Though neither one of them expects to fall for eachother, and when Sophie’s husband finds out, it all falls apart.

For one, I wanted to read this book because the authors name is Kitty French, and that’s pretty amazing if you ask me. I figure, if you’ve got a name that amazing, surely your book is going to be just as great. Not so in this case. The book seemed mediocre and didn’t have much of a story line at all. The whole porn industry thing, totally threw me off the book too. Just wasn’t my scene I suppose. Not to mention this book leaves you in a crappy cliffhanger, where you have no choice but to buy the next book!

19. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Angie, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Teen Books · Tags:

Lost in the River of Grass by Ginny Rorby, read by Angie on 05/19/2013

Sarah is the odd man out on a field trip to the Everglades. She is a scholarship student at her preppy school and doesn’t fit in with the other kids. So it is no surprise when she pretends to be sick to get out of an outing. Instead she accepts the invitation of Andy, camp owners son, to take an airboat ride. The ride is exhilarating and scary, but even more scary is finding the boat sunk after their picnic lunch. Seems Andy forgot to put the plug back in after washing the boat. Now he and Sarah are stuck 10 miles from camp and no one knows where they are. They have to trek through the Everglades and evade alligators, wild boars, snakes and tons of bugs all with no food or water.

This was a very good, realistic survival story. Andy and Sarah are world’s apart. He is a redneck hick and she is a city girl scared of everything in the wild. She starts off pretty whiny with a chip on her shoulder. We don’t realize until the end what the chip is and I wasn’t sure why it was saved that long; it didn’t seem like that big of a deal to me. However, throughout their days in the swamp both Andy and Sarah learn how to survive and how to trust each other. Very entertaining and engaging read.

2013-14 Missouri Truman Award nominee.

16. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Angie, Children's Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction · Tags:

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, read by Angie on 05/16/2013

Annemarie and her family live in Copenhagen; they have been living under German occupation for three years now. Annemarie is best friends with Ellen, who is Jewish. One day the synagogues in Copenhagen tell their people that all the Jews are going to be arrested. So Ellen and her family must hid and try to escape from Denmark. Annemarie’s family hides Ellen and then takes her to the coast so she and her parents can escape to Sweden. Annemarie’s uncle pilots the boat that takes them to Sweden. Annemarie and her family have to hide their Jewish friends and trick the German soldiers in order to get them to safety.

This is a great look at a story of the holocaust that is not often told. How many people realize that the Danish people saved almost the entire Jewish population? This is a more hopeful story of that time period than many other works about the Holocaust. It will make readers want to learn more about the Danish resistance and the rescue of the Danish Jews. I truly enjoyed Annemarie’s story and how she reacted to the danger her friend was in.

16. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kira · Tags:

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, read by Kira on 05/14/2013

caddie

Tom-boy Caddie Woodlawn, is growing up on the froncaddytier in Wisconsin.

I really empathized with Caddie, when her Mom punished her harshly, but Not her brothers, because “she was a girl and should have known better”.  However, her father punishes the boys.

I liked the fact that when Caddie starts doing more domestic activities, that her brothers follow her, because they’re pals.

 

The author tells more and shows less, leading to a quaint, less accessible read.  The story got better as it progressed.

16. May 2013 · 1 comment · Categories: Fiction, Kira, Romance

A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant, read by Kira on

Grant_Unsittliches-Angebot.inddladyWakend

Booklist: Starred Review!

This was a fun read!  Unlike most romances where the relationship between the two protagonists is plagued by misunderstandings, and self-doubt.  It is also an unusual romance novel in that the woman propositions the man.  Martha, just widowed, needs to conceive an heir, within the next month, or the country estate falls to her rapist brother-in-law.  Martha is a practical do-gooder.  The rake that she hires to “give” her an heir, Theo, was exiled from London to the country by his father, for being a lay-about, money spender.

Both of them learn to be better people, Theo learns to take an interest in his estate, and start caring for people.  Martha learns to let her hair down a bit, and get to know her neighbors as real human beings, Not charity cases.

There is humor and awkward sex.  3 out of 4 hot chilli peppers, as far as spiciness goes.

This book was recommended to me, by experts at the Reader’s Advisory Workshop I attended.

16. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Janet · Tags:

Crispin, The Cross of Lead by Avi, read by Janet Bowles on 05/14/2013

Crispin  This is a great adventure story of a boy living in the English fourteenth-century countryside whose parents died and not only was he on his own, but accused of a crime and labeled a “wolf’s head” – making him open to death by anyone.  The very large magician, Bear, adopted him and taught him to think for himself.  As they travel through the countryside Bear also teaches Crispin how to defend himself, which will be very necessary when he has to save Bear’s life and his own.

16. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Fiction, Tammy · Tags: ,

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman, read by Tammy on 05/12/2013

This Newbery Award winning children’s story follows the life of an orphan girl, who can’t even remember having a real name, let alone a real home. She is taken in by a medieval village midwife but not out of kindness. The midwife wants an assistant who will do all the chores and be thankful for a roof over her head and a few scraps of bread. But by the end of the story our young woman has found a name and made a place for herself in the world. An interesting look at a part of historymidwife rarely covered in children’s literature.

14. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Fantasy, Fiction, Joyce

Alchemy by Margaret Mahy, read by Joyce on 04/30/2013

When Roland’s teacher gives him an unusual assignment instead of punishment for shoplifting, he thinks he is home free. All he has to do is find out what he can about a classmate, Jess Ferret, and report back to his teacher. But there is something less than straightforward about this request, especially because the more Roland learns about Jess, the more confused he becomes. Her house is sinisterly tidy, her parents are never home, mysterious books line the bookshelves, and, most intriguing of all, Jess is apparently a student of alchemy. Why is Roland’s teacher so interested in Jess? Why has a shady magician from Roland’s past suddenly come back into his life? What exactly are the voices in Roland’s head cautioning him against? And what is the reason for Jess Ferret’s knowledge about alchemy? In searching for answers Roland finds himself trapped in a mysterious web of magic, power, and greed. This is the story of a terrifying war of magic versus willpower, told only as award-winning author Margaret Mahy can.

14. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Fiction, Joyce, Poetry, Teen Books

Learning to Swim: A Memoir by Ann Turner, read by Joyce on 04/25/2013

Six-year-old Annie’s world is shattered when she is forced to carry a horrible secret: Under the pretense of reading to her, an older boy molests her, threatening her if she ever tells. Only when her mother pries out the secret is Annie released from her horror and isolation. Slowly she begins to heal, and before the summer is over, she even learns to swim.

14. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Angie, Children's Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Giff, read by Joyce on 04/18/2013

This year, as in other years, Lily has planned a spectacular summer in Rockaway, in her family’s cozy house on stilts over the Atlantic Ocean. But by the summer of 1944, World War II has changed almost everyone’s life. Lily’s best friend, Margaret, and her family have moved to a wartime factory town, and worse, much worse, Lily’s father is on his way overseas to the war.

There’s no one else Lily’s age in Rockaway until Albert comes, a refugee from Hungary, a boy with a secret sewn into his coat. Albert has lost most of his family in the war; he’s been through things Lily can’t imagine. But when they join together to rescue and care for a kitten, they begin a special friendship. For Lily and Albert have their own secrets to share: they both have told lies, and Lily has told a lie that may cost Albert his life.