Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I had forgotten a lot about how Anne's story continued, so it has been fun to revisit it and note all the changes from the movie series, which I just recently rewatched (for the umpteenth time).

It's interesting to see her grow up and change, and I still love this setting.

Book 84 read in 2018

Pages: 304

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

My sixth grade teacher read this novel out loud to our class, and despite the fact that I was a surly middle schooler who absolutely hated to be read out loud to by anyone, I absolutely adored this story. In fact, after only one chapter, something about Anne resonated with me so much that I immediately checked out the book and read it straight through myself, followed by the rest of the series.

I also berated my poor mother, for giving me a middle name of Ann, with no E, which seemed positively dreadful to me, after Anne had declared it so.

It was only a small leap from there to the movie series, which I adore and have watched with my sister about a million times in the past 25-ish years.

In addition, I have to credit this novel for my early obsession with everything Tennyson, and poetry in general. It set me on a poetry spiral, when I had previously disliked and misunderstood poetry. Needless to say, this book definitely had an impact on my life, and is tied to so many childhood memories that it holds soft spots inside my heart.

While I reread the books several times as a child/teen, this is my first time revisiting them as an adult, and I'm still captivated by everything Anne and Prince Edward Island (and obviously Gilbert, who interestingly enough, I named a baby after in 2017--and not my baby, but someone else's baby, which is pretty much my biggest claim to fame so far).


Book 83 read in 2018

Pages: 320

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This graphic memoir is in some ways captivating and in other ways a bit off mark for me. It's definitely strange, which leans in its favor. The story is as much about Bechdel's father, and the fact that he was a gay man who was not out, as it is about Bechdel.

It's different from other graphic novels, because there's almost a sentence or more before every single panel that's helping to tell the story. Sometimes those sentences are fun, interesting, or extremely helpful to the story. Other times, they are a bit tiresome and disruptive to the flow.

My biggest struggle was that a few really big issues were explained away so quickly or briefly, that it left me feeling unsatisfied with those conclusions. There's definitely some gaps here, which probably comes from her having viewed her childhood with a child's eyes, which is understandable. I just wish that as an adult she could have come back and filled in a few of those gaps for us.

There are some strong ties to literature that walk that fine line between characterization and pretension. I like books and literature a lot, so I found it interesting most of the time and tedious only sometimes. Since her family was a family or artists and English teachers, I think explaining her story in those frames definitely made sense. It's just not something that's going to click for everyone.

Honestly, it does speak a lot to who Bechdel is and how she see's herself, in a round about sort of way. I especially enjoyed the artwork, and it was very easy to identify the characters from multiple angles, which I have recently learned is incredibly important to my ability to take in and truly enjoy a graphic novel.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. It wasn't what I expected, and it wander down some paths that weren't all of interest to me. The idea of including excerpts from real letters was interesting, though often difficult to read. There was basically no character development on the other siblings, which might have been a nice edition, since this focused so much on her family and childhood.

Book 81 read in 2018

Pages: 232

Mindhunter by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker

He has hunted some of the most notorious and sadistic criminals of our time. He has confronted, interviewed and researched dozens of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Richard Speck, John Wayne Gacy, and James Earl Ray - for a landmark study to understand their motives. To get inside their minds. He is Special Agent John Douglas, the model for law enforcement legend Jack Crawford in Thomas Harris's thrillers Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs, and the man who ushered in a new age in behavorial science and criminal profiling. 

It's crazy how the smallest detail of a crime scene can tell so much about a criminal! John takes you through his thought process when analyzing crime scenes in order to catch some of the world's most deadly villians. 


Rating: 5 of 5

Pages: 409

True Love by Jude Deveraux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Just as Alix Madsen is finishing up architectural school, Adelaide Kingsley dies and wills her, for one year, the use of a charming nineteenth-century Nantucket house. The elderly woman’s relationship to the Madsen family is a mystery to the spirited Alix—fresh from a romantic breakup—but for reasons of her own Alix accepts the quirky bequest, in part because it gives her time to plan her best friend’s storybook wedding.

But unseen forces move behind the scenes, creaking Kingsley House’s ancient floorboards. It seems that Adelaide Kingsley had a rather specific task for Alix: to solve the strange disappearance of one of the Kingsley women, Valentina, more than two hundred years ago. If that wasn’t troubling enough, Alix must deal with the arrogant (and extremely good-looking) architect Jared Montgomery, who is living in the property’s guesthouse.

Unbeknown to Alix, Jared has been charged with looking after her while she lives on the island—an easy task for him, considering the undeniable chemistry between the two. But Jared harbors secrets of his own, which, if revealed, may drive a wedge between the pair.

I enjoyed this book, it was a cute little story. There was some funny parts that found me laughing. It was strange that Jared really thought that Alix would have no idea who he was. Alix's mom was something else, her dad and mom where both wanting them to end up together but not just come out and say that. 
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464 Pages

Seducing Simon by Maya Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: One fateful night, Toni Langston seduces her best friend, the guy she's been in love with forever. Two problems-he doesn't remember a thing that happened and now she's pregnant. Toni Langston has been in love with Simon, her best friend, for years. The night Simon breaks up with his long time girlfriend, he and Toni make love. Toni is devastated and humiliated when, in the heat of the moment, he calls her by his girlfriend's name. The next morning, Simon remembers nothing of the previous night and Toni is only too relieved not to remind him. Two months later, she discovers she's pregnant. She wants Simon to love her, apart from any obligation he might feel because of the baby. So she embarks on a quest to seduce her best friend, to make him see her as more than a little sister, to make him love her as much as she loves him. It works. Maybe too well. Now when things are perfect, she faces telling him of the secret she's kept.

Wow, this was such a great story. It was so funny when someone else brought to his attention why she may have attached the way she did. He had not thought about things the way she did. I was also sad, that he brother didn't defined her more. I would hope that not matter what my brother would take my side or at least ask me questions before assuming. The ending was so sad and happy at the same time. 

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211 Pages

Arcana Rising (The Arcana Chronicles, #4) by Kresley Cole

Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2019

My previous review still stands. This book is intense.

And chapter 35:



Book 80 read in 2018

Pages: 280

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
Whew! That ending! Next book, please, stat!

Darker (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian, #2) by E.L. James

Darker by E.L. James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The bestie has been nagging me to read this, since she's obsessed with all things 50 Shades, and I finally picked it up. I have to confess that I'm not as riveted by this as she was. I enjoyed the original trilogy, but I don't feel like this story from Christian's point of view offered that much new. In fact, I was halfway through the book before I realize I somehow never read Grey (the first book from Christian's POV). In my mind, I thought I had already read that one, since she talked to me about it so much, but nope.

That's not to say that I don't like this story, or that it wasn't interesting. It was good for a change of pace and has the same sort of appeal as the original trilogy, though the child perspectives kind of came out of the blue and weirded me out a bit in the audio version. Still, overall, what has always been most intriguing to me about this series is what's going on in each of the characters' heads that makes them behave in the ways they do. For that purpose, it's interesting, though not especially surprising, since I think we are able to develop a good idea of Christian's backstory and inner demons in the original series.

If you're a hardcore fan, you'll want to read this. I think I just reached the point where the glam has faded a bit.

Book 79 read in 2018

Pages: 546

By Your Side by Kasie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side? 

I loved how when she took the time to be away from all her friends and let her self be her. She started to discover more about her self and who she truly was. It is very understandable that she didn't feel comfortable opening up to her friends about her issue. I can understand not wanting to be looked at different for something like that either. 
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346 Pages

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)

 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) 
by Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 416
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars 

Feyre is the youngest of a once wealthy family, that is now one of the poorest in their village. Her father was injured so feeding her family rests on Feyre. She teaches herself to hunt and skin the animals to sell the hides for money. Her family lives at the edge of the forest and they are struggling to make it through this long, cold winter. Feyre spots a deer, but then realizes it is being tracked by a wolf. The deer is the only thing she has seen all day so she decides she must kill the wolf to have the deer meat for her family. 


Unknown to her, this is no ordinary wolf and its death starts her on a journey into a whole new world. The world of faerie. 

Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles, #3) by Kresley Cole

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Team Death. Forever. That is all.

Book 78 read in 2018

Pages: 321

Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden has faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory when you're the only professional wizard in the Chicago-area phone book. But in all Harry's years of supernatural sleuthing, he's never faced anything like this: The spirit world has gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble - and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone - or something - is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? 

Jim Butcher is really hitting his stride in his third book. I stayed up way to long reading this, couldn't put it down! 

Rating: 4 of 5

Pages: 378

Burned by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: It all started with a dream. Nothing exceptional, just a typical fantasy about a boy, the kind of dream that most teen girls experience. But Pattyn Von Stratten is not like most teen girls. Raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, a simple dream may not be exactly a sin, but it could be the first step toward hell and eternal damnation.

This dream is a first step for Pattyn. But is it to hell or to a better life? For the first time Pattyn starts asking questions. Questions seemingly without answers -- about God, a woman's role, sex, love -- mostly love. What is it? Where is it? Will she ever experience it? Is she deserving of it?

It's with a real boy that Pattyn gets into real trouble. After Pattyn's father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control until Pattyn ends up suspended from school and sent to live with an aunt she doesn't know.

This is a book that I normally would not have read, but I was working on a book challenge. I was hooked right away, I could relate a little to this story. Just in the way that she feels sometimes. I found that at the end I was crying, I could not believe it.

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The Poets' Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family by John Lithgow

Summary: "From listening to his grandmother recite epic poems from memory to curling up in bed while his father read funny verses, award-winning actor John Lithgow grew up with poetry. Ever since, John has been an enthusiastic seeker of poetic experience, whether reading, reciting, or listening to great poems.  The wide variety of carefully selected poems in this book provides the perfect introduction to appeal to readers new to poetry, and for poetry lovers to experience beloved verses in a fresh, vivid way." - Amazon

Get this book, y'all.  Just do it.

This is the poetry book I wish I could hand out to people.  The renditions are heartfelt and the analysis is spot on.  Lithgow makes poety accessible, understandable, and relatable.  There are no artsy-farsty frills here, folks.  I was enthralled by his stories and his commentary.  Not to mention the readers of this book include Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Gary Sinise, and Sam Waterston, and more.

5/5

304 pages

Reading People: How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything by Anne Bogel

Summary: "If the viral Buzzfeed-style personality quizzes are any indication, we are collectively obsessed with the idea of defining and knowing ourselves and our unique place in the world. For readers who long to dig deeper into what makes them uniquely them(and why that matters), popular blogger Anne Bogel has done the hard part--collecting, exploring, and explaining the most popular personality frameworks, such as Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, and others. She explains to readers the life-changing insights that can be gained from each and shares specific, practical real-life applications across all facets of life, including love and marriage, productivity, parenting, the workplace, and spiritual life." - Amazon

I have always been interested in personality tests.  I find the categorization of people fascinating, and I think all of these different tests can help you figure out a little more about yourself, even if it's just that you don't like personality tests :).

One of the better parts of this book was the inclusion of tests I have never taken or heard much about, like the StrengthsFinder and Enneagram.  It was fun to take the tests, read her interpretation, and examine how I fit into the molds.  This book is NOT a scientific study.  It is based on research, but it is meant more for the average person who wants to learn more about personality and personality tests.

4/5

224 pages

Just in case anyone is interested, I am an INTP, Type 9, Words of Affirmation, Intellectual, and a Ravenclaw (this one isn't in the book but still highly relevant, imo).  And if  you know yours, share!

Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: After meeting the handsome and shadowy Alexander Sterling, goth-girl Raven's dark world has a bright, new glow. But as in her favorite movie, "Kissing Coffins," Raven knows that love always has its complications, especially when Alexander has a big secret to guard.

When Alexander suddenly disappears, Raven leaves Dullsville to begin a dangerous search to find him. Can she stay safe, no matter who--or what--she encounters on the way?

This was a quick read and a great second book to a series. Just like the first one this leaves you wondering what will happen next. 
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224 Pages

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Though frantic to book a last-minute flight out of San Francisco, both are out of luck: Every flight is full, and there’s only one rental car available. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead.

At first they drive in silence, but forced into close quarters Ashley and Dash can’t help but open up. Not only do they find they have a lot in common, but there’s even a spark of romance in the air. Their feelings catch them off guard—never before has either been so excited about a first meeting. But the two are in for more twists and turns along the way as they rescue a lost puppy, run into petty thieves, and even get caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises—and their greatest wishes may yet come true.

This was a cute little holiday story. I found myself wondering the whole time what the story was going to be behind who they really thought she was. They really didn't get into that part of it much. 

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256 Pages

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles, #2) by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Aric, Aric, Aric. Always keeping things interesting and intense.

This may be my favorite book in the series so far (have not read book 5 yet, and book 6 is not yet published).

Book 77 read in 2018

Pages: 337

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
Wo-ow-ow! I thought book one was intense, but book two brought things up to a whole new level of chaos, dysfunction, and emotional warfare. I don't know whose team I'm on in this epic death battle between the 22 teenagers assigned to the lives of Taro Cards, but the characters don't seem to have it all figured out either, which keeps things interesting and surprising.

According to ancient prophecy and past games, only one character will be standing in the end, but I'm quite attached to the majority of them at this point, which makes every second of reading nail-bitingly intense.

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I am revisiting this one, in preparation for reading The Dark Calling, which was just released. It has been fun to listen to this on audio, since I read it in print the first time. The audio has characters with Cajun accents, which is appropriate to the story and appreciated.

I still love this confusing, mystical world (I should be clear here and say that this story isn't confusing--just the complexity of the tarot card details and the 22 Major Arcana can sometimes overwhelm me. I am intrigued by all the minor details, which I really don't have to remember to appreciate the story, yet I still wish I could keep them all straight.)

Kresley Cole writes stories that are unique, a bit dramatic, rather dangerous, often racy, full of characters with special powers, and occasionally funny. It's a good combination, and the suspense always makes me want to turn the next page. Since this book is in the YA realm, it falls significantly harder towards the fantasy genre, and the thread of romance is just a fun side vacation on an extreme journey.

Book 75 read in 2018

Pages: 369

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: The intriguing and rumored-to-be haunted mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood vacant and boarded-up for years. That is, until its mysteriously strange new occupants move in. Who are these creepy people — especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town prattle actually ring true? Are they vampires? Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander's loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth.

Ellen Schreiber's spooky and stirring romance tells the story of two outsiders who fall in love in a town where conformity reigns, and ends with a shocking surprise.

This was a short book, and it didn't take long to make it through it. It was funny how she though she turned vampire. The ending left you wanting to know what would happen next.

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253 Pages

Tess and Tilly Mystery Series by Kathi Daley

SUMMARY: This series features Tess and her dog Tilly, who spend their days delivering gossip and mail to the residents of White Eagle, Montana. For a small town, it is amazing the number of murder victims that Tess encounters on her route. And, of course, Tess and her friends must do all they can to bring the killers to justice.

REVIEW: If you enjoy light mysteries, good friendships and a little fun, this series is for you! 

My Rating: I give the first two books in the Tess and Tilly series 3.5 out of 5 stars, but fully expect the series to blossom into 5-stars as characters develop over time as they did with Daley’s Zoe Donovan Mysteries.

The Christmas Letter (Book 1) – 184 pages

The Valentine Mystery (Book 2) – 180 pages

Cowboy Up by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary:As the eldest Davis, Clayton has always tried to lead by example. He takes his job as head of the family businesses seriously, making sure the farm and auto shop are running smoothly—along with keeping an eye on his brother and sister. For him, there's a time and place to let go of the control he holds with an iron grip. And with the way he grew up, coupled with disastrous end to his last relationship, he's just fine with his quiet, solitary life.

Most of the time.

What he hadn't counted on was cute, quirky, shy bookstore owner, Caroline Michaels. She's the proverbial woman next door—well, the next town over, that is. Caroline hasn't lived an easy life, but after escaping an abusive ex, she's finally living it for herself. The last thing she ever expected was a one-night stand with Clay Davis, a night she can't stop thinking about.

So when she falls on hard times and Clay comes out of nowhere to her rescue, she realizes just how impossible it'll be to stay away from him. Now all she has to do is convince him to live a little...

This was my favorite of the three. It had me guessing what was going to happen next. I loved how at the end the talked about how the others all ended. It was nice to here what happened to all of them.

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384 Pages

Calico Joe by John Grisham

SUMMARY: Joe Castle has a promising future as a professional baseball player, but his career is short-lived when hit in the head by a ball thrown by Warren Tracey, a frustrated and angry pitcher at the end of his career. This story is told from the point of view of Tracey’s son, Paul, who idolized Castle and despised his father.

REVIEW: I was dreading reading a sports fiction book, but figured I couldn’t go wrong with author John Grisham. I was not disappointed. This is a poignant story filled with bittersweet moments.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars                     Pages: 194

Shades of Pink by Gina LaManna

SUMMARY: Lola Pink is smart, spirited and broke. Dane Clark is brilliant, reclusive and wealthy. When Dane hires Lola to find something stolen from him, the fun begins.

REVIEW: This is a light-hearted romantic cozy mystery with loveable characters and laugh out-loud moments. This is book one in the Lola Pink Mystery series. I’m looking forward to book two! 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.          Pages 324

Want by Cindy Pon

SUMMARY: Set in the future, Taipei is a city plagued by pollution, viruses, and a divided society. The rich wear special suits that protect them from the environment while the remainder of society suffers illnesses and early deaths. As teenager Jason Zhou grieves the death of his mother, he and a group of friends develop a plan to rectify the situation by infiltrating the internationally powerful Jin Corporation which manufacturers the suits.

REVIEW: This YA book started slowly and the writing was a bit uneven, but the subplots were numerous and could lead to good discussions. It was a good, but not great read. Want did remind me of why I like science fiction and that I should read more of it! 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars          

Pages: 336

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?
This was such a great book! I could not stop! It is a great love story and also funny!!

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374 Pages

Adulthood Is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

Adulthood Is a Myth by Sarah Andersen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is hilarious and honest. Several of the panels have a lot to say about social anxiety and depression, and they say it in a way that is easy to swallow and may help others better understand what that looks like versus how it actually feels. That means that you can both have a good chuckle and also potentially increase your understanding about what others may be struggling with.

Book 76 read in 2018

Pages: 112

Kiss My Boots by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: In this second of the sultry, Western-set Coming Home series from New York Times bestselling author Harper Sloan, Quinn Davis might finally have a shot at her own happily-ever-after—but will she let love in, or will she tell it to go ahead and kiss her boots?

Quinn Davis prefers to live her life quietly. She’s the stereotypical tomboy with two overprotective big brothers who have always been there to protect her, especially from devilishly handsome cowboys with silver tongues. That is, until Tate Montgomery comes riding into town. Their first meeting, however, is far from something out of a fairy tale and only further convinces Quinn that men aren’t worth her time.

The only place Tate Montgomery ever truly felt at home growing up was during the long, sweltering summer months he spent at his Gram and Paw’s farm in Pine Oak, Texas. Now, Tate has returned to his childhood sanctuary seeking a fresh start—but if he’s being entirely honest, he’s not just back for the wranglers and Stetsons. During those summers, Quinn was a friend-turned-young-love who Tate lost when life threw him a curveball and he cut all ties to his past; but all it takes is one glance at the raven-haired beauty he did his best to forget for him to realize just how much he’s been missing….
This was even better than book 1.... My favorite parts are spoilers, so I will just say that I loved this book. I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!!

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369 Pages

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess I just wasn't sure about this one at first (or second, or third, or even at the midpoint). The artwork is messy and chaotic, which is interesting, but occasionally confusing. Then as the story progressed, things sort of started to come together, until the point at which the book punched me in all the feels.

The story didn't end up being what I expected, or even what I thought I wanted, but I'm glad I stuck it out and plugged onward. My only other struggle was that with the messy artwork style, which definitely is appropriate to the story, it was sometimes hard for me to tell characters apart or identify side characters, who often aren't as distinctive/memorable.

Book 77 read in 2018

Pages: 232

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary: Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer...everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.

When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!

Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara-free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres-and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.

In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.
This was okay, but I still enjoyed it. Lauren has not been writing books that long, but I have always been a huge fan of her.

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326 Pages

Shatter Me Trilogy (Plus 2 Novellas) by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Still love this!!! So much! It has such a unique, unexpected voice.

The audiobook is fantastic, but I absolutely insist you read it in print first, due to the unique format.

Book 66 read in 2018

Pages: 338

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Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Team Warner, forever.

Book 67 read in 2018

Pages: 109

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Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Chapter 62, forever.

Book 68 read in 2018

Pages: 461

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Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

In my opinion, this novella is necessary to the series, because it’s the first book in which you get to see more of who Adam truly is, without Juliette’s rose colored glasses. She always wants to think the best of him, so you miss a few facets of his personality and mindset as a result.

Honestly, in terms of enjoyment, I prefer Warner’s novella to this one. However, this is the point where you truly begin to understand how Adam thinks and what Adam sees in Juliette, as a person. That’s very informative.

I won’t say more, even though I want to, because it would be spoilery. I just suggest that even though this isn’t always the most comfortable read, that true fans should consume it as a good piece in understanding the inner-workings of Adam.

Book 69 read in 2018

Pages: 62

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Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Yep, I still love this. Kenji is everything.

Book 74 read in 2018

Pages: 421

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It was such a delight to reread this whole series and remember why I love it so much.  I deleted all my previous reviews to save space.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

This was such a cute little story! It was crazy to see that the answer she was looking for was there the whole time and she had no idea. Love it!

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372 Pages

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Summary: "Anna Emerson is a thirty-year-old English teacher in need of adventure. Worn down by cold Chicago winters and a stagnant relationship, she jumps at the chance to spend the summer on a tropical island tutoring sixteen-year-old T. J. Callahan, who is catching up after a year spent battling cancer into remission. But en route to the Callahan's summer home their private plane crashes, stranding Anna and T.J. on an uninhabited island. And as the days turns to weeks and then to months, the challenge shifts from surviving to living together."

On the Island is one of my favorite books to re-read. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down. I adore the writing style: simple, straight-forward yet emotional and moving. When I first read it a few years ago, I stayed up way too late finishing it. I love books that hook you from the first few pages and never let you go. 

328 pages

#Notyourprincess: Voices of Native American Women by Lisa Charleyboy

#Notyourprincess: Voices of Native American Women by Lisa Charleyboy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to love this one, especially after hearing about it from the author/editor in a webinar. Unfortunately, I found the format off-putting and could not really connect to any message or emotion from this collection. It feels very random, poorly arranged, and incomplete to me. There's no flow between pages and submissions that makes any sort of sense to me, or conveys any sort of theme or emotion, which was disappointing.

I wanted it to feel rich, emotional, creative, and to leave me with some strong feelings and impressions about Native American Women. Instead, it fell flat for me, and I confess, I was glad when I reached the end. There's just not enough depth here, and the format/presentation definitely leaves something to be desired.

I especially hate the quotes, which are printed with small words paired with enormously fat words (randomly selected in a way that doesn't even feel meaningful), all on top of a background of more faded words. If you have any difficulty with reading or vision, that's going to be a struggle for you. To me, it was not a struggle to read the words so much as it was a huge distraction that took away from the quotes having any impact of making any impression on me. It felt like a frustration to just read through the words, so I took very little meaning from the actual quotes and just read them like it was a chore that I had to complete.

Since I'm not a Native American Women, I can't speak to how well this truly does or does not represent those voice. I can say that I'm uncertain what the messages are supposed to be, and there's just a ton of context missing for me. It's possible that without that context, I just don't understand this work, which is sad, as I was so excited to read and experience this one.

I give it 3 stars in honor of those who contributed their art, words, photographs, and experiences for this volume, but my overall interest and enjoyment level is more at two stars. And if I were pointing to Native American representation and voices, I would probably search long and hard for other/ better options before recommending this one to others.

Pages: 109

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, but I don't think I will have the need to read it again.

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720 Pages

Altered by Jennifer Rush

Summary: "They were made to forget. But they'll never forgive. Everything about Anna's life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There's Nick, solemn and brooding, Cas, light-hearted and playful, Trev, smart and caring, and Sam, who's stolen Anna's heart. When the Branch decides its time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape. Anna's father pushes her to go with them, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch at all costs. On the run with her fathers warning in her head, Anna begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about herself. She soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if there both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away." - Amazon

I had really high hopes for this book as a few people have recommended the series to me as great YA Sci-Fi.  It did not meet those hopes. :( 

This novel has potential.  The premise is good, but the characters are flat in the most extreme sense.  The main problems with this book, however, lie within the overall plot and with the decisions and qualities of the characters.  I found the twists predictable and felt the big reveal about Anna did not support her choices and traits.  In fact, my main issue with this book is Anna.  She is supposed to be the heroine, but she is naive, rather weak, and extremely inconsistent.  There is nothing that will turn me off of a book faster than a whiny, simpering, lead female character.  

That being said, a whole lot of people like this series, so I am pretty sure I am the outlier.  My recommendation is to read the summary, read some reviews, and decide for yourself if this is a book for you.

2/5

323 pages

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was hilarious and relatable. Anderson conveys a lot of emotions with just a few words and pictures. I loved it.

Pages: 128

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Sweet Tooth, Volume 1: Out of the Deep Woods by Jeff Lemire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A post-apocalyptic, disease destroyed, child-animal hybrid world in which a deer boy, who has never met a person outside of his own farther and mother ventures beyond the safety of his woods and is captured, chased, and shot at by adults who want to benefit from the hybrid black market of the afterworld?

Okay. I'm game.

Unfortunately, I don't love the artwork, though I confess it is incredibly appropriate for the storyline.

I also don't really love the storyline, and feel it's a bit weak at times, with this volume ending right at the point where things start to get interesting. Honestly, it feels a bit like a prequel, so I suggest you have book 2 on hand and keep on reading to determine if it's going to be a good overall read. I unfortunately do not have book 2 on hand and suspect I will just quit here, instead of carrying on.

This drug out moments that didn't need it, which made this short, sparse graphic novel feel strangely too long and tedious, while still not getting where it needed to go to complete any sort of full storyline. So, basically don't expect a full storyline. But if you're in it for scene setting and suspense, then you will probably like something about this.

Book 71 read in 2018

Pages: 128

High Tide by Jude Deveraux

Summary: "Two people fall in love while running from the police. Fiona Burkenhalter, creator of dolls, and Ace Montgomery, inventor of a mechanical alligator, first met under the auspices of a Florida businessman, only to find themselves falsely accused of his murder."

High Tide comes from Lauren's book donations - thanks, Lauren! High Tide was my first time reading Jude Deveraux, and I enjoyed her writing style. Fiona and Ace were fiesty and fun characters. Their "meet-cute" was epic and unforgettable. 

I enjoyed the overall adventure and drama, but sometimes the plot became a bit convoluted and difficult to follow. 

311 pages

Fated by Alyson Noel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary: I shove through the crowd, knocking into girls and bouncing off boys, until one in particular catches me, steadies me.
I feel so secure, so at home in his arms.
I melt against his chest-lift my gaze to meet his. Gasping when I stare into a pair of icy blue eyes banded by brilliant flecks of gold that shine like kaleidoscopes, reflecting my image thousands of times.
The boy from my dream.
The one who died in my arms.
This was a slow going book at first for me. I didn't like how it jumped so far ahead in time, with little to know explanation of what happened. After you get past that part, however, it got much better and I enjoyed the rest.

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352 Pages

Royally Matched by Emma Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Some men are born responsible, some men have responsibility thrust upon them. Henry John Edgar Thomas Pembrook, Prince of Wessco, just got the motherlode of all responsibility dumped in his regal lap.

He’s not handling it well.

Hoping to help her grandson to rise to the occasion, Queen Lenora agrees to give him "space"—but while the Queen’s away, the Prince will play. After a chance meeting with an American television producer, Henry finally makes a decision all on his own:

Welcome to Matched: Royal Edition.

Royally Matched is the 2nd book in Emma Chase's funny and love story in the Royally Series. I was hooked again from day of this story all the way until the end. This started right up from where the last one left off.

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276 Pages

The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg

The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the tradition of Our Town but with her own imaginative twist, Fannie Flagg tells the story of Elmwood, MO through the everyday happenings of the town’s living and dead. 432 pages.