Review: Leaving Home - Jodi Picoult

Published: January 12, 2011
Publisher: Laura Gross Literary Agency
Author's Website: Jodi Picoult
Format: E-book
Source: Amazon
Challenge: 2011 E-book Challenge & 100 Books in a Year
Purchase Here

Jodi Picoult has the remarkable ability to portray an event's key moments and feelings in a potent narration that tugs at the heartstrings.  Leaving Home's three emotionally charged stories deal with a gaunt of pain, regret, unconditional love, memory, motherhood, and friendship that the author renders almost palpably.  Fans will find that Leaving Home offers another shining example of Picoult's skill as a storyteller.  those new to her work will find this a magnificent introduction. - Shirley Hong (From Goodreads)

First Sentence 

"The loudest sound in the world is the absence of a child."

My Thoughts

I am a HUGE Jodi Picoult fans.  I love that in the beginning she writes the readers a letter saying that she knows the waiting from year to year can be just awful (which is SO true), so she's given us a little taste of her fantastic writing with these three short stories.  These short stories were incredible, and it makes me want to go back and read all of her books over again, just because she is such an amazing storyteller. 

The first story is about a husband and wife that have lost their daughter, and the struggle to survive without her.  Throughout the entire story you can feel the pain that the family is going through.

The second short is a letter to a son leaving for college.  Also, such an emotional roller coaster!  You could just feel the love pouring out in each word, but you could also hear the heartache.  The author goes on to describe how parents know that their job is to raise a child so that they can send them off into the world, but once you actually get to that point it is so much harder to let go then you could have ever imagined.

The last story is about a family dealing with the mother running away.  She just needs a break from all of the housework and everything else that is involved in being a mother, and I can't say I blame her.  This too was a heart warming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Favorite Quotes

"How many idealistic discussions had she and Abe had about religion being akin to brain-washing."

"This planet is smaller than you think. I don't just mean that environmentally - an area where you've taught me, instead of the other way around.  I mean that there will be plenty of people who don't think the way you do - whether that's in class at college, in the workplace, in your country.  Don't judge someone just because their opinions are different - lest they do the same to you."

"Expect to cry.  Real life isn't fair."

"Be history, instead of just watching it happen from the sidelines.  Try something new, even if it scares you to death.  Learn because you're being tested.  Don't whine - there is always someone who's having a worse day than you are.  Be honest with yourself, and you'll never have anything to hide."

"Just like I used to believe that my kindergarten teacher slept underneath her desk..."

"You can't force a wind to blow the way you want it to, Jenna.  You have to hope it gets there on its own."

"Even if an exotic destination has dazzling culture, stunning scenery, spectacular hotels, there's something it can never be: your home."

 My Ratings

Cover: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Writing Style: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Ending: 5/5

Overall: 5/5 

Happy Reading!

Review: The Crepe Maker's Bond - Julie Crabtree

The Crepe Makers Bond - Julie Crabtree

Electronic Version

Received from NetGalley

Expected to be published - Spring 2011

Ariel is the head chef in her family kitchen.  Cucumber salads, fettuccine carbonara, fish tacos, and peanut butter pie are just a few of the dishes she crafts when she's feeling frustrated by the world.  And it's turning into a frustrating year.  Ariel, Nicki and Mattie have been inseparable friends since they were little kids, but now Mattie's mom has decided to move away.  It's the girls' last year in middle school, and they can't fathom being separated.  The friends concoct a plan that will keep Mattie in the Bay area -- she'll move in with Ariel and her family.  But before you can say "bff", the party is over.  Everything Mattie does gets on Ariel's nerves, and it's not long before the girls are avoiding each other.  This was supposed to be their best year ever, but some painful lessons are threatening to tear their friendship apart.  Can the girls scramble to make things right before the bond crumbles?

My Review:
I thought this book was great!  I don't know which I enjoyed more -- the plot, or the recipes (which I will definitely be trying out!).  The story was a cute story about learning how to deal with the loss of a close friend.  Honestly, this was something I tried as a kid also -- my best friend and I thought it would be SO fun if we lived together, because then we could really be sisters -- let's just say that after the long weekend she spent at my house, I was glad I was an only child!
I loved Ariel's passion for cooking.  It thrilled me that she is only in 8th grade, but cooking far better than I ever have, and probably ever will!  The names of all of the recipes are super cute too! Like I said, I will definitely be trying some of these soon!
I was not fond of Nicki's character, as I thought that the secret she had kept throughout the book was pretty lame. It seemed like it was something so crucial to the plot, but when you find out it just makes you roll your eyes.
Overall, it was a cute little story about the bonds that are created between friends, and how easily they can be damaged.  I would recommend this book to YA lovers for a quick read.

My Rating:
Overall: 3
Characters: 3
Plot: 3
Writing Style: 3


About Julie Crabtree

Julie was born in Torrance, California in 1970.  She moved to Ahwahnee, California, in the mountains near Yosemite National Park, as a young child, where she grew up.  Julie attended the University of California at Davis, earning her degree in English literature, and then went to a private business school to obtain her paralegal certification.  She spent a year in Spain, teaching English.  After many years as a legal administrator in the San Fransisco bay area, Julie quit work to stay home with her two young daughters.  She began her writing career in the magazine market, and published her work in the San Fransisco Chronicle Magazine, Green Prints, MotherVerse Magazine, Highlights for Children and the American Library Association's Knowledge Quest magazine.  Her first novel, Discovering Pig Magic, winner of the 2008 Milkweed Prize for Children's literature is available everywhere books are sold.  The Crepe Makers' Bond, the highly anticipated sequel to Discovering Pig Magic, will be released in Spring 2011.  In late 2007 Julie relocated to the tiny coastal town of Crescent City in extreme Northern California.  While she loves to write, Julie also thrives on reading, particularly contemporary fiction.  Her other hobbies include gardening (with an emphasis on strange and exotic succulents), and cooking difficult and extravagant meals.  She can be found frequenting the beaches around her home with her dog Digby and a good walking stick.  A longtime yoga in a small Crescent City studio in 2007.  

Happy Reading! 

 

Review: Hope Burned - Brent LaPorte

Hope Burned - Brent LaPorte

E-book from NetGalley

Published by ECW Press - October 2010

GoodReads Review:

A father sits down to write a letter to his son explaining why his hands are covered in blood.  He journeys back through his childhood on the farm, through the captivity, torture, and brutality that he suffered from the men he just killed - his father and his grandfather.  A reflection on a solitary landscape, this bleak yet move family tragedy details three generations of abuse, where the birth of a newborn forces the question, Is it better to live or die?

My Review:

I really have mixed feelings about this book.  I was completely thrown off by there not being chapters or anything.  I understand that it was supposed to be written like a letter from a father to son, but it was so lengthy that at times I felt like it should have just been in a standard story format (if there is such a thing).  

While I did complain a little about the format of the story, I also liked it.  I feel like writing is one of the greatest ways to get out feelings and emotions, and this story just proved that further.  I wish that "Tom" didn't have to go through all of those things in his life, but the sad fact of the matter is -- thousands of people struggle with physical abuse each day.  It takes a lot for someone to write something on such a touchy/"taboo" topic.  At times I just became enraged at Tom's father and couldn't understand how you could not love the boy you created.  

I did fall in love with most of the characters in the book that Tom meets after he flees the farm.  All in all I really thought that this was going to be a heartwarming story by the end of it (even though I knew that the narrator was writing the letter to his son after having just killed his father and grandfather).  I know that might sound naive, but I kind of thought it would end well for everyone.  This was a very heartbreaking story, with an incredible twist at the end.  I am still a little shocked (after two days) at the ending.  I never saw that coming!  

Recommendation:

I would recommend this only to people that would be in the mood for it.  It is a dark story, and not one that you could just pick up and start reading.  You would really have to be in the right frame of mind for this book.   I enjoyed it, even though there were parts that made me cringe/cry/angry/annoyed...

3 out of 5 stars

Happy Reading!

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium - Lauren Oliver

E-book from NetGalley

Published by HarperTeen, 2011

Goodreads Review: 

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing.  They didn't understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold.  Things are different now.  Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demand that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen.  Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured.  A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review:

Lauren Oliver is an incredible writer and story teller.  The whole story kept me interested and wanting more.  The plot is incredible - I love that she uses love as the disease.  It kind of makes you think -- are we all love sick?  Does it make sense to eradicate love?  Can we really exists without love!?

I loved the main character, Lena.  I felt like I could really relate to her.  She always follows the rules, and didn't expect there to be anything outside of her little bubble of life that was created by the government.  She is eager to get through the procedure and get paired with her husband.  She had goals and dreams to go to college and have a family and live by her best friend, Hana.  All of this is changed when Lena goes to her evaluation and sees Alex.  She completely flakes on her evaluation, but is saved by the mass chaos brought on by a "mix up". 

I was completely caught off guard by the ending.  It seemed like the story was wrapping up and I really liked the way that things were going...but then there was a twist.  I still really liked the ending, it just was not what I was expecting at all. 

I thought this book was a real fast paced page turner with a great story line. I am definitely going to be checking out future (and past) books by Lauren Oliver. 

Recommendation: 

I would recommend this book to all YA lovers, and those that love a nice little love story.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Happy Reading!

Review: According to Jane - Marilyn Brant

According to Jane- Marilyn Brant

E-Book / Downloaded to Kindle from Amazon

Published 2009 by Kensington

Goodreads Review: 

It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett's teacher is assigning Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".  From nowhere comes a quiet 'tsk' of displeasure.  The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who's teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten.  Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author's ghost has taken up residence in Ellie's mind, and seems determined to stay there.  Jane's wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the hell of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually far more than her own.  Years and boyfriends come and go -- sometimes a little too quickly, sometimes not nearly fast enough.  But Jane's counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent.  Stay away, Jane demands.  He is your Mr. Wickham.  Still, everyone has something to learn about love -- perhaps even Jane herself.  And lately, the voice in Ellie's head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond everything she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending.

My Review:

First let me start off by saying, I've not read Pride and Prejudice, nor anything else written by the Great Jane Austen.  Not because I don't want to, I just haven't gotten around to it.  I guess because mostly this was something that was forced upon me during school, and now that I'm free to read whatever I want...I do.  I surely will give Pride and Prejudice a chance...soon.

I must admit, at first, I thought -- wow, this Ellie chick is whacked out.  She's hearing voices in her head, and not just that --- it is the voice of Jane Austen!  I loved the conversations that Jane and Ellie would have.  They had me laughing, tearing up, and even getting angry at some points.  It is totally appropriate that Jane Austen was residing in Ellie's head (I won't spoil it for you, but Jane discloses her reasoning at the end of the book), especially since Ellie is a nerd, with a big heart.  I probably would have gotten a lot more of the references and homage to Pride and Prejudice had I read that before, but I still thought overall this was a really cute book.

The author, Marilyn Brant did a great job of getting me hooked right from the get-go.  Not being a die hard Jane Austen fan, I find that quite impressive.  As I started reading, I just had to know why Jane was in Ellie's head, and what would happen to Ellie.  I really enjoyed Marilyn Brant's writing style, and will definitely look into other books she has written.

I love, love, love the ending of the book and think it is perfect.  I would not have asked for anything more, as it is exactly what I wanted to happen for sweet Ellie.  I won't lie -- while I did love Ellie, her sister annoyed me throughout the entire book.  I'm pretty sure she was supposed to be an annoying character, but I couldn't help but be angry when I read Di's name, and realized I would have to listen to her blab on and complain about something.  I guess you win some you lose some, huh?

Overall, I liked the book, so I will give it 4 stars, however, (to no fault of the author's) since I haven't read Pride and Prejudice I didn't get a lot of the references that I am sure made the book even better.

My Recommendation: I would recommend this to anyone that is a Jane Austen fan for sure, as well as anyone that loves a sweet little hopelessly romantic tale.

Happy Reading!

Review: Relatively Famous - Jessica Park

Relatively Famous - Jessica Park

Electronic Version - Sent to me by the author

Goodreads Review: Meet Dani McKinley: A typical teen whose world is rocked when she finds out that her father is a famous Hollywood Action star. Now meet Mark Ocean: A self-serving actor with a floundering career who sees that a daughter is just what he needs to reinvent himself as a family man and get back on track. When the two decide to spend the summer together, they must not only wrangle their own love lives, but try to figure out who they really are to themselves and to each other. 

Now armed with credit cards, club memberships, and a new wardrobe, Dani learns that what Mark has in wealth, he sorely lacks in parenting skills. Trying to show Mark that parenting is about more than loading her up with Prada bags and taking her to movie premieres is challenging enough, but she's also got her hands full with her new friends. Oh, and the boys... Dani meets Jason, a gorgeous young personal trainer who is easy on the eyes and wildly flirtatious. But is this smug hottie the one for her? Or will she ignore her friends eye-rolling and go for the goofy but sweet surfer? 

While juggling her own complicated love life, Dani tries to set her father up with someone less likely to appear on a VH1 reality show, and someone more... well, normal. And age-appropriate. And dressed in anything but a thong bikini. But whether Mark is able to heal old wounds and move forward with anything more than a meaningless fling remains to be seen. 

Can Dani fit in with this new, fast-moving California crowd without losing herself? With the world at her fingertips and hot boys now after her, staying grounded gets tough. And can Mark drop his egocentric approach to life and learn to appreciate how truly wonderful his daughter is? As driven as he is to get that A-list acting role, he's willing to do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means using his daughter. Or is he...? Mark and Dani's relationship hits a few highs, but the question becomes whether the lows are too much.

My Review:

This book was sent to me by the author, Jessica Park.  I found a tweet by her (@JessicaParkYA) saying that she was sending out copies of this book for review.  I jumped on it, and I am so glad that I did.  This is the first book that I've reviewed for the author!  

I immediately fell in love with the main character, Dani.  She is your average teenager, but there is nothing not to like about her.  Honestly, I was a little jealous of her -- I mean, REALLY, your dad is a famous actor!? How cool is that!? 

When we meet Mark, Dani's father, you can tell he is just a typical Hollywood type.  I was definitely disappointed in Mark for some of the decisions that he made in the book, but by the end, I loved him too.

I thought this was a great book about a young girl dealing with something that I think is every kid's (who doesn't know their biological father) dream!  It was great to see Dani going from a smaller town girl, to this big city, Hollywood chic girl---but it was also great to see that she still knew who she was deep down. 

I laughed a lot throughout this book and I loved all of the references to pop culture things that are going on today.  The writing style in the book is easy going, and it is a light, quick read.  The message that I think Jessica Park was trying to get across was just that no matter what, it is important to know who you are, and where you come from. I know that most teens (I'm definitely including myself in this one) go through the phase where they are trying to figure out what they want, who they are and all that fun stuff.  I think this was a great take on it!  I will certainly be looking for more books by Jessica Park, and you should too! 

Recommendation:  I recommend this to any YA lovers, and anyone looking for a great, light read.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

Review: Compromising Positions - Jenna Bayley-Burke

Compromising Positions - Jenna Bayley-Burke

Kindle Edition

Published 2009

Goodreads Review:

David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.

Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.

David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.

My Review:

This was a freebie on the Kindle, and I figured I would give it a chance.  Honestly, I hadn't read the summary on Goodreads, nor on Amazon....and I probably should have!  As you can tell from the Goodreads summary, this is the story of David Strong and Sophie Delfino falling in love and working out their differences.  What I didn't know/expect was all the explicit sex scenes.  I've not read any erotica before...and I don't see why not!  I might have gotten a little uncomfortable at parts, but honestly, it was a good/cute plot and I enjoyed the storyline.  

I will definitely be looking to see if there are any other books by Jenna Bayley-Burke that I might like to add to my TBR pile.

I would not recommend this book for the squirmish!  If you like a good, cute, romantic tale -- check it out!

4 stars

Have you read any erotic novels?  If so, what did you think?  Are there any that you would suggest I try?

Happy Reading!

To E-Read, or Not to E-Read

So, for Christmas last year, my boyfriend's parents bought me a Kindle.  I couldn't be more excited, and I stood by the door waiting on the day that it was to be delivered.  So I spent the entire day checking UPS to see how much longer I would have to wait.  I was also stressing out because I hadn't finished the book I was reading yet, and I wanted to use the Kindle as soon as I got it.  Anyway, although UPS's website said my Kindle was at the Atlanta delivery center, and was "in-transit" at 10:00 AM, I found out that they don't end up getting to our apartment complex until 7 PM at night.  Looking back, it was a blessing in disguise because I was able to finish the book I was reading by the time I got the package.



So, I got the package, tore it opened and started it up.  By the end of the night I had downloaded 10 or more of the free books, and was well on my way to being an e-reader.  There are so many great things about the Kindle.  I love that at any moment I have a library full of books in my purse.  It definitely saves me from having to lug around an extra book in case I finish reading one of them.  I don't like to be left empty handed, because I never know when I will be sitting around waiting on something.  


I had some reservations at first when I got the Kindle.  I am so used to the feeling of holding a book, and this was totally different.  Obviously it is much lighter than a book, and it is a lot easier to hold and manage.  The buttons are all placed perfectly, and I love the screen.  I enjoy reading everywhere, so as I'm sure you've seen on the commercials, I can read on the Kindle in the sun.  Majority of the time I hate reading books in the sun because it makes the pages so bright that I have to wear sunglasses just to read!  I'm also a sucker for the "book smell".  I guess if you aren't an avid reader, you won't know what I am talking about, but books have a distinct smell.  I love the smell of older library books; the smell of comfort!  Obviously the Kindle doesn't smell....so I was a little sad because it just didn't feel the same.  


I have an entire bookshelf full of books that I've bought along the way.  I'm pretty cheap, so I usually purchase my books at the Goodwill around the corner from my house.  Hardback books are $2 while paperback books are $1, you can't really beat that.  So at first I was trying to go back and forth.  I would read a book on the Kindle, and then read one off the shelf.  I'm still trying to get through the books on the shelf, but of course, I can't go into the Goodwill without buying a book, or five. 


One of the major things that has turned me off of the Kindle is the prices.  Like I said, I can go to the Goodwill and grab a stack of books for $10, but most books on the Kindle are $9.99 and up.  I'm not opposed to spending $9.99 on a book, however at the speed that I read (about 1.6 books per week) it isn't really economical.  So once I noticed the "free book" section on Amazon.com I decided I would just start doing that -- because what's better than spending $1 - $2 per book?  Spending nothing!  The only issue with this, is that a lot of the books that are in this "free section" are Christian Fiction books.  Even though I'm not religious at all, I thought that maybe I would give these books a try.  I didn't expect that they would be beating me over the head with the Bible or Jesus, but alas, they do.  


I've heard that there are a lot of websites that you can download free books from onto all types of e-readers, but I haven't found a site that I like, or that I am comfortable using.  It also seems that on these websites majority of the books are "classic"...which I'm not a huge fan of.  I've also found that as a member of GoodReads, there are often posts by authors telling you when/where to download a copy of their new books.  GoodReads is amazing (I will have to post a whole entry just devoted to it...that's how awesome it is.)  If you are an avid reader, and you don't use GoodReads---you should start!


So, I think that the Kindle (and probably any e-reader, although I'm not sure) has a lot of redeeming qualities.  I love the ease of use, having multiple books at a time, and the additional functions that the Kindle has (web surfing, a dictionary, the ability to make notes, "bookmark function").  However, I might just be purist, but nothing is better than cuddling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee, my sweet little pup and a good book. 






What do you think?  Do you own an e-reader?  Do you have a good website that you like to download free books from?


Happy Reading!

The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold (Finished 3/7)

So, I am pretty excited because this movie came out recently, and the previews looked really good.  I am a total skeptic when it comes to movies that are based on a recent best seller (My Sister's Keeper...Dear John...need I say more???), but this looks GOOD.


So, we meet the main character Susie Salmon, when she is already in heaven.  She has disappeared mysteriously, and her father is determined to figure out what happened to his little girl.  Susie gives us all the horrible details of her death, from the moment she began walking into the field, until she knew she was dead.  Her neighbor (a complete creep--obviously), has built this underground room, where he takes Susie.  In the underground room, he rapes and kills Susie, and dismembers her.  He is careful to not leave any evidence (not even the underground room), so he is not really looked at as a suspect.  


After a few months, the police recover one of Susie's bones, and that gives some closure to the Salmon's.  Susie's father is convinced that the neighbor is responsible for Susie's death, and puts a lot of time and energy into proving this.  Susie watches from "the inbetween" as her family struggles with her death, and the fact that they might never know who actually committed this horrendous crime.  


Susie's sister even gets involved in proving that the neighbor was responsible, and breaks into his house to find proof.  She finds a journal that he writes/draws in...which has a drawing of the underground room he created.  Once the neighbor catches wind that he is being suspected he flees.  


The reader finds out just how creepy this guy is -- a serial killer of young girls (ugh...).  Susie finally gets her revenge near the end when she kills her killer. 


Great read! Four out of Five Stars!!!


Happy Reading!
Brandi

The Shack - William P. Young - Finished Feb 6

Unfortunately, this was another book that I hated!  I suffered through it, but it was awful.  As I've mentioned, I am not very religious, and the book was all about God and religion.  I thought I might be able to see past all of that, but I was wrong.  I also thought that maybe I could appreciate this, even if I didn't have the same beliefs -- wrong again.


Basically, the main character, Mackenzie, has suffered a great loss.  His daughter, Missy, was abducted while they were on a camping trip.  One day, while Mackenzie is out at the mailbox (in a snowstorm) he gets a letter that tells him to go to "the shack".   The letter is signed "Papa", and Mackenzie is confused, not only because "Papa" is the affectionate term that Mackenzie's wife uses for God, but also because he slipped on the ice and hit his head pretty hard.  There is a ton of snow, and Mackenzie knows he won't be able to use his own car to get up to the shack. He borrows a friends car, and heads up to the shack.  


The reader finds out at this point that the daughters blood was found in this shack, which isn't far from the campsite that the family was at when Missy was abducted.  So, Mack heads to the shack in his friends truck.  He gets there, and it is just as he remembered it -- a shack.  He goes into the shack, and rests right where the dried blood from his daughter is.  When he wakes up...everything is different.


Instead of it being a horrible, snowy, winter day, there are now flowers blooming, sun shining, and everything is just dandy.  He realizes he isn't where he fell asleep (in the shack), he is outside of the shack, and there is a beautiful smell emanating from the kitchen.  He heads in, and finds Papa (God) is a huge black lady.  He is then introduced to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. These three are all in human form, and have decided to help him.  The story is extremely drawn out, but basically Mack is able to forgive himself, and others for things that have happened in the past.  God shows him that the world is a place full of chaos, and teaches him a lot about himself.


On this "journey" God leads Mackenzie to his daughters body.  He is able to have a somewhat peaceful and nice memorial service to her, and eventually the weekend is over.  God has taught everything she thought necessary to Mackenzie, and sends him on his way.  He is given the opportunity to either stay with them, or continue living his life.  He chooses to go back home, but on the way home he is involved in a serious car accident.  At this point, I'm thinking, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I just read all of this, and the dude can't even go home and tell his family what happened?  I thought he had died instantly in the crash, but you find out that he is okay, but has to stay in the hospital for a while. I think what drove me the most crazy, was now that he had been involved in this accident, would anyone believe his story?  Or would they all just chalk it up to some sort of concussion or something?


Whatever, needless to say, I got through the book, and wasn't impressed.  I felt like the book was written poorly, and sloppily.  I'm not saying I could do better, but I think William Young could have done a lot better.  I guess for your first book, it wasn't awful -- but I don't see myself picking up another book by Young.


One out of five stars.


Happy Reading!
Brandi

Exposure - Brandilyn Collins - Jan 2010

Okay, so for Christmas this year I got a Kindle from James' parents.  Best. Gift. Ever.  Anyway, so Amazon has a whole list free books that you can download.  When I found this out, I honestly went download crazy.  I was downloading everything that was free, in hopes of finding some awesome authors I've never heard of.  I would go back day after day and keep downloading whatever was free that day. This all sounds great, however, most of the free books are published by Christian publishing houses.  I had no idea about this -- and didn't even catch the hint from the summary of this book.  The summary actually caught my attention, and I thought, HMM, maybe this is a new author that could be great!


Well, I wasn't wrong.  Brandilyn Collins can write a book, there are just a TON of references to God, and lots of praying.  However, if you can look past all of that, the book was actually pretty good.


The main character, Kaycee, has always had a fear that someone was watching her, and it seems like her fear is becoming a reality.  A year ago, her best friend died, and she has become more paranoid than ever.  Kaycee keeps seeing a picture of a dead man, everywhere.  She finds it on her digital camera, her computer and even her TV.  She knows that the police already think that she is a little nuts, but she knows that she has no choice but to report these incidents.  She believes that someone is breaking into her house, and putting these pictures everywhere.  Each time, the picture shows a little more detail, and it always says "we are watching you".  Kaycee's best friend's daughter, Hannah, is having a hard time dealing with her mothers death, especially since her father has already remarried. Hannah decides that she is going to run away to Kaycee's house and stay with her, but on the way...she disappears.


There are actually two stories unfolding, which had me confused for a while.  And when I thought I had figured it out -- I was wrong again!  While reading about Kaycee's struggles, and Hannah's disappearance, we also learn of a family that is quite disfunctional.  The father, Martin, partakes in a bank robbery (of his own bank), and winds up getting himself killed.  His motive was to get money to help his sick daughter, however everything turns out horribly.  Once the father has been killed, the mother flees with the young girl, and they are never heard from again.  


Back to Kaycee and Hannah's story -- Hannah is still missing, and now Kaycee thinks that whoever is watching her, and leaving all these pictures is responsible for Hannah's disappearance. 


Through many twists and turns, the ending is a shocker.  We find out that the young girl that was sick, is actually Kaycee, and the man that killed her father, was now after her (for the money).  We find out that Kaycee's mother hid the money, and only took a little bit so that she could start fresh.  Kaycee and her mother got new identities, and started fresh, and Kaycee doesn't really remember much about it.  The man from the mob wants Kaycee to tell her where the money is, but Kaycee doesn't know, and he doesn't believe her. 


Aside from all the religious mambo-jumbo, I really enjoyed this book.  Although Brandilyn Collins is a Christian writer, I might try some of her other novels too.


3 out of 5 stars.


Happy Reading!
Brandi

I, Alex Cross - James Patterson - Jan 2010

Okay, so let me start by telling you -- I might be the biggest James Patterson fan...EVER.   Okay, probably not, but honestly...LOVE HIM! :)


So of course, it goes without saying, I enjoyed this book! I find that James Patterson's books are written in a way that makes them easy to read, and quite quick.  I think that is mostly due to the way the chapters are cut up.  There are a ton of chapters, but each chapter only has one or two pages. 


Alex Cross is a detective, with 3 small children.  His grandmother (Nana Mama) stays with the children, while he is out solving crazy crimes!  Nana Mama falls ill, and has 2 heart attacks, and Alex promises to better balance his work and his home life.  while Alex is celebrating with his family, he receives a phone call that his niece has been killed.  The killer has put his niece through a wood chipper and stuffed her remains into a garbage bag, and then threw it into the back of a car. Of course, Alex has to take on the case.  He ends up finding out that his niece (that he wasn't close with) was a high-end prostitute.  There is a large farm, which is used for the high end prostitution.  The man that runs the farm has cameras set up in his largest rooms, in hopes of using the footage for blackmail.  Zues (the killer), has requested two girls, however, once they go in, they don't come back.  The video reveals that one of the girls that went in was Alex's niece, and the other one was later found.  Finally, the second girl reveals that the killer, Zues, is actually the President of the United States' husband. ((EEW/EEK)). When Alex and the police go to arrest the President's husband, his aide ends up shooting him to make sure to somewhat control the scandal.  Nana Mama is feeling better, and has been taken care of by Alex's new love -- Brianna.  During the epilogue, Alex is contacted by Kyle Craig (basically an old colleauge that is now in prison because he's totally whacked out), warning him to be careful of Brianna....


Five out of Five Stars!


Happy Reading!
Brandi