"Candy is beside me, drenched in sweat. She's breathing gently, long slow breaths. I imagine her soul going in and out: wantin...moreFrom the inside cover...
"Candy is beside me, drenched in sweat. She's breathing gently, long slow breaths. I imagine her soul going in and out: wanting to leave, wanting to come back, wanting to leave, wanting to come back. The day will soon harden into what we need to do. But for now we have each other. . . ."
He met Candy amid a lush Sydney summer. Gorgeous, sexy, free-spirited Candy. They fell in love fast, lots of laughter and lust, the days melting warmly into each other. He never planned to give her a habit. But she wanted a taste. And wasn't love, after all, about sharing lives? Candy had a bit of money and in the beginning, everything was beautiful. Heady, heroin-hazed days, the world open and inviting. But when the money ran out, the craving remained, and the days ceased their luxurious stretch.
But there was still love. Only now, it was a threesome. Heroin had its own demands, its own timetable, and thoughts of nabbing the next fix hurled them into each day. Then, when desperation sets in, Candy will stop at nothing to secure a blast, as she and her lover become hostage to the nightmarish world of addiction.
Painful, sexy, tender, and charged with dark humor, Candy provocatively charts the daily rituals of two lovers maintaining a long-term junk habit. Told in stunningly vivid prose and set against the backdrop of suburban and urban Australia, Candy is both an electrifying and frightening glimpse of contemporary life and love. (less)
The Weight of Silence was so hard for me to read not because it was a hard read but it was just so troubling to me. I have not felt that uptight readi...moreThe Weight of Silence was so hard for me to read not because it was a hard read but it was just so troubling to me. I have not felt that uptight reading a book since The Shack. It is truly a tense and profoundly emotional story. A parent’s worse nightmare! I had to put it down several times, my imagination running wild. Throughout the whole book I couldn’t tell if I loved the book or hated it. It stirred up so many emotions and made me question my own parenting skills. I don’t know if I was just sensitive to this story because I couldn’t grab my own child and give him a hug and watch him sleep at night, (He is away for the summer) and I miss him. But the truth is I am so happy I read it. The author is very talented. The feature that makes the book stand out for me is that the story was told through multiple voices — various characters each have sections where you get to hear directly from them. I thought Gudenkauf did a great job capturing each of the unique voices, and the technique helped to show how much the different characters were not able to tell each other. I love how you had the characters speak in the first person, which made it feel as though I were watching a play. Writing Calle in the third person was a perfect contrast. I will read more of her. I know that this group as previously read her before. Good Job on the pick ladies! (less)
I feel a bit conflicted about what rating to give this book. On the one hand, I loved and devoured the last one hundred-fifty pages of this book. I fo...more
I feel a bit conflicted about what rating to give this book. On the one hand, I loved and devoured the last one hundred-fifty pages of this book. I found Cassandra, Nell, and Eliza to all be compelling characters and I grew attached to each of them individually. The writing is really beautiful, even poetic in parts, and I loved the weaving of Eliza's fairy tales throughout. I also really enjoyed the setup of the book, with the three women narrating and the way Morton wove everything together so nicely, even repeating sections of narration at the end to show continuity. On the other hand, it took me 200+ pages to really grab onto it, which, in my opinion, is a bit too much. In fact, I was about to abandon the book around page 200, when there was a sudden twist. In addition, parts of the back story, particularly Eliza's, while necessary, should have been reduced. Also, the final twist of the story was likely not a twist for many readers - if you have been paying attention, it's fairly obvious, but at the same time still couldn’t put it down I wanted to see if I was right. All in all, if you want to choose a family epic and mystery about discovering one's history, this is a great choice, though there are some flaws.
Side Note: I really regret that Eliza’s book of fairy tales isn’t a real book! (less)
I started this book this afternoon and am already on chapter 13. I am having such a hard time reading it and yet can't put it down. I physically start...moreI started this book this afternoon and am already on chapter 13. I am having such a hard time reading it and yet can't put it down. I physically started shaking at one point with tears streaming down. This woman is so incredibly brave and strong. I am horrified by these images I am getting and know they are nothing compared to her real experience. Jaycee is my age and she refers to the years or age I think about what I was doing and how innocent those years were for me and should have been for her. It is incredibly hard for me to read but I kept saying to myself, "If she could live through this, then I can read about it and finish it". So that’s what I am doing…
Written simply and gut wrenchingly truthful, I could not put this book down. Jaycee's courage and determination to survive is an inspiration to everyone.
A dark, harsh, raw and powerful story of abuse told from a teenage point of view. I barely have words for how much I loved this book. Because it's dis...moreA dark, harsh, raw and powerful story of abuse told from a teenage point of view. I barely have words for how much I loved this book. Because it's disturbing and vivid, and almost palpable. Every scene had so much more involved, so much emotion, so many back-conflicts. It's a story about what happens when you survive an abusive home. Very few books deal with the after. After the problem. After it all fell apart. After you got out. It was so hard to read yet I couldn't get enough.
While Split isn't the easiest novel to read in terms of the subject matter, it is a quick read and one that you won't soon forget. The characters are compelling, the story is one that needs to be told, and Avasthi's writing brings everything together perfectly. If you can handle a story about child/spousal abuse, Split is an absolute must. (less)
I am glad I was introduced to Stephanie Plum :) It’s so great watching Stephanie dive in without a clue, getting anything and everything wrong, and ye...moreI am glad I was introduced to Stephanie Plum :) It’s so great watching Stephanie dive in without a clue, getting anything and everything wrong, and yet still stumbling on, determined to make this work. It’s impossible not like her, and not to cheer her on. Of course she comes through in the end.
“What the hell kind of outfit were you supposed to be wearing?" "It was my slut outfit. I wanted to speed things up."
"I didn't want anyone to steal your car," I said. "So I had an alarm installed." "It wasn't 'anyone' you were worried about. It was me. You had a goddamn alarm installed in my goddamn car so I couldn't snatch it out from under you!" "It worked, too. What were you doing in our car?" (less)
I had always been a huge fan of the movie adaptation of this novel, but had never read the book, till now. Circle of Friends is a wonderful story, sad...moreI had always been a huge fan of the movie adaptation of this novel, but had never read the book, till now. Circle of Friends is a wonderful story, sad but wonderful in the sense that the main character Benny learns so much. She grows from a child to a woman and although things may turn out not as planned in her life she still remains hopeful and looks toward the future. I myself was really pissed at some points. I believe this is a lesson we could all learn from somewhere in our own journeys. The characters were very well represented and their characters really played well in the story. I now want to see the movie again. (less)
A contemporary Huck Finn with a trip on a Greyhound Bus from California to Pennsylvania taking the place of the raft ride down the Mississippi. Sebast...moreA contemporary Huck Finn with a trip on a Greyhound Bus from California to Pennsylvania taking the place of the raft ride down the Mississippi. Sebastian Raines is a 12-year-old boy whose mother dumps him on the bus to go live with his grandparents back East while she runs off to wed her latest boyfriend and get him out of her life. On the way Sebastian encounters all kinds of adventures - including crazy drivers and a would-be child molester. He's protected from these dangers by Marcus, a wise black man, who is fresh out of prison but who has lots of worldly wisdom to impact to you Sebastian Raines. Anyone who's taken a long bus ride knows how boring they can be, but it's amazing how interesting and insightful the journey with Sebastian proves to be.
Sebastian Raines, one of many children raised in the average messed up household. It is always sad to hear of these stories. I just wanted to be on that bus and take him home to give him a life he deserved. I really enjoyed this book and the friendship that was made between the boy and the man.
I must admit, when I first began reading Push, I was a little uncomfortable with the narrative perspective because it was so blunt in its descriptions...moreI must admit, when I first began reading Push, I was a little uncomfortable with the narrative perspective because it was so blunt in its descriptions. However, as hard of a time as I had with reading this text, I had an even harder time putting it down. Sapphire's novel forced me to face the reality of the verbally and sexually abusive life that Precious Jones was forced to live in. Unfortunately, Precious is not alone and Sapphire took the first step in acknowleding this problem by putting it into words, even though the words make some uncomfortable. Once I started reading and listening to Precious, I could not let go. Precious Jones is a sixteen year old girl, verbally and physically abused by her mother and sexually abused by her father. She gives birth to two children, her own father also being father of her children. However, this book is not only an attack on the abuse that occurs within a family. Sapphire also places blame on the educational system that sits back while their students are deprived of educational advancement because of their situations at home. There are so many children, like Precious, who want to learn but come to believe that they are dumb because no one took the time to examine the problem closer. I hurt for Precious because she had no self esteem, how could she when her father stripped everything from her, including her virginity, before she was even out of elementary school. I could not put the book down without knowing how she was going to rise above her circumstances. I got so wrapped up in this book, believing in Precious and everything she went through. Sapphire's book involved so many emotions and was so inspiring that I believe no student or teacher should go without reading this book. (less)
I love this series it is so much fun. I love Stephanie, I love her relationships; with Joe Moreli, with Ranger, with Lula, with Grandma, and even wit...more I love this series it is so much fun. I love Stephanie, I love her relationships; with Joe Moreli, with Ranger, with Lula, with Grandma, and even with the FTA's. I especially love her relationship with food. She's an emotional eater, like me. Every time she follows an emotion with food I think "yeah that sounds about right" She is strong, vulnerable, and downright crazy. Just like most every woman I know. She is so believable! Kudos to Janet Evanovich (less)
I truly loved this book! It was slightly serious and it was so much fun to read. Remember that saying “Things That Make You Go Hmmm” well read this an...moreI truly loved this book! It was slightly serious and it was so much fun to read. Remember that saying “Things That Make You Go Hmmm” well read this and you’ll be saying that a lot…
Does a giraffe know what he’s for? Or care? Or even think about his place in things? A giraffe has a black tongue twenty-seven inches long and no vocal cords. A giraffe has nothing to say. He just goes on giraffing. ---Robert Fulghum –ALL I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN (less)
This is a hilarious book for anyone who has ever willed a child to sleep, be that a tiny baby or a rowdy toddler. It's a great book to give as a gift...moreThis is a hilarious book for anyone who has ever willed a child to sleep, be that a tiny baby or a rowdy toddler. It's a great book to give as a gift to help lighten the mood, particularly for new parents.
While this book won't make your baby sleep through the night, or your toddler calmly lie down at bed time, it will cause you to laugh about the situation. And laughter reduces stress and stress reduction leads to better sleep...(less)
I have been reading this book off and on for months. I love it. It's incredibly moving. I pick it up start reading, I get througha couple, three chapt...moreI have been reading this book off and on for months. I love it. It's incredibly moving. I pick it up start reading, I get througha couple, three chapters and am moved to tears, ok more like gulping sobbing. Then can't bring myself to pick up for a month or two. But it's one of the best books I have ever read. Sheffield writes with such aching remembering, you feel like you are invading his privacy...(less)
Really thought I would like this one but not so much. The main character was supposed to be 24? but sounded like 14/15. If it was written by a 14/15 y...moreReally thought I would like this one but not so much. The main character was supposed to be 24? but sounded like 14/15. If it was written by a 14/15 year old I'd give it 4 stars but since I doubt it couldn't give it more than 2. I really like the idea of faeries and the fairy world/realm but the writing just seemed so immature I found myself rolling my eyes more than enjoying it. Beautiful cover though. (less)
Just finished The Peach Keeper, all I can say is love Love LOVED it!!!!!! I loved it from start to finish and would read it again. Sarah Addison-Allen...moreJust finished The Peach Keeper, all I can say is love Love LOVED it!!!!!! I loved it from start to finish and would read it again. Sarah Addison-Allen is right up there with favorite authors at the moment.
“Fate never promises to tell you everything up front. You aren’t always shown the path in life you’re supposed to take. But if there was one thing she’d learned in the past few weeks, it was that sometimes, when you’re really lucky, you meet someone with a map”—Sara Addison-Allen—The Peach Keeper (less)
"Tough-talking, hip, and hilarious." -- Entertainment Weekly. Yes, maybe to a degree? The quick one liners are great, and at some points I could even...more "Tough-talking, hip, and hilarious." -- Entertainment Weekly. Yes, maybe to a degree? The quick one liners are great, and at some points I could even see certain women I know in Elizabeth. The portrayal of women’s relationships was spot on. There were so many things I really enjoyed about this book. Even the level-one crush. But in the end it just made me sad. Not because I need a sugary happy ending, but because I felt like Elizabeth in the end was in the same place she started when the story began. For a woman who had a lot of "balls," she sure didn't have any heart behind them.(less)
This was good but I really thought I would have enjoyed it more. It had the potential to be really good but it never got there for me. It was easy and...moreThis was good but I really thought I would have enjoyed it more. It had the potential to be really good but it never got there for me. It was easy and did keep my attention. I liked the characters for the most part. I have another book of Elin Hilderbrandand will read it for sure, but all in all I could only give this book 3 stars. (less)
Twisted But Intriguing. A Dizzying Read That Pulled Me In..... This book was not what I expected and even more, strangely thrilling, eerie and chillin...moreTwisted But Intriguing. A Dizzying Read That Pulled Me In..... This book was not what I expected and even more, strangely thrilling, eerie and chilling, the story takes twists and turns that had me unable to stop turning the pages, a captive to this unexpected and rather brilliant story....
And boy did i want to shake the crap out of the characters through out the book. (less)
"Moving, touching, wonderfully written, inspiring to read."
At an intimate, festive dinner party in Seattle, six women gather to celebrate their frien...more"Moving, touching, wonderfully written, inspiring to read."
At an intimate, festive dinner party in Seattle, six women gather to celebrate their friend Kate's recovery from cancer. Wineglass in hand, Kate strikes a bargain with them. To celebrate her new lease on life, she'll do the one thing that's always terrified her: white-water rafting. But if she goes, all of them will also do something they always swore they'd never do-and Kate is going to choose their adventures.
I don't know what to rate this book. Do I give it a 2 cause it creeped me out. Or do I give it a 5 for sheer amount of creepiness, it was a lot let me...moreI don't know what to rate this book. Do I give it a 2 cause it creeped me out. Or do I give it a 5 for sheer amount of creepiness, it was a lot let me tell you. Okay geez I am going to give it a three. I think this is a story that is going to haunt me. (less)
"... the state of rapture I experience when I read a wonderful book is one of the main reasons I read; but it doesn't happen every time or even every...more"... the state of rapture I experience when I read a wonderful book is one of the main reasons I read; but it doesn't happen every time or even every other time, and when it does happen, I am truly beside myself.
THE NEW MILLENIUM A Moment Like This "some people wait a lifetime"
I absolutely fell in LOVE with this book! And as well fell in love with the author....moreTHE NEW MILLENIUM A Moment Like This "some people wait a lifetime"
I absolutely fell in LOVE with this book! And as well fell in love with the author. Not since, P.S. I Love You, have I been swept away with such emotion over a book. This is one book I will think about for a long time.(less)
Dear specters, I don't even believe You are here, so how is it You're making me comprehend Things I would rather not know just yet?
-Charles Simic, "Ghost...moreDear specters, I don't even believe You are here, so how is it You're making me comprehend Things I would rather not know just yet?
Love, love, loved this book. It was one of those rare gems that you can't put down but that you don't want to end. Cant wait to read more books by Bar...moreLove, love, loved this book. It was one of those rare gems that you can't put down but that you don't want to end. Cant wait to read more books by Barbara O' Neal. (less)
If not for Levin and Kitty's relationship I don't I would have finished this.
(view spoiler)[ The destruction of Anna was hard to read. At times I was...moreIf not for Levin and Kitty's relationship I don't I would have finished this.
(view spoiler)[ The destruction of Anna was hard to read. At times I was rooting for, but honestly wasn't sure what I was rooting for? And times I despised her. I already knew of Anna's death and at points was thinking "just die already" Isn't that horrible? It was just painful I just wanted her suffering to end.
But my saving grace, Kitty and Levin. Any time I saw their names my heart raced. They are an example that was greatly needed in this story. I wish there was more of them. (hide spoiler)] (less)
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