This book was in the anthology, Crimes By Moonlight. I'm not a mysterly person and wasn't interested in reading more than this story. Maybe that's my...moreThis book was in the anthology, Crimes By Moonlight. I'm not a mysterly person and wasn't interested in reading more than this story. Maybe that's my loss. This story is a nice addition into the Sookie Stackhouse series. It doesn't feature Sookie, but it does center around the hotel bombing of the Vamp Hotel in an earlier book. Good story, not great. Well worth reading, though.(less)
This is another book that I read w/ my son for his class at school. Otherwise, I'm not much of a play person. This play is based on Herman Melville's...moreThis is another book that I read w/ my son for his class at school. Otherwise, I'm not much of a play person. This play is based on Herman Melville's novel, Billy Budd. I liked Moby Dick, and eventually hoped to read this as well. This seems, to me, to be a watered-down version of a potentially good book. I didn't enjoy the play very much, but have to give credit to the classic tale of good vs. evil that Melville created.(less)
I loved this book! I work at a bookstore and customers say the craziest things some times! When I saw this book, I just had to read it. From the perso...moreI loved this book! I work at a bookstore and customers say the craziest things some times! When I saw this book, I just had to read it. From the person who asked for any other books written by Jane Eyre to someone asking if the books were arranged by color or size? (Alphabetical, anyone? :\ )Hysterical! I highly recommend this! (less)
This was an interesting read, not something that I would normally have picked up on my own. I read it w/ my son, Dylan, who read it for school. It's t...moreThis was an interesting read, not something that I would normally have picked up on my own. I read it w/ my son, Dylan, who read it for school. It's the story of a boy, Harold, who while growing up has 2 very unlikely friends in 2 black waiters, who work for his parents. But in the world of apartheid in South Africa, life can get in the way of the best of relationships. This book gave me alot to think about, and I think I will be thinking about it for some time to come.(less)
Well, I work at a bookstore and this book came across my desk this morning. I have never read any Peter Rabbit books before, but I have always meant t...moreWell, I work at a bookstore and this book came across my desk this morning. I have never read any Peter Rabbit books before, but I have always meant to. So, with that in mind, I just had to pick it up.....and then I couldn't put it down. What a sweet story! Now, I definitely have to catch up and read the original Peter Rabbit books!(less)
Ok, here goes. This book was exactly what I was expecting....a poorly written romance w/ some sex in it to hopefully save it from being completely and...moreOk, here goes. This book was exactly what I was expecting....a poorly written romance w/ some sex in it to hopefully save it from being completely and utterly boring! And I have to say that I was getting a bit confused....was it her "inner goddess" or subconscious that was commenting on absolutely everything? I wanted to just shake this girl and tell her to grow up! And the ending......E.L James might have thought she was leaving this great cliffhanger so people would want to read on....but let me tell you, that was no cliffhanger, that was just a random place chosen to end this book and make you buy the next part. If I could put half stars, I would give it a 1 and a half, I didn't exactly hate it, but didn't really like it either. It's an "Eh."(less)
Another perfectly chilling offering from 2 of my favorite authors! This is a perfectly horrific gem, if there ever was one. It is reminiscent of Child...moreAnother perfectly chilling offering from 2 of my favorite authors! This is a perfectly horrific gem, if there ever was one. It is reminiscent of Children of the Corn, but so much more than I can even describe! Bravo!!!(less)
This is a classic Stephen King book! Dean Evers is an avid baseball fan and watches all the games. When he starts to see familiar faces sitting in the...moreThis is a classic Stephen King book! Dean Evers is an avid baseball fan and watches all the games. When he starts to see familiar faces sitting in the stands behind home plate things start to get wierd. These people shouldn't be there at all. What does it mean? Things are only going to get wierder! Well done, Uncle Stevie! :)(less)
I live not too far from the Castle and actually grew up waving to it as we would drive down Oakwood Road in Huntington, Long Island. There's nothing c...moreI live not too far from the Castle and actually grew up waving to it as we would drive down Oakwood Road in Huntington, Long Island. There's nothing cooler thatn having a castle practically in your back yard! Although this book is more pictures than writing, it gives you another glimpse into a historical building and the time it was built. (less)
This book is written by a very dear friend of mine, so I admit, I'm probably biased. Even before this book came out, I had seen alot of his cartoons i...moreThis book is written by a very dear friend of mine, so I admit, I'm probably biased. Even before this book came out, I had seen alot of his cartoons in many magazines. He's very talented, and I knew this. I had flipped through and read most of this book already, but until now I had never read it cover to cover. I'm so glad I finally read it!
This is the story of Kyle, who runs a Bed & Breakfast. It's fun that it takes place on Long Island, where I'm from, because of all the local references. We get to meet many guys who stay at the B&B, from the minor league baseball player who struggles w/ "coming out", a big-time businessman, an 18 year old who was thrown out of his house when his parent's found out he's gay, a guy who lives for the clubs, a single dad, etc. All the characters are so fleshed out and likeable...flaws and all, I feel like I want to drive over to Northport and go say hi!
I would definitely recommend this book! But, like I said, I've known Greg for 10 years, and I admit that might have affected my review. Oh, well. It is, what it is! I do hope you try it, though! :)(less)
Ok, I'm told by many people that I watch way too much reality TV, and I can't argue. I started watching this show out of simple curiousity, but contin...moreOk, I'm told by many people that I watch way too much reality TV, and I can't argue. I started watching this show out of simple curiousity, but continued watching it when I realized that these were just regular people and that I actually liked them. It kind of surprised me. It's not a lifestyle I could ever adopt for myself, but I can respect their choice.
For those of you who may not know, this book (and the TLC reality show) tells the story of Kody Brown and his 4 wives. They are polygamists, who originally live in Utah, but later move to Nevada after Utah begins an investigation of the family on charges of bigamy. In an attempt to keep their family together, which includes 17 children, they attempt to start a new life in Nevada.
So, I admit it. I did enjoy this book and will continue to watch the show. Like I said, I watch way too much reality TV and I don't see me stopping any time soon! :)
I have loved the movie since I was a kid! I have wanted to read it for awhile now! I listened to the Audible version, which is new to me, and I loved...moreI have loved the movie since I was a kid! I have wanted to read it for awhile now! I listened to the Audible version, which is new to me, and I loved it. I wasn't feeling well, and having someone read to me, was so cool! I could get used to that! The book is very different than the Alfred Hitchcock movie, but that didn't bother me at all! I was truly scared and worried for these people. The story really did unsettle me. Even though, I knew what the premise was and there were no surprises, DuMaurier really drew me in and did more than just tell a story....I experienced the story!(less)
I loved this book! I picked it up at first, due to the weird and freaky pictures throughout, and then was drawn in even further after reading the back...moreI loved this book! I picked it up at first, due to the weird and freaky pictures throughout, and then was drawn in even further after reading the back cover. I couldn't put the book down! The story was so original, and very refreshing! I don't want to say too much, because discovery along the way is half the excitement!
If you haven't read this, you are definitely missing out!(less)
This book was so much fun! I'm a child of the 80's and all the 80's references: music, movies and games was a blast!!! I didn't know the gaming refere...moreThis book was so much fun! I'm a child of the 80's and all the 80's references: music, movies and games was a blast!!! I didn't know the gaming references as much as the other things, but I do have fond memories of playing Atari as a kid! This book combines my love of dystopian fiction with the 80's! The story takes place in 2044, where the world is a horribly dismal place! So much so that people take shelter w/in the virtual world, where people can work, and go to school along with gaming! For me, this book will definitely be a re-read someday! Highly recommended!
This is definitely not my usual genre of book. I never even had any desire to see the movie, Rambo. All, I know about Rambo is this picture I have in...moreThis is definitely not my usual genre of book. I never even had any desire to see the movie, Rambo. All, I know about Rambo is this picture I have in my head of Sylvester Stallone wearing a headband and carrying a gun. I'm not even sure if that is from a movie poster or a scene from the movie possibly. I had no desire to either see the movie or read the book, but a friend a work, who I recommend books back and forth with MADE me read this. He insisted it was his favorite book and I agreed to read it.
The book is told both from the perspective of John Rambo, recently home from the Vietnam War and a small-town Sheriff. Due to this, you understand that each of the men honestly believe in their actions. There is no bad guy here, almost a sadness that 2 men, very much alike, can be at such odds.
I would never have picked up this book, if it weren't for my friend, but I'm glad I did. I enjoyed it very much. (less)
I have loved this series! Sure, being "team Bill", I didn't love it so much when Sookie got involved w/ Eric, but what are you gonna do. I do like how...moreI have loved this series! Sure, being "team Bill", I didn't love it so much when Sookie got involved w/ Eric, but what are you gonna do. I do like how Charlaine Harris is wrapping things up. It's the only logical way to go, in my opinion. At least I hope I'm right, but I think I am. But with only 1 more book to go, it makes me sad. I will miss everyone in Bon Temps very much. But there will definitely be a re-read!
Some things I liked.....spoilers marked:
1. Bubba is (view spoiler)[back. He is so sweet and cares about Miss Sookie so very much, because she is nice to him. (hide spoiler)] 2. That as far as Eric goes, (view spoiler)[things aren't going so great between him and Sookie. (Not that she is going to get back together w/ Bill anytime soon, that would be a different series. Lol.) (hide spoiler)] 3. I like very much that Bill & Sookie (view spoiler)[have found a good place in their friendship. That even though she doesn't feel the same, she can accept and appreciate that he cares about her and will do anything for her. (hide spoiler)] 4. Everyone is settling down around her and I think that makes Sookie (view spoiler)[want that also. And it's not going to happen with a vampire boyfriend she can't see for 12 or so hours a day. (hide spoiler)] I think whether you are "Team Bill" or "Team Eric", we can all agree (view spoiler)[with what would be best for Sookie. Maybe not in who, exactly, but definitely they should be breathing. (hide spoiler)]
Let me say first off, that I didn't want to like this book. When I first heard of this book, I had no idea who Pittacus Lore was, and the story sounde...moreLet me say first off, that I didn't want to like this book. When I first heard of this book, I had no idea who Pittacus Lore was, and the story sounded interested and definitely piqued my curiousity. Sure, I knew it was a pseudonym, but had no idea who it was. Then I agreed to read it with a friend and that's when I found out who the author was. James Frey, in my opinion, is a fraud. But a promise is a promise and I read it with an open mind.
So, now that that is off my chest, I have to say, I liked it. I couldn't put it down. When I had time to read, I zipped through it. I liked the characters and thought the way we learned about Lorien and it's fate, through John's visions was really interesting. I loved the relationship between him and his "father", Henri, his budding romance w/ Sarah, and his friendship w/ Sam, the alien conspiracy theorist.
The premise of the story is this: John is one of 9 children, who are brought to earth w/ their guardians, when their planet, Lorien is conquered and destroyed by Mogadorians (Alien's from another planet that after destroying their own planet are going around stealing resources from other planets.) These 9 children are the last hope for saving and bringing Lorien back. Unfortunately, the Mogadorian's have followed the Lorien ship to Earth and are one by one, hunting down the children, before they can accomplish their goal. They are hunting them in order, Number 1, Number 2, etc. John is Number 4, the story starts with 1 through 3 already being hunted down and killed. He is next.
All he wants is a normal life, but instead he's in hiding and training for the day when he'll have to fight the Mogodorians. Can he survive?(less)
OMG! Lindqvist does it again! I have absolutely loved everything I have read by him! Just when I thought this book was going in one direction, he make...moreOMG! Lindqvist does it again! I have absolutely loved everything I have read by him! Just when I thought this book was going in one direction, he makes a crazy hairpin turn and takes you in another. Don't get too "comforbable" when you read this book, because you are in the ride of your life. A truly disturbing book! I highly recommend it! (less)
This is so not my normal genre. But I admit to re-reading interesting parts of books from time to time, I'm human. lol. I really enjoyed this and woul...moreThis is so not my normal genre. But I admit to re-reading interesting parts of books from time to time, I'm human. lol. I really enjoyed this and would possibly even go 3.5 stars where this is concerned. There was alot more story in this than what little I know of the genre (which isn't much, and probably not fair to even say). And I have to say, I liked it enough to buy the other 3 books in the series as soon as I finished it last night. :)(less)
This book took me awhile, but it's not entirely the book's fault. I started reading it between my 2 back surgeries back in April. After the 2nd surger...moreThis book took me awhile, but it's not entirely the book's fault. I started reading it between my 2 back surgeries back in April. After the 2nd surgery, my recovery was so difficult I just couldn't read for a few months. I just couldn't focus. That unfortunately dragged this book out for me, even after my "reading" came back to me. I got to the point where I just wanted to finish this book already and I feel bad about that. I'm going to have to go back and reread this at some point to be able to judge this book more fairly.
Storywise, we are back with Vincent & Kate, who are trying very hard to make this work, dispite their differences. They are each working on their own theories on how they can have a "normal" life together. This is where I felt the most "dragging" that I mentioned before...I was like "come on, already!" But in the ending, it all came together. Now I'm hooked and am dying for the next book to come out to find out what happened? Will Vincent survive? Will Kate & Vincent have a "Happily Ever After"? Yeah, I'm a hopeless romantic, I admit it.
So, all in all, this book did it's job. I will be anxiously waiting till next year! Talk about a cliffhanger! (less)
This book was really well done! It reminds me alot of Room by Emma Donaghue in that it explores a horrifying subject through the eyes of an innocent a...moreThis book was really well done! It reminds me alot of Room by Emma Donaghue in that it explores a horrifying subject through the eyes of an innocent and naive child. (Of course that's where the comparison ends.) It totally wouldn't work any other way. In this book, we meet Bruno, who is 9 years old and comes to "Out-With" (Auschwitz) with his family. His father is the Commandant of the camp. He's upset that there are no children to play with and that he is very lonely. Outside his window he sees alot of people on the other side of the fence wearing what he calls striped payamas and wonders why he cannot play with the children. He clearly doesn't understand the complexity of the situation. On one of his explorations around his yard, which is right "next door" to the camp, he meets a boy his own age sitting on the other side of the fence. An unlikely friendship begins.
That's all I'll say here, but I have to add that the ending blew my mind and broke my heart! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!(less)
I grabbed this book, because I was needing something light and fun at a time when I found myself in the hospital and absolutely miserable. I did like...moreI grabbed this book, because I was needing something light and fun at a time when I found myself in the hospital and absolutely miserable. I did like the Twilight books, though, I by no means, consider myself a "twi-hard". But having enjoyed it, and this book, is definitely trying to channel that vein, I gave it a try. I needed something very light! I did like it, but it is a watered-down facsimilie.
I liked the characters, they were very endearing. I liked the setting, our heroine, 17-year old, Katie finds herself in Paris with her sister after her parents are killed tragically and sudddenly. They are now living w/ their grandparents, who are way too cool and understanding than grandparents should be, but that's me. She spends her time hiding out in small cafe's, hidden in corners reading her books. Yeah, I know that was one of the first things that caught my attention when flipping through this, I admit, I'm a dork. lol. She meets Vincent, who is unique, shall we say. He is definitely not your typical "boy next door". She not only has to ask herself if she's ready for love, let alone letting Vincent and his world into her own.
Ok, sappy, sweet, but just what I needed at the moment. A solid 3.5, and I will most likely watch for book 2 next year, I admit. Sometimes books just find you at the the right time, like this one. It served it's purpose and I'm grateful.(less)
This book asks the question of whether we can rebuild a way of life that has long since disappeared? Can things ever be the same? Koriba and a number...moreThis book asks the question of whether we can rebuild a way of life that has long since disappeared? Can things ever be the same? Koriba and a number of other emmigrants leave Kenya to create a new world.....a replication of their ancestral homeland, Kirinyaga. Koriba is the Mundumungo, or medicine man....keeper of
the memories, history and connection to Ngai, their god. As modern technology and European influences threaten to destroy what they have made, Koriba finds himself alone, fighting a losing battle against normal life progression.
I did enjoy how the story was told. Koriba's parables paralled each given situation, as he guided his people through various lessons. Each chapter was a separate story and lesson, which would've been a nice way of reading it. Putting them together, to form a complete novel, for me, seemed a bit too much at one time. I would've preferred reading this in segments.
This was such a fun book! This is the story of Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Her mother mysteriously disa...moreThis was such a fun book! This is the story of Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Her mother mysteriously disappears on her 14th birthday, and despite interference by her brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, she is determined to find her. When she sets out on her quest, she finds herself unwittingly involved in another missing person's case, which she can't help but investigate. She is drawn into the investigation, which proves she's definitely her brother's sister. I love her character. She is a smart, spunky and determined young girl, who I couldn't help but like!(less)
This was a very interesting book. I liked the way it told the story from the different perspectives. First we get Bordon's side then later we get Angi...moreThis was a very interesting book. I liked the way it told the story from the different perspectives. First we get Bordon's side then later we get Angiers. It's not exactly a retelling, but it fills out the story with even more and different information. Then we move into the future with the grandaughter of Angiers and grandson of Bordon. Very interesting and well done. I do feel they leave some questions hanging, though, that I wish they had answered.(less)
This book most defiitely lived up the the first in the trilogy! I had high hopes for this one and I wasn't let down. I don't want to say too much, bec...moreThis book most defiitely lived up the the first in the trilogy! I had high hopes for this one and I wasn't let down. I don't want to say too much, because, at least to me, the set up and anticipation are a lot of what is exciting about this book. Well done! My only question is how long are we going to have to wait for the last book?????(less)
This book started well. I thought it was very readable and easy going to start. Unfortunately, the story went downhill for me. I found the main charac...moreThis book started well. I thought it was very readable and easy going to start. Unfortunately, the story went downhill for me. I found the main characters very immature. They "fell in love" at the drop of a hat, and their shenanigans were, to me, silly and melodramatic. I thought this book would never end. I have to admit though, that the ending won me back and I wanted to applaud the resolution. Maybe the musketeers grew up. We can hope!(less)
This book was was at the same time, horrible and inspiring! What Jaycee Dugard had to endure from the time she was kidnapped at age 11 till she was re...moreThis book was was at the same time, horrible and inspiring! What Jaycee Dugard had to endure from the time she was kidnapped at age 11 till she was rescued 18 years later is nothing short of disturbing! She tells her story so honestly, it breaks your heart. She goes back and forth from the voice of little Jaycee to the woman she is now, in her reflections back. This book is very well done!
What makes me really sad, though is the way she feels the need throughout the book, to explain why she didn't try to escape. She must be asked that alot from people, in my opinion, that are very ignorant if they think it's that easy. She explains early on how her captor, Philip Garido, manipulated her and became everything to her: provider and protector. He had her believing the world was dangerous and that only he knew how to protect her (and her daughters once they were born). She became so fearful of the outside world, she preferred staying in her backyard prison, where she "knew" she was safe.
I was surprised how well she seems to be doing. I wanted to cheer for her! But to think of all that she lost or missed out on is just heartbreaking! I highly recommend this book. It will shock you and make you mad in parts....but it will then inspire you and remind you to be grateful for what you have!(less)
Wow! That's a good way to start w/ this review. The story tells of a man who is a foreignor to the Penal Colony, and to it's "judicial" system. He is...moreWow! That's a good way to start w/ this review. The story tells of a man who is a foreignor to the Penal Colony, and to it's "judicial" system. He is a guest of the commandant and invited to witness an excecution using it's infamous machine of execution. The Officer, who is in charge is obviously a devout follower of his former commandant, who created the machine. The officer is almost giddy w/ excitement explaining the execution and how the machine works. To the foreignor's horror, not only does the prisoner (view spoiler)[not know that he has been found gouilty and sentences to death (hide spoiler)] but his execution is (view spoiler)[barbaric and torture, plain and simple (hide spoiler)]. As a fan of horror, this story fits right up there when you learn how the condemned are put to their deaths. Well, I don't want to give too much away. For a short little piece, learning what is actually going on as you read through is part of the magic....or horror, as you will.
Another note, if you read this, think of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as you do. Professor Umbridge's (view spoiler)[form of punishment is definitely inspired by this story. (hide spoiler)] I was blown away when I realized that. (less)