Linda (lindagoin) (29 books)

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Masquerade (Heven and Hell, #1)
by Cambria Hebert (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2012

My rating:

[KINDLE Version] I normally don't read YA literature, but my curiosity was piqued by the raves about this book and by its interesting cover, designed by Regina Wamba. Additionally, the author was so accessible through a blog tour, on Facebook, and th...more[KINDLE Version] I normally don't read YA literature, but my curiosity was piqued by the raves about this book and by its interesting cover, designed by Regina Wamba. Additionally, the author was so accessible through a blog tour, on Facebook, and through other venues, and her personality led me to wonder how well she wrote and whether the hoopla about the book was well-deserved.

I'll admit that I also wanted to read the book for another reason -- to be escorted back in time to a younger me, a person who was insanely addicted to reading books because I was shy. So, I enter this book with a jaundiced eye toward Heven, a gorgeous girl and a cheerleading captain with stellar grades. I wondered how this main character handled being mauled by literal evil and hate.

For Cambria Hebert's first novel, this is a monumental effort. I expected camp, much like the acclaimed True Blood series. Because -- make no mistake -- by the end of the book, you'll realize this book is the first in a series. But, unlike any camp, I encountered a deeper and more obvious conflict between good and evil -- as extreme as its characters and their situations.

Heven's love interest is Sam, a character who is deep, dark, and mysterious, but who has a golden outward appearance. His character is well-rounded, and I actually became more attached to him than I did to Heven. Heven's family consists of an overtly-religious single mom and a paternal grandmother who loves Heven unconditionally. Then, there is Hate and Hope, interlopers with their own voices. And, China -- the evil one -- and her troupe, Sam included.

I won't get into the obvious symbolism within the book, as I want to introduce it to my literary club -- all older women. I want to see how they might react to the characters and to the plot. And, yes, I'm going to send the book to my daughter, age 22. I want to see how she might react as well. I think I know how she'll respond -- Masquerade is a healthy book that takes some time to read -- check. It's a good read -- check. The story holds twists and turns that can hold the readers' interests -- check. Despite the fact that the heroine is popular and beautiful -- even with her scars -- she is likeable and worth cheering on. In fact, Heven is much like the expert gunslinger, the one who everyone eventually will want to take a shot at...including mom, best friend, and (gasp) maybe even her Sam.

This book has a lot of little "somethings" for paranormal fans (from shape shifters to auras to "Hevenly" hopes) and for people who want to read a good, solid, YA book. A warning to moms with younger teens -- those paranormal references may need some explaining. And, although Heven and Sam never "do it" in this novel, the sexual references are hot (even I was intrigued). Also, drinking, murder, frightening visual references, and some swearing might have convinced me to hold on to this book until my daughter was at least in her mid teens. These images are in contrast to biblical references in the book and Heven's religious mom. Face it -- in reality, the world can seem very torn to an older teen (and to many adults!).

Overall -- it's a huge thumbs up to Cambria Hebert's first storytelling efforts outside her "prequels" (Before and Whiteout), and I look forward to her second novel!(less)

Linda gave

to:

Designing Type
by Karen Cheng

read in January, 2006

My rating:

Ok, you slugged it through design school where you learned about typefaces like serif, sans serif, ornamental...the works. While you now know the difference between Bauhaus and Arial, you still don't know how to design a typeface. Designing Type can ...more

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Eternal Patrol
by Michael Wallace

read in January, 2012

My rating:

[NOTE: This review is based upon a revised version that will hit the shelves soon.]

From the first torpedo to the last giant octopus, Wallace led me into a spin that navigated time travel waters with ease. His quick male wit and intense knowledge abou...more

Linda is now following Markus Zusak's reviews

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The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2012

My rating:

The Book Thief was a literary club choice, and I put off reading it until the last moment. Then, I read it within three days, because I couldn't put it down. After Zusak ripped my heart out, I discovered a photo of him at the end of the story and I w...more

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1776
by David McCullough

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Linda gave

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Revolutionary Characters by Gordon S. Wood

Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different
by Gordon S. Wood

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Linda gave

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The Art of War
by Sun Tzu

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Jan 16, 2012 07:40am · all of Linda's favorite authors
Linda gave to: Masquerade (Heven and Hell, #1) by Cambria Hebert (Goodreads Author) read in January, 2012	My rating:
[KINDLE Version] I normally don't read YA literature, but my curiosity was piqued by the raves about this book and by its interesting cover, designed by Regina Wamba. Additionally, the author was so accessible through a blog tour, on Facebook, and th...more
Jan 16, 2012 07:14am · see review
Linda gave to: Designing Type by Karen Cheng read in January, 2006	My rating:
Ok, you slugged it through design school where you learned about typefaces like serif, sans serif, ornamental...the works. While you now know the difference between Bauhaus and Arial, you still don't know how to design a typeface. Designing Type can ...more
Jan 14, 2012 06:53pm · see review
Linda gave to: Eternal Patrol by Michael Wallace read in January, 2012	My rating:
[NOTE: This review is based upon a revised version that will hit the shelves soon.] From the first torpedo to the last giant octopus, Wallace led me into a spin that navigated time travel waters with ease. His quick male wit and intense knowledge abou...more
Jan 14, 2012 06:02pm · see review
Linda is now following Markus Zusak's reviews
Jan 14, 2012 05:06pm
Linda gave to: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Goodreads Author) read in January, 2012	My rating:
The Book Thief was a literary club choice, and I put off reading it until the last moment. Then, I read it within three days, because I couldn't put it down. After Zusak ripped my heart out, I discovered a photo of him at the end of the story and I w...more
Jan 14, 2012 05:06pm · see review
Linda gave to: 1776 by David McCullough	My rating:
Jan 14, 2012 05:04pm
Linda gave to: Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different by Gordon S. Wood	My rating:
Jan 14, 2012 05:03pm
Linda gave to: The Art of War by Sun Tzu	My rating:
Jan 14, 2012 05:02pm

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