[Review] The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Publisher: Scribner
Publishing date: March 2005
288 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis 

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette's brilliant and charismatic father captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want the responsibility of raising a family.

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Glass Castle is truly astonishing--a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family. 

My Review

Captivating. That's the first word that comes to mind about this memoir. This book had been sitting on my shelf for a good couple of months... probably about a year. I had heard it was good, but was never in the mood for it and so I didn't get around to it. I finally decided to pick it up when I was going over to my in-laws for Christmas. I wasn't sure if I was in the mood to read it, but felt like I needed to since it was just sitting on my shelf. I immediately loved this book; Walls has a gifted way of telling her story. I felt so bad for her the entire time I read it. I know things like this happen all too often. But I still was shocked by some of the things her family went through and how her parents acted. I can't imagine growing up with this type of life, moving around constantly, not knowing whether you'll have food to eat, whether you'll go to school, or whether you have running water. 

Nevertheless, Walls perseveres. Her sister moves to New York, she follows soon after, and together they start a new life. She slowly gets on solid ground by having a stable place to live, having a job, and going to school. Through all of her hard times, Walls continues to land on her feet. It clearly wasn't an easy childhood, and many people, unfortunately, would fall into the same cycle that her parents did. But she and most of her siblings were able to overcome that. I wish we knew a little more about what happened to Maureen, but I guess it really just shows what Walls' life was like when she finished this book; she didn't really know much about Maureen either. 

I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read more of her work, especially Half Broke Horses. I never thought I would like non-fiction and memoirs as much as I do, and this certainly won't be my last! 

[Review] Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Series: Infernal Devices, #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publishing Date: Aug. 31, 2010
479 Pages
Format: paperback, won
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis 

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

My Review

I won a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster in 2014 for a 31 days of reading giveaway. Unfortunately, it's been sitting on my shelf since then! I decided to pick this one up recently, and I'm really glad I did! I really liked this book and I'm very interested in reading the rest of this series and the Mortal Instruments series as well. It's full of fantasy and interesting characters. I wasn't sure if I would be super interested in this steampunk world. But once I started reading, I was hooked. I really liked the characters, especially Tessa, Will, and Jem; they were unique in their own ways. Will was a tough character to figure out, and I'm not sure I quite have, even after the book ended. And I feel really bad for Jem, but I can't elaborate without giving anything away! This book was full of adventure and suspense. I wasn't sure what was going to happen or which characters I could trust. Overall, it kept me interested and wanting to know more. 

[Review] Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy

Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
Publisher: Orion Books
Publishing Date: 2005
Format: paperback, purchased
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3 stars
Dates read: July 29 - Aug. 2, 2015

Synopsis 

In a Greek taverna, high over the small village of Aghia Anna, four people meet for the first time: Fiona, an Irish nurse, Thomas, a Californian academic; Elsa, a German television presenter; and David a shy English boy. Along with Andreas, the old man who runs the taverna, they become close to each other after witnessing a tragedy when a pleasure steamer catches fire in the harbour. NIGHTS OF RAIN AND STARS is the story of one summer when Fiona, Thomas, Elsa and David all have to face the particular life crisis which first made them leave their homes and end up in Greece. With the help of Vonni, a middle-aged Irish woman who lives in the village and is now a near-native, they each find a solution - although not necessarily the one they anticipated...

My Review 

My first Maeve Binchy book was Echoes (review), which I read about two years ago on a trip to Florida. I really enjoyed that book and knew that I had to see what else Binchy has written. I picked this one up at my local used book store, but unfortunately, it sat on my shelf for quite a while. I finally got around to and I'm glad I did. This was a good story and the setting of Greece was beautifully written! 

Elsa, Thomas, Fiona, and David come from four different countries and have never met before one night at a small Greek tavern. They each come from wildly different backgrounds and are each struggling with something from their past. They've all run away from home (in a sense) and don't want to go back. Throughout the book, we learn what each of their secrets are. 

This book was very simply written, which is one of the things I loved about Binchy's writing in Echoes. She has a way with words to make everything so beautiful without feeling like they're big fancy sentences. Does that make sense? There are some bigger moments in this book, but I really love that it's just a story about four people's lives and how they learn to grow and let go of their larger issues. And like I said, the setting described in this book is beautiful! Thankfully, I've been to Greece before, so I was able to picture the setup of the islands a little easier having seen some for myself first-hand. It truly makes me want to go back and enjoy the culture of Greece again. 

[Review] Crash by Lisa McMann

Crash by Lisa McMann
Series: Visions, #1
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publishing Date: Jan. 8, 2013
233  Pages
Format: paperback, won
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis 

If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of three books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.

Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.

The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.

In this riveting start to a gripping trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality. 

My Review

I won this book back at the beginning of 2014 from the 31 Days of Reading giveaway. It was an amazing giveaway and I'm still getting through all the books I got from them! So I finally picked up this one (I'm trying really hard to read books that I already own before getting new ones). 

This was a pretty interesting book that kind of reminded me of the Final Destination movies. Did anyone else who read that get that feeling? Jules sees a vision of a terrible accident that kills 9 people. First she just sees it a few times, here and there. Then she starts seeing it everywhere she looks: on the tv, on stop signs, on store windows. It just won't go away. So she starts trying to figure out what's going to happen and when. She even confides in her brother and the person she's in love with. They're not quite sure what to believe, but one of them does believe her right away. 

This book takes us on a chase of trying to figure out what is going to happen and when. This book is pretty interesting! Like I said, it reminds me of the Final Destination movies as Jules tries to figure out whats going to happen and when. I really kind of liked it. I wasn't quite expecting that when I first picked it up. And then the end throws you for a curve ball a bit, so it makes me want to pick up the next one as well. 

And last thought - that cover is awesome, isn't it?! It's just so unique! 

Others in the Series

[Review] All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry
Publisher: Viking Books
Publishing Date: Sept 26, 2013
274 Pages
Format: paperback, won
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last. 

My Review

I believe I won this book last year some time, but I honestly can't remember who I won it from or when, so if I won it from you, thank you!! 

This book sounded so interesting when I entered the contest, and when I won, I was very excited. I had read the synopsis, but when I started reading this book, it was so different from what I expected! This book takes place in another time (another world possibly?); Judith lives with her mom and brother. She was kidnapped and held captive for years but when she returns home, she doesn't receive a warm welcome. Her mom is ashamed of the fact that Judith can't speak, or speak very well, so she forbids Judith from communicating with anyone. 

This book is told from Judith's perspective in 2nd person point of view. I don't think I've read anything in this point of view before. It was really interesting to read and I thought it made the story much more compelling. The way the story is written is as if Judith is writing a journal to the boy she loves, Lucas. This story was also so different from anything I've read before. The setting of the story was very unique and original, and the characters were quite interesting. I empathized with Judith because she wanted so badly to fit in and make friends, but is terrified of what people will think of her. After a great deal of confusion and miscommunication, Judith finally gets the life that she's always wanted since she returned from being held captive. 

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to hearing more from Ms. Berry. 

[Review] One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publishing Date: July 1, 2014
Format: hardcover, gifted
368 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

One single mom. One chaotic family. One quirky stranger. One irresistible love story from the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You.

Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for. That’s Jess’s life in a nutshell—until an unexpected knight-in-shining-armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess’s knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages... maybe ever.

My Review

Me Before You is one of my absolute favorite books. I really think it might be THE favorite of mine ever! (: So I absolutely couldn't wait to get a copy of this one by Moyes. I had been waiting since this was release to get a copy! Then I got it as a gift for Christmas and I couldn't wait to read it! Unfortunately, life got in the way... buying a house, moving in, doing some remodeling and other house projects..But I finally started reading it when I suggested my book club pick it for July. I was so excited to dive in! 

This book didn't disappoint me one bit. All of these characters were so interesting and unique. Jess is a single mom to her young daughter and teenage step-son. Her husband up and left them, doesn't work and doesn't pay any child support. Jess is trying to give him the benefit of doubt because she believes he's suffering from a mental break. But she still has to do what's right for her kids. I love that she takes care of Nicky like he's own her own flesh and blood. She sticks up for him like no one else will. Tanzie is such a sweet little girl. She's super intelligent and looks at things in a different way; and Jess embraces that whole-heartedly. 

Ed is different. He seems quiet and soft-spoken, yet very bright (obviously since he and a friend created their own company!). But he clearly doesn't make the best decisions all the time and they have landed him in a  bit of trouble. He makes a spur of the moment decision to drive Jess and her kids to the Math Olympiad and his life is never the same after. 

What I really loved about this book was the different types of characters. Some are so serious, some playful, some funny. They all fit each other really well and play off each others' strengths; they complement each other. Plus this book was funny! I wasn't expecting it, but there were so many times that dry humor crept through and I found myself literally laughing out loud. I'm sure my husband thought I was a little strange since it would just be quiet and then I'd be laughing. 

This book really had it all: serious issues, drama, family feuds, comedy, and (probably my favorite) romance. I highly, highly recommend this book. It fast rose up to the near top of my list and I can't wait to read what else Moyes has written. The Girl You Left Behind is sitting on my shelf just waiting for me to pick it up and I know it won't disappoint. 

[Review] Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Series: Sky Fall, #1

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publishing Date: Jan. 1, 2013

404 Pages

Format: paperback, won

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Goodreads rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis 

Vane Weston should have died in the category-five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past - except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian - Vane's guardian - and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, Audra and Vane start to realize that the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them.

My Review

I won this book in a giveaway last year from Simon and Schuster, and unfortunately, it had been sitting on my shelf ever since. But I've decided to make an effort to read book that I've had for a while, or slowly start to get rid of them. I'm a bit of a book hoarder, so this is going to be difficult. But at least I started and picked up this one from my piles! 

Audra is Vane's guardian and has been watching over him for the last 10 years, without him knowing. Her job is to protect Vane and eventually teach him about his past and how to learn about the wind. Vane is a bit cocky, which is kind of funny since he apparently hasn't had a girlfriend or a successful date. And Audra is all work and no play. She's determined to teach Vane what he needs to know, but can't let herself become involved with him. 

This book is an interesting concept and something I wasn't sure how I'd feel about. I've picked it up a few times thinking I'd read it next, but then picked something else. But I set my mind to it this time and read it. The writing is well done and the characters are pretty well developed. You can tell how much they care about each other by the way they interact. However, this wasn't my favorite book. Just something about it didn't hold my interest as much as I hoped. 

Others in the Series

[Review] Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty 
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publishing Date: July 29, 2014
Format: paperback, purchased
460 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads:

Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?).

Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn’t be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.

New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.

Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive. 

My Review

I couldn't wait to start this book! I received it as a Christmas present and I should have picked it up a lot sooner, but like so many of you, my TBR pile is never ending and always growing. So my book club finally picked this one to read and I couldn't have been more excited. Thankfully, this book lived up to everything I wanted it to be. 

I was immediately sucked into this book. Each of these women appear so different. Jane is quite, shy, and like her name suggests, somewhat plain. Celeste, on the other hand, is beautiful and appears to have it all, with two cute twin boys and a doting husband. Madeline is the outspoken one of the group. Although they all seem to have things together, they are all broken in their own way. Celeste has a secret that she doesn't think she can share with anyone; Madeline's daughter has chosen her ex-husband over her; and Jane is struggling to be a single mother with a secret about her own past. We watch as Madeline and Celeste welcome Jane to their community and the three become good friends. They slowly open up to each other and their friendship continues to grow. We learn all of their secrets and the tension slowly builds to the schoolyard scandal and murder... 

There were so many times during this book that my jaw dropped; so many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, but added so much to the story. I couldn't put it down and stayed up way past my bedtime in order to finish this one! I cannot wait to see what the other girls in book club thought about this one. And I can't wait to get to Moriarty's other work! I have The Husband's Secret sitting on my shelf and I certainly won't be waiting too long to read that one! 

[Review] Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush Hush #1

Publisher:Simon and Schuster

Publishing Date: Jan. 1, 2009

Format: paperback, won

391 Pages

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

A SACRED OATH

A FALLEN ANGEL

A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

My Review

This was such a good book! I loved reading it! It took me on a wild adventure that I wasn't expecting! Seriously. This was a really fun read. I was skeptical to read it because I've read some not so great reviews, and one even compared it to Twilight. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the Twilight saga when I read it, but the movies ruined it a bit for me. So because of that, I wasn't sure, but I gave it a chance!

I thought Patch was a really fun character. You can definitely tell he has a bad-boy (bad-angel?) side, but that's what appealed to me so much. He definitely falls for Nora pretty fast. I wasn't expecting some parts of this book that explained why he wanted to get to know her, but I'm glad it all worked out! And I liked Nora, too. While she was a little helpless and naive at times, I liked her and I thought she and Patch made a cute couple. 

I'm secretly hoping that I'll meet a bad-boy fallen angel like Patch some day... (shh don't tell me husband!) haha (: I really can't wait get the next books in this series. I hope I continue to like them as much as I liked this one! 

Others in the Series

Hush, Hush #2            Hush, Hush #3         Hush, Hush #4

[Review] Alienated by Melissa Landers

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated, #1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publishing Date: Feb. 4, 2014
Format: hardcover, won
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
344 Pages

Synopsis 

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

My Review

What a fun, unique book! I want the L'eihrs to be real! First of all, a cure for cancer?! Yes, please! Second, telepathic communication? Absolutely! And do I need to mention really good looking guys?

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book, or whether I would like it. I've never really read anything with aliens before, but since I won it last year, I figured I should give it a try! This really was an interesting and unique book. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. But Aelyx and Cara are great characters. They seem to hit it off pretty fast, and Cara tries so hard to make Aelyx feel at home and find foods he likes. There was a little romance in this book, suspense and science fiction. An interesting combination that really worked. There were times I laughed, wanted to cry, and many, many times I swooned over the characters. Definitely worth the read if it can bring out that many emotions in me!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Good thing I just found out the short story between Alienated and Invaded, Until Midnight, is free on Amazon! I just downloaded it and can't wait to start it and then buy Invaded! That should hold me over until I can get to the store next... :) 

Others in the Series

Alienated, #1.5                                       Alienated, #2

The 8th Confession by James Patterson

The 8th Confession by James Patterson 
Series: The Women's Murder Club, #8
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2009
Format: purchased, paperback
352 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

As San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching--waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home. 

As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed--a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim's history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and her partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built? The exhilarating new chapter in the Women's Murder Club series, The 8th Confession serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations as only James Patterson can. And remember, this is the only Murder Club episode of the year.

My Review

I always look forward to picking up another book by James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and love how fast his books are to read! I'm slowly building up my library to own all of his books and I'm making good progress! In the mean time, I actually need to read them all :) I was in the mood for a quick read and a mystery, so I knew I had to pick up one of Patterson's. 

This book, like most of his others, was a really quick read. I love the short chapters because I feel like I'm always telling myself, just one more chapter... and then 5 chapters go by... Lindsay is a great character. I think she makes a really good detective and she's not willing to settle on a case until she can solve it. I also really like the addition of her partner Rich Conklin. He's been in a few of the books so far and I think he's a great addition. I really like Jacobi and I'm glad he's still part of the books, but Conklin is fun. I know some people are frustrated with Lindsay in this book since she can't seem to make her mind up about the men in her life, but I think that can sometimes be common in real life. While you may not want to be with a certain person, you like the attention they give you and don't necessarily want to give that up. I think she made the right decision and I'm curious to see who their relationship will play out in the next books. 

I liked this book and it was interesting to see how it all played out. It probably wasn't my favorite of this series, but I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to The 9th Judgment! 

[Review] Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Publishing Date: 2006
Format: paperback, purchased
252 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads Rating: 2 stars

Synopsis 

Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille Preaker's first assignment at her second-rate daily paper takes her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. As she works to uncover the truth, Camille fined herself identifying with the young victims - a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming. 

My Review

I was eager to start this book by Gillian Flynn because I really loved Gone Girl. When I saw this for just a couple bucks at my local used book store, I couldn't pass it up. This book started out pretty good. I thought the storyline was interesting and figured it would be unique. Sadly, this book wasn't what I was hoping it would be; it fell flat. Camille was an okay character. She had a lot of issues, and sometimes that can really be helpful, but this time it wasn't. I didn't like that she was doing drugs with her 13 year old sister, or sleeping with a random, barely out of high school, kid. I guess it does make her a more messed-up character, which I think is what Flynn was going for. It just didn't appeal to me. 

I also found myself getting bored with the story. There wasn't enough about the two young girls or their murderer, but rather about Camille and how drunk she was all the time. I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this book because I know many other people did. I was hoping for a lot more, but this one didn't work for me. I struggled to keep reading and thought about not finishing it, but held out hope that it would get better. The ending was interesting, but didn't make up for the rest of the story. 

[Review] Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #1
Publisher: Atria Books
Publishing Date: August 14, 2012
416 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Review

I had a hard time rating this book on Goodreads - do I give it 4 stars or 5 stars? I couldn't make up my mind. There were so many emotions in this book, and so many that I had while reading it! I was happy, sad, angry, laughing. I really loved the beginning of the book and fell in love with Travis Maddox. Seriously, who doesn't like a bad boy covered in tattoos? I sure do! And I really liked Abby's character. She was smart, fun, and of course, pretty. The chemistry they had was really great. I loved that they were strictly friends for a while, though you could sometimes tell they wanted more. And then they finally get together and I was super excited! Unfortunately, the middle of the book felt a little slow for me. Not sure what it was because there was a lot going on with the characters. I felt like it did pick up after a while. It's not that I ever stopped enjoying the book, but I felt like some of the stuff in the middle could have been cut out.

But I also found myself getting a little annoyed with the characters. I just wanted to slap Travis and Abby sometimes! Travis felt a bit needy - which is weird since he has the bad-boy thing going on. They have an odd relationship, but it seems to work for them. And even though I was annoyed at times with the characters, I really did enjoy this book and I'm so glad I picked it up. The romance was sizzling and so fun. Plus the characters are pretty close to my age, so it reminded me of being in college a little - not that I ever saw a floating fight ring (and let's be honest, it's not really my thing). 

[Review] Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Series: Burn for Burn, #1
Publisher: Simon Teen
Publishing Date: Sept 18, 2012
Format: paperback, won
354 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is the kind of place where nobody locks their doors at night, where parents can sleep easy, knowing their daughters are tucked away safe and sound in their beds. 

But bad things can happen, even to good girls . . . and sometimes, the only way to make things right is to do something wrong. 

Lillia used to trust boys, but not anymore. Not after what happened this summer. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her little sister from the same fate. 

Kat is over the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person--her ex-best friend. Someone needs to teach her a lesson, and, with Lillia and Mary behind her, Kat feels up to the task.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she’s not the same girl anymore. Now that she’s got friends who have her back, he's going to be in big trouble.

Three very different girls who come together to make things right. Will they go too far? 

My Review

I won this book in a giveaway last year from SimonTeen and it's taken me a while to get around to it. I have to say, I enjoyed it more than I originally thought I would! I didn't know too much about the book, other than high schoolers wanting revenge, and that was definitely the main point of the story. 

To be honest, I'm not usually a fan of revenge-type stories. I don't know what it is about them, but they're usually not what I go for. In this case, I didn't really agree with why two of the girls wanted revenge on their classmates. Mary's story made me mad and I felt really bad for her, but I don't think the other girls needed revenge. Maybe it's because I feel like you're stooping down to the other person's level? I feel like people need to be the bigger person a lot of times. 

That being said, I do think revenge stories can be very well done and this was no exception. And as much as I might not agree with why Kat and Lillia wanted revenge, I enjoyed the book! It was fun getting to know each of these characters and brought me back to my high school days (wow, that feels like a lifetime ago!). This story really kept my interest and I did want to find out what happened to each of the characters. Mary was definitely my favorite character out of the three main girls. I'm not sure if I'll read the next in the series. I'm interested in finding out what happens, but it might be more of a library read for me, not necessarily a purchase.

[Review] Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne
Publisher: Dundurn
Publishing Date: Feb. 17, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
224 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country. 

Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them. 

Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book when I started. I knew a little bit about the storyline and was intrigued, so I wanted to read more. I hadn't read any of the reviews on this book, nor had heard of the author. So I went in blind a little, which I often like. 

This book was only okay for me. I thought the plot was interesting and it had a lot of potential. I liked Edie as a character and I really liked Jermaine. Sydney isn't in the book too much since she goes missing, but what little she was in there, I didn't like her much. I know she was trying to protect her daughter, but she just bothered me. I think the plot was very underdeveloped and didn't grab and hold onto my attention. Yes, I finished it in a day, but it was more or less because I had the time and I did want to know what happened. That begin said, I think it could use much improvement. I don't think the characters were developed enough and neither was the storyline. 

[Review] In the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Ann Knudsen

In the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Ann Knudsen 
Series: Willow's Journey, #1
Publisher: Julie Ann Knudsen
Publishing Date: Apr. 5, 2012
Format: ebook
248 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

A TEENAGE GIRL. A BROKEN HEART. AND A BOY WHO TRIES TO MEND IT.

Butterflies. Little, fluttering butterflies. That’s what fifteen-year-old Willow Flynn feels in the pit of her stomach every time the mysterious boy is near. But Willow has other things to contend with as she deals with the tragic loss of her father, as well as her emotionally preoccupied mother, while being uprooted to a new house, a new school, a new life, far away, on an island, in the middle of nowhere.

At the beginning of the school year, the sickly, but cute Michael sends Willow the first of many cryptic notes during homeroom. He stares at Willow and gives her the creeps. Michael never returns to school after that, but Willow ends up connecting with the poetic boy on-line where they strike up an unusual friendship.

As Willow attempts to fit in and find her niche in the ever-cliquey high school world, she is further confused by Michael who strives to win her over and mend her broken heart. But will he be able to, especially when his own existence remains so uncertain?

My Review 

This book, like many others, has been sitting on my Kindle forever. I was kind of in between books and at the gym, so I decided to start this while biking (my new favorite workout!). I finished it pretty fast because it was a quick read. It wasn't my favorite book, but a light read for me. There were definitely some heavy topics in this story, but they didn't feel that way while reading, which was nice. It was just a story about a young high school girl who's trying to find her way in a new school. She has a lot of things to work out for herself and we get to take that journey with her. I'm honestly not sure if I'll read the next book in this series. It's not because I didn't like it - I did; there's just so many other books out there for me to read, and since this was just okay for me, it's not a series I want to jump in to. 

[Review] Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner
Series: Tessa Leoni, #2
Publisher: Signet
Publishing Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Format: paperback, purchased
442 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis 

This is my family: Vanished without a trace…

Justin and Libby Denbe have the kind of life that looks good in the pages of a glossy magazine. A beautiful fifteen-year old daughter, Ashlyn. A gorgeous brownstone on a tree-lined street in Boston’s elite Back Bay neighborhood. A great marriage, admired by friends and family. A perfect life.

This is what I know: Pain has a flavor…

When investigator Tessa Leoni arrives at the crime scene in the Denbes’ home, she finds scuff marks on the floor and Taser confetti in the foyer. The family appears to have been abducted, with only a pile of their most personal possessions remaining behind. No witnesses, no ransom demands, no motive. Just an entire family, vanished without a trace.

This is what I fear: The worst is yet to come…

Tessa knows better than anyone that even the most perfect façades can hide the darkest secrets. Now she must race against the clock to uncover the Denbes’ innermost dealings, a complex tangle of friendships and betrayal, big business and small sacrifices. Who would want to kidnap such a perfect little family? And how far would such a person be willing to go?

This is the truth: Love, safety, family…it is all touch and go.

My Review

This is the second book in the Tessa Leoni series and I really enjoyed it. It did take me a little bit to get into, but I think that had more to do with starting it around Christmas and getting a bunch of new books that I really want to read. This book had a lot going on right away; the Denbe family goes missing and we start learning about all these secrets each family member harbors. I really like Tessa as a character in this series. If you read the previous book in this series, Love You More, you'll know why she's such an interesting character. I don't want to say too much about it, but Tessa claims to have shot her husband in self-defense (this is on the synopsis of the book, so I'm not ruining anything). We really see her grow throughout these two books, both as a law enforcement personnel and as a mother. She works on this case with a sheriff's officer, Wyatt, and you can feel their chemistry from the beginning! 

What I really liked about this book is it was so detailed. The business of Denbe Construction was described really well and we found out all the key players in the business. There were so many times I thought I knew who kidnapped the family, but then something else happened and I couldn't be sure any more! Once the holidays were over, I began reading this again and couldn't put it down. I ended up staying up well past my normal bedtime to finish and couldn't wait to tell my husband about it the next day. I recently received an ARC of Crash & Burn, the third in the Tessa Leoni series, and I can't wait to dive in! I want to know if anything happens between Tessa and Wyatt! I always love a little romance between characters, even if it isn't the main part of the story. 

Others in the Series

2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!

I participated in this challenge last year and I can't wait to again this year! :) The following information is from Bookish and you can also find it on their blog: 

If you're new to the TBR Pile Reading Challenge, here is the deal: We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they're gifted to us. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we'll finally decide to pick them up.

Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you've been telling yourself you'll read next time you'll get a chance. This is your chance!

Challenge Guidelines

1. The challenged will run from January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015. The sign up link below will remain open until January 16, 2015 at 11:30am.

2. Anyone can enter! You don't have to be a blogger, just as long as you review the book you've read. You can review on your book on your blog, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, etc.

3. Any genre, length, or format of book counts as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your self for some time. Short stories and novellas do count! The only stipulations that the book must have been released in 2014 or earlier. No 2015 ARCs or 2015 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed.

4. On the 25th of every other month (see schedule below), we will post a wrap-up for the previous two months. These posts will be done by one our bloggers and will contain new linkys for you to add your own wrap-up posts. If you did not sign up by January 17, this is where you can sign up as well.

5. To help you tackle your TBR piles we will also be hosting Read-A-Longs on months that do not have wrap-ups. Voted on by challenge participants, Read-A-Longs will have two post dates: the first half of the book and the second half. Please note: You do not have to take part in our Read-A-Longs to participate in the TBR Pile Challenge. You can participate in all of them, some of them, or none of them. This aspect of the challenge is entirely optional.

6. There will be two giveaways - July and December. Giveaway details will be explained once the giveaway post goes up. We don't want to overwhelm you with too many details now :)

7. You don't have to follow Bookish to join the challenge, but you do have to follow us to be entered in the giveaways.

How many books are you planning to read for this challenge?

1-10 A Firm Handshake

11-20 A Friendly Hug

21-30 First Kiss

31-40 Sweet Summer Fling

41-50 Could This Be Love?

50+ Married with Children

My Goal

Every year, I think I'm going to read tons of books from my TBR pile... and every year I fail. BUT, last year I made a goal of 21-30 books, and I made it to 20!!! So I was only off by ONE book. I think that's pretty successful! But because I didn't technically make my goal, I'm sticking with First Kiss again this year :) I have very high hopes that I'll make this goal, so lets keep our fingers crossed. Anything that is on my shelf as of today, December 31, is fair game! I'm limiting the amount of challenges I'm doing this year (I think only about 3), so hopefully this is in reach for me :)


1. Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner
2. In the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Ann Knudsen
3. Suspicion by Joseph Finder
4. Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne
5. Loving You Is Easy by Wendy S. Marcus
6. Burn for Burn by Jenny Han
7. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
8. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
9. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
10. The 8th Confession (Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson
11. Alienated by Melissa Landers
12. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
13. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
14. One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
15. All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry
16. Crash (Visions #1) by Lisa McMann
17. Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
18. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
19. The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
20. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
21. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls