Dark Currents- Agent of Hel by Jacqueline Carey

I finally got out of this mystery rut I've been stuck in and picked up something from the fantasy genre. I was VERY happy with my selection!
Dark Currents tells about a half-breed, spawn of a lesser demon from hell, Daisy Jo. Set in Pemkowet where there is a lot odd happenings and even odder beings. Daisy is the the Norse Goddess, Hel,  enforcer on earth. This tale is about a young man being murdered and trying to figure out who did it..or rather- what did it. Throughout the story you meet ghouls, werewolves, vampires, witches, bitches, fairies and Hel plus a none too sweet hag that lives in the swamp. If you love fantasy, read this book! Daisy encounters all sorts of beings and solves the case with her hunky cop 'partner', Cody. The showdown at the end is epic! Plus, a mermaid to boot. I loved the imagination of this author and she sticks close to the myths about each fantasy being. I think the creepy party is when you first get taken with Daisy to meet Hel and the description of her is awful and frightening. The most intriguing part is that Daisy has to control her emotions or she can bring hell on earth, literally.

5 out of 5 stars!!

The Pout- Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

So I decided to add children books to my blog since I have a baby now!

The pout-pout fish is one of my favorite under the sea books! It has shiny pictures, catchy, cutesy rhymes and cute characters. The pout-pout fish has many friends who try to help him turn his pout upside down but he simply can't because he's a pout-pout fish. Then one day a beautiful sleek lady fish kisses his pout and he becomes the...KISSY KISSY fish!
Even though I'm an adult, this book makes me laugh and at times makes my tongue twist with its rhymes. It's a great children book. I highly recommend it.


5 out of 5 stars!

Get it today!

The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard

I'm such a huge fan of mystery fiction, it's one of my favorite genres. I actually read this book for a book club I'm in and I am so glad I did. I usually read those little cutesy tootsie mystery series but I may have to branch out and pick up more regular, more adult-like mysteries.
The story centers around Jody, a young woman whose parents were murdered 23 years ago and how the murderer is coming back to town after his being set free by the governor. After the first chapter, it flashbacks to the year the murders happened. Hugh-Jay and Laurie, her parents. were young, twenty somethings who had their whole future ahead of them. Laurie was a spoiled girl who was stealing from the Linders. Hugh-Jay and his family were rich and powerful but a good family in Rose, Kansas. Their marriage was in a rough patch because it turns out Laurie was stealing money from one of their ranches (which didn't surprise me one bit). One of my favorite characters was Chase. He was a rugged cowboy who all the ladies loved but he still worked hard and loved his family. I'm so glad he didn't kill his brother and sister in law since I thought the whole time he did! The man who was convicted of the murders was Billy Crosby, a mean son of a bitch who had a drinking problem and beat his wife and son. His son, Collin, is the one who gets him out of jail because he grew up to be a lawyer. As the story progresses, you find out that the Linder daughter's (Belle) fiance, Meryl, kills them but the way it happens, while horrible, is accidental. Hugh-Jay came home to find Laurie and who he thought was Billy having sex (he thought he was raping her) but really it was Meryl and Laurie having sex as they had been having an affair. Hugh-Jay is shot with his own shot gun after Meryl jumps at him and turns the gun on him. Laurie is taken to the rock formation where she falls to her death. In the end, Colling and Jody fall in love as they were meant to be all along.
I highly recommend you read this book even if you now know who did it. The details are in the book and it's such a good read! It's one of those books you can't put down because it's so well written and suspenseful!

4 out 5 stars! (some typos)

God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein

God is in the Pancakes is one of funniest and saddest books I've read in a long time. Grace is a quick-witted, sharp tongues heroine who works at Hanover House, a retirement home. She is a candy striper who waters plants and hands out the latest edition of magazines to the residents. She is also the main visitor to Mr Sands, an old man who is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS. She visits him every shift and on one particular shift, he asks her to do the unthinkable. He asks her to help end his life. How could someone ask a young girl who's a sophomore in high school to do such a thing? I guess we all have out limits. Grace also has a best friend who she now is developing feelings for much to her dismay, and he has feelings for her. Her quick wit and sharp tongue however, make them getting together almost impossible and at times has you wondering if they will (they do). When Grace meets Izzie, Mr Sands wife, everything changes for her. How could this man who she's spent so much time with, who's become a father figure to her, not tell her he's married with children? Something's you just want to be private, he explains to her. As his health declines, Izzie and Grace become more and more friendly, talking about Mr Sands more and just talking about life. Grace thinks she is an uncaring regular teenager. The reader knows better. She's more than she thinks she is. Grace at first tells Mr Sands, No!, about helping him. Then after seeing his health deteriorate more and more, she realizes she can't let her friend be in pain anymore. So she sneaks in, crushes up the pills and 'kills' him in her mind. We find out later after the funeral, that in fact, Izzy and Mr Sands had an agreement that if one of them was too ill, then the other would help them die. So in face, Izzy is the one who helps him die by disconnecting his oxygen, not Grace (much to her relief and the reader's).
Overall, this is a really good book. It makes you think and laugh and cry.

5 out of 5 stars!

Mind Over Murder (A Raven's Nest Bookstore Mystery) by Allison Kingsley

What could be better than a mystery series set in a bookstore in a small town? How about some magic and mind-reading with it? Clara Quinn and her cousin Stephanie Quinn Dowd are great characters, more like sisters than cousins their banter makes this story enjoyable. Clara has what is known as the Quinn Sense, it helps her know when people are lying (if only) and it's the only time where hearing voices is acceptable. The unexpected murderer makes the story all that more interesting, just when you think you know who done it the author puts doubt in your mind with some other clue. I also liked the romantic element between Clara and the Rick, the Hardware store owner. The subtle humor in this book makes it along with the mystery of who killed the mean old woman, worth reading!

Thanks to my Mom who let me borrow this book to read :))

5 out 5 stars!

Update on My Life and Reading Adventures

Allie, July 30, 2012

I had my beautiful baby girl after 27 hours of labor on July 30 at 12:12pm. She's doing great and is such a joy! I love being a mommy to her :) I'm still sleep deprived but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reading..I haven't had time at all to read lately. I'm hoping as we get into a schedule that I will be able to start back up on my reading though. I miss it so much. I had started reading 'The Joy Luck Club' before Allie was born but I wasn't able to finish it or any of the other books I had checked out from the library. I'm hoping this coming week I can go back and get a couple of books to read and to finish 'TJLC' book.

Hope all is well with y'all. Take care!

July

July has been a pretty crazy and fast paced world wind for us. I haven't had time to read :( I'm due any day now with our first little girl and have been going crazy trying to get everything in order for her :)

Posts will continue once things settle down...I'm hoping to read some today actually..maybe hit the library up one last time tomorrow! Oh the little joys lol

Have a good day!

The Diva Digs Up the Dirt by Krista Davis (#6 in A Domestic Diva mystery series)

I realize that I'm starting with #6 of this series but I PROMISE you that if you go back and read the other 5 in the series: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme; The Diva Takes the Cake; The Diva Paints the Town; The Diva Cooks a Goose; The Diva Haunts the House : you won't be sorry about reading this wonderful and surprising mystery series. Davis is wonderful at creating scenes for the main character, Sophie Winston, to get into and her counterpart, Natasha (who you love to hate), to get in her way and try to out do her. Mixed with murder, mystery, love and great food/drink recipes these books leave you wanting more and more from author Krista Davis. I think one of the best things about this book is the way Davis portrays the relationship between Sophie and her ex husband Mars - a healthy, happy friendship and shared custody of their dog. This book #6, sets the record straight about a rumor of who killed a young woman 4 years ago - which makes Sophie interested since the prime subject is her now boyfriend, Wolf, a police detective.
Start with book 1 and work your way up to this book 6 - you won't be disappointed!!

5 out of 5 stars!

The Truthseeker by Dee Henderson (book 3, O'Malley series)

Once again Henderson writes a phenomenal book about the O'Malley clan. This book is about forensic pathologist Lisa O'Malley and U.S. Marshall Quinn Diamond. I swear Henderson has a way of making the men in her books so real that you can picture meeting a man like this. Quinn is strong, quiet, smart and hardworking - a man any woman would want. Lisa is a workaholic who loves the job she does and the youngest of the O'Malley's. I think their love story and their growing faith is what makes this story my favorite so far (that and the fact she reminds me of the tv show BONES). Quinn is also Marcus' partner which makes the story even more interesting in how Quinn courts Lisa and their love grows while under the surveillance of Marcus. All her stories touch your heart and soul but something about their love, really touched mine. Lisa's struggle with her faith because of her past makes you see things from a different perspective and the reasoning of the Resurrection and how it's explained by Henderson is very enlightening.

5 out of 5 stars!! MUST read!

The Guardian by Dee Henderson (Book 2, O'Malley series)

The more I get to know the O'Malley characters/family, the more I love them. This book was wonderful! Shari and Marcus are perfect for each other and their instant attraction and love shine through each page. An interesting pairing because Shari is a politician and Marcus O'Malley is a U.S. Marshall. This story is wild but plausible and the love and faith they share and that develops is wonderful to read about. I fall in love with the O'Malley clan every time I read another one of their stories. I love reading books where the characters feel real and Henderson delivers every time. I highly recommend this series to anyone who has strong faith, weak faith or looking for their faith.
5 out of 5 stars for sure!!!!!

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

A great ending to a great series. Marriage, babies and of course the kinky sex! For me, this book was a little more tame with the sex and focused more on why Grey is the way he is and the love that he and Ana share. I really enjoyed reading about his past and seeing him accept the love that Ana and his family have for him. Also, I cried when Ana's dad, Ray, got hurt in an accident. Oh yes, I cried like a little baby! If a book can't provoke some sort of emotion from a reader (anger, sadness, happiness, etc) then what good is it to read? I found myself very intrigued with this whole series and the characters that are in the pages. Grey and Ana are strong lovable characters. I really liked that James included a epilogue at the end and also some stories about Grey growing up, the Christmas story really had me teary eyed. One of the things I did have a problem with was how Ana was so focused on her weight even though she's apparently small. I know women are like that (I mean, I am a woman) but it just aggravated me that she wouldn't eat because she thought she was 'fat'. I guess we all have our vices though.

5 out of 5!

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

The Sugar Queen is such a fun and witty book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Josey is a closet candy and soda lover who hides her obsession of food in her closet. Her obsession with food is evident throughout the story (and it made me very hungry the whole time reading) and Allen incorporates the candy fetish in the titles of her chapters (which I think is brilliant). The story is about love, hate and overcoming obstacles. Josey is a great character and her love interest, Adam, is a great hero who shows her that everyone has someone out there that loves them for who they are. If you have ever had body issues, as a child, teen or as an adult, then this book is definitely for you. Some readers may dislike the parents in this book (I did) because of how set in their ways they are and for the awful advice one of the father's gives the character/ his son, Jake. Another issue that arises is cheating and whether you should or should not tell the person you cheated on (obviously you shouldn't cheat in the first place). But those 2 issues play minor roles when it comes to the whole, big picture. Another interesting part is the 'fairy godmother' who appears to Josey when she needs it the most helping her become her own woman. Also the character Chloe, who has books appear to her when she needs them most (wouldn't that be awesome!) makes this story even better and more interesting.

5 out of 5 stars!!! Candy and Love - need I say more ;)

The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee

I picked this book because of the cover. It looked really interesting and so I thought, "hey, why not?" Well, it turns out that this book takes FOREVER to read. It took me almost a month to read it, which is highly unusual for me. It was very hard to get into and stay in it. It's a very long and wordy book, most of the words do not need to be there. I think if the author had cut half or more of the details out, it would have been a better book. I did like the characters though. Meg was a brave and fierce girl, Mr. Dickens was witty and caring, the father (Campion, which I love this name for some reason) was protective and loving like all dads should be, and the brothers were typical brothers. The story sits around the oldest boy, Orion, being taken and missing for 6 months. Meg and Mr Dickens set out on a quest, of sorts, to find him. In their travels, the run into some very unsavory characters, they dress up and take on disguises (as Mr Dickens is a famous man), and lie like rugs. It is a heartwarming story about love of family and saving children, but with ALL the details it's so hard to keep reading. I did like that the author included at the end some background about Charles Dickens' childhood and why the plot of the story was written as so. Very interesting! but again, I don't like TOO much detail- I just want the author to spit out the beginning, middle and end.

3 out of 5 stars.

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

I feel like it's been forever since I posted! Family and friends were in visiting and we've been busy with getting things ready for the baby :) But I have books, books and more books waiting to be read and talked about! So fear not, I am back and ready to read, read, read!!

So now my review:

After you get over all sex and kink (if you can) and stop blushing about all the things that Grey does to Ana (if you can) this story really tells a tale of love..and lust. For some reason, you fall in love with Grey too even after knowing why he is so messed up and why he is the way he is, you still can't help but think 'what a man!'. Ana is a great and lovable character too. She's headstrong, intelligent and beautiful which is why Grey loves her and why the reader loves her too. Because she stands up for herself and those she loves, she brings out the good in Grey, who swears he has no heart or any goodness. E.L. James introduces some CRAZY characters in this second book leaving you on the edge of your seat. The stalker/crazy girl who was once Grey's sub scared the living crap out me because I could only think about her shooting Grey or Ana. Mrs Robinson pissed me off the whole time and every time she opened her mouth I wanted Ana to slap the living daylights out her (a drink in the face in the end, helped a little). I think the worst character introduced was Ana's temporary boss at the publishing agency. What a jerk!! He deserved everything he got and then some! The last chapter leaves you knowing that this jerk will come back and try some more ugliness and pervertedness towards Grey and Ana.
5 out of 5!! Great book!

Now onward to '50 Shades Freed'!

True Devotion by Dee Henderson

As a military wife, I loved this book. It brought mixed emotions and made me really think hard about the life that I happily live with my wonderful husband. Kelly is a wonderful herione and is a true example of what a military wife is and should be. Joe is a great man and a true friend to Kelly and is a wonderful example of what a military man is. The story revolves around these two falling love after being friends for years. He's a Navy SEAL and she's a woman who loves him and who has already lost the love of her life, Nick, who was a Navy SEAL also. Some parts were heartwrenching, other parts were happy and lovey, and others just made me mad because that's how Henderson writes her books. Her books always seem to draw out all your emotions and it's easy to relate to her characters. Military spouses should read this book (#1 in a her Uncommon Heroes series). I read it in one day (by accident ;) because it was so good I couldn't put it down. It's a inspirational book as are most of Henderson's books. Worth the read and time.
5 out 5 stars!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay is a great and beautifully written book that will take you only a few hours to read. I sat down and read this book in literally 2 hours and loved every minute of it. It is a sad story but the author weaves in happy moments as flashbacks from the mind of the main character. It is about a family, an auto accident, and whether to give up or fight on. This book would be a great read for young adults and adults alike. Young adult ages would be 13-18 yo.
This book should not be read if you have lost a loved one, have someone in the hospital, or have a loved one deployed. It is very sad and will make some cry.

4 out 5 stars (because it's so sad).

Still reading :The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson
Next up: True Devotion by Dee Henderson

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks

If you are a lover of zombies and just KNOW that the zombie apocalypse is going to happen sometime in your lifetime, then read this book. This book has everything you need to know and more about how to properly survive an encounter with the living dead. It starts with the gory details of how zombies come to be and it goes along to tell you about weapons other equipment and what places to avoid and MUCH more. It is labeled a nonfiction book and if you read it you'll understand that it is very PLAUSIBLE that this book could safe your life if zombies ever came to be. A good read and entertaining also. Give it a try if you like the undead, living dead, and things that go bump in the night!
4 out of 5 stars!

Next book: The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer by Seth Grahame-Smith

As a huge fan of President Lincoln I wanted to read this book just to see if the author did justice to Honest Abe. The author is pure genius in writing this book! Not only is it entertaining, full of actual facts for a fiction book but it's a plausible explanation of the life of Abraham Lincoln. I love vampire stories and this book delivers one of the best stories of vampires and their demise I've read in a long time. This book really makes you question if you really know Abraham Lincoln for real or if the text books you grew up with lied to you. This book allows Lincoln to shine even more for his fans. The tale of Lincoln as a vampire slayer puts a new twist on what we thought we knew about him. A definite great read and must read if you love history and Lincoln.

5 out of 5 stars!

The Negotiator (The O'Malley Series Book 1) by Dee Henderson

I've fallen in love with fictional characters. Both Kate and Dave are 2 exceptional characters that make your heart warm and bring smiles to your face. The way Henderson weaves faith into her books is a true joy and makes one really thing about the verses that she includes in her books. The mystery behind the case (FBI agent and police negotiator) in this book makes you see that faith and hope are needed no matter the job or situation. No matter where you are in your faith, be it beginning your journey or practicing Christian, this first book in this series is a true winner and will have you hooked. You will fall in love with the O'Malley clan and if you read Danger in the Shadows, the prequel book, you will fall in love with Dave all over again.

5 out of 5 stars!

Next books to be reviewed: Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith; The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Must read!! Sexy, entertaining and blush worthy. If you like sexy stories and love books that you can't put down, then read this book! The characters are wonderful and have such great personalities. Grey is a man of mystery who makes you want to know why he is like he is and what his childhood was like. Ana is a beautiful character who stands her ground even if at first you may not thing she can or will.

5 out 5 stars!! I can't wait to read the other 2 books in this trilogy!!

Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod) By Heather Brewer

If you like vampire books and young adult fiction then read this book. It's the first in a series (goes to 12th grade) and is a great start for a YA series. I enjoyed the main character, Vlad, because he is very humorous and devoted to his friends and family. This book is about Vlad the vampire and how he lives his life among mortals. His parents are dead. He lives with his 'Aunt' who brings him blood from the hospital. His father was a vampire and his mother was human- he's the only species of his kind which makes him hunted. It's very interesting and a new take on vampires because of the way they explain the world of vampires and how it runs. Easy to read and since it's so short you won't have any trouble finishing it in a day or two.
4 out of 5 stars!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

If you are a fan of fantasy then you will be under a spell with this book. While it took me a while to get into the groove of this book at first, once I got into the story I wanted more. A great book that will haunt you until you finish reading it. It is beautifully written and the characters pull at your heart strings. The young boy, Ethan, who is the main character is my favorite character and truly shines in his role of hero. The authors depict a story of unforbidden love and magic so well you think it could really happen in the small town you live in or live around. Give this book a chance and read it!
5 out of 5 stars!

Punkzilla by Adam Rapp

Don't let the name fool you, it's not a very good book. As someone who likes to choose books based on cover style and/or title name, this book definitely fooled me. This story is about a 14 year old boy (who is often confused as a girl) traveling to see his dying brother via bus, car or any other way he can. It is written in the voice of the main character, Punkzilla or Jamie, and is written in letter form to his brother. Every now and then other letters trickle in from his Mom, Dad, brothers, and other minor characters- that are dates a year in the past. The writing style is confusing as none of the letter Punkzilla writes has any punctuation and it jumps from one subject to another as the boy is ADD and not on meds and he did some drugs. It's a messed up story but it ignites feelings of pity and sadness from the reader. If you're looking for something to read to kill some time, read this book.
2 out 5 stars.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

If you like young adult romance and love Paris then this book is for you! It took me awhile to get into this book, a by that I mean, a little over halfway through it I finally was hooked. It starts out slow building the climax of the story but it has a lot of details that are not, to me, important to the story. It's about Anna who is shipped off to boarding school (SOAP) in Paris for her senior year. She boohoo's and whines the whole book practically about how awful her parents are and how she can't believe she was sent to Paris. Really girl? I mean, boarding school aside, she was sent to freakin PARIS! Eiffel tower, Cathedrals, French men...Come on!! Snap out of your poor pitiful me self and grow up. She does eventually snap out of it but only after being betrayed by her best friend. Love, lust, drama and a wannabe movie critic sums up this book.
3 out of 5 stars. Snooze fest.

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

If you have EVER had body issues, especially issues of eating too much, then read this book. This book is about Catherine (Cat), who is a science nerd and her science experiment that helps her lose weight and look HOT at the end of the project. It's also a story about love and hate and finding out who loves you for who you are, not what you look like. As someone who has always struggled with my weight this story really hit home and I could relate to Cat in more ways that one. It took me one day to read this because I could not put it down once I started. I was captivated with the story from the very beginning. It also got me thinking about her project and wondering if I myself could actually do what she did. She has self control like no one I've ever met. Read this book to see what her experiment is and how her life changes.
5 out of 5 stars!!! A MUST READ!

Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson

What a fabulous book! If you have a whole day to read a great, Christian book then sit down and read this one. The prequel to the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson this book is worth the 2 day wait period that I had to wait to get it.
Sara is a fabulous protagonist as is her brother and FBI agent brother/guard,Dave. We find out through flashbacks that Sara was once kidnapped and that her twin sister, Kimmy, was killed during the 9 days they were kidnapped, when they were 6 years old. Now 31, Sara still lives in fear and in constant danger of the man that once kidnapped her and her twin and who still hunts her today to 'finish the job'. Meeting handsome, former NFL star Adam was not what she wanted or needed but love seems to be what God had in store for her. A great Christian novel that has wonderful and heartfelt quotations from the Bible, Henderson tells a story of love, suspense and horror in this story. I can't wait to grab the first book in the O'Malley series now!
5 out of 5 stars.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

A classic young adult novel that many teens and their parents should read. From the very beginning, the very first sentence, captured my attention. 'They murdered him'. That's all it takes to grab my attention and my attention was grabbed and never released throughout the book. The main character, Jerry, is a hero in his own right because he stands up for himself and for those weaker than him. Coming from a background of attending a Catholic school, as is the setting for this book, I understood the monumental task of always selling things for the school and feeling like a door to door salesman. A great book that makes you root for the little guy and hate some the teachers (for real, these 'teachers' are awful and should be beat). The antagonist, Archie and his group of punks The Vigils, make you wonder where the parents are and why no one has ever disbanned this group before Jerry. The ending of this book brought me to tears because of the cruelty and the horribleness of what happens. The story really teaches you about sticking to your guns and not giving into peer pressure of a higher power (which is what The Vigils are considered). A great summer read for teens, especially any who attend a private school.
4 out of 5 stars.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This is the 3rd book in Apocalyptic series by Pfeffer. I didn't mean to read them out of order but it really doesn't change the story if you do. This book leaves off a year after the moon's gravitational pull has left the world in total chaos. It is written by Miranda like the first book was and told through her journal entries. We FINALLY find out what happened to her father, his new wife and their baby and if it's a boy or girl. Even though Miranda appeared to have grown up in the first book (life as we knew it) it seems she has fallen back into her whiny bratty ways again. This story tells of their survival while everyone else in the world (it seems) is dead or dying. It tells how they get supplies and food and how love is the key to their survival. Love. That's it. That and hope. While it's still a great story and you learn more about what's happened to the world, and meet new and interesting characters, it's no where as riveting as the first book.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Inspired by his own life, Alexie's story of Junior a Spokane Indian who lives on the reservation will capture your attention from the first page on. With awesome illustrations throughout the book that make you laugh just as hard the book itself, you'll be interested to know how the story unfolds for young Junior and his friends and family.
This is the first book I've read about Native Americans and what life is like on the reservation for them. Even though it is fiction, you get a look inside the hard life that they have. This book is full of laughter, death, love and somethings that the character says make you go 'OMG! I can't believe he wrote that!" It is a great book.
Some mild language and sexual references- to me not suited for those under 14 or 15 years old.
4.5 out of 5 stars.

Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden

Taking some 'me' time and a nice break from reading mandatory young adult books, I chose to read an African American genre book. I don't normally read a lot of these books, if I read them I usually pick them up by accident, sad but true. This one however, I chose because it is set in Mississippi.
If you don't read AF fiction often, start with this book! It's funny, moving and chalked full of sex. Set around many characters and different circumstances it tells their stories. Who is the narrator you ask? The city, Money. That's right. This book is told by the city that it is set in. Unique doesn't even describe this. Brilliant and wonderful are 2 words that come to mind. This book is one that you can't put down and want to know more about. 5 out of 5 stars!
Read this book! It's worth your time, laughter and even anger (b/c something awful happens in the book).

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo is a young man who is considered autistic but once you read this book, you realize he is smarter than anyone knows. He spends his Summer working in his father's law office and there he meets Jasmine. Jasmine is a no nonsense young lady who accepts Marcelo and never once makes fun of his mental capabilities. Throughout the story you see this relationship become something more but Marcelo doesn't know what it is?
There are characters in this book, like every book, that I truly hate. These characters, Wendell is one, is just evil and you despise him before you even meet him (at least I did).
I learned a few things from Marcelo reading this and one of those things is to never judge someone based on what society labels as their mental capability. That person may surprise you in the end. I think this is a great read and a must read for anyone who knows or has a child with mental handicapped, especially on any part of the scale of Autism.

Vampire Knight Vol 1 by Matsuri Hino

This was my first ever Manga to read in my life and I only did because it was for an assignment for class. That being said, WOW!! I can totally see the draw to Manga and graphic novels. Not only do you get a story but you get pictures (illustrations) the whole time you are reading. I have to commend the author on this story. As someone who LOVES vampire stories (minus Twilight- cause it's not a true vampire story, vampires don't sparkle) this Manga novel is awesome and I think adults could even learn to love this story and type of genre. The story centers around a school that has day classes and night classes. Can you guess which classes the vampires are in? It centers around 2 characters, Zero and Yuki who are the guardians of the secret of the night class. The events that unfold will make you laugh, cry and at times leave you bewildered. If you have never read a Manga before, you should know going in that you read one right to left. That's right. Backwards. The illustrations are amazing! There are author's notes throughout the book also to fill you in on how the book/story was brought to life.
Give it a try. The only thing bad that can happen, is you find out you don't like Manga.

Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards

This is an interesting novel based on the Johnstown Flood in the 1800s. The author notes that the story is not about the flood but some events from the flood are found in the story.
The story is told through poetry from different views of characters. The main story surrounds Peter and Celestia and the possibility of the breaking of the dam. The other characters that tell their story are a nurse, a wife of a train engineer and the father of Celestia. If you are not a big fan of poetry than you may have a hard time reading this story but if you make it through you won't regret reading it. The writing style for sure aggravated me at first, as I am not a fan of poetry. The plot and the characters were exciting to me and it made me appreciate the life I have and live.
3.5 out 5 stars in my book. Poetry is the reason I'm deducting, I just get bored so easily. If you fight your way through until the action, you will enjoy this book. Give it a chance!
*the author does note that in Pennsylvania there are museums and memorials that you can visit that are dedicate to the real flood of Johnstown in the 1800s.

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

WOW! This book is awesome. If you ever wondered how Panem in The Hunger Games became to be in its state of poverty and haves and have-nots, then read this book. This book could be the story about how Panem was brought about.
An apocalyptic story told through the journal of 16 year old girl the before, during and after affects of the 'end of the world' scenario plays out. A great discussion for teens nowadays due to all the mumbo jumbo of the end of the world being near, according to all the naysayers.
This book really puts into perspective what could happen if we aren't prepared and it also makes the reader want to rush out and by a wood stove.
4 out 5 stars..the main character is a too whiny but grows up fast and the circumstances that shove her in the right direction make you proud of her in the end. (but the whineyness is toooooo much in the end)

Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker

If you're a fan of non-fiction than you should really pick up a copy of this book! If you are a fan of the television show Bones, also pick up this book.
I am not usually a big fan of non-fiction but this book captured my attention from the very beginning. It is set in Maryland and gives you a great history lesson about who settled here and how archeologists, geologists, and other scientists work together to collect information about ancestors long forgotten. It has detailed pictures and it discusses the findings of the bones and artifacts in a way that even 6th grade students can understand it. A great tool for teachers who are discussing the history of Jamestown and/or Maryland. The author includes where the sites are and you can even visit these sites.
Great book for home-schooled children in the VA, MD area.
5 out 5 stars on my list! Educational, great pictures, and great information for students and adults alike!

Intro & Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Intro about Me: I'm currently in a Young Adult Literature class for my graduate studies in Library and Info Science. So far, I have liked about 90% of the books we have read in the class. I'm starting with the books that we were to read this week in class, and then I'll go back and catch you up as time allows in my schedule. These are all different books so you may or may not like them if you choose to read them. I hope you do choose to read at least a few of them. Librarians, Teachers and Parents could learn a thing or 2 about their teens by reading some of these books.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The book is about a young girl in high school who tells her story through cassette tapes to the 13 people she thinks made her do what she did. Clay is the character that we meet that has the tapes now and is listening to them in one night so he can find out what, if anything he did to her. The chapters are set up as Tape 1;side a, and so forth as Clay listens to the tapes. You can really sense his feelings of hurt, disbelief and confusion on why HE is on the tape. The author does a great job at differentiating between Clay's thoughts/actions and Hannah's story on the tapes.
I would give this a 4.5 out 5 stars on my list. 1/2 deduction because you never learn about how her parents are dealing or if they tried to help her. The ending, for me, made me cry so have some tissues handy.