Rhiannon

One of the easiest guides I had a chance to own. Looking through it I realized that it's all mostly about remembering how to do fractions, material that can be easily learned first before learning medical math on dosages calculations.

The good news is I found a lot material to be broken down so that it's easier to understand what certain words mean, abbreviations, etc...

Then towards the end there is a test section, which is good for practicing what you already know and see if you remember anything.

I do enjoy the little cartoons floating around throughout the book making it a little more enjoyable and less boring for the eyes when having to read the material.

Overall a great little pocket guide for those going to enter into a nursing program, are taking a course in dosage calculations, or just need a refresher for the job.

The story itself is about a love that knows no boundaries that has time and space creating situations for the characters. Even though the outcome is laid out in the book, the journey itself is interesting to the end.

However, even with such a good concept for a novel, I couldn't feel a connection with the characters. It lacked those elements that makes up great characters, let alone for a young adult book. But in reality I felt it was less young adult actually and more science fiction in general for adults.

I did find some of the dialogue to fall a little flat through out the book. It could be that one or more of the characters were not pulled out into a much richer persona when being described or explaining their thoughts.

I think Cosby hit the nail on the head with the location for a sci-fi genre, that I do love. I can see the passion put into the details of that alone. I think that if there were to be a sequel, there needs to be something laid out about the characters that are magnetic to readers. I do find this sometimes happens in a first novel for writers when entering a young adult world, the character make-up is a hit or miss. Sometimes they come back out on top for the sequel. So maybe before it comes out I'll try to re-read the book and maybe attempt the second to see if I feel more of a relation to the characters, especially Sydney.

And the last thing i do have to point out, it's a pet peeve of books or just writing in general, but the type font is a big deal for myself. My eyes strain too much when the font is hard on my eyes. They literally hurt due to them constantly readjusting and focusing on it too much. I have this problem with reading too long and too much on my computer screen. This one of the reasons I pushed myself to get through this book because I knew if I didn't I would have never finished it and felt bad all because my eyes are “allergic” to type font lol

All in all, this novel wasn't something that I truly enjoyed. Sometimes this happens. Not every single book works for every single person. But I'm glad I've given it a try.

“Clean” is about a story of a group of teens in rehab, with all sorts of different backgrounds in how they even got there in the first place. The newest kid is Olivia and out of all the kids she meets, she is the only one with a food problem from dieting too much.

Throughout the story, you get to have shifting perspectives from all five main characters. There is Kelly, the girl that would get drunk and snort coke. Eva who would get high off of pot and prescription pain killers. Jason who was always getting drunk to the point of blacking out. Christopher was a church going boy, that was homed schooled and started using coke, then meth from his neighbor. And then Olivia, upper class society girl who abused weight loss pills to the point of being anorexic. Then there is the therapist for group called Shirley. She sees through their bull and pushes them to be honest with themselves. The story spans over a period of three and half weeks.

My one favorite part was the kids learning about themselves and seeing on Family Day the dynamics of some of the kids with their parents; especially Jason's father who is an ex Marine and treats his mother like dirt.

But my most favorite part of all was the questionnaire history. Amy Reed broke down that into sections in the book, so that you wouldn't get it all in one sitting. It helped because as each question was answered by all five teens, you saw the progression in back story line up with the recovery of each one. You really got a taste of what it felt to be in their shoes, how they even ended up in the position they got them to rehabbed at 16 or 17.

I would recommend this book to any teen wanting to know what it was like to have gone too far in the world of abusing drugs and alcohol; to get an understanding of how hard it can be. But this is a good book I think for anyone who wants to go into drugs and alcohol consoling, because it can help them maybe understand what kind of problems they may come up against. But overall it's a great book to read.

My last thought for this review is that I wasn't sure what to expect out of this book. I knew there was going to be a theme of drug and alcohol use from teenagers, but to the extend that I was reading. it was very touching at some points and a lot of the characters were made more human by the end of the story.

I've always loved reading, looking, staring at this book for years. I'm sad that the cover ripped and that there are stains on the book front cover as well (I was a kid! lol so sue me!), but the book itself has held up inside almost perfectly.

Anyway, the story itself is truly timeless in many ways. Discovering the world alone for the characters was interesting. There is so much more than meets the eye when reading more than once. I've learned about many things that maybe weren't in the made for tv movie they did about 9-10 years ago on ABC.

This is one of those type of books that I think it just great to collect and have in general as well. The cover art alone would make people go “oOoOo” and “Ahhhh” very easily because of the details.

All in all, this is just one of those books that is good to own. There is so much that I could say, but it'll mostly be about the art work that the story lol

But seriously, the artwork is something that would make even an adult want to buy this book... I believe it to be something of a rare gem in the book world with how amazing the artist too the the time to create such a vivid imagery.

Shades of Earth picks up when Amy and Elder make the final decision about Centuri-Earth. Do they go or do they stay on Godspeed? That question is answered very much at the end of A Million Suns and in the beginning of Shades of Earth as well.

This book left me gasping and truly intrigued from beginning to the very end. Beth Revis hits this one out of the park. I'm still left with a few questions, ones that I'll never get answers from, just like the show LOST, what was that smoke creature on that show??? lol

Anyway... this novel had some serious twist and turns. The characters had to explore not only the planet, but what they were truly made of in situations that pushed them over the edge. It was a live or die kind of world they were thrust into when it came to the ship borns and the earth borns. This was due to the fact that it was a complete mystery what Centuri-Earth had in store for Amy, Elder, and everyone else.

Orion was still playing games with the both characters. He left clues in a book and pointed them in directions on how to know what dangers were ahead. the very last clue was found by Elder and it painted a picture of WHY Eldest and those before didn't want to deal with Centuri-Earth and the FRX. One of the most pivotal and climatic moments in the story. This was one of the answers I received when reading this book that made sense about everything from the first two books.

Amy and Elder's relationship was also put to the test, not only by the elements of the new planet, but by her own parents! Yes I said her parents. That's one of the very few spoilers I can give away. But it was also inevitable that they would show up soon in the series. Amy's father especially plays an important factor in all of this. And so does the character named Chris, who is a new character. I also just want to say that I'd like to punch Chris for his actions, choices, and lack of communication in general. If you haven't read the book yet, I can't say why because it revels the biggest secret of all! He's important to how the story is shaped and the outcome in the end.

I'm sad about who died in this story. It broke my heart and so much more. It's been awhile since my heart strings were tugged by fictional characters. I wanted to save them, I wanted to save them all! But just reading it and picturing those moments in my mind... its' too much even now. Ugh! Beth Revis, WHY???? You did it again! It's rare for an author to do this to me.

I'm also sad to say goodbye to this world, these characters, and the journey they are going to have even after all this is over. It was truly an amazing time to be invested in such a trilogy and worth every moment that came with it. I wouldn't trade it one bit.

This is a series I would recommend to anyone who loves science fiction, a little romance, mystery, and the boundless world of space. It's everything a reader could want and more.

This is my favorite go-to beauty/make-up book. I learned so many tricks from the professionals who do high fashion run-way models to those of Victoria Secret cover girls. Some of my favorite tips are: use green to reduce redness, use purple for dark under eyes, make sure when applying mascara that you pull up and twist the brush to create a longer looking and full lash, and so many other fantastic tips! I don't know what I would have done these last couple of years if it wasn't for this book!

Julie Cross has taken the idea of time travel to another level in fiction. Showing how one minute Jackson Meyer is living everyday life, the next he is thrown back two years into the past like a leaf being lifted on a breeze in fall.

So the story starts out with Jackson doing theories about his abilities with his research side-kick named Adam. They both have so many and Adam is kind of a genius kid in the book, so he is all about the logical mathematics in time-travel. Then again most scientists are logical. Anyway, after the first few chapters you learn Jackson is in college, 19 years old, is a english major doubling in french poetry, all the while living in manhattan and involved with his girlfriend Holly.

Head on over here to my blog for the full review, mostly because I've got minor spoilers and don't want to spoil it on Goodreads!

I had gotten a copy to read from Netgalley and was excited to dig in after I read the excerpt online. But much to my surprise by getting to page 16, nothing was exciting enough to keep me going. I rarely find books I read like that, even ones I had to read in school.

I think it had to do with the perspective of the way it was written that didn't suit my reading needs. It had such hopes, but on some level it just didn't work for me.

Maybe down the road when I have the time or remember, I can re-read again. But right now, I'm not feeling this book.

Juliet Immortal, is a new take on a classic piece of literature there has ever been known for over 500 years. The forbiden love, the sacrifice, the death, everyone and their grandparents knows this tale. But this novel, it begs the question: what really happened to the two love birds?

Something Stacy Jay decidely answers for her readers...

Decite, lies, heartbreak, and immortality... the ingredients that make up the backbone of the story with its main characters, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montegue. 700 years and the two hate each other; well Juliet has a loathsome anger towards Romeo, but who can blame her. She is still made about the way she died, for how Romeo betrayed her, and the twisted way he took their suppose “love story” to Shakespeare and changed the outcome of it's original ending. Changing the beloved tale and painting it to be this heart stopping tragedy of love, is one piece of the puzzle in Juliet's anger towards Romeo.

I adore the very jouney of this tale. The backstory alone is rivetimng and left me mezmerized by the details. It even had me believing a ‘what if' scenario for the actual story that we all know and love.

Now for the chacracters...

Juliet Capulet, everyone knows her; everyone loves her. Yet does anyone truly know this protagonist? That's what the story does, makes the reader really question the original story. I do have to say though that I enjoyed how it played out for Juliet. It was a little insane at first, the way it flooded in the emotions of Romeo with Juliet, but it worked. It had me hooked on her side of the story.

Now as for Romeo Montague, a real antagonist for the story. You just wanted to dispise this fellow and his ways. But then as I read further, I started to realize Romeo's motives and his side of the story every so often. It really made me understand the level of anger and such from this young man.

Then we have Ariel Dragland, who is a timid girl. 75% of her life, she has lived feeling like a freak show due to her face having scar tissue from being burned as a little girl. Then one day everything changes Juliet's soul takes over Ariel's body and finds a way to mend fences with Ariel's friends and family. She also helps Ariel learn to stand up for herself and fall in love too.

Beyond the characters, the details of the landscape and the atmosphere that Stacey Jay had written was superb! I loved every ounce of it and made it feel more real. I could picture the old world of Italy and the delicacies of it's time.

But besides all the historial aspects of the story and the love struck teens, it's truly a great piece of literature that really puts a new spin on the classic tale. I recomment this book to anyone that wishes to read about the timeless piece but in a modern way that is sure to make the reader wonder, “Hmmm, did this happen? Could it happen? I wonder...”

If you suffered the pain that made you feel like you wanted to die, what would you do? Would you risk everything and let it be drained away? Would you hide for a 100 years and forget it? or would you fight like hell to feel human again? Nikki Beckett tries to figure out if any of this is her answer beyond the, Everneath.

Brodi Ashton had written for her leading lady to live and breathe on those very pages in such a way that I too could feel what Nikki was going through from beginning to end. No other such character in a long time has shaken me literally in reaction to emotions as this character has done.

Beck, a nickname her friends have given her, is such a fighter, but also scared too. A conflict most heroes/heroines go through. Being that it is also based on greek mythology retelling this story, you can now maybe guess there is going to be some true fights of fancy courage, but of the good kind.

Oh there were moments when I actually spoke out loud saying things I would post here, but one in particular is such a huge spoiler and it's just one thing haha... but this book is so amazing I can't spill it! Damned if i do, damned if I don't...

Anyway... Jack Caputo... I'll be honest, I had the hardest time trying to figure out to properly pronounce his name haha. I think I came up with three different versions by the end of the novel. But luckily he had an easy first name, so phew!. But I defiantly LOVE Jack! I haven't seen a male character so strong in his conviction about what he felt and so deeply intense about everything. But he also had a soft and humorous side too which made him well rounded and developed in layers. And boy did he have some layers! He is what Shriek calls an “onion” lol but besides that, Jack in the beginning is very different by the time you get towards the middle of the book, because of Nikki.

And speaking of which, backstories upon backstories is filled through out the entire book, so don't worry if you are confused up front because everything gets explained, even moments that go further back to understanding our characters, Nikki and Jack. Things that make sense once you read it. It gives insight into how they are as people in this world.

Oh and the world they live in! That Cole... he is one_____ yeah fill in the blank, because he is such a pain! I'll say this though, if you haven't read the book yet, you'll want to smack Cole throughout the book, maybe even dropkick him, do a little chuck norris roundhouse kick... just saying.

But overall, I was pulled in by the love story. One that was so intoxicatingly real in some ways that you couldn't help but fall in love yourself with each moment. There was something hollowing and heartbreaking at the same time it was beauty too. A constant influx of confusion in the beginning, like Nikki... then it because apparent in how strongly it feels, the emotions of love. Something so tender that you want to hug it and never let it go; protect it from the Everneath too.

Now the hard part happens: waiting. Waiting for the sequel. Waiting to know what happens to Nikki. Waiting to know the answers to such questions that make me feel like it's real situations with real possibilities. I do however have seen Ashton's post updated and last year she posted about bacon being in the sequel... ahhh yes, the ever yummy breakfast food of most Americans... or at least those of young teenage boys lol side-note: why do teenage boys eat so much bacon!?

In the end, this book should get 10 stars/hearts/awards, whatever would deem fitting for this book, because not only was is beyond breath-taking in so many ways, it'll be forever in my heart as a book that truly touched me. Books don't do that often, it takes a lot to move me in literature. So when it happens, I know I've struck gold with the story, the characters, and their world that it's being told from.

(Oh side bar: the retelling greek mythology story is based on Hades/Persephone. If you haven't a clue, a good idea is to read a little about it below! Enjoy!)

Having read it for a group project in the Fall semester of ‘09, I was curious about it from the start. The back of the book was what made me read it in the first place. What kept me going was the story and the really cool touch of having recipes added.

It was broken down into twelve chapters. Each chapter represented a month and a special recipe was added at the beginning of each chapter. And the recipes were picked for that special moment of that month or for that season. I have yet to try any of them, but it's all Mexican recipes written in english.

Anyway, it's a fantastic book and left me and my classmates being satisfied with the ending; well sort of haha it was an “odd” ending, but a good one.

I would say it's worth reading once and great for anyone looking to write a report in high school or the freshman year of english in college.

This was my very first Post Secret book that I not only read, but own as well. There were some very interesting bits in the book and some very shocking ones too. I swear I felt normal after having read a few of the entries and also had a few of my friends read some of the book. It helped a few to feel better, to laugh, even realize that the situation they were in wasn't as big of a deal afterwards.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, is an ever twisting road of acid-tripping moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the insane hallucinations to the mystery surrounding all the deaths, it leaves a hangover for the reader, but in a good way (I know contradiction since hangovers a a beast! lol)

This is just one of those books that I do believe lived up to the hype. Not everyone would agree, but for myself it did. Not many books can impress nor leave me thinking the way this novel did. I can see this not only being a movie series, but more importantly would rather see this be made into a television series if the rights were ever bought for the book.

Anyway... Noah and Mara have this bizarre chemistry together. From the moment they lock eyes across the quad till the last chapter, you know they belong together; even if you think other wise throughout reading it. I don't know why but there seems to be a trend lately in the books I'm reading of the boys are all broody. And as it was said on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “he's all Mr. Billowy-coat, king of pain,” something of which Noah easily brings to the table when it comes to his past. The one thing Mara keeps on trying to figure out. Luckily but the end she understand a lot about him and why they are drawn together. It's also very dangerous for them to be together. Something of which I won't reveal, but it's an important aspect in the story.

Now for the insanity that swept the book: Jude. That character really has a pivotal role throughout Mara's journey. Everywhere she goes, when her mind starts to slip, he will almost likely be there. The strange part? He's dead! But at the end something is revealed, BIG spoiler that I won't spill, but it changes everything about Jude, in a creepy way. Something that is sure to be explained in the sequel.

Now there were passages in the book that caught my attention. Not sure if Hodkin was trying to make certain references, but I felt that on page 17, the black crows were foreshadowing the many deaths in Mara's future. This reference has been used in other pop culture situations (i.e. - One Tree Hill's pilot episode. Lucas tells Haley that it's a murder of crows.)

Overall, TUMD (aka - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer), left me feeling baffled by the cliffhanger and desperate for the next installment of Mara's world. This isn't for everyone, but it's worth a go at least once, especially with Halloween just around the corner.

Catching Fire begins with a soft start. It didn't really give that punch and run with it feeling like the Hunger Games had which is okay because sometimes to get to the interesting part of a story you have first to trek through the mud.

(I would reveal some of the big moments, but for those that haven't read the sequel, I can't say much from here on out. I don't like spoiling good moments from books, especially the important ones.)

It was interesting to see such a new dynamic placed out for Katniss with President Snow. That was the dark horse in the story. You could feel it everywhere, creeping around ever corner. His words had weight and it was keeping Katniss flat on her back in fear.

When Peeta and Katniss reached the capitol, the idea of seeing Mockingjays everywhere being incorporated into the fashion of the citizens really took hold of a bigger message. It was quietly foreshadowing the last few chapters of the book. This is important, so if you aren't read it yet, keep your eyes out for this throughout the novel.

Now for what happens in the 75th Hunger Games, I can say the arena in this book is quite interesting. The complex layout and ingenuity of it was genius on Collins part. I love the science aspect behind the construction the most. Definitely one of the cooler parts of the book and one I'm dying to see constructed for the movie! I can't say what it is and such and hoping they don't reveal anything in teasers or trailers for the movie later this year, but it's one to keep people on the edge of their seat.

It was fun to read more humor being laid out in the book. I actually laughed out loud for some of it, where as with the Hunger Games, not so much. I can tell Collins was trying to balance out and diffuse any tension for the readers. I won't lie, it was dark and grim at certain parts of the book. It made the first book look like a walk in the park. All I have is one word: destruction. It was everywhere and every district was dealing with it

Oh and I love how BOLD Peeta was in this novel. So good and eloquent too. He most certainly was sharp at pulling the rug out from everyone. Laying down some serious ground work for more & weaving a web of Katniss and Peeta's story of “love”... or so as they need to keep doing to prove to every district and the capitol.

I do have to say, the way Katniss keeps describing her kisses with Peeta, it felt like she was falling in love with him or at least falling into lust from her intense physical feeling of burning passion she would get. At one point she didn't want to stop and couldn't get enough, kind of like two teenagers in love with the hand all over themselves groping.

As for Gale and Katniss, it became increasingly clear of how confused Katniss was starting to feel for him and Peeta. She is still confused by the end of the book, so her decision will be finally made in Mockingjay. I'm very curious to see how that plays out.

Overall, I've enjoyed the book. It is something worth reading if 1) you may not have enjoyed the first book or 2) need a new series to pick up and read. I'd highly recommend the first two books to read. And I normally don't endorse such a things!

Across the Universe, is a fascinating sci-fi journey that explores the haunting question: what would mankind become if isolated on a spaceship?

Amy is the only original survivor from Earth (aka: Sol-Earth) aboard Godspeed. Along with Elder and the secrets surrounding random reanimated cryogenic murders, what is the real truth that keeps the voyage going and everyone acting like the movie characters from “Pleasentville”.

First off I like to say that I love the cover of the book! Duelside = awesome! I adore the architectural design of Godspeed and fascinated by the amount of time and energy that went into making the blueprint. That alone made me want to read the novel even more.

The opening chapter. It is intensely detailed and not for the faint of heart. From the preparation, to the vulnerability from Amy and her parents, it is a scary scenario, yet leaves the reader dying to know how it turns out for those aboard the ship.

The parts of the book that really shocked me was what they call “the season”. The gripping moment when amy is fighting for her survival against another young man on the ship. It left me distrurbed for awhile and it was a little to real, because most women/young girls know their attacker.

But what made it really fearful was the way everyone but those in the hospital were behaving. The drone like thinking to the pattenrs of behavior it reminded me of such horror classics as, “Children of the Corn” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, those horrowing empty eyes say it all with the people on the ship.

As for the characters, I really enjoyed the unraveling of Amy and Elder. It was odd, yet intriguing at the same time. Sort of like she was the yin to his yang as they say. For every new age moment that was placed in the book, really made for conversation with Amy and Elder. She was always confused and a little freaked out by how much had changed in 300 or more years since she was frozen.

Beyond the book, I'm a big fan of sci-fi stories and this one is surely amazing. I can see why the hype of the novel existed.

Overall, this spine-tingling adventure in a futuristic environment is a read not to be missed.

(FYI: It had the vibe of the movie “Alien” written all over the beginning chapter of the book.)

This book was originally read for a class book project for my Spring semester of this past year. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but as soon as I reached the 5th chapter I fell in love with it! It's certainly an amazing book!

True story of two sisters growing up at the end of the 19th century and both lived to be over 100 by 1991! These women had lived through segregation, prohibition, JFK, the civil rights movement, and so much more! They grew up in the south, but later on they moved to the north up to NYC area.

I would say it's a wonderful and fascinating read. It is worth at least once to be read.

Matched is about a young girl named Cassia who is just 17 years old. Her world is set in a distant future, hundreds of years after the collapse of our own current world (a lot of natural destruction causes with man-made problems) where everything is based on statistics and probabilities with everyone in society. She has lived in the same place all her life and has lived next door to her best friend Xander since they were babies.

Cassia is super excited to be Matched, to have her partner for life picked out by what society believes is the best choice for her based on the data they have of her. But something goes wrong on the microcard she receives: it shows another face, a boy she knows; Ky. As time goes on, she starts to question the whole system and slowly begins to rebel. Her official notices this and things start to get complicated for her and her family. The question remains, what is Cassia willing to do for love?

I didn't fall in love with the book, but I did adore it to the point of thinking it's better than some books I've had to read. I think my issue was how the first few chapters started out. Once you get past the fifth chapter things start sailing a little more smooth. I do remember seeing this book on Amazon back in Early 2010 and thinking: “I love the synopses and I LOVE that book cover! I will have to own this book at some point...“

There is something compelling once I got to the very last 10 chapters of the story. Ally Condie did such an amazing job that I now want to read ‘Crossed'. I do love how dedicated Cassia is and how she has that same passio as her father. It really felt good seeing such a connection of a father-daughter have. My favorite character of all was: the grandfather. He had such wit and spunk for being an 80 year old man! He was also very wise and caring too. You could see that in Cassia throughout the novel.

I would most certainly recommend this book to people who like a character that isn't afraid to take risks, even for love. Most likely a good read for those that need something different. I don't think anyone would like this if they compare it to other books of the same dystrophia genre, because there are things in it that I haven't seen in other books.

In conclusion, Matched was a great book. It left me wanting more once I got to those last few chapters and I want to know what happens to Cassia, Ky, Xander, and her entire family in the sequel.

To sum up the book: Liz is just 15 years old, doesn't even have her permit yet let alone unable to go to prom. But all that changes one day when she realizes that won't happen in her lifetime, well on earth at least. Liz learns that being dead is something different, but more so when you go to Elsewhere: a place is neither here nor there.

Okay this was like Benjamin Button but instead with humor, a 15 year old girl, and everyone is dead. This book had me thinking a lot about “what if..” this were real. How cool would it be to age backwards and then start all over again on earth as a baby. I could live life different just like Liz did and more.

What compelled me to read more was the fascination of Elsewhere in general. The idea of how Canine is a language and people can talk to dogs or how money doesn't exists but you can buy eternims which are tokens that can be used on observation decks through telescopes to see what's happening back on Earth. I won't say much more about what goes on in this place, but there is mentions of famous people, including a gardener named John Lennon.

Anyway, my only issue was how Liz handle things. I know she was dead. In shock and upset. But she was a little too over dramatic sometimes early on about how she felt. Then again she was depressed from dying at 15, I think I would be too if I died that young. But I do feel that there is not correct way to grieve in general, so to each their own in how they much feel towards death. Also she was mostly upset about how she never will get to love or learn to drive or even have sex or so many other things. I totally get how that kind of fear or sadness or both can harp on a teens ability in Elsewhere to heal or in real life.

I do have to say that I'm enticed by death or all things in regards to that subject with literature. It's such a mystery and at times it's not. So this new take on how we die and then go to a place as magnificante as Elsewhere is kind of enlightening. If this place were real, I would most certain hope for the ability to fluently speak the dog language, cause they also have pets end up in Elsewhere too! Be cool to see some of my old cats or even my old dogs, talk to them, even take care of them too.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was very different from most books I've read in the last 10 years and I'm hoping to find more as unique and entertaining as Gabrielle Zevin's has done with her novel.

Okay so this novel isn't for everyone, especially for those that like a novel to stick to a normal routine of telling a story from beginning to end. This does that, but with a handful or your own that you can choose instead. The reason for that is there are 150 endings to choose from in the book!

Growing up I was into the Goosepbump books that let you choose your story. Not only was I totally into those covers (they were pretty awesome for Goosebump books!), but I loved changing the story into something more interesting. I was the kid that would mark my page if there were two choices and then go back to it if the one ended too quickly or was too insane for me.

I still did that with this novel. It has some grown-up themes to it, so maybe this wouldn't be a good book for those under the age of 15 (i.e. - sex, drugs, and a few other descriptive things that most YA books don't have!).

Anyway, the book starts off with you either choosing to go to college or off traveling. From there depending on which choice you make you can either go into an art program or science program or travel to europe and have your life changed. Along the way things get more complicated and life gets a little too real for the choices you make or just a little crazy, because let's face it, it's fiction, but still really interesting fiction.

I've gotten to read about 20 or more different endings so far, but all of which have been really interesting. I've died a handful, been shot, grown old and happy, grown old and sad, fall in love, been cheated on by men, been discovered, became famous, made my parents proud or shamed them, lived out my dreams, made miserable choices, and still trying to get to every ending!

No two endings are the same. And that's what I love the most. It makes you wonder, “what if I choose to fly to...?” or “should I have gone to that show with...?” or even “was that a really big mistake to...?”

This book I think is for those that get frustrated when books don't go the way they like it and wish they could have chosen something else or are the types always wondering “what if...?” about their own life in general.

The story is about three women: Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny. Each told their side of the story and life they lived from 1962 all the way to sometimes in late 1964. It was set in a small town of Mississipi, located near Jackson. It was a repressive time and it showed in the book.

One of the things that I was hung up on the first few pages was the way some of the writing was written. It was written in a deep southern tone and some words were not even proper english. So at one point I even had to say some out loud. But it was worth it because it kept the nature of the book true in tone.

My favorite part is when everything pulls together for the three main characters. As it happens things get set in motion and unraveling, for the good and bad of their town. But without the book, nothing would have changed and that I liked. It pushed boundaries that needed to be shoved and looked at closer. Something that was true in that time period in the south with freedom marches, Martin Luther King Jr., and the culture that faced all people of that minority.

There are some people who would disagree, saying that the book isn't representing things in true form. But I feel the opposite. I connected to it in such a huge way. My grandmother had a maid, who was black for over 30 years. She may have lived in New Jersey, but the point is my mother grew up having a black maid around the house. I've even met the women when my grandmother had passed away. My grandmother loved her and grounds keeper (also of the same minority). They both got compensated in her will. I think that since it was in the north, it wasn't as bad. But it's still an example of how I believe this book stayed on course and kept true in nature to the situations back then.

I feel this book is great for anyone who grew up in that time and actually lived knowing of having help in the house that wasn't white. It'll ring very true to home. I also feel this book is a great way for the younger generation to maybe understand a little deeper at what our country went through during those times.

Overall, I loved this book to no end. It's officially one of my top 10 favorites and will always have a special place in my heart.

Everyone should read this book at least once.

Becca Fitzpatrick's first novel of the series went above and beyond my expectations for ‘Hush, Hush'. The story unfolded at a nice pace and most certainly kept you guessing through out the book as to why Patch's past was so mysterious. There was one or two spots in the book were it lagged on for a bit, but sometimes that happens when creating a story.

I really don't want to say much about what happens in the book, because it's such a great journey you take with the Nora. But I guess I can say she learns a lot about herself and about life.

The one issue I've had when it came to this book was the comparisons it had against ‘Twilight'. It may have had the erie supernatural tone, but it is NOTHING like ‘Twilight'. Nora is a compleet 180 from Belle Swan and Patch is very bad boy next to Edward Cullen. I haven't found one identical piece of evidence as to what made it so comparable by a lot of readers. ‘Twilight' was about vampires and ‘Hush, Hush' was about Angels. Not even in the same realm of fiction.

Which brings me to this: I actual now favor ‘Hush, Hush' over the twilight saga. There was something very real and intriguing about ‘Hush, Hush' from beginning to end. I had a hard time putting the book down for the last 5-6 chapters because of the way Fitzpatrick wrote her climax and ending.

Would I recommend this book: Yes I would! Mostly to those that didn't enjoy ‘Twilight'.

Plus if it were ever made into a movie, I think the guys would enjoy that there is a lot more action in this novel than ‘Twilight'. Anyway, I can't wait to start the sequel “Crescendo” and find out what happens next to our two lead characters Nora and Patch!

Where do I begin... I guess maybe saying that I ❤'d this book! Not many people would because not everyone is into the idea of “ghosts” (quoting in loose terms for the moment).

Now on to the book itself. Marley Gibson created a very interesting character named Kendall Moorehead, who grew up in south side Chicago. Home of deep dish pizza, the cubs, and the infamous windy city! But her dad gets a job and relocates the entire family to a small town an hour away from Atlanta called, Radisson. There you have a small main street, even a cafe oddly named ‘Central Perk' (lol even the show is referenced in the book).

Through out the book, Kendall is tested by her old beliefs and the new ones she encounters. Her mother is a devout Episcopalian and a Registered Nurse, so you can guess how the news of her oldest daughter believing in ghosts goes over well. Anyway, she is also tested in waking life by the unseen and forces beyond her control. The one character that helps her learn how to deal with it all is a woman named Loreen who is a new-age type of person.

The one issue I did have was the dialogue. It was too much like how kids talk and think today, BUT I felt certain slang terms could of been used instead of point blank ones of like ‘b**h' or ‘sht' (using symbols to cover up the words a bit). I know it was written two years ago, but I would have loved to seen more slang terms that kids in chicago use in the inner city, especially the south side. That would have given Kendall a more authentic feel.

I do on the other side of this coin, love the phrases that she says. It all goes back to how Kendall's grandmother had all these sayings and now she uses them and also explains who and why or what they mean too (kind of makes you want to use them in places you normally say something similar to it).

Here are some interesting quotes from the book:

“It's so quiet you can hear the dead thinking.”
“I am totally up shit's creek without a paddle.”

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, more than I've enjoyed over time. I think it's because I live in an over 200 year old house and in an area in NY state where it's so old, even points to the river, the Hudson River, that George Washington use to ride in on (that famous painting of him in winter on that boat, yeah that's him on the same river i'm mentioning!). Not to mention the actual location that inspired the original tale of “Sleepy Hollow”. All of that and it could make anyone think about “ghosts”.

Anyway, I'd probably recommend this book to anyone that LOVES the show “Ghost Hunters”, “Paranormal State”, and “Ghost Adventures”, because not only is about ghosts, but about the real aspects how ghost hunting is really done. There is an excerpt in the beginning of the book from Marley's fiance Patrick Burns (now by tomorrow officially her Husband!), who is a famous ghost hunting and such from TruTV's “Haunting Evidence”. It goes on to explain a lot about it before you dive into the book about the world of ghost hunting and the book itself stays true to the technical aspects of it.

Also... I'm ready for the next book and to see what happens with Kendell and her Ghost Hunting team in Radisson, GA!

Where do I start... I guess it would be that it took me over 7 months to finish this one. It was one of those books that I started reading, then put it down and didn't pick up till sometime late 2007, early 2008. But I flew through it like a race horse. Reasons being was that I could at that point in my life put myself in Bella's shoes, having to deal with my own horrible heart break that resembled her's as well. He may have not been a vampire, but none the less it was a pretty big deal.

I think being able to connect to her more in this book, than in ‘Twilight' was crucial. The 1st book in a series always is a make or break, but the sophomore year (ie - the 2nd book) can lift the book higher into the stratosphere or send it into a black hole of shame. New Moon didn't, but it didn't do the same as the first book either. This can happen, but I think it had to do more so with how well a reader could relate to the story and the characters.

Overall, it was a great read. I wouldn't call it my favorite, but I wouldn't shove it away in a box just yet. It does look pretty on my book shelf :)

Dreamcatcher is not for everyone. But It surely is amazing. I've seen the movie as well and the book is far better. For starters, the book is able to paint a better picture for the reader, then the movie did on back stories. My only problem is how hollywood changed the story half way through. So that is one big reason why people should read this book. Another is that it has the same dedication to the way Mr. King plays on words as he did with some of his earlier work. All in all, for myself, it's a 4 out of 5 star review. The reason it doesn't have 5 stars? Not as gripping as some of his other books.