Moirae the fates book reviews

Cut me loose

2015-03-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Nan A. Talese (January 21, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-0385538091
Author: Leah Vincent
Cover art: I love the contrast with the torn stockings.
Obtained: Purchased
Overall rating: *** out of 5 stars

Cut me loose by Leah Vincent

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

Leah Vincent was born into the Yeshivish community, a fundamentalist sect of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. As the daughter of an influential rabbi, Leah and her ten siblings were raised to worship two things: God and the men who ruled their world. But the tradition-bound future Leah envisioned for herself was cut short when, at sixteen, she was caught exchanging letters with a male friend, a violation of religious law that forbids contact between members of the opposite sex. Leah's parents were unforgiving. Afraid, in part, that her behavior would affect the marriage prospects of their other children, they put her on a plane and cut off ties. Cast out in New York City, without a father or husband tethering her to the Orthodox community, Leah was unprepared to navigate the freedoms of secular life. She spent the next few years using her sexuality as a way of attracting the male approval she had been conditioned to seek out as a child, while becoming increasingly unfaithful to the religious dogma of her past. Fast-paced, mesmerizing, and brutally honest, Cut Me Loose tells the story of one woman's harrowing struggle to define herself as an individual. Through Leah's eyes, we confront not only the oppressive world of religious fundamentalism, but also the broader issues that face even the most secular young women as they grapple with sexuality and identity. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)

After reading Debroah Feldmans book, I wanted to read more stories of women in a different sect of Judaism then I am familiar with. Vincent's book was about the Yeshivish community, that is one I am not familiar with, so I promptly ordered the book and eagerly awaited it's arrival hoping to learn about this sect of Judaism.

I was left wanting more. I wish she would have told the readers more about her childhood and her background and why she was sent away. Honestly, this was more about her sexual experiences after leaving, which at times for me felt a little like over sharing, but that is just me and could be partly due to my upbringing and my own religious views. (It's just not spoken of that bluntly in my circles.)

Yes, I know it's said right in the description about the sexual aspect of the book, but I was not expecting it to be that blunt.

Aside from that, I did enjoy the book well enough, and I felt that she had a unique voice and I did learn a little about a new sect of Judaism.

If you are uncomfortable with blunt speak about sexuality, this book may not be for you, if that doesn't bother you and you want to learn about a lesser known sect of Judaism, then this may be the book for you. I would however pick up another book by Vincent.

So say we all!

I'll meet you there

2015-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (February 3, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0805097953
Author: Heather Demetrios
Cover art: Simple, but I like it.
Obtained: Purchased.
Overall rating: ***** out of 5 stars

I'll meet you there by Heather Demetrios

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

(Synopsis provided by Goodreads)

I hadn't heard of this book to be honest. I only found out about it from fellow blogger Sarah at Novel Novice. She had a review and author guest post for the book and after reading the guest post I immediately drove to the book store and picked this one up.

I am so glad I did. This book was amazing. And amazing does't even seem to be the right word to describe this book. It was beautiful, it was funny, it was moving it was heart breaking. I actually hugged this book when I was done. It touched me that deeply. The only other book I've ever been moved by in the same way was Personal Effects by E.M Kokie.

I have a love of books about the military. I wish there were more YA novels that told their stories, but sadly at this time there are only a small handful.

During the few days I spent reading this book, I fell in love with Josh. His character is someone who's actions (in how he treats others) honestly if I knew a guy like that I'd probably want to smack him. However, and that is a huge however. His charm more then makes up for it and I know I would end up being friends with him and not smacking him.

The way Demetrios wrote this book was nothing short of phenomenal. Told mostly through Skylars POV, we do get a few short chapters in Josh's POV. Which were more of him talking in his mind to his friends from the military. It was a unique view into his mind and in a way it explains why he treats people the way he does and I think that is why I can forgive his actions.

I know it's still early in the year, but I think this book is easily going to be my favorite of the year, I honestly don't see another book coming close to this one, if there was a higher rating then five stars this would take it.

So say we all!

Purim

2015-03-04T18:09:00.001-08:00

It's Purim! Was ill most of the day and the past week. But thankfully I am well enough to read the Megillah and I had a small cup of wine to celebrate Purim. I don't feel well enough to go to the various parties, but I have more time to read a few things and have more posts up soon!
Happy Purim to all who are celebrating!

So say we all!

Mystics, Mavericks and Merrymakers

2015-02-15T21:01:00.001-08:00

Paperback: 255 pages
Publisher: NYU Press (August 6, 2004)
ISBN-10: 0814751970
Author: Stephanie Wellen Levine
Cover art: I like the simplicity.
Obtained: Bought
Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars

Mystics, Mavericks and Merrymakers by Stephanie Wellen Levine

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

From the ardently religious young woman who longs for the life of a male scholar to the young rebel who visits a strip club, smokes pot, and agonizes over her loss of faith to the proud Lubavitcher with a desire for a high-powered career, Stephanie Wellen Levine provides a rare glimpse into the inner worlds and daily lives of these Hasidic girls.
Lubavitcher Hasidim are famous for their efforts to inspire secular Jews to become more observant and for their messianic fervor. Strict followers of Orthodox Judaism, they maintain sharp gender-role distinctions.
Levine spent a year living in the Lubavitch community of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, participating in the rhythms of Hasidic girlhood. Drawing on many intimate hours among Hasidim and over 30 in-depth interviews, Mystics, Mavericks, and Merrymakers offers rich portraits of individual Hasidic young women and how they deal with the conflicts between the regimented society in which they live and the pull of mainstream American life.
This superbly crafted book offers intimate stories from Hasidic teenagers' lives, providing an intriguing twist to a universal theme: the struggle to grow up and define who we are within the context of culture, family, and life-driving beliefs. (Synopsis provided by Amazon)

I read this one as I have a friend who is Chabad Lubavitch and she is from Crown Heights. I wanted to learn more about her community as Chabad is very different from Messianic.

While reading this book I learned that the extreame kindness is an attribute for the whole group. I have met a few others who are Chabad and every single one of them has been such a genuine and kind person. This book shows how that is a staple in that community.

Each of the ladies in that were interviewed in this book were very different. There was one girl who questioned her community and her religion, I found her story to be the most interesting in its own way, I wanted to know why she had questions why no one would answer the questions. I didn't get all the answers to her story that I wanted sadly.

I did enjoy how Levine describes how she went back to talk to one of the girls to get her to sign a release so that her story could be used. I was interested to see how the more "free" girls of the book had changed so much.

Of course all of the girls are not called by their actual names in the book to protect their identities.
If you are interested in the Chabad community and want to know more I would encourage you to read this book.

So say we all!

No Falling Behind this week

2015-02-13T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all I know I didn't post a review or a FBOF this week. I had midterms this week and I am getting ready for Shabbos which starts in 2 minutes. Just wanted to let y'all know what was going on. I will have a review up on Monday. Have a great Saturday! If you observe Shabbos I wish you a Shabbat Shalom!

So say we all!

Falling Behind on Friday 9

2015-02-05T22:34:00.001-08:00

To be clear the book must already be published. I am sure we all find many that we either didn't know about or that we have forgotten about.
So, to participate, simply grab the "Falling behind on Friday" graphic above, post the cover art to the book you have fallen behind on and leave a comment linking me to your post so I can stop by and see it. Also, be sure to add the instructions in your post so others can play too!

This week I am falling behind on

Half Bad

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shackled, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus. Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive the three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers—before it's too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Half Bad is an international sensation and the start of a brilliant trilogy: a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive.

What are you falling behind on?

So say we all!

Unorthodox

2015-02-02T23:03:00.001-08:00

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (February 14, 2012)
Language: English
Author: Deborah Feldman
Cover Art: Love it
Obtained: Bought
Overall rating:**** out of 5 stars

Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

The child of a mentally disabled father and a mother who abandoned the community while her daughter was still a toddler, Deborah was raised by her strictly religious grandparents, Bubby and Zeidy. Along with a rotating cast of aunts and uncles, they enforced customs with a relentless emphasis on rules that governed everything from what Deborah could wear and to whom she could speak, to what she was allowed to read. As she grew from an inquisitive little girl to an independent-minded young woman, stolen moments reading about the empowered literary characters of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott helped her to imagine an alternative way of life. She had no idea how to seize this dream that seemed to beckon to her from the skyscrapers of Manhattan, but she was determined to find a way. The tension between Deborah’s desires and her responsibilities as a good Satmar girl grew more explosive until, at the age of seventeen, she found herself trapped in a sexually and emotionally dysfunctional marriage to a man she had met for only thirty minutes before they became engaged. As a result, she experienced debilitating anxiety that was exacerbated by the public shame of having failed to immediately consummate her marriage and thus serve her husband. But it wasn’t until she had a child at nineteen that Deborah realized more than just her own future was at stake, and that, regardless of the obstacles, she would have to forge a path—for herself and her son—to happiness and freedom. (Synopsis provided by Amazon)

As a Messianic woman, I was interested in learning more about a different sect of Judaism. I must say that the sect Feldman is from is very different from how I was raised and how I live. Not different in a bad way, just different.
These types of books can be hard to review as I feel like I am reviewing the authors personal life. Instead of talking about what I liked and didn't like about the book, I'm going to talk about what happened in the book and the writing style.

I think it's safe to say that Feldman had a difficult childhood. She grew up in a very strict religious family. She doesn't tell a lot about the laws of Judaism so if you aren't very familiar with the laws and customs you may find yourself doing internet searches for terms used in the book.

I did love how she described Sukkot. Which is one of my personal favorite holidays. Her descriptions of the holiday and of her life in general, were very vivid. They make the reader feel as if they were there in the room with Feldman, which is always a wonderful experience for a reader.

Some of the scenes were painful to read. The way Feldman writes is so powerful that the emotions almost leap off the page and we can feel what Feldman felt.

I do think that she was brave to leave everything she knew behind and to move out into the secular world, that is something that many people could never do. I know I would never be able to leave all that I knew for a world foreign to me.

If you are interested in learning about the Orthodox Jewish community or if you like to read stories of strong women, I would highly recommend this book.

So say we all!

Falling Behind on Friday 8

2015-01-29T16:23:00.001-08:00

Falling Behind on Friday is a weekly meme hosted by me. In this one, we all pick a book that has been on on TBR pile for a long time. (At least one month.) That we just haven't gotten to yet. Or a book we have been meaning to buy and haven't picked up. I know most of us have massive TBR piles and this is a great way to single out one to share with others.
To be clear the book must already be published. I am sure we all find many that we either didn't know about or that we have forgotten about.
So, to participate, simply grab the "Falling behind on Friday" graphic above, post the cover art to the book you have fallen behind on and leave a comment linking me to your post so I can stop by and see it. Also, be sure to add the instructions in your post so others can play too!

The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

A Shakespeare type story! I love those there has only been one that I truly hated. That one I put in the recycle bin. It was awful! I have had this one in my TBR Pile for a long time. I need to pick it up and give it a read.

What book have you fallen behind on? Leave me a comment and let me know. I'll be sure to stop by.

So say we all!

Heaven is for real mini review

2015-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 163 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (November 2, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0849946158
Author: Todd Burpo
Cover art: Simple, but less is more sometimes.
Obtained: Bought
Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.

When Colton Burpo made it through an emergency appendectomy, his family was overjoyed at his miraculous survival. What they weren't expecting, though, was the story that emerged in the months that followed--a story as beautiful as it was extraordinary, detailing their little boy's trip to heaven and back.

Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery-and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on. He talked of visiting heaven and relayed stories told to him by people he met there whom he had never met in life, sharing events that happened even before he was born. He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read.

With disarming innocence and the plainspoken boldness of a child, Colton tells of meeting long-departed family members. He describes Jesus, the angels, how "really, really big" God is, and how much God loves us. Retold by his father, but using Colton's uniquely simple words, "Heaven Is for Real" offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us, where as Colton says, "Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses."

"Heaven Is for Real" will forever change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see, and believe, like a child. (Synopsis provided by goodreads.)

This book was a very quick read. The writing is more simple, but I think that due to the nature of it, that actually helps the book. I think 12 year olds could easily read this and be able to understand what Burpo wanted to communicate. I do think however, that it's a book that needs to be discussed. It is a conversation starter.

I was intrigued by Colton Burpo's descriptions of Heaven. As a Messianic, I believe in Christ, and Heaven. Yes, this book is "aimed" to believers, but it's not preachy, and non-believers can enjoy it as well of course.

I found it interesting how the child knew a ton of things that no one had ever told him.

I would recommend this book if you liked the movie (which is super close to the book) or if you want to know what a boy saw when he went to Heaven.

The One

2015-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen; Not Indicated edition (May 6, 2014)
Author: Kiera Cass
Cover art: Love it!
Obtained: Bought
Overall rating: ***** out of 5 stars

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. (Synopsis provided by Goodreads)

Alright, I want to start this off by saying it's been several months since I read this one. I loved it! I was anticipating this one since the end of the first book. I guessed who the "winner" was going to be. I was right, however the way she became the winner was not how I was expecting.

There were several things in this book that I "saw coming". There were several things I had no idea would happen. The middle of the book and close to the end were far from what I was expecting. The surprise was welcome though.

I loved the way America's character developed. I know a lot of readers had issues with her in the first two books. I always liked her, however, I do see how others may not have liked her. That being said, I believe that she really grew into her own in this last installment.

Maxon, Maxon, Maxon, Maxon. What I can I say about the Prince? He was amazing in this one! He faced a lot of difficult issues in this book and he came through better then I can say I would have if I had to face even a sliver of what he faced.

If you liked the first two books, I would highly recommend this one. I am looking forward to reading more in this world when The Heir is released this spring!

So say we all!

I am back!

2015-01-16T14:26:00.004-08:00

Hey y'all just a quick note to say I now have computer access more then just a phone and I will be getting back to blogging. I have a stack of books I need to write reviews for. Look for the first of these on Monday! I missed blogging, but the break was nice.
We had a few deaths in and around the family in the past 6 months, school has started up again and work has slowed down so that means more time for blogging. I did't forget about you I promise!

Falling Behind on Friday 7

2014-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Falling behind on Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Moirae the Fates book reviews. In this one we all pick one book that has been in our to be read pile for a long time (One month or longer) that we just haven't gotten to yet. Or a book that is on our to buy list that we haven't gotten a chance to pick up yet. I know most all of us have massive TBR piles and we can all find one book to post about and share with others. I think it will be a great way to learn about already published books that a lot of us may not know about or may have forgotten about.
To be clear these books MUST already be published!
So, to participate simply grab the Falling Behind on Friday picture above and post the cover art of the book, and leave a link to the books goodreads page and let us all know what book you've "fallen behind on." And in your post don't forget to let others know how to participate! Sounds like fun right?
So to kick things off here is the book I have fallen behind on:

Pretty Little Liars.

Three years ago, Alison disappeared after a slumber party, not to be seen since. Her friends at the elite Pennsylvania school mourned her, but they also breathed secret sighs of relief. Each of them guarded a secret that only Alison had known. Now they have other dirty little secrets, secrets that could sink them in their gossip-hungry world. When each of them begins receiving anonymous emails and text messages, panic sets in. Are they being betrayed by some one in their circle? Worse yet: Is Alison back? A strong launch for a suspenseful series.

That's what I've fallen behind on what have you fallen behind on?

So say we all!

Ask Me blog tour

2014-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to be apart of the blog tour for Kimberly Pauley's book ASK ME! A huge thank you to Soho Press for inviting me to be apart of it!

My stop is a review of the book, so without further ado here is my review!

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Soho Teen (April 8, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1616953837

Author: Kimberly Pauley

Cover art: I love it!

Obtained: Via the publisher in exchange for an honest review for the tour.

Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars

Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews

Ask Aria Morse anything, and she must answer with the truth. Yet she rarely understands the cryptic words she‘s compelled to utter. Blessed—or cursed—with the power of an Oracle who cannot decipher her own predictions, she does her best to avoid anyone and everyone.

But Aria can no longer hide when Jade, one of the few girls at school who ever showed her any kindness, disappears. Any time Aria overhears a question about Jade, she inadvertently reveals something new, a clue or hint as to why Jade vanished. But like stray pieces from different puzzles, her words never present a clear picture.

Then there’s Alex, damaged and dangerous, but the first person other than Jade to stand up for her. And Will, who offers a bond that seems impossible for a girl who’s always been alone. Both were involved with Jade. Aria may be the only one who can find out what happened, but the closer she gets to solving the crime, the more she becomes a target. Not everyone wants the truth to come out.(Synopsis provided by goodreads.)

When I was first asked to be apart of this tour, I had no idea what the book was about. After reading the synopsis I knew I had to be apart of the tour and that I would love the book.
I was right.

This was the first book I have read by Pauley and I really enjoyed it! Aria had me hooked from page one.

It's no secret that I love Greek Mythology. The fact that Aria is an Oracle is just awesome to me. I have never heard of or read another book with an Oracle. The way Aria is forced to answer any question she hears even if it is not directed at her is super cool.

The murder mystery aspect of it was a nice touch. Like most readers, I figured out who the murderer was pretty quickly. However, for me, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Which is saying a lot. I think what I like the most about Aria's gift as it is called is how she answers. The answers come out in a very cryptic fashion not a black and white fashion.

One other part of the book that I liked was how at the top of each chapter there was a line from a song, which I kinda took as Aria listening to and I would listen to it as well. After all Aria constantly has her music playing so she doesn't hear all the questions around her thus saving her from answering and being a target for comments and mockery.

The one thing that I wasn't a huge fan of with this book was the love triangle. It had it's reasons for being in the story of course but, I wish it would have been a little different.
Even with that, I loved Aria, she wasn't a Mary-Sue but she also wasn't a character who always whines about everything is weak. She wasn't and I loved that.

If you like Greek mythology, I highly recommend this book!

You can find Kimberly on Twitter.
On her web site.
You can find Ask Me on Goodreads.

So say we all!

Royally Lost

2014-03-24T23:28:00.003-07:00

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
Author: Angie Stanton
Cover art: Love it! However, the girl's legs are darker then her hand and that looked weird to me.
Overall rating: ***** out of 5 stars
Obtained: Sent to me from HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review.

Royally Lost by Angie Stanton
Reviewed by Moirae the Fates book reviews.

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever? (Synopsis provided by goodreads)

I loved this book. I had so much fun reading it. I felt like I was on the streets of Europe with Becca and Nikolai. I loved the humor that Stanton provided in this novel. Nikolai is funny and the type of guy that I would love to tour Europe with.

I really liked how we get to see Becca grow and the different dynamics in her relationship with her stepmother. I know Becca doesn't want the reader to like her stepmother, but I couldn't help but like her. I felt sorry for her at times and I could really sympathize with her.

Becca's brother was one that I liked at times and other times he really bugged me. But in the end I think that actually added to his character.

Becca was far from a Mary-sue. She has her faults but nothing that makes me dislike her.

One thing we didn't get in the book that I wished we had was more information on Nikolai's sister. She was a lot of fun and I would love to see more of her. It would be cool if we got another book and could see more of her, or even a spin off book with her as the main character.

The descriptions of the cities they visit are very rich and they make you feel as if you are there. I could feel the warm breeze and smell the food.

This book is perfect for summer and would be a lot of fun on the beach or at the river. May 6th you should go out and pick up your copy!

So say we all!

Falling Behind on Friday 6

2014-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

What are have you fallen behind on?

So say we all!

Falling Behind on Friday 5

2014-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.
It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.
But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

What book are you falling behind on?

So say we all!

Waiting on Wednesday

2014-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on What I thought was true by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

From the author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

What I thought was true is due out April 15 2014.

That is what I am waiting on what are you waiting for?

So say we all!

Teaser Tuesday

2014-03-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should be reading.

(The Rules are copied and pasted from her site)

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teasers come from Royally Lost:

"Dylan wondered off wearing a faded T-shirt, cargo pants and flip-flops."

Page 13

"Back on board, she locked herself in the bathroom in case Dylan showed up."

Page 85

What is your teaser?

So say we all!

Manor of Secrets

2014-03-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Point (January 28, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0545567580
Author: Katherine Longshore
Cover art: LOVE IT!
Overall rating: ** out of 5 stars
Obtained: My personal bookshelf.

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.

The year is 1911. And at The Manor, nothing is as it seems . . .

Lady Charlotte Edmonds: Beautiful, wealthy, and sheltered, Charlotte feels suffocated by the strictures of upper-crust society. She longs to see the world beyond The Manor, to seek out high adventure. And most of all, romance.

Janie Seward: Fiery, hardworking, and clever, Janie knows she can be more than just a kitchen maid. But she isn't sure she possesses the courage -- or the means -- to break free and follow her passions.

Both Charlotte and Janie are ready for change. As their paths overlap in the gilded hallways and dark corridors of The Manor, rules are broken and secrets are revealed. Secrets that will alter the course of their lives. . . forever. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)

When this arrived in the mail, I was super excited. I had pre-ordered this back in December after having finished Cinders and Sapphires which I really enjoyed. I also read WentworthHall when it came out and really liked that. This sounded like a similar book so I was eager to read it.

I was bored. I admit I read all but the last 90 pages and I didn't like it. I never connected to the characters, they felt like paper dolls to me. I dreaded reading it. I only read a chapter a night and with each turn of the page I was hoping I would love it, hoping it would suddenly grab me, it never did.

I know I am in the minority of this one, most people have really liked it, maybe it was my mood? I don't know, but this one just didn't work for me, it was like watching paint dry, nothing really happened. The only interesting this about Charlotte was that she wrote.

I may give this another try later on.

If you are interested in reading this one, maybe get it from the library first or borrow from a friend.

So say we all!

Ma Semaine dans les livres

2014-03-07T21:57:00.001-08:00

Ma Semaine dans les livres My week in books is inspired by Stacking the Shelves hosted weekly by Tynga of Tynga's reviews.

This week I got 7 books. 5 I bought, 1 I won and 1 was sent for review.

Lets start with the 5 I bought. This week I bought a copy of:

Sacred Games by Gary Corby.

It is the Olympics of 460 BC. Nico's best friend, Timodemus, is a competitor in the pankration, the deadly martial art of ancient Greece. Timo is hot favorite to win. His only serious rival is Arakos from Sparta. When Arakos is found beaten to death, it is obvious Timodemus must be the killer. Who else could have killed the second-best fighter in all Hellas but the very best? The Judges of the Games sentence Timodemus to be executed in four days' time, as soon as the Sacred Games have finished.

Complicating everything is the fact that Athens and Sparta are already at each other's throats, in the opening stages of a power struggle for control of Hellas. If an Athenian is found to have cheated at the Games by murdering a Spartan, it will be everything the hawks in Sparta need to declare open war the moment the Sacred Truce is over. And that's a war Athens cannot hope to win.

Nico and his partner in sleuthing, the annoyingly clever priestess Diotima, have four days to save their friend and avert a war that would tear their world apart.

A copy of Casino Royale by Ian Flemming.

In the first of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, 007 declares war on Le Chiffre, French communist and paymaster of the Soviet murder organization SMERSH.

The battle begins with a fifty-million-franc game of baccarat, gains momentum during Bond's fiery love affair with a sensuous lady spy, and reaches a chilling climax with fiendish torture at the hands of a master sadist. For incredible suspense, unexpected thrills, and extraordinary danger, nothing can beat James Bond in his inaugural adventure.

A copy of The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine.

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

A copy of Faking Normal by Courtney C Stevens.

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.

When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.

A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author-Courtney C. Stevens.

A copy of Half Bad by Sally Green.

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

In the tradition of Patrick Ness and Markus Zusak, Half Bad is a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive, a story that will grab hold of you and not let go until the very last page.

The book I won was from Goodreads first reads, it was a copy of The Joshua Effect by P.S. Meronek. Thank you Goodreads!

The rooftop reception on the skyscraper in lower Manhattan is an elegant affair right up until the moment the murders occur. With the lives of sixty-three of his friends and business associates snuffed out in one horrifying blink of an eye, the wealthy and enigmatic Jonathan Strickland boards a dangerous roller coaster ride of a lifetime in this clever, nail biting who-done-it.
Following the nebulous clues left behind at the scene of the crime, Strickland finds himself kidnapped and taken to a clandestine meeting in the middle of the Syrian dessert beneath the ancient ruins of one of the oldest civilizations known to man. The lines between good and evil blur as the suspect list narrows. Strickland races against time to find the invisible killers who have even more carnage in mind; they call their sinister plan the Joshua Effect.
Strickland also struggles with the essence of a life thrown into question by the gnawing epiphany that he is losing the one thing which actually gives his existence meaning. All of his fantastic achievements pale when compared with the desire to possess the love of the one woman who can understand him - but who can never be with the man he is.
As the clock ticks relentlessly forward to a catastrophe of truly Biblical proportions, the hunt for those responsible nears its climax. From a brazen gun battle among the rich and famous in the exotic streets of glamorous Miami Beach to the discovery of the secretive Catskills hideaway of a reclusive scientist in upstate New York, the thrilling ride never lets up.
All the while the personal war inside Strickland rages on. Who is he? More importantly, who will he end up becoming? For a man who thought he had everything, why does he suddenly find his life so empty?
For Jonathan, the revelation that a life with nothing in it worth dying for isn't much worth living shakes the very core of his being. Then why does it feel so right? The Joshua Effect is a taut, suspense filled page turner with a stunner around every corner.

The book I got for review was sent to me from the publisher Harper Teen in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited to get this one. A HUGE thank you to the folks at Harper Teen for a copy of Royally Lost by Angie Stanton.

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

That's what is new for me this week, leave me a note and let me know what is new for you!

So say we all!

Falling behind on Friday 4

2014-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

At twelve, Howard Dully was guilty of the same crimes as other boys his age: he was moody and messy, rambunctious with his brothers, contrary just to prove a point, and perpetually at odds with his parents. Yet somehow, this normal boy became one of the youngest people on whom Dr. Walter Freeman performed his barbaric transorbital—or ice pick—lobotomy.

Abandoned by his family within a year of the surgery, Howard spent his teen years in mental institutions, his twenties in jail, and his thirties in a bottle. It wasn’t until he was in his forties that Howard began to pull his life together. But even as he began to live the “normal” life he had been denied, Howard struggled with one question: Why?

“October 8, 1960. I gather that Mrs. Dully is perpetually talking, admonishing, correcting, and getting worked up into a spasm, whereas her husband is impatient, explosive, rather brutal, won’t let the boy speak for himself, and calls him numbskull, dimwit, and other uncomplimentary names.”

There were only three people who would know the truth: Freeman, the man who performed the procedure; Lou, his cold and demanding stepmother who brought Howard to the doctor’s attention; and his father, Rodney. Of the three, only Rodney, the man who hadn’t intervened on his son’s behalf, was still living. Time was running out. Stable and happy for the first time in decades, Howard began to search for answers.

“December 3, 1960. Mr. and Mrs. Dully have apparently decided to have Howard operated on. I suggested [they] not tell Howard anything about it.”

Through his research, Howard met other lobotomy patients and their families, talked with one of Freeman’s sons about his father’s controversial life’s work, and confronted Rodney about his complicity. And, in the archive where the doctor’s files are stored, he finally came face to face with the truth.

Revealing what happened to a child no one—not his father, not the medical community, not the state—was willing to protect, My Lobotomyexposes a shameful chapter in the history of the treatment of mental illness. Yet, ultimately, this is a powerful and moving chronicle of the life of one man. Without reticence, Howard Dully shares the story of a painfully dysfunctional childhood, a misspent youth, his struggle to claim the life that was taken from him, and his redemption.

Sounds interesting huh? Leave me a note and let me know what you've fallen behind on. I'll be sure to stop by.

So say we all!

Waiting on Wednesday

2014-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting for
Six feet over it by Jennifer Longo.

Home is where the bodies are buried.

Darkly humorous and heart-wrenchingly beautiful, Jennifer Longo’s YA debut about a girl stuck living in a cemetery will change the way you look at life, death, and love.

Leigh sells graves for her family-owned cemetery because her father is too lazy to look farther than the dinner table when searching for employees. Working the literal graveyard shift, she meets two kinds of customers:

Pre-Need: They know what’s up. They bought their graves a long time ago, before they needed them.

At Need:They are in shock, mourning a loved one’s unexpected death. Leigh avoids sponging their agony by focusing on things like guessing the headstone choice (mostly granite).

Sarcastic and smart, Leigh should be able to stand up to her family and quit. But her world’s been turned upside down by the sudden loss of her best friend and the appearance of Dario, the slightly-too-old-for-her grave digger. Surrounded by death, can Leigh move on, if moving on means it’s time to get a life?

Sounds good huh? SIX FEET OVER IT is due out August 25 2014.

What are you waiting for? Leave me a note and let me know!

So say we all!

Teaser Tuesday

2014-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should be reading.

This week my teasers come from My Life with the Walter boys by Ali Novak.

"It was the easiest test I had ever taken."

-Page 161

"Maybe I could come back later, sometime when my stomach wasn't so jittery"

-Page 264

Leave me a note and let me know what your teaser is.

So say we all!

Ma semaine dans les livres (My week in books)

2014-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ma semaine dans les livres My week in books is inspired by Stacking the shelves a weekly meme hosted by Tynga of Tynga's reviews.

This week I got one book, it was a pre-order the book was Insanity by Susan Vaught.

That is what I got this week, leave me a note and let me know what you got!

So say we all!

Falling Behind on Friday 3

2014-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sixteen-year-old Catherine Vernon has been stranded in London for the summer-no friends, no ex-boyfriend Adam the Scum (good riddance!), and absolutely nothing to do but blog about her misery to her friends back home. Desperate for something-anything-to do in London while her (s)mother's off researching boring historical things, Cat starts reading the 1815 diary of Katherine Percival her mom gives her-and finds the similarities between their lives to be oddly close. But where Katherine has the whirls of the society, the parties and the gossip over who is engaged to who, Cat's only got some really excellent English chocolate. Then she meets William Percival-the uber-hot descendant of Katherine-and things start looking up . . .

Leave me a link to your post and I'll be sure to stop by!

(Please know that for some reason I my computer doesn't allow me to comment on some blogs and I have no idea why I just get a strange Q like symbol. But I do visit ALL of you! If I don't comment, it's because I was unable to.)

If you missed it Here is an importnat post about an American POW.

So say we all!