A Book Without Pages

Me Before You

2016-07-13T20:16:00.000-06:00

Me Before You
By Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books/Viking 2012
Pages: 369

Summary: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

My Review:
This is by far my favorite book I have read this year! The movie was really good too! I read the book a couple of months before the movie came out, since I am one of those people who has to read the book before I watch the movie.

It's impossible not to fall in love with the characters and story. The book is deep and insightful in many many ways.It tells the story of a man and women in a small British town, where one is confined there, while the other has confined herself there. Most of the story is told from the viewpoint of Lou, with a few chapters from the viewpoints of the other characters. Lou was such a fun and witty character. She has a lot on her shoulders, but still manages to be funny and charming, especially when she starts babbling. Will more of a cipher as confront major problems; such as being confined to a wheelchair, missing his old life, dealing with pain, and not knowing when his condition will deteriorate. This book was very educational, emotional, and inspirational in many ways.

With this book's relation to education there was extensive information on the life of a quadriplegic.This included treatments, medication, pain management, deterioration of their condition , difficulties in getting out and about, the way relationships change, and emotional states. As someone who studies health, this was all really fascinating to me. It helped me to understand what quadriplegic people go through on a day to day basis. Like having to have someone feed you, help you go to the bathroom, move you to and from your chair, bed, and car. It would be very frustrating, especially if you had done those things yourself before.

Emotionally, this book took a toll on me. My poor brother and sister-in-law had to hear me wailing in the back of the car, as I read. You can really feel what each character is going through. You finally come to terms with their decisions and actions. You feel frustrated, sad, happy, hopeful, and every other emotion you can think of while reading. In this book, Will represented a view that life isn't worth living if you're disabled, but Lou fights hard to promote that life is always worth living no matter what.

As for inspirational, this book teaches you to push yourself to realize your full potential, even if you are one of those people who is afraid to takes risks. To always be open to try new things. It teaches you to learn to love and support someone, even if you don't agree with his or her choices or decisions. It also inspires you to not let one bad incident define you, but to rise up and keep going. I loved that it inspires you to keep an open mind when you are dealing with someone difficult, because you never know what emotional battles they are fighting in their lives.

You think you are getting into a romance, but instead you will find yourself enmeshed in a suspenseful, emotional, and beautiful novel. It is a MUST read! So please please read it :)

Watch Out For: Kissing, brief sex scene, drinking, Infrequent swear words (British slang), motorcycle accident, and some arguing.

Watch the Movie:

Paper Princess

2016-07-11T23:57:00.003-06:00

Paper Princess: A Novel (The Royals Book 1)

Erin Watt; Everafter Romance 2016

Summary:From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.

Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.

Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.

He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.

My Review: This book was recommended to me on top YA books of the month on amazon. It had really good reviews n amazon and goodreads, so naturally I purchased it. Honestly, this book kinda stressed me. There are so many twists, turns, drama, darkness, comedy, revenge, love, and friendships, that it constantly keeps you on your toes. It reminded me of the TV show Gossip Girl in many ways. The beginning was a little slow for me and then it picked up towards the middle. The end of course was a cliffhanger, which I hate! It literally made my jaw drop because of its intensity. Now I have to wait until the end of the month to get the second one! Just plain rude.

The best thing about this read was Ella. Ella was really likable and tough. She is a strong character, who yearns for love and acceptance, but hides behind a hard exterior, and she really developed throughout the story. For someone so young, she has gone through a lot. I really respected her, because she is a fighter and she wasn't going to crap from anyone. She really stayed true to herself and said what was on her mind.

Callum Royal, the dad and guardian of Ella, was so sweet. He is probably my second favorite character. He is constantly saving the day and is really a diamond in the rough.

The Royal sons were a buncha Mc-A-Holes in my opinion. They had their honorable moments, but seriously were evil the rest of the time. Reed, who is the ringleader of the brothers, was pretty brutal at times, but he also had a protective and soft side to him that I loved.

There were several things that turned me off in this book. The control the boys had in the community, school and home. The bullying and spoiled brat like characters. The sexual tension, sex scenes, and hardcore partying scenes.

Overall, not my favorite. I would call it an OK read.

Quotes:
“No one wants to be ruined. We all want to be saved.”

Watch Out For: Language, drinking, drug usage, partying, sex scenes, lies/deceit, greediness, violence, fighting, etc..

Lean In

2015-11-06T16:52:00.003-07:00

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

by Sheryl Sandberg : Alfred A. Knopf 2013

Summary: Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In is a massive cultural phenomenon and its title has become an instant catchphrase for empowering women. The book soared to the top of bestseller lists internationally, igniting global conversations about women and ambition. Sandberg packed theatres, dominated opinion pages, appeared on every major television show and on the cover of Time magazine, and sparked ferocious debate about women and leadership.

Ask most women whether they have the right to equality at work and the answer will be a resounding yes, but ask the same women whether they'd feel confident asking for a raise, a promotion, or equal pay, and some reticence creeps in.

The statistics, although an improvement on previous decades, are certainly not in women's favour – of 197 heads of state, only twenty-two are women. Women hold just 20 percent of seats in parliaments globally, and in the world of big business, a meagre eighteen of the Fortune 500 CEOs are women.

In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg – Facebook COO and one of Fortunemagazine's Most Powerful Women in Business – draws on her own experience of working in some of the world's most successful businesses and looks at what women can do to help themselves, and make the small changes in their life that can effect change on a more universal scale.

My Review: This book changed my life and where I stand as a women and the leader I want to be. As someone who is hoping for a place in the career world its going to take alot of courage to challenge the process, enable other to act, and to put yourself out there. Sheryl Sandberg is truly inspirational. It is a must read! Here are some highlighted themes worth mentioning in her book.

The Leadership Ambition Gap: What Would You Do if You Weren't Afraid?
Sit at the Table
Success and Likeability
It's a Jungle Gym, Not a Ladder
Are You My Mentor?
Seek and Speak Your Truth
Don't Leave before you Leave
Make your Partner a real Partner
The Myth of Doing it All
Let's Start Talking about it
Working Together Toward Equality

Watch this Video:

The Watchers: Knight of Light

2014-09-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Watchers Book 1: Knight of Light

In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.
The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Traditional Apocrypha, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Kabbalah.

“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad. Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden’s The Watchers Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.

Amazon Barnes and Noble Facebook Twitter Goodreads Wattpad Pinterest

About the Author

"My goal in writing is to saturate my books with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plot twists that will keep my readers in suspense. I want to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles! Aside from writing, I enjoy jousting in arenas, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures."
-Deirdra Eden

Find Deirdra Eden and The Watchers Series online on Amazon, Deirdra's website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad, and Pinterest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway will include several copies of the book AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

The Fault in Our Stars

2014-02-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

The Fault of Our Stars

By John Green;Dutton Books 2012

Summary: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Review: I have read a few of John Green's books over the years and thought them to be alright, until this book.

I have been meaning to read this for some time. People were always asking me if I had read it yet? My answer was always no. A couple of months ago it was on sale on Amazon. So I bought it and downloaded it to my kindle. There it sat for months and months until yesterday.

While on my road trip to Colorado. I decided to read it. From there on out I could not stop reading it! I was so drawn into the story of two teenagers with cancer, who fall in love even thought they are eventually going to die. It really showed me that even when life is bleak you still have to live every day like it is your best day and to not let an opportunity pass you by.

The main character Hazel, I found to be very relate able. She enjoys reading, watching TV, laying on the grass and looking at the night and day sky. Through out the book you can see her journey of opening up and letting people in. Hazel provides us with insight about what it is like to know you are dying. Her story is about deciding to love and be loved, even when you know it will cause pain.

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it! And I highly recomend it!

Watch Out For: Cancer, near death experiences, brief sex scene, kissing, mild language, brief drinking scene, and descriptions of drugs for cancer patients.

Video Trailer:

Sisterhood Everlasting

2014-01-21T00:43:00.001-07:00

Sisterhood Everlasting

by Ann Brashares; Randomhouse 2011

Summary: Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.

Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn’t take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can’t seem to shed her old restlessness.

Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever—but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

As moving and life-changing as an encounter with long-lost best friends, Sisterhood Everlasting is a powerful story about growing up, losing your way, and finding the courage to create a new one

My Review: It has been so long since I have read a whole book! It feels good to read a whole book again, instead of samples on my kindle. I have been behind these last few months. But I am making a goal to start reading and blogging reviews again. I've missed it a ton.

This books was something I needed to read at this time. It reminded me of friendships I have and the friendships I've let slip away. During my junior year of college, there were four of us. Just like the sisterhood. We would have bridge night, where we lit candles, had junk food, and talked about everything. We were best friends. A teacher told us that eventually we would all stop talking and that our friendship wouldn't last. We of course deined it then. It has almost been five year since that time and I only comminicate with one of them.

Much like the sisterhood, each character goes down a different path and lives their lifes. Often their thoughts turn to thier friends, with wonder on how things are going in their lives.
This was a difficult read because of the tragedy that happens to them. It was heartbreaking to watch each character go through struggles and heartbreak. I am not going to lie. I shed a tear or too while reading this.

What I like so much about the sisterhood is that even though each character is flawed, they still grow and come to find their own happiness. And that their friendship is everlasting.

Watch Out For: Sex, planned parenthood, birthcontrol, explicit swearing, drinking, death, and suicide.

Beautiful Creatures

2014-01-20T22:04:00.003-07:00

Beautiful Creatures
By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Little, Brown and Company 2009

Summary: Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything

My Review: What an intriguing read! I watched the movie Beautiful Creatures a couple of weeks ago and on my trip to Washington D.C., I downloaded the book to my kindle. I was so immersed in this read. Ethan was a lovable character and he and I are so much alike when it comes to a small town life and our thoughts about it. He was a refreshing character, unlike so many of the other characters I have been reading about. I am so used to reading from a girl's point of view that a boy's point of view was a fresh approach and made the read that much more enjoyable.

Watch Out For: Magic, kissing, supernatural battles, drinking, mild cussing, and smoking.

A Quest Post: The Great Good Thing

2013-08-01T01:32:00.003-06:00

The Great Good Thing
By Roderick Townley; Scholastic 2001

Summary: Sylvie had an amazing life, but she didn't get to live it very often.

Sylvie has been a twelve-year-old princess for more than eighty years, ever since the book she lives in was first printed. She's the heroine, and her story is exciting -- but that's the trouble. Her story is always exciting in the same way. Sylvie longs to get away and explore the world outside the confines of her book.

When she breaks the cardinal rule of all storybook characters and looks up at the Reader, Sylvie begins a journey that not even she could have anticipated. And what she accomplishes goes beyond any great good thing she could have imagined...

Things to Watch Out for: Dangerous characters.

Quest Post from Cambria Sees:

I've loved The Great Good Thing since I was in the 2nd grade. The plot line has twists and turns, which always keeps the reader quessing and wondering what will happen next. Sylvie is adventurous, spunky, and willing to go the extra mile to be apart of an adventure and the unknown. This read is fasinating because of how the point of view pulls the reader in and draws the reader into the story. The characters in this book seem to surround the story around the reader. The characters are seperate different beings with great personalites, which make everything work together wonderfully. I've enjoyed this book for years and I plan on enjoying it for many to come.

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia

2013-04-06T19:29:00.000-06:00

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia

by Shigeru Miyamoto, Eiji Aonuma, Patrick Thorpe, Akira Himekawa; Dark Horse 2013

Summary: Dark Horse Books and Nintendo team up to bring you The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, containing an unparalleled collection of historical information on The Legend of Zelda franchise. This handsome hardcover contains never-before-seen concept art, the full history of Hyrule, the official chronology of the games, and much more! Starting with an insightful introduction by the legendary producer and video-game designer of Donkey Kong, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, this book is crammed full of information about the storied history of Link's adventures from the creators themselves! As a bonus, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia includes an exclusive comic by the foremost creator of The Legend of Zelda manga - Akira Himekawa!

My Review: All right all you Zelda Fans! It is here and it is awesome! I bought it and it is AMAZING!

This book is dedicated to celebrating the long history of the Zelda. Hryule Historia is divided into four sections. First is, "The Legend Begins: The World of Skyward Sword," which is devoted to the most recent Zelda game. In this section is provides sketched and character designs. The second section,
The History of Hyrule: A Chronology," this sections provides the timeline of all the games. I found this to be my favorite section. It was full of detail information and images. The third section, "Creative Footprints: Documenting 25 Years of Artwork," this section focuses on character and creature designs. Like early sketches and final promotional artwork. The final section is a new manga story of the first Zelda adventure. This one section I found to be pretty interesting with its story and illustrations.

Overall, I love this book. It is a book that a Zelda fan will truly treasure.

Check out the Illustrations!

Finding Forrest's Treasure

2013-04-01T03:01:00.001-06:00

Finding Forrest's Treasure

Tips and Resources for finding Forrest Fenn's

Multi-Million Dollar "Poem Treasure"

By Maxwell J. Steele' Treasure Hunters Unlimited 2013

Summary: This book provides valuable tips and resources essential to finding Forrest Fenn's multi-million dollar treasure. The famed "The Thrill of the Chase Treasure", or the "Poem Treasure" contains valuable jewelry, jewels, and over 20 troy pounds of rare gold coins and golden nuggets. This book has the information needed to help you find it.

Maxwell J. Steele starts by breaking down the all-important nine clues contained in the now famous poem but he goes further by offering a tenth clue, personal facts about Forrest Fenn, and many extra tidbits and hints that will definitely help if you plan on searching for this treasure.

Extra treasure hunting tips are provided and two different methods for finding the treasure are discussed. The end of the book contains a resources section offering further ways to gather information for your search.

Review: I read this in one night. One word. DISAPPOINTING. It did not give me any insight whatsoever to help my find the Treasure of Forrest Fenn worth around 3 million dollars. It said things like "look on Google Maps." Thank you for pointing out the obvious Maxwell.I am about 9 clues ahead of you pal. For those of you who do not know about this famous treasure hunt that is taking place in New Mexico, Here is a link explaining it.

http://www.oldsantafetradingco.com/the-thrill-resource-page

I, however, after much research and studying of his poem. I figured it out. If only my brother would follow my strict instructions to locate the treasure. I think he doubts me. O well. Once I return to my home town. I will follow my gut instict and will never be heard from again.

Love Letters of a Lifetime

2013-03-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Love Letters of a Lifetime: Romance in America
By Dana Reeve; Hyperion 2001

Summary: The first book from Lifetime, Television for Women a lovely volume of the most poignant and romantic love letters collected from women everywhere.The tradition of writing love letters is almost as timeless as love itself. And in that spirit, in January/February 2001, Lifetime, the number one television brand for women, will celebrate its Love Letters of a Lifetime month, culminating in a special network television event. Together, these love letters reach beyond the ethnic, social, and economic boundaries to expose real love in all its forms. And to show that love endures, each letter is put into context of the current relationship with updates on the couples.

From bittersweet, old-fashioned letter-writing to cyber love the newest way to profess your love over the web this perfect gift for romantics everywhere crosses over from generation to generation and touches the heart.

My Review: This book melted my heart. It is a reminder that love does exist and that everyone's love story is something special. This is based on real life love stories and not some made up one. It is a collection of love letters from couples, that they wrote to each other from when they first started dating until now. it gives background stories and the actual letters.

I thought this read to be inspirational and just plain adorable. I really want to start writing love letters for my future husband and when I am married I will definatly countine to write him love letters. If you are looking for a good read, full of love then this is the book for you.

The Giving Tree

2013-02-26T14:08:00.003-07:00

The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein; HarperCollins 1964

Summary:

Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated

by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy.

But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return

My Review: Ever since I was a little girl I have enjoyed this book greatly. As I have gotten older I began to notice things about this book that I overlooked in my idolesent youth. The Giving Tree is a classic, sensitive parable about selflessness. Selfless love and giving is something to be admired.

Most people who read this book take it in different way. Either they like it or they don't. Some think the boy is greedy and takes advantage of Mother Nature's resources. Others see the Giving Tree as beautiful for her selfless love, even though it was taken to the extreme. But what will you see? What will your child see?

What do I see? I see a tree who puts the boy's needs above it's own, because it wants him to be happy. Putting someone else's needs above ones own is something we should all strive to do. I really admire this book. It is a beloved Children's book that everyone should read.

Dusty Britches

2013-02-10T14:05:00.002-07:00

Dusty Britches
Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2001

Summary:“…Dusty’s heart panged a twinge with she saw the bullwhip strapped to the saddle of one of the horses tied to the corral fence. “Why today?” she wondered. Why was her memory tarrying on a young cowhand from five years ago?

…Well…now,” a deep, masculine voice said from behind her, “if it ain’t Miss Dusty Britches!”

Dusty felt the color drain from her face…felt the blood seem to drain from the rest of her body and puddle in her feet. She was dizzy and nauseated all at once.

…There was only one person on the whole of the earth who ever called her Dusty Britches, and that was the cowboy who gave her the nickname in the first place. ...Dusty slowly turned around to see standing before her a man whose eyes were those belonging to a boy she’d once known—a boy who had grown into a man.”

Angelina Hunter was seriously minded, and it was a good thing. Her father’s ranch needed a woman who could endure the strenuous work of ranch life. Since her mother’s death, Angelina had been that woman. She had no time for frivolity; no time for a less severe side of life. Not when there was so much to be done—hired hands to feed, a widower father to care for and an often ridiculously lighted-hearted younger sister to worry about. No. Angelina Hunter had no time for the things most young women her age enjoyed.

And yet, Angelina had not always been so hardened. There had been a time when she boasted a fun, flirtatious nature even more delightful than her sister Becca’s—a time when her imagination soared with adventurous, romantic dreams. But that all ended years before at the hand of one man. Her heart turned to stone…safely becoming void of any emotion save impatience and indifference.

Until the day her dreams returned, the day the very maker of her broken heart rode back into her life. As the dust settled from the cattle drive which brought him back, would Angelina’s heart be softened? Would she learn to hope again? Would her long-lost dreams become a blessed reality?

My Review: This is one of my favorites by Marcia Lynn McClure. With Valentines Day approaching, I felt the need to read some of my favorite romances. Dusty Britches is a refreshing novel and a tender romance. It is definitely an old western love story. I think that is why I like it so much. Cowboys, rolling in the hay, cattle, wagon rides, and a bit of sparkin'.

I think out of all the characters in her books, I relate the most to Angelina. She is suffering from a broken heart and because of her broken heart she has become stern and hard. Deep down she knows she can be happy and care free like her sister, but that would mean she would have to open her heart again and risk it being hurt again. As the book goes on, you can see her come out of that hole, and open up. I seem to be in the same type of situation. Where you are at a cross road. Deciding whether or not to open up your heart again or stay the same and not get hurt again.

Ryder is a beast of a man. I am going to name one of my future children after him. He seems to be so patient with Angelina and helps her tear down the walls she has built. And his kissing abilities could make any woman swoon.

Overall I quite enjoyed this book and have read it many times. Hopefully you will like it too!

Watch Out For: Fighting, Kissing, some violence, and mild cussing.

He's Just Not That Into You

2013-01-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

He's Just Not that Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys
By Greg Behrendt, Liz Tuccillo; Simon Spotlight Entertainment

Summary: Everyone can use a daily wake-up call.

Now in bite-size mantras, the abridged empathetic wit and wisdom of the number one New York Times bestseller He's Just Not That Into You will recharge and inspire your dating outlook one wake-up call at a time.

For ages women have come together over coffee, cocktails, or late-night phone chats to analyze the puzzling behavior of men. Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo are here to say that despite good intentions you're wasting your time. Men are not complicated, although they'd like you to think they are. And there are no mixed messages.

The truth may be, He's just not that into you.

He's Just Not That Into You based on a popular episode of Sex and the City educates otherwise smart women on how to tell when a guy just doesn't like them enough, so they can stop wasting time making excuses for a dead-end relationship. This book knows you're a beautiful, smart, funny woman who deserves better.

My Review: I found this book in a thrift store recently. I adore the movie and I watch it quite often. So I thought why not give the book a try. And it was everything I hoped it would be.

I found it to be pure inspiration for those who have dealt with men who are just not into you. This book helps serve as a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and love. It was a nice slap in the face too. Sometimes that the man you like, doesn't like you. If he likes you, you will know it. Woman are constantly making up these ideas in their head and always fantasying. We all need to just calm it down. You will learn to recognize the idiots from good guys. It was a humorous read.

Watch Out For: Language and Sex.

A Clip from the Movie:

Untethered

2013-01-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

Untethered

By Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2012

Summary: As Cricket lay in the soft comfort of her bed, continuing to let her mind nest on thoughts of how truly wonderfully attractive Texas Ranger Thibodaux was, she giggled, thinking that looking at him was more refreshing than swimming naked on a summer Sunday afternoon. He was a tall drink of water—far taller than most of the other men in town—and his shoulders were as broad as the state of Texas itself. Sky-blue eyes, bronze skin, square jaw, and dark hair—and that smile! In truth, Cricket had only seen Heathro Thibodaux smile three or four times, but each incidence was something she’d never forget. His smile was bright and white, and the gold tooth he owned on the upper-right incisor of his smile only embellished the richness of it.

That one tooth. Cricket’s smile faded as she thought of it. Oh, no doubt the flash only added to the splendor of his smile. Yet it also served as a reminder to anyone who had ever read or heard of what had happened in Texas one year before. No doubt it was a powerful remembrance to Heathro Thibodaux himself—a visual indication of true barbarity, pain, and loss.

In that moment, Cricket wondered—when Heathro looked in the mirror each morning and saw that tooth, did he think of eight dead girls buried in the bottom of a bleak and barren canyon? Did he think of the eight dead girls that he, for no fault of his own, had been unable to save?

My Review: Right on Marcia! Right on! I don't know how she does it every time, but she can just set my little heart a fluttering with giddiness. Love her and loved this book. This has made it to my top five favorites of Marcia Lynn McClure books.

First of all the main character Cricket was such a lovable character. She was a do-gooder with a kind heart. Her love for people and her bravery was a great example to all. Especially me.

Now to Heathro! What a delightful man. Good heavens, he was such a beast. He knew how to treat a woman and be a man. He was one of my favorite male characters. He was strong and fought for what he wanted.

I thought this was one of Marcia's best. It didn't feel like the same ole Marcia. It was better. Trust me Marcia Fans, you will want to read this one!

Watch Out For: fighting, kidnapping, and passionate kissing scenes

Divergent

2013-01-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Divergent

By Veronica Roth; Katherine Tegen Books 2011

Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

My Review: OMIGOSH! While I was gone away to a foreign country for a year this marvelous book came out and I just barely got around to reading it. I couldn't put it down. I was so addicted and drawn to this book. Way to go Veronica Roth! I was really interested in the five factions and how people were divided. It kinda made me think about which faction I would choose. The training and decision process the kids went into to find their faction was beyond fascinating. I seriously enjoyed every minute of it.

Beatrice/Tris has made it to the list of heroines who kick trash! She is a tiny not so pretty girl who has this determination about her. She is determined to succeed and do her best to prove her self. To prove that she is not weak or like anybody else. She is someone people can really look up too. At times she really doubted herself, but she uses her bravery and selflessness to protect others.

This is an exciting dystopian thriller which has a sense of originality and it way addictive. Read it if you dare!

Watch Out For: Some kissing, drinking, violence, death, fighting, assault, and one incident of suicide.

The Lost Hero

2012-12-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

The Lost Hero
By Rick Riordan; Hyperion 2010

Summary: Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

My Review:

Yes, indeed it is yet another Rick Riordan book! I cannot get enough of him or his books. The Percy Jackson Series, Kane Chronicles, and now The Heros of Olympus Series.

Epic! Simply Epic! There are brand new characters, a new quest, and one heck of an adventure in the world of Greek and Demigods. The new demigods Jason, Piper, and Leo are my favorite! Even better than Grover, Percy, and Annabeth. At first I was really nervous to read this book because of my love for the Percy Jackson Series. But as always, Rick does the treat and sets my mind at ease and pulls me into this incredible world. Gosh! He has a dang good imagination. I simply loved it!

While reading you feel as if you are getting a little history lesson of Greek mythology. Both the Greek Gods and Heroes. The back stories of the Gods, demigods, and the heroes are awesome. I simply love Greek Mythology and the idea on having powers and weapons.

Two thumbs up! It's remarkable and I highly recommend it!

Watch Out For: Flirting, attacks, fighting, kidnapping,supernatural, and mentioning of deaths.

Gossip Girl

2012-12-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gossip Girl # 1

By Cecily von Ziegesar; Little Brown Books 2002

Summary:Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep--sometimes with each other.

S is back from boarding school, and if we aren't careful, she's going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn't fit into, steal our boyfriends' hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I'll be watching closely...

You know you love me,
gossip girl

My Review:
To be quite honestly I did not like this book at all. I found it rather trashy and disappointing. I was into the first few pages and I was like o no I know right now that I am not going to like this book, but I give every book a chance.

The story takes place in Manhattan young, rich, and fashionable. Where the characters Serena, Blair, Nate, Chuck, and others throw parties, fall in love, and try to get into Ivy League colleges. The story is narrated by the characters and the online site Gossip Girl. No one knows who this Gossip Girl is, but she knows and sees everything.

I am not into the snobby rich girl scene, where they just party every night, steal each others boyfriends, and keep up or ahead of the fashion treads. And yet hundreds of young girls want to be like them. They want the popularity, the money, the fashion, and the boys.And yet how to these girls feel about characters such as these? Do they want to be like them? Do they hate them? Do they feel sorry for them? Do they envy them? Something to think about.

But overall I didn't really like it and I don't plan on finishing the series. What will your opinion be?

What Out For: Sex, strong language, smoking, drinking, rumors, and gossip.

InkHeart

2012-12-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Inkheart

Cornelia Funke; Scholastic 2003

Summary: Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

Characters from books literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans, but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life characters.

My Review: I love the Inkheart series! There I said it. Have any of you ever wanted to journey into your favorite book? Well I have. Can you imagine being able to read the words and just like that a character or object comes out from the book? O I just love it!

Mo is such a great Dad and cares so much for his daughter Meggie. I swear I want his job. He gets to be with books all day and gets to fix them up and put them into great shape. Meggie is a lover of books and has good taste. She is also a skilled writer. And then there is Dustfinger who I have a crush on. Even though at times he is cowardly he still has a heart of gold.

In this book at the beginning of the chapters there are quotes from different children's books that really add to the overall appeal of this book. I love it when authors do this because he leads you into the chapter and then you figure out why they chose that quote.

I honestly fell more deeply in love with books after reading Inkheart. The literary references make this book worth reading. This is also a great book to read-aloud with children. I give it two thumbs up!

Watch Out For: Fantasy, threatening, kidnappings, and weapons.

Oh.My.Gods.

2012-11-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Oh. My.Gods.
By Tera Lynn Childs; Speak 2008

Summary:When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

My Review: Oh. My. Gods. And interesting take on modern day Greek Mythology. Dealing with the facts that the Greek Gods have descendants who develop powers. I am always up for a good modern day Greek mythology novel. I loved the Percy Jackson Series and I actually enjoyed this one.

The thing that bothered me the most was that there wasn't much fantasy. The kids all seemed pretty normal and acted like teens. Occasionally there would be a zap of powers, but nothing quite as drastic as Percy Jackson stuff (fighting evil, etc...).

I thought Phoebe to be a determine little thing and a well rounded character. She would push herself to the limit in running. I really envied her for her running abilities and awesome Nike gear. I felt really sorry for her at the beginning because she had to leave America, her friends, and school to go live with a new step father, on an island, and go to a school full of Gods. So I imagine it was a little rough for her. But then cross country, Griffen, and other friends make a difference.

I would say it is an ok book. Not bad, but not great. If you like Greek Mythology and just a regular ole YA novel then this is ideal for you.

Watch Out For: Supernatural powers, some kissing, mild profanity, and Greek Mythology.

Beastly ( Lindy's Diary)

2012-11-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Beastly Lindy's Diary
By Alex Flinn; HarperCollins 2012

Summary:
Diary,

I am locked away . . . with no one to confide in but you . . . and him. His fur, those claws—they caught me off guard at first, but now I'm noticing something else about him—something deeper. It's the look in his eye. It tells me he's got a secret to keep. That's okay—I've got one, too. I think I'm falling in love with him. . . .

Lindy
My Review: The is the Beastly story through Lindy's eyes. She keeps a dairy and records her captivity with the beast. Her thoughts, feelings, and actions gave a greater depth to the book Beastly. Finally we get a better view of the character Lindy and what her feelings were about Kyle and the Beast Adrian. We take an inside look of how Lindy came to love the beast and see the inner beauty inside him. For those who have not read Beastly or even have heard about it this is my review on Beastly. I suggest reading Beastly first and then this one.

Watch Out For: Drug usage, some kissing, and mild violence.

Bloody Jack

2012-11-01T22:19:00.000-06:00

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, Ship’s Boy

By L.A. Meyer; Harcourt 2004

Summary: Life as a ship's boy aboard HMS Dolphin is a dream come true for Jacky Faber. Gone are the days of scavenging for food and fighting for survival on the streets of eighteenth-century London. Instead, Jacky is becoming a skilled and respected sailor as the crew pursues pirates on the high seas.
There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl. And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret. This could be the adventure of her life--if only she doesn't get caught. . . .

My Review: Jacky Faber (Mary) is a spunky girl with a sense of adventure. In her debut Bloody Jack we can see her spirit and her sense of adventure. She is a fighter and survivor! Jacky Faber is girl involved in a man’s world. O how I love her. She truly grows in the series and she deals with so much. This whole series is great! If you love pirates and adventure you will love this book and series. L.A. Meyers draws you into a historical fun adventure. I really enjoyed it!

Watch Out for: Pirates, death, mentioning’s of women’s periods, violence, beatings, attempted rape, and some fighting.

Austenland

2012-10-25T16:02:00.000-06:00

Austenland
By Shannon Hale; Bloomsbury 2007

Summary: Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her love life: no real man can compare. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined.

Decked out in empire-waist gowns, Jane struggles to master Regency etiquette and flirts with gardeners and gentlemen;or maybe even, she suspects, with the actors who are playing them. It's all a game, Jane knows. And yet the longer she stays, the more her insecurities seem to fall away, and the more she wonders: Is she about to kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?

My Review: I first read this novel when I was a sophomore in high school. I eventually receive it as a present for Christmas and after some years I decided to pick it up again.And I must it was the best decision I've made in quite some time. As some of you may know, I am a Jane Austen addict. The society, the speech, the novels, the way of life and practically everything from that time period intrigues me. I have all of her books, the movies, and have been reading Jane Austen fan fiction for some time. Maybe it's the wit or romance that captures my attention. I will never know. All I know is that I have been pulled into the mind set of finding Mr. Darcy.

Just like Jane in this novel, so many of us have had the fantasy of living in Elizabeth Bennet's shoes and securing a Mr. Darcy. And when given the chance, how many of us would jump at the opportunity to go on a three week vacation to an Austenland resort and have men fall all over you like Elizabeth? It would be a dream come true right? But there is something that Jane learns in this novel that has really has changed my view of living the life of Elizabeth. Jane learns the difference between reality and fantasy. We spend all this time thinking how we should of been born in the 18th century to live the life of Jane Austen, when we could be living out our reality lives. Yes sometimes it isn't as exciting, but hey this is our century so lets live it out to the best of our abilities! There was a quote in Austenland that I loved. “Figure out what is real for you. No use leaning on someone else's story all your life.” How true is that! We need to find what is real for us and stop leaning on Jane Austen's book to find happiness. Amen and walk away.

If you are looking for some good ole romance, some Jane Austen, and some humor then this is the book for you. I truly do love this book and for the turning point of a life time in the mind of Channing. Genius. Keep on reading everyone!

Watch Out For: Some kissing and minor profanity.

Twilight Graphic Novel 2

2012-10-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Twilight: the Graphic Novel, Vol 2
By Stephanie Meyer, Young Kim ( Art/Adaption)
;Yen Press 2011

Summary: Having uncovered the dark secret of her enigmatic classmate, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan embraces her feelings for him, trusting Edward to keep her safe despite the risks. When a rival clan of vampires makes its way into Forks, though, the danger to Bella has never been more real. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people dearest to her? The second volume completes the visual adaptation of Meyer's worldwide bestselling debut novel and is a must-have for any collector's library.

My Review: Love Graphic Novels! Always have always will. Best adaptation of the twilight series. I prefer the graphic novels over the actual book. What I like most about the graphic novels is that they show my favorite parts in the book that weren't shown in the movies. The illustrations are just amazing and beautiful. I really hope that they do graphic novels for the rest of the series. All in all I loved it!

Watch Out For: Some kissing, fighting, and super natural (mind reading, vampires, etc...).

Becoming Jane Austen (150 Review)

2012-10-01T21:45:00.000-06:00

Becoming Jane Austen

By Jon Spence; Continuum International Publishing Group 2007

Summary: Jon Spence's biography of Jane Austen paints an intimate portrait of the much-loved novelist. Spence's meticulous research has uncovered evidence that Austen and the charming young Irishman Tom Lefroy fell in love at the age of twenty and that the relationship inspired "Pride and Prejudice," one of the most celebrated works of fiction. "Becoming Jane Austen" gives the fullest account we have of the romance, which was more serious and more enduring than previously believed. Seeing this love story in the context of Jane Austen's whole life enables us to appreciate the profound effect the relationship had on her art and on subsequent choices that she made in her life. Full of insight and with an attentive eye for detail, Spence explores Jane Austen's emotional attachments and the personal influences that shaped her as a novelist. The narrative provides a point of entry into Jane Austen's world as she herself perceived and experienced it. It is a world familiar to us from her novels, but in "Becoming Jane Austen," Austen herself is the heroine.

My Review: If I haven’t told you all this already I will do it now. I am a huge Jane Austen fan. I devour her books and any biographies on her. I was randomly walking through a local book store when I saw the cover of Becoming Jane Austen, I stopped in my tracks, picked it up, and bought it. I had just watched my favorite movie Becoming Jane the night before and could not get enough about the Tom Leffory and Jane Austen almost love story. This book is a biography of Jane Austen’s life that showed that Jon Spence truly knows about Jane and her life. The only thing that I didn’t like about this book is that at time Jon Spence put some of his own theories instead of fact. The best chapter in this book is when it talks about Jane’s love life and the relationships she had. If you love Jane Austen, then you will love this book.