I read this book because it was chosen for me through blind bookies, which is a book swap I participate in with my niece that we do each quarter. So I figured it was time to get to this one. I was unsure what to think about when I read the synopsis. After I finished it I found out that there is a sequel and now I feel pressed to read that one.
In this book we have Jerry who is newly entered into a private school and he posed the question to himself of 'Do I dare disturb the universe?' He asked the question and then acted on it. Meaning, he wants to be able to do his own thing, and not what everyone else wants him to do. When Brother Leon, a teacher at the Trinity school tells his students that they will be selling chocolate, voluntarily of course, Jerry is instructed by the Vigils, a disruptive group in the school, to say no when asked if he was going to sell chocolates. After a few days The Vigils say he is allowed to finally say yes. Instead Jerry wants to disturb the universe once again and goes against The Vigils wishes. Jerry quickly learns that no one really wants you to do your own thing, and he learns it the hard way.
Ok wow this book started out like eh this is boring, and I mean really boring and then BAM it picked up and I was interested. It became really fast paced and quite intriguing. It turned into so many things, bullying, strength, learning, and above all else just wanting to be able to do your own thing and not have to be a part of a popular clique. I feel like the first half was so dry and it could have been so much better. Had it had all of these great elements from the start it would have been a 5 star rating. I found myself seething at the end of the book because I feel like there was no justice served and it should have been, and then the old phrase comes into play of 'Boys will be boys.' So irritating, but maybe the sequel serves the justice I am seeking.
The characters were pretty good. Jerry of course who is a favorite was a protagonist in the story but I feel like he let the rest of the heathens get the better of him most of the time. The Goober, real name Roland Goubert, is another great character, who is caught in between and has some difficult choices to make, not all of them easy ones, not in this school. Then you have the great villains, The Vigils with their leader, Archie, who I held intense hatred for. I love a good character to hate. All of them added a lot to the story, and I found myself searching for a hero, but they never surfaced and I am hopefully maybe they will in the continuance of this story.
I am not sure who to recommend this 1970's classic to since it took me awhile to really enjoy it. It is worth the read but it take it's time to get there. So I suppose just pick it up if you like classics with a 50's feel to them and try it out. This would have had a higher rating had it been a hit with me from the first page, but a 3 is a pretty generous rating I think. I do look forward to finding the second book and seeking out the justice I crave.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
In the Woods - Tana French - 4.5 stars
I decided on reading this book as a buddy read with a few people as part of a Book-a-thon. I had this series for quite some time and figured it was time to get started on it. Now that I finished the first book, I am glad that I decided to jump on it, but not without a few struggles.
In this story we have Detective Robert Ryan and Detective Cassie Maddox, partners, trying to solve the mystery of a murdered girl, Katy Devlin, and the possibility of this surrounding a mystery of 2 missing children 30 years ago. Det. Ryan was involved in the mystery of the missing children and could not remember anything as he was just 12 years old at the time that his friends turned up missing, while he was found. Are the two cases connected? That is what they need to figure out so they can catch the murderer of young Katy Devlin.
I really liked the plot of this story a lot. Although it lacked a lot of action, it was still pretty exciting to read. I did stumble around a bit in parts of the story because it seemed to drag, but there are a lot of authors I just love who have this issue of wordiness, so I felt like I had to give this author and book a chance. Especially since the writing is beautiful and the characters amazing. So no the book is not fluid and easy to read, but the writing is amazing, especially since this is a debut novel. I hate that a part of the story was not solved, but I look forward to that coming to light in future installments. I also felt that there was some injustice served as well, but I can understand the reasoning.
The characters were definitely my favorite part and this is why I think it was important to read this first book. They develop so well throughout the story and I feel like they will continue to develop throughout the story. The best thing about the characters is that they are completely flawed and have such many issues. The author lets us into their heads so well that we can't help but feel all of their emotions. Characters, to me, are the most important part of a story. I appreciate what the author gave to us with the characters in this story.
I implore mystery lovers to read this series, to make it through the first book and not give up on it because you will not be disappointed. I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating, it would have been 5 had it not dragged in the middle of it.
In this story we have Detective Robert Ryan and Detective Cassie Maddox, partners, trying to solve the mystery of a murdered girl, Katy Devlin, and the possibility of this surrounding a mystery of 2 missing children 30 years ago. Det. Ryan was involved in the mystery of the missing children and could not remember anything as he was just 12 years old at the time that his friends turned up missing, while he was found. Are the two cases connected? That is what they need to figure out so they can catch the murderer of young Katy Devlin.
I really liked the plot of this story a lot. Although it lacked a lot of action, it was still pretty exciting to read. I did stumble around a bit in parts of the story because it seemed to drag, but there are a lot of authors I just love who have this issue of wordiness, so I felt like I had to give this author and book a chance. Especially since the writing is beautiful and the characters amazing. So no the book is not fluid and easy to read, but the writing is amazing, especially since this is a debut novel. I hate that a part of the story was not solved, but I look forward to that coming to light in future installments. I also felt that there was some injustice served as well, but I can understand the reasoning.
The characters were definitely my favorite part and this is why I think it was important to read this first book. They develop so well throughout the story and I feel like they will continue to develop throughout the story. The best thing about the characters is that they are completely flawed and have such many issues. The author lets us into their heads so well that we can't help but feel all of their emotions. Characters, to me, are the most important part of a story. I appreciate what the author gave to us with the characters in this story.
I implore mystery lovers to read this series, to make it through the first book and not give up on it because you will not be disappointed. I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating, it would have been 5 had it not dragged in the middle of it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher - 4 stars
I have had this book for quite some time and recently I have heard some very up and down reviews on this. Not knowing how I would like the book I jumped into it with no expectations. I felt like this book had a Hopkins feel to it and I actually quite enjoyed the story as it touches on a very serious subject, that being suicide.
In this book we have Hannah who decided living life was not worth much anymore, but before she ended it for herself, she made some cassette tapes calling out those people who pushed her towards this conclusion, one of which being Clay Jensen. The story focuses on Clay listening to these cassettes and dealing with his own feelings. This is also Hannah's story by way of these cassette tapes and also the aftermath as it touches on these people who in one way or another pushed Hannah over the edge.
The plot to this story I found quite unique, different, thought provoking and emotional. I tend to like to read real life based stories and I had not come across one told like this. It was very fluid, easy to read but also hard at times due to the content. I think the author tells a very real story, as real as it can be compared to the world today for a lot of teenagers. When they feel there is no hope, but also on the other side for those people left behind wondering why they did not do something more to help. Dealing with the guilt, sadness, and depression. I feel like this book is so worth the read, especially the ay the book ends.
The characters were also wrote very well. I had mixed feelings where Hannah was concerned. At one time I would think she had choices to make, she was dependent on others to make those choices for her, which is ultimately what happened, she did not let anyone completely in. And then on the other hand I can see why things seemed hopeless to her. It did seem like everyone went out of their way to do her harm in one way or another. I have to say though that I felt the most sorry for Clay. He wanted to help, but as many people have told me in the past, you can't help someone who does not want to be helped, but that doesn't change that way of thinking. It will always be the struggle of 'I could have done more.'
I recommend this book to anyone who likes real life stories, those kind that make you think, feel and see things in a whole new light, because this is story certainly accomplishes that.
In this book we have Hannah who decided living life was not worth much anymore, but before she ended it for herself, she made some cassette tapes calling out those people who pushed her towards this conclusion, one of which being Clay Jensen. The story focuses on Clay listening to these cassettes and dealing with his own feelings. This is also Hannah's story by way of these cassette tapes and also the aftermath as it touches on these people who in one way or another pushed Hannah over the edge.
The plot to this story I found quite unique, different, thought provoking and emotional. I tend to like to read real life based stories and I had not come across one told like this. It was very fluid, easy to read but also hard at times due to the content. I think the author tells a very real story, as real as it can be compared to the world today for a lot of teenagers. When they feel there is no hope, but also on the other side for those people left behind wondering why they did not do something more to help. Dealing with the guilt, sadness, and depression. I feel like this book is so worth the read, especially the ay the book ends.
The characters were also wrote very well. I had mixed feelings where Hannah was concerned. At one time I would think she had choices to make, she was dependent on others to make those choices for her, which is ultimately what happened, she did not let anyone completely in. And then on the other hand I can see why things seemed hopeless to her. It did seem like everyone went out of their way to do her harm in one way or another. I have to say though that I felt the most sorry for Clay. He wanted to help, but as many people have told me in the past, you can't help someone who does not want to be helped, but that doesn't change that way of thinking. It will always be the struggle of 'I could have done more.'
I recommend this book to anyone who likes real life stories, those kind that make you think, feel and see things in a whole new light, because this is story certainly accomplishes that.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Starters - Lissa Price - 3 stars
This is a YA Post Apoc Dystopian novel. I don't always enjoy dystopian novels because they always seem to be the same thing. Government controls the people telling them what they can and can not do and then someone attempts to overthrow the government often resulting in an out and out war. This one was different and I quite enjoyed it.
In this book there was a spore war killing everyone between the ages of 20 and 60. Callie and her brother Tyler survived because of being vaccinated. They lost their parents and found themselves living day to day and are completely homeless. Callie has the opportunity to work for Prime Destinations renting her body out to Enders so that they can be young again. Callie discovers an evil plan that she feels she must stop.
I really liked the plot to this story. I thought that it was quite different and unique. The author has built quite the world here but somehow it felt a little incomplete at times. Like it needed just a little more development. I also thought the end of the book felt a little rushed and too easy if that makes any sense. I expected a bit more to it, but overall it was a good story, it was engaging and a very fast read.
I like the characters but I did not really feel a connection to any of them. I guess that could be due to the fact that Callie is only 16 and this is the first book so maybe they become more relatable in the next one. I have a feeling that one part, a character, is going to be a little predictable. I guess I will see when I get to the next one.
I can recommend this book to anyone who likes YA Dystopian. I do look forward to book 2, Enders, and I hope that the world, plot and characters continues to develop more.
In this book there was a spore war killing everyone between the ages of 20 and 60. Callie and her brother Tyler survived because of being vaccinated. They lost their parents and found themselves living day to day and are completely homeless. Callie has the opportunity to work for Prime Destinations renting her body out to Enders so that they can be young again. Callie discovers an evil plan that she feels she must stop.
I really liked the plot to this story. I thought that it was quite different and unique. The author has built quite the world here but somehow it felt a little incomplete at times. Like it needed just a little more development. I also thought the end of the book felt a little rushed and too easy if that makes any sense. I expected a bit more to it, but overall it was a good story, it was engaging and a very fast read.
I like the characters but I did not really feel a connection to any of them. I guess that could be due to the fact that Callie is only 16 and this is the first book so maybe they become more relatable in the next one. I have a feeling that one part, a character, is going to be a little predictable. I guess I will see when I get to the next one.
I can recommend this book to anyone who likes YA Dystopian. I do look forward to book 2, Enders, and I hope that the world, plot and characters continues to develop more.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Undone - Karin Slaughter - 4 stars
This is book #3 to the Will Trent series and it is a mystery/thriller. I have to say I did enjoy the book, and the characters. It flows well with plenty of action and excitement.
In this installment Will and Faith have to find and stop a serial killer who brutally manipulates his victims through starvation, torture and rape, all while dealing with their own personal issues. Who will be next?
I really enjoyed the mystery to this installment. I think the story flowed well and had some pretty good 'edge of your seat' moments. I think the imagery was also really good with a great plot line while tactfully targeting eating disorders. So it had a great mix of different elements.
I really like Will Trent a lot. He has some major issues with some that have not been touched on yet. I am eager to see if in upcoming installments we learn more about him. I also enjoy Faith's character. She is tough as nails and knows how to get the job done. A great mix of antagonists and protagonists that are well developed throughout the series.
I recommend this book/series to any mystery lover. Slaughter pushes the limits between moral and immoral issues in her writing and I really enjoy that. Sometimes teetering on the darker side. I look forward to the rest of the series.
In this installment Will and Faith have to find and stop a serial killer who brutally manipulates his victims through starvation, torture and rape, all while dealing with their own personal issues. Who will be next?
I really enjoyed the mystery to this installment. I think the story flowed well and had some pretty good 'edge of your seat' moments. I think the imagery was also really good with a great plot line while tactfully targeting eating disorders. So it had a great mix of different elements.
I really like Will Trent a lot. He has some major issues with some that have not been touched on yet. I am eager to see if in upcoming installments we learn more about him. I also enjoy Faith's character. She is tough as nails and knows how to get the job done. A great mix of antagonists and protagonists that are well developed throughout the series.
I recommend this book/series to any mystery lover. Slaughter pushes the limits between moral and immoral issues in her writing and I really enjoy that. Sometimes teetering on the darker side. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Wonderstruck - Brian Selznick - 4 stars
I actually just picked this book up a week ago and decided I wanted to see what it was all about. So I put down my current read for a couple of hours and read this one. It was such a sweet book and I like it's originality with telling two different stories at the same time that come together beautifully at the end. One story told with text and the other with pictures. It was a positive read with a great story to tell.
This story is about a boy name Ben who lost his mother to an accident. He does not feel at home living with his aunt and Uncle. He finds some clues to who is father is and he treks off to find him in New York City. The time is the 1970's. We also have the story of Rose, told in pictures. She too feels as though she is missing something in her life and at 12 years old goes off in search of a famous 'silent' Actress. Her story is set back in the 1920's.
The pencil sketches were really my favorite part of the book and they told the story of Rose very well. It was like I really was reading text instead of gazing at pictures. The art was just amazing I thought. Now that I read this one I will be sure to pick up Hugo Cabret the next time I see it at our local used book store.
This story is about a boy name Ben who lost his mother to an accident. He does not feel at home living with his aunt and Uncle. He finds some clues to who is father is and he treks off to find him in New York City. The time is the 1970's. We also have the story of Rose, told in pictures. She too feels as though she is missing something in her life and at 12 years old goes off in search of a famous 'silent' Actress. Her story is set back in the 1920's.
The pencil sketches were really my favorite part of the book and they told the story of Rose very well. It was like I really was reading text instead of gazing at pictures. The art was just amazing I thought. Now that I read this one I will be sure to pick up Hugo Cabret the next time I see it at our local used book store.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Cress - Marissa Meyer - 5 stars
This is the 3rd installment of The Lunar Chronicles, and in my opinion the best of the bunch so far. I find this series has been really engaging right from the start and I feel like the books get better the further I go. I have every intention of reading Fairest before November when Winter is released.
In this installment we have Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress all working together for the greater good, with their sidekicks of Wolf and Thorne. The life of the earthen hangs tediously on Cinder's decisions along with the choice that Emperor Kai also makes where Queen Levana is concerned. Everything is coming to head in this book ending on a great cliff hanger.
Wow the world building and the plot both are fantastic in this series. If things were not so messed up on Luna I would almost want to live there since earth is made to look so inferior. I like the imagery as well. A lot of action, adventure and excitement in this book, I think it grows with each installment and I love that. They get better and better in my opinion.
The characters are amazing, and developed so well throughout the series. You meet new ones and cling to the original ones. There are a lot I love and hate and several I am on the fence about. The antagonists are some of the best created villains ever. I find myself seething at the thought of them. I have to say I love Thorne and he is probably my favorite of all of them. I also love how all of the characters some together and connect! Just very well done!
I recommend this series to anyone who loves YA Fantasy/ Sci Fi. It is a very well put together series so far and I look forward to continuing my journey through the pages of the Lunar Chronicles!
In this installment we have Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress all working together for the greater good, with their sidekicks of Wolf and Thorne. The life of the earthen hangs tediously on Cinder's decisions along with the choice that Emperor Kai also makes where Queen Levana is concerned. Everything is coming to head in this book ending on a great cliff hanger.
Wow the world building and the plot both are fantastic in this series. If things were not so messed up on Luna I would almost want to live there since earth is made to look so inferior. I like the imagery as well. A lot of action, adventure and excitement in this book, I think it grows with each installment and I love that. They get better and better in my opinion.
The characters are amazing, and developed so well throughout the series. You meet new ones and cling to the original ones. There are a lot I love and hate and several I am on the fence about. The antagonists are some of the best created villains ever. I find myself seething at the thought of them. I have to say I love Thorne and he is probably my favorite of all of them. I also love how all of the characters some together and connect! Just very well done!
I recommend this series to anyone who loves YA Fantasy/ Sci Fi. It is a very well put together series so far and I look forward to continuing my journey through the pages of the Lunar Chronicles!
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