Monday, August 27, 2012

January First by Michael Schofield

"A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her" - I could stop right here. This sums it up perfectly but I'll go on.

January first is not a date. January (Janni as they called her) is a little girl and her needs come first, they have to - she's 6yrs old and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

A lot of young kids have imaginary friends but Janni's friend can hurt her and tell her to hurt others, if she doesn't listen to them, she'll go nuts.

I'm amazed at what these parents went through (and continue to go through) every day with/for Janni. There were parts of this book that made me angry to the point of disbelief, I couldn't believe they were happening and the ending, the solution they come up with just to be a family will amaze you.

If you like a good memoir, this is a definite recommend.

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley

I was given a wonderful opportunity (by Bookreporter.com and William Morrow books - thank you!) to read and review this book.

I was immediately drawn into this book after reading just the first few pages. It reminded me a lot of a Jodi Picoult book: Lone Wolf + The Pact = The Promise of Stardust.

It's a love story like none you'll ever read with hope and despair. A young couple working against the odds of their age finally break-up and go their separate ways but when times heals the pain and they are reconnected they have an unlikely opportunity to rekindle what they once had and to start a family. If it were only that easy.

This book will make you think about things you never thought of before and you will realize that some things in life should be sacred - that you shouldn't have to fight for what's rightfully yours.

One last thing that I feel the need to mention, The Promise of Stardust is Priscille Sibley's FIRST book. I can't believe it. It's written like a pro, not like a novice. Well done Priscille!

I highly recommend.

Monday, August 13, 2012

What happened to my sister by Elizabeth Flock

"You're a rock in my pocket in the river of life."

What a heart breaking read. This is the sequel to Me & Emma and I loved that one so there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't like this one as well. And as soon as I opened the book and 'heard' Carrie speak, I was in love with her all over again. I missed her even. Elizabeth Flock has just made it impossible for me NOT to love Carrie. I wanted to bring her home so she could live with me - to show her love, feed her, give her a bath and clean clothes, to let her be a child.

At the beginning of the book, Carrie wants you to know that she's not crazy despite what they lead you to believe at the end of Me & Emma and despite what her mother tells you repeatedly throughout the book. The story introduces us to the Ford family and is told through the eyes of Mrs. Honor Ford, who meets Carrie as she's stealing croutons and cherry tomatoes from the salad bar at Wendy's, and Carrie herself. They are both stories of survival and told seamlessly.

If you care for Carrie at all (and how could you not?), you won't be able to put this down until it's over. This is a definite read, especially if you've already read Me & Emma, and if you haven't, do yourself a favor and read it already!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Gone Missing by Linda Castillo

This book is the 4th in a series. I really like the stories and how the author can tell it with such detail and suspense. It did feel a little like same ol' same ol' but I enjoyed it.

In this installment, teenagers from the Amish community keep turning up missing, one after another in a 100 mile radius. Kate is asked by Tomasetti to work on this case of his because of her understanding of the Amish. She becomes attached to the investigation in a way that she never expected and she's forced to keep a level head so she doesn't screw it up.

I must say that at one point, I was at the edge of my seat while reading. I felt like I was running with Kate. And I just love how I'm probably the only one who didn't see the obvious... I was kind of caught off guard at a small revelation at the end of book.

Yes, it's a recommend!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wool by Hugh Howey

I believe this is one of those books that I would've found to be much better if I had read it a little faster. The storyline was great and the writing was great. The book is actually broken down into 5 books, the first book I really liked and left a cliffhanger at the end that prompted me to buy the collection and I have to say I was a bit disappointed reading the 2nd book which is probably why my reading slowed down, I was so bored with the 2nd book but then the 3rd book started and I was sucked back in.

This about life in silo. An underground silo. If you are sent to 'clean', you are being put to death. You can't even talk about the outside. Those in charge are ruthless.

I'm trying to word this review without including any spoilers but I can't. I don't even want to talk about 1 specific person without giving away too much so you'll have to read this -like no other- book for yourself and draw your own conclusion!