"Out of the Easy" by Ruta Sepetys

I really enjoyed "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys so thought I'd give one of her books another try.

Summary:  "Out of the Easy" is the coming of age story of Josie, seventeen year old daughter of a French Quarter prostitute, employee of a local book store, mascot to a local whore house and someone desperate to change her lot in life.  As New Years Eve rolls around, Josie finds herself on the periphery of a local murder investigation that will challenge her loyalties and define her future.

My Thoughts:  Although "Out of the Easy" was written for a teenage audience, I really enjoyed the story.  The depth of the characters is extraordinary and their stories unfold in the perfect (for me) way---through showing, reacting and dialog instead of being told to the reader.

Josie is complex in the best of ways.  She's a child, only just 18 and has the innocence of someone young but with the street smarts and wisdom of someone who's been on her own for far too long.  Josie longs for her Mother's love while understanding that its a lost cause.  She loves and respects Willy but can't come to trust her completely because of the scars she carries from her Mother.  She has a place in the French Quarter but is desperate to leave and reinvent herself.  The choices she makes are absolutely believable but totally frustrating.

The setting is both exotic and compelling.  The underbelly of the French Quarter with its gangsters, prostitutes and gamblers is frightening making the bonds between characters both astonishing and raw.  Who would expect a Madam of a brothel to raise one of her girls' children as her own?  Or would expect information men to look out for the people they spy on?

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this story to anyone looking for something fast paced and engaging to ready.  Please note that it's probably not appropriate for tweens.

Rating:  I'll read this again some day when I want to be lost in the mystery of 1950s New Orleans.

Reviewed By:  Tami

Also Read By Author:  "Salt to the Sea"

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

I saw a picture of this book on instagram and checked it out from the library on a whim.

Summary:  Nick Young has been called home to Singapore for his best friend's wedding and it only seems natural to bring his girlfriend of two years home with him.  Unfortunately for Rachel, Nick forgot to tell her that his family is rich.  And not just really rich, but crazy rich.  Oh, and with his best friend getting married, Nick is now the most eligible bachelor on the island.

Rachel is unprepared to be thrust into a world where millions are spent each season on designer clothing and houses and apartments put castles to shame.  But what's even worse than being blindsided by the strange world Nick's family lives in is the unsettling knowledge that Nick's family and circle think she's a gold digger...and learning that they will hold nothing back to break them apart.

Full of intrigue, gossip and the idle rich, "Crazy Rich Asians" is a fictional but in-depth look at the insane lives of China's elite.

My Thoughts:  I didn't know what to think when I picked this book up, but I gave the gold and hot pink cover a chance and was soon engrossed in the insane lives the characters lived.  Each chapter follows a different character or set of characters through a two week period in Singapore.

Nick is the only son and presumptive heir to a massive fortune.  Taught never to talk about money, it never crosses his mind to warn his girlfriend Rachel about his radical lifestyle in the home country, nor does it cross his mind that his family won't love Rachel as much as he does.

Rachel is an economic professor at NYU and is thrust into a world full of social rules, unspoken understandings and gossip without any preparation.  Faced with the label of gold digger, Rachel must fend off bored rich daughters attempts to scare her back to America.

Added to Nick and Rachel are Nick's obnoxious, social climbing cousin Eddie, his classy yet fragile cousin Astrid, Nick's mother Eleanor and her crazy friends, and a variety of other crazy rich but slightly insane other characters.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters.  Their personalities, motives and lifestyles were planned out meticulously, which added a rich layer of detail to the story.  The plot was ridiculous, but was also part of the charm.  You can tell that Kevin Kwan, a native of Singapore, loves his country and its luxurious, colorful culture.

What I didn't like was the ending to the book.  I wanted the story to wrap up each story line with a definitive ending for each character.  What happened instead felt like a pat on the head and a "maybe to be continued."

Also Read By:  N/A

Reviewed By:  Tami

"Going Clear" by Lawrence Wright

I heard about this book when it was being made into a movie. Then I saw it on it the shelf at the library and picked it up.

Summary: This reads like an in depth expose on the church. The book explores the biography of Hubbard and the history of the church from its founding. It starts with a look at Hubbard's life as a science fiction writer and naval officer. It reviews deception in his service record and his injuries. It then goes into the creation of dianetics which evolved into the modern church. There was a significant period where the church was mainly sea-going and struggled with prohibitions in several countries. They endured a long legal battle with the IRS and governments in Europe.

Eventually, the church is accepted as a legitimate religious organization and grows. Much of their energy is spent on recruiting and maintaining celebrity members including a strong presence in Hollywood offering classes and workshops for movie stars. This book takes a close look at how the church treated Tom Cruise and John Travolta. It also has a lot to say about Paul Haggis, a famous screenwriter, producer and director. It examines claims of physical and psychological abuse in the Sea Org (the clergy) and the many practices of the church that have given it the terrifying reputation it has today.

What I Liked: Before this book I did not know much about Scientology beyond the rumors I heard from atheists and critics of the church. After this book I have a better grasp of what the church is like on the inside and what were major events in its timeline.

What I Didn't Like: This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. The only downside to an audiobook is that I don't have the same ease regarding citations.

Rating: Very informative. I recommend it for anyone who wants to know more about Scientology.

Also Read by this Author: None.

Reviewed by: Nick

"Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell

I saw mini reviews of "Fangirl" posted around Instagram.  I liked the cover, and people seemed to really appreciate the story, so I picked it up from my local library!

Image via Goodreads

Summary:  Cath is your average 18 year old on the cusp of college...well, average if you're afraid of change, confused by normal social interactions and obsessed with a boy wizard.  (So in my experience, average.)

"Fangirl" is about a girl who goes to college for the first time and finds herself totally out of her element.  Cath starts off alone, intimidated by her new life and a little scared to take the next step into adulthood.  She'd be just fine back at home, sharing her bedroom and her love of Simon Snow fanfiction with her twin sister, keeping track of her depressed dad, and eating from every taco truck in sight.

But college forces everyone to grow up, whether they're ready or not.

Cath soon finds herself making friends with her kinda-scary roommate, co-writing a story with a kinda-cute guy from her creative writing class, and learning about herself outside of her role as twin sister, daughter, and superstar fanfic writer.  Oh, and she meets a man.

My Thoughts:  Good books take the reader through a range of emotions as the story progresses.  "Fangirl" was no different.

I started out uncomfortable, possibly because Cath hits a little too close to home.  She's so anxious about starting college that she spends all her time in class or hiding out in her room.  Going to the cafeteria in her dorm or talking to her roommate are too much for her.  I can relate to this, as my own freshman (and sophomore....and junior) years were quite similar.  Because of my personal experience, and because I know what it's like on the other side, I was uncomfortable and at times disappointed in Cath for letting her anxiety keep her from meeting people and experiencing new things.

As Cath branches out beyond her dorm room, I got more comfortable with the story and started to revel in Cath's quirkyness.  Cath is unashamed of her obsession with the wildly popular Simon Snow series.  She revels in total lack of desire to party with her sister.  And she loves a good hipster sweater.  While Cath has a penchant for crying that occasionally made me want to punch her in the face, her quick comebacks and good heart kept me cheering her on.

Then there is sadness.  So much sadness.

And then there is the ending.  But you'll have to read the book to find out if it's happy or not.

Rating:  I recommend it, and I'll read it again.

Also Read By:  None, but I'll check out more by Rainbow Rowell

Reviewed By:  Tami

"Doomed" By Chuck Palahniuk

This is the sequel to Damned which I enjoyed. I listened to it as an audiobook.

Summary: Madison Spencer is a ghost. She spent time in Hell, and on Halloween she returned to the land of the living. If a ghost leaves Hell on Halloween, they must return by midnight, or be stuck in the mortal realm until the next Halloween. Madison missed midnight and began to settle in for the year. Like the previous book, this one has two intermingled stories. The story is presented as a series of blog posts, often referencing other users' comments and questions.

The first is a flashback to when Madison was a child, focusing on a long stay with her grandparents in upstate New York. She becomes interested in Darwin and goes on a Naturalist adventure. She then finds herself in a terrifying situation and recounts the death of her grandparents. Throughout these retellings we see the clues to a larger conspiracy to shape Madison's fate.

The other story follows Madison as a ghost while she stalks her parents. They hire a paranormal investigator to locate her. The investigator operates by overdosing on drugs and having near-death experiences where he then talks with ghosts. He finds Madison and escorts her to her parents who have built up a cult. In the previous book, Madison had instructed her parents to do a list of bad deeds in order to guarantee their family would be reunited in Hell. Madison told them she was in Heaven, and as they are world famous celebrities they shared the instructions with their followers. The cult of Boarism developed in which everyone is offensive, but no one takes offense. This new religion then takes an apocalyptic turn that has Madison worried.

What I Liked: This book builds off the first and answers many questions. It also develops the plot, bringing it to a new level. I love the little details Palahniuk includes, making the world feel immediate and real.

What I Didn't Like: This book has the single most disturbing death scene I have ever read or watched. It is described in careful detail and involves some very disgusting elements. It might haunt me forever.

Rating: I enjoyed this as a sequel as it fills out a lot of the story and builds on it, but it was not as compelling as the first book.

Also Read by this Author: Fight Club, Damned.

Reviewed by: Nick

"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman

Well, when I saw this audio book at the library I had forgotten that Tami had already written a review, but this book is new to me, and so I wanted to write my own review.  Ah, well. Neil Gaiman has a very good reputation among certain reading circles that I know. He is guaranteed to provide quality writing and creative storytelling. 

Summary: This book is presented as a man trying to recount his childhood on a rural road with some interesting neighbors, the Hempstocks. The tale starts with the family renting out a room and one of the tenants dying. This leads to a series of supernatural events that involve a spirit that goes around giving people what they want with disastrous results.

Much of the story has the next tenant, Ursula Munkton, as something of a villain. She seduces the boy's father and controls their lives. Much of the boy's problems come directly from Ursula.

Lettie Hempstock is a young girl living with her mother and grandmother. The three of them know more about the universe than they let on, with only hints sprinkled about the story. Lettie helps the boy with his problems and that forms the bulk of the book.  

What I Liked: This story is written almost in the style of magical realism where the world is presented as normal, but normal has a broader definition in the book than for we in the real world. This is partly because the main character is a child who is still getting oriented in the universe and asks questions more out of curiosity than disbelief.

What I Didn't Like: This is a forgettable story, for the most part. I couldn't write this review without reading a synopsis first, which I find surprising.

Rating: Entertaining.

Also Read by this Author: The Graveyard Book.

Reviewed by: Nick

"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion

I've had "The Rosie Project" on my to-read list since it came out.  I came across it on a new release newsletter published by my local library and thought it sounded good, so I put in a request.  When my turn eventually came, I wasn't able to get to it before it was due and returned it unopened.  Repeat five or six times and eventually I got tired of the process and just read it.  I'm so glad I did!

Summary:  Don Tillman is a genius in everything except social skills.  So when he gets it in his head that it's time to get married, he goes about the process as any genius would: he creates a 16 page questionnaire to filter out the smokers, the drinkers and the perpetually late.  Don's survey, dubbed "The Wife Project," is intended to help him find his perfect match without wasting a bunch of time.

When his first candidate appears at his office door, Don is flabbergasted by what he finds.  Rosie couldn't have possibly completed the questionnaire in a compatible manner and is completely unsuitable.  But after spending time with her, Don finds an excuse to see her again.  And against all logic, see her again.  Soon Don is finding excuses to see Rosie every chance he can get until "The Rosie Project" begins and Don's life changes forever.

My Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons.  The characters are all interesting and charismatic.  Don drove me absolutely nuts in an endearing, charming, immensely likable way.  Rosie was as real as it gets and stayed true throughout the book.  Gene was over-the-top, a little sad, but loyal to his friend.  The interactions between Don and Gene and Don and Rosie felt genuine and natural in a way that was totally believable.

The plot of the book was complex, fascinating and had me on my the edge of my seat with questions as the story progressed:  Who is Rosie's real dad?  Will Done realize that Rosie's a great catch?  Will Rosie realize that Don's not so bad?  Did Gene have a thing with Rosie? What is Gene going to do next?  I particularly enjoyed reading about Don's fascinating life.  As someone (a little) obsessed with charts, timelines and spreadsheets, I found Don's minute by minute schedules completely fascinating and weird and glorious.  I loved watching Don adapt to change and grow throughout the book as he came to realize that not everything can be planned ahead.

And the best part.....the ending.  But you'll have to read the book to see why.

Rating:  I'll read this again, and I just requested the sequel from the library.

Also Read By:  Nothing.,...yet!

Reviewed By:  Tami

"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman

This book was chosen based of a recommendation from a friend that is as much (if not more) of an avid reader as I am.  I got this book from the library and started reading it without knowing a single thing about it.

Image via Wikipedia

Summary:  A young boy (and now that I think about it....he is nameless) and his father find their stolen car at the bottom of a hill a mile from their house.  Sprawled across the backseat is the body of their boarder, dead from asphyxiation.  This gruesome discovery triggers an extraordinary chain events commencing with the appearance of Lettie Hempstock and ending with a terrible evil that must be banished.

What I Liked:  I'm finding it hard to put this story and my feelings toward it into words.  It's almost like it was more of an experience that a story, and one that I think is probably very personal to each reader.  So lets start with the basics:  "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" was quickly paced, extremely well written and had a rich plot that was both beautiful, enchanting and at times terrifying.

The story was told from the point of view of a 7-year-old boy, and while the main character's reactions were appropriate for a young boy, I found that the author used language that put me in the place of the main character and solicited adult reactions.  The story completely sucked me in and I found myself reacting to situations instinctively as the narrator experienced them

I also enjoyed that outside of the narrator all the main characters were women.  And these aren't run of the mill women...they were powerful, strong and moved the plot along.

What Drove Me Nuts:  There were moments in this book that made me uncomfortable, and I'm not a fan of being uncomfortable.  While I understand and appreciate a great books' ability to take the reader through multiple emotions, I was really disturbed by the bathroom incident towards the middle of the book.  I was further disturbed when the narrator accuses the antagonist of forcing his father to do something, and the antagonist replied "I don't force anyone to do anything."  It was mentioned multiple times that the antagonist was trying to give people what they want, so that response haunted me a bit.  Could a parent really want that for their child?  There were also several moments where I felt something like fear...but I'm a chicken so the average reader might not notice.

Rating:  To be honest, I'm still working through how I feel about this book.  I enjoyed it, but parts of it were unsettling enough that I don't know if I'll read it again.  Could be hormones.  Could just be my reaction.  I do, however, think you should check this book out.

Also Ready by this Author:  Nothing, but I'm curious to read more.

Reviewed By:  Tami

"Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls" by David Sedaris

I selected this audiobook because I am familiar with the author. He has contributed countless times to various public radio shows, and so I've heard him read stories on the radio growing up. This audiobook is read by the author, so the experience is very similar.

Summary: Sedaris has put together another collection of short stories. Each story is a self-contained tale from his life, using real people as the characters. For the most part it is true, with the mis-rememberings and exaggerations of time. He talks about his time in England, France, America and other counties. He talks about travelling for work and leisure. He spends a lot of time reflecting on his father and what it was like growing up with that sort of parent. And it is all presented in Sedaris' calm and relaxing voice. The comedy is dry and all the better for it. He tells you his inner monologue and lets you know you're not the only crazy person in the world.

He also has a special treat at the end of this book where he writes a series of short monologues explicitly for the purpose of providing content for forensics competitions. These essays are not true stories, but funny speeches Sedaris wants high school and college students to recite for audiences. I don't know if any student has used them, but I sure hope they do!

What I Liked: This is a very funny easy-going book. Basically, he is telling you stories. What could be better?

What I Didn't Like: Could have been longer with more stories, I suppose.

Rating: Very funny. Highly recommended, especially the audiobook.

Also Read by this Author:  Me Talk Pretty One Day.

Reviewed by: Nick

"William Shakespeare's Star Wars" by Ian Doescher

My best friend received this book as a Christmas gift and after reading it lent it to me. 

Summary: Honestly, this is the story of Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope. That's it. 

Well, there are some differences. Like how the whole thing is written in the style of William Shakespeare. Many of the speeches are adaptations of famous Shakespearean soliloquies or turns of phrase. I have not read many of his plays, but even I recognized a lot of bits here and there that were space-age adaptations of the Bard, like "Once more unto the trench, dear friends, once more!" for example. It was also interesting to imagine this as a stage production with actors reading these lines to a live audience. The play includes stage directions explaining where the actors should go and what they should be doing. The space battle even envisions pilots arranged on the stage to attack the Deathstar. 

Many times the characters have wonderful soliloquies where they explain their thoughts to the reader in a way that is never done in the movie. R2-D2 finally gets to say some things, but only to we readers. There are also a few illustrations that are inspired by the Renaissance era, but depict the high tech world. All around this is a perfect book for that nerd who loves sci-fi movies and Renaissance festivals!

What I Liked: This is a very funny book because this combines two things that don't necessarily go together. They pair up awkwardly which is fun to read. Since this is a retelling of a popular story, it also is a commentary on the story. We get to see what Doescher thinks about the inner minds and motivations of the characters.

What I Didn't Like: Shakespearean writing is always a bit frustrating for me.

Rating: AMAZING. If you like Star Wars (which, of course you do) then you will find this book very entertaining.

Also Read by this Author:  This is his first book, but I will be reading the next two in the trilogy.

Reviewed by: Nick

"Hyperbole and a Half" by Allie Brosh

A while back I stumbled upon Hyperbole and a Half, an entertaining blog which has short autobiographical stories, accompanied by entertaining drawings. I received this book as Christmas present and read it almost immediately.

Summary: This is a collection of autobiographical stories, many from childhood, in which Brosh reflects on things that happened and examines her internal thoughts while they happen. She discusses serious topics of depression, personality, motivation and does it in a way that is respectful and lighthearted. She writes with a high degree of insight into issues that most people try and avoid. It's clear she has a genuine interest in understanding her thoughts, instead of just having them. She spends a lot of time exploring the topics of dogs and dog training, kids parties, dental work, lost in the woods, hot sauce and what not. Each story is written half in text and half in pictures with a charming element that are enhanced by their poor quality.

What I Liked: This was a fun read, even as it dealt with some topics that are usually not considered fun. I also found a lot of points where I could relate to the stories when she reflects on the thoughts going through her head. Brosh is great at presenting stories in a way that maximizes their comedy and value. The pictures are exactly right to make the jokes funnier than text alone.

What I Didn't Like: It was too short. I could have been five times as long. I should warn potential readers that Brosh is not afraid to use words which are generally, and arbitrarily, considered offensive. If you are uneasy about "swear" words, I suggest you stick to other authors. This vocabulary did not bother me, but it might bother some.

Rating: Amazing. This is a must read for anyone who has an active internal mental life.

Also Read By This Author: Hyperbole and a Half website. 

Reviewed by: Nick

"The Butler" by Wil Haygood

This audiobook was selected because of its historical content. 

Summary: Shortly after the 2008 election of Barack Obama Wil Haywood wrote an article called A Butler Well Served By This Election. The article focused on Eugene Allen, a black man who served as a White House butler over 34 years for 8 presidents. The reason Eugene's story is so compelling is because he witnessed the changes which happened during the civil rights movement. From the article a 2013 movie was made, called The Butler staring Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker. 

Presumably, this book was to be the story of Eugene Allen in greater detail than a short article could cover. Instead, this book is the story of Wil Haywood and how he came to meet Eugene and write the article. It is also the story of Eugene attending Obama's inauguration. The second part of the book is a history of black cinema which leads into the story of how The Butler was filmed and produced.

What I Liked: It was interesting to hear the story of Eugene Allen, Wil Haywood and black cinema.

What I Didn't Like: We had expected there to be a more in depth look into Eugene's life, instead the book focused more on how the author was inspired by Eugene's story. It felt a lot like an infomercial for The Butler movie. It would probably be better to just watch the movie. 

Rating: Skip it.

Also Read By This Author: None. 

Reviewed by: Nick

"Beginnings" By David Weber

This book is part of a collection of books lovingly called the Honorverse because the first books started by following Honor Harrington, an officer of the Royal Manticoran Navy. I have read nearly all the Honorverse books, but this is the first one since we started the blog. 

Summary: First, a summary of the Honorverse novels, since this book is part of a series. In the year 2103, humanity began colonizing other star systems. The process was slow at first, but with new hyperspace technologies it became possible to travel faster than light and the number of colonies soared into the thousands. In the year 1416 Post Diaspora, humanity colonized the Manticore star system, where Honor Harrington eventually is born and becomes an officer. Most of the books are dedicated to her adventures commanding starships in battle against enemy star nations, pirates, terrorists and incompetence. There are also three spin-off series based on cool characters that are introduced in the main series, but only briefly cross paths with Honor Harrington, one of these series is co authored with Eric Flint. There is one more series called Worlds of Honor, which are collections of short stories which take place in the Honorverse, but do not fit in one of the established series for some reason or other. Typically they are about side characters, or take place a long time ago or just do not fit in the story arch. Also, Weber invites other authors to write short stories for the anthologies.

"Beginnings" is the sixth anthology and includes five stories, two by Weber himself, and one from each of the following: Charles E. Gannon, Timothy Zahn and Joelle Presby. The first story is about a ship captain on Earth, shortly after the Diaspora, investigating a merchant vessel taken by pirates. He navigates the harsh politics of a world torn between its desire to explore and its desire to keep everyone under control while he finds the masterminds behind the crime. The second story takes place in space around the young star nation of Manticore, before Harrington's time. The star nation has experienced an extended peace-time and a mysterious enemy wants to take advantage of the lull in military spending. The vulnerable nation is attacked and the Royal Manticoran Navy struggles to fend it off. In the third story, Allison Chou and Alfred Harrington meet at the university and undergo quite the adventure before eventually becoming Honor's parents. The fourth story is a glimpse into the childhood of Honor Harrington as she wanders around the dangerous forests of her home planet and has a fateful encounter with some treecats. And the last story follows one of the first female officers in the Grayson Space Navy as she navigates uncharted territory.

What I Liked: Being a huge fan of the Honorverse, I love these little stories as they provide insight into events that are hinted at in the books, but never explained. It's like the saying about New York, “There are 8,000,000 Million Stories in The Naked City”. Well, these anthologies are a great opportunity to see bits and pieces of the other stories on the fringe of the main story line.

What I Didn't Like: These are short stories, and there is a chance Weber will never expand on your particular favorite. And in the anthology you end up jumping from story to story that you come out of the reading groove more than usual, but that is true will all short stories. It's also strange to have four different writing styles in one book. They emphasize different politics, technologies and conventions, which can be off balancing.

Rating: Must read. The Honorverse universe is the best setting for a book.

Also Read By This Author: 
Main Honor Harrington series: On Basilisk Station, The Honor of the Queen, The Short Victorious War, Field of Dishonor, Flag in Exile, Honor Among Enemies, In Enemy Hands, Echoes of Honor, Ashes of Victory, War of Honor, At All Costs, Mission of Honor, A Rising Thunder, Shadow of Freedom
Crown of Slaves series: Crown of Slaves, Torch of Freedom
Saganami Island series: The Shadow of Saganami, Storm from the Shadows
Star Kingdom series: A Beautiful Friendship
Anthologies: More Than Honor, Worlds of Honor, Changer of Worlds, The Service of the Sword, In Fire Forged

Reviewed By: Nick

"Lover At Last" by J.R. Ward

I first came across the Black Dagger Brotherhood series while reading a book review on the first book in the series in one of my mom's First magazines.  It was during the "Twilight" phenomena and was coined as vampires for adults.  I ordered it from the library and have read every book since.

Please note:  These books are not for the uptight.  They're from the romance category and the author doesn't shy away from sex or sexy topics.  She also doesn't discriminate against same sex relationships, of which this installment covers.

Summary:  The Black Dagger Brotherhood returns!  The latest alpha-male, ass-kicking vampire romance installment showcases the first homosexual romance story I've come across.  Baylock and Qhuinn grew up as BFFs...or at least, that's what Qhuinn thought.  Blay, on the other hand, found himself hopelessly in love with Qhuinn and watched in agony as Qhuinn used sex and danger to counter his emotionally damaged heart.  As the guys grow up, Qhuinn's emotional distance and occasional downright obliviousness finally breaks Blay's heart and forces him to cut Qhuinn out of his life...and himself into the arms of Qhuinn's debonair cousin Saxton.  Except Blay can't stop loving Qhuinn, no matter how hard he tries.

What Blay doesn't know is that Qhuinn has a soft spot for Blay, even thought he knows in his (damaged) heart that he's not worthy of such a male.  Qhuinn tries to let Blay go.  But then Qhuinn is slammed with personal tragedy after personal tragedy that forces his heart to finally open.  But will bygones be bygones?  Will Blay unlock his own wounded heart to accept what Qhuinn is finally offering?

What I Liked:  The author pays respect to the long history Blay and Qhuinn have.  Their love drama has unfolded across several books, and I was afraid that one character would weaken and "give in" to other.  This didn't happen and I was so glad each character stood their ground.

I also enjoyed how Ward dug into the feelings of the supporting characters as Blay and Qhuinn's relationship unfolds.  She doesn't sugar coat the coming out process and she is honest about the characters feelings as they make their big step into being their true selves.  Brava, Ms. Ward.

I also really enjoy how the author touches on past characters from the series to move the plot forward (instead of just checking in) as well as introducing future characters for the next book in the series.  There are a few couples I'm speculating on!

What Drove Me Nuts:  The dialogue is sort of hip-hop fabulous (which I secretly like) and full of acronyms that I have to pause and think about or google to decipher.  I admit that this could be due to my own lack of coolness.  I also think the names of the main characters are a little ridiculous.  Qhuinn?  Zsadist?  Phury?  Vishious?  I totally get that each brother has a Warrior name, but do they have to have to be spelled like that?  My post is full of red lines and I'm pretty sure my spell check is going to revolt.

Rating:  If you like romance and vampires, this series could be for you.  If you're homophobic, you should read this so you can get over it.  But that's just my opinion.

Also Read by This Author:  I've read them all.  For a complete listing, go here.

Reviewed By:  Tami

"The Bride Wore Size 12" by Meg Cabot

I added this book to my library reserve list when I was planning my wedding.  At the time I was dying to get my hands on a lighthearted wedding story I could read to get away from the stresses of seating charts and RSVPs.

Summary:  Former teen pop star and current assistant housing director Heather Wells is planning her upcoming wedding at New York's epic Plaza Hotel all while welcoming this year's batch of freshmen to New York College when everything falls apart.  A VIR and his bodyguards cause drama in the dorm, her money stealing mama makes a dramatic reappearance on her doorstep and the curse of Death Dorm strikes again.  Will Heather be able to solve this years mysterious death and still make it to the altar?

What I Liked:  While I love a good and gruesome murder mystery, I also enjoy the more lighthearted (am I really saying this) murder mysteries.  "The Bride Wore Size 12" didn't disappoint.  The plot was downright cute, the dialog was entertaining and the over-the-top characters toed the line at almost unbelievable...but in a way that was so charming it only added to the fun feeling of the book.

What Drove Me Nuts:  There were two things that drove me a little batty, but they were really minor:

1. The plot and characters really did toe the line between hilarious and completely unbelievable.
2. This was clearly a recent installment in a series.  And now I have to go back and read the rest!

Rating:  Go into this story with a light heart and you'll enjoy it!

Also Read by This Author:  Abandon, Underworld

Reviewed By:  Tami

"Thankless in Death" by J.D. Robb

I am a Nora Roberts addict, so when I heard that she had a futuristic murder mystery series penned under the name J.D. Robb my heart nearly exploded.  I've been a fan of the "In Death" series from the first book and give it my full fledged recommendation.

Summary:  On the eve of Thanksgiving 2060 Lieutenant Eve Dallas catches a double homicide that should be easy to solve.  She knows who the murder is and why he committed the crime.  What she can't find is the man himself...and it looks like he's got a taste for killing and is going to strike again soon.  Can Eve find the bad guy before another innocent life is taken?

What I Liked:  You can't talk about an installment of the Eve Dallas "In Death" series without first exploring why the series in general is so good:

• The main character, murder cop Eve Dallas, is a bad ass bona fide hero.  She kicks ass, takes names, finds the bad guy and saves the day.  Every time.  She also has just enough flaws to keep her likable.
• Her romantic interest, Roarke, is gorgeous, rich, powerful, Irish and has the good sense to know his lady is fully capable of handling her shit without his interference.
• The supporting cast of characters are well thought out, brilliantly described, and totally likable.
• The series doesn't shy away from crime at its worst.  Even when the murder scenes are hard to read and the villains are truly despicable, they add to the story.
• The author describes 2060 in detail, from outfits to technology to fashion.  I can only hope to some day wear air skids as I send a memo cube to my uptown honey.

But I digress, on to what I liked about the book:  This was a new take on an "In Death" story.  Instead of trying to figure out the killer's identity, Eve knows "who did it" from almost the beginning of the book.  The big challenge this time around it to catch up to the killer, to get inside his head, and to figure out who he's going to kill next before he accomplishes the deed.  The premise felt fresh and I enjoyed it immensely.

What Drove Me Nuts:  I love the dynamics between Eve and her family and friends, but this installment offered little insight into Eve's personal life.  The author falls back on Eve's fights with her husband to show Eve's emotional side, and the fights often feel cliche and repetitious this far into the series.

Rating: I liked it!  Fans of Nora Roberts and light mystery will get a kick out of this series.

Other Books Read by this Author:  The whole series!  For a complete listing read more here.

Reviewed by:  Tami

"My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor

Summary:  It's hard to imagine a Supreme Court Justice growing up in the projects of the Bronx, but those are the roots that shaped Sonia Sotomayor into the first Puerto Rican Supreme Court justice in the United States.

This autobiography recounts Justice Sotomayor's life from her earliest memories dancing at house parties hosted by her glamorous and superstitious Abuelita, her diagnosis of juvenile diabetes in grade school (at the time a death sentence), her struggles to learn English and get passing grades in Catholic school, the hard work that brought her to the Ivy League, a failed marriage, working with Prada and her eventual road to public service.

What I Liked:  I was pleasantly surprised at how open this book was.  Sotomayor did not shy away from superstition, alcoholism, the prejudice she faced in the era of affirmative action or her views on having children.  The story was told as a narrative, in more or less chronological order and with emotion that felt both genuine and wise.

Whats Drove Me Nuts:  Not much!  I would have liked to read more about Sotomayor's professional life, but I understand why she spent so much time on her formative years.  It was inspiring to read how someone who literally came from nothing managed to work her way to the top of her profession.

Rating:  Read it!  Really, this book was a bit like reality TV, but where you root for the main character to win the whole shebang from the first introductions.

Reviewed By:  Tami

"Dead Ever After" by Charlaine Harris

Summary:  The last installment of the Southern Vampire series finds Sookie Stackhouse in one last supernatural pickle.  Perpetually unlucky Sookie is working at Merlotte's bar when her former friend and co-waitress Arlene walks in the door.  As Arlene had previously been in jail for arranging to have Sookie crucified, this is not a good thing.  Arlene's arrival triggers a series of events that has Sookie arrested for murder and her supernatural friends rushing to her side to help clear her name.

What I Liked:  I've got a soft spot for Sookie, even though she makes terrible life choices and has a strange addiction to Walmart, so my feelings toward the book may be a little biased.  "Dead Ever After" was a nice attempt to wrap up a long-running series.  A bunch of old characters made cameo appearances, and the author tried to write a legit murder mystery.

Was it genius?  No.  Was it a nice, easy summer read?  Absolutely.


What Drove Me Nuts:  The plot was forced, the story line was predictable and the end didn't really resolve anything.  When a series ends, I want to know that it's over.  This ending left too many possibilities open.

Rating:  It was OK.  If you've read the rest of the series, check it out.  If you haven't, skip it.

Also Read By This Author:  Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse, Dead and Gone, Dead in the Family, Dead Reckoning, Deadlocked.

Reviewed By:  Tami

September 2013 Virtual Book Club Pick: "And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini

"I suspect the truth is that we are waiting, all of us, against insurmountable odds, for something extraordinary to happen to us."  -Khaled Hosseini

Summary:  "And the Mountains Echoed" begins with Abdullah and Pari, young siblings from a small Afghanistan village, travelling through the desert with their father on their way to visit their uncle in the city.  What happens when they arrive sets forth a spiral of events that will separate them from each other and set them on paths to very different lives.

Included in the book are vignettes that are very different from, yet somehow tie, back to Pari or Abdullah:  A plastic surgeon from Greece, two ex-pats from California, an Afghani warlord and more.  Each story is unique but themes are the same:  family.

"And the Mountains Echoed" tells a complex story of loss, love, healing and family in a way that resonated in my bones for days after.  If you've read the book (or plan to read it), I've got some questions I'd love to discuss.  If you're interested in answering (or have a question of your own) respond in the comments.

"Sisterland" By Curtis Sittenfeld

Summary:  Twin sisters Vi and Kate have "senses" that allow them to occasionally see the future---which childhood friend's father is cheating, which high school classmate is going to die young, even who they themselves will one day marry.

As they grow up through a strange childhood, tumultuous teen years and into adulthood, Vi embraces her extra sense while Kate wishes for nothing more than to be a normal stay at home mom of two.
When Vi predicts a major earthquake on national TV, Kate is forced to come face to face with everything she fears most; her own psychic ability, being tied to her eccentric twin sister and worse...that her sister's terrible prediction may come true.

What I liked:  This story was about so much more than ESP, although Kate's ability to sense the future played a major factor in developing her as the main character.  Sisterland is about the relationship between sisters that are so incredibly different yet achingly similar.  It's about growing up and dealing with life the best you can.  And it reminds us that no matter what life throws at us, it all comes back to family.

What drove me nuts:  The main character tried so hard to be normal that she ended up a little boring.  Until the very end....

Rating:  Definitely worth a read!

Also Read By This Author:  "American Wife"

Reviewed By:  Tami