tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74083552815479434982024-03-05T08:10:27.598-08:00Book Club PicksEvahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-10890515996782723082013-08-06T18:57:00.002-07:002013-08-06T18:57:48.576-07:00Author Spotlight: Pam Funke
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The World at War by Pam Funke<br />ISBN: 978-1475102260 <br />Publisher: CreateSpace<br />Softcover (528 pages)</span><br /><br />Purchase the book here:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-World-War-Apocalypse-Series/dp/1475102267/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1370979560&sr=8-7&keywords=the+world+at+war+pam"> </a></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-World-War-Apocalypse-Series/dp/1475102267/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1370979560&sr=8-7&keywords=the+world+at+war+pam">Amazon </a>| <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3835811">CreateSpace</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-World-War-Apocalypse-Series/dp/1475102267/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1371996882&sr=8-5&keywords=the+world+at+war+pam">Amazon UK</a><br />
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<b>Contact the Author: </b><a href="http://authorpamfunke.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Pam-Funke/400956839999492">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/4HorsemenSeries">Twitter </a><br />
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<b>Book blurb:</b><br />
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<i>The second book in the exciting The Apocalypse series.<br /><br />Join General Alexander Ludlow as he continues on his mission to save the world. At least that is what he thinks that Operation Dark Angel is all about. He is however starting to suspect that this mission is not all that it's cracked up to be. The world is in complete chaos as major nations wage war on each other and the world is on the brink of World War III.<br /><br />The Group is secretly continuing Operation Dark Angel with much success. Unknown to the rest of the world they are the ones who are behind the strange and devastating attacks on Israel and around the world. What is it that they are really after when they are supposed to be bringing peace to an out of control world?<br /><br />Italian President Nicolaitanes Balac is steadily gaining political power and recognition. The entire world is watching this one man and wondering if he will be the one to save them from the chaotic spiral that the world is headed towards. Is he really who he appears to be or is he something more sinister? Can he save the world? Do we even want him to? Is this who mankind should rely on for help or will this be the worst mistake that mankind has ever made?</i><br />
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<b>Excerpt:</b><br />
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<b> </b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chee
Tsang, China’s Chief Executive, gathered the country’s military officials
together. He was ready for payback. <i>How dare Israel attack his beloved
country? Beijing is now just a smoldering disaster zone.</i> This fact alone
both angered and saddened him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Baojia Chan stood nearby looking over intelligence and working out a war
strategy in his head. <i>First we will attack Israel with missiles then a
surprise attack with our massive army.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“General,
I want your opinion about something. What will we gain from this? How will this
attack on Israel benefit the people of China?” Chee Tsang asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Chan looked back at the papers he was reviewing before looking at Mr. Chee
Tsang. “Well, I think that this will only work as long as we contain the
element of surprise. We then enter the country from here and here,” Baojia said
pointing at the military map.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I see.
But would we not have a greater advantage point from here and here,” Chee
asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I have
planned for the Immediate Action Unit to drop forces in at those locations,”
General Chan replied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But I
thought that we primarily used them to protect the country from terrorism,
riots, and the like. If we use them in our attack, won’t that leave the country
defenseless?” Chee asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes,
the IAU is primarily used for that purpose but as they are extremely good at
tactical maneuvers we will be using them to strengthen our military forces. The
Snow Leopard Commando Unit will be protecting our country while the military is
deployed,” Baojia replied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Very
well then, how long before we can make this happen?” Chee asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is
being done as we speak sir. In a matter of hours we will have our troops in the
air,” Baojia replied.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Chan has done well, although I wish that he had waited for my approval</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Chee turned and faced General
Chan. “You are doing a fine job. As I am not needed here I will be off taking
care of more pressing issues. Do not disappoint me,” Chee said. He then turned
and left the room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Chan turned back to his staff. “How much longer before the planes are loaded
with the troops and equipment?” he asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sir,
they will be ready for takeoff in approximately two and a half hours,” the
young soldier replied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Excellent.
Now I want you to launch the missiles at Israel. We will start by creating
chaos and panic and then the real fun begins,” General Chan ordered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes
sir,” the soldier replied. He then typed in the target locations, the order
codes, and hit send.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile
in Russia, Adolph Christophe, Sergei and Anya Petrov watched as missiles
appeared to approach the United States, England, France, and Japan. Adolph
watched as the imaginary missile attack from China, Israel, Iraq, Turkey and
Canada happened on screen. <i>How is it possible that Sergei was able to
achieve this? Won’t each of their security measures in place realize that none
of this is real? This is unbelievable.</i> While they watched their monitors
and various news feeds on the television nothing seemed to indicate that the
current attacks were anything other than real. This puzzled Adolph a little. <i>How
are they all being deceived so easily? Well it is of no consequence to me.
Although I do wonder how it is being achieved.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
he knew the truth, various countries were running amuck as they thought that
their allies were attacking them. What he wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall
and actually witness the panic and confusion going on in these countries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janet
Chu, the current director of The United States’ Homeland Security, was
currently in a secret meeting with representatives from each of the 50 states.
They were finally going to have a temporary President, Vice President and
presidential cabinet as their previous ones had been killed during the attack
on Washington D.C. The United States was a little chaotic and definitely needed
some guidance. The people of the United States would be given the opportunity
to vote for someone more appropriate later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Does
anyone have any experience that would govern them as a potential Presidential
candidate?” Janet asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
couple of hands went up. Janet rubbed her forehead in frustration. <i>How are
we going to fill all the positions?</i> “Okay, let’s do this. Those of you that
raised your hands a moment ago, I want you to give us a brief description of
your qualifications—a mini campaign if you will. Then after each of you has had
your turn, we will vote for the position of acting President, acting Vice
President, et cetera,” Janet said sitting down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay,”
they replied in unison. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Approximately
ten people stood up each giving their mini campaign in turn before returning to
their seats. Janet had to admit that she was very impressed with a few of them;
it was going to be difficult to vote. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now
before we vote, I want to remind you that it is imperative that we be fair and
think before we vote,” Janet said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before
they could even start casting their ballots, multiple alarms went off across
the room. Everyone in the room tensed up; no one said a single word. Janet got
up from her chair trying to remain calm and walked over to the computer
monitors. She looked at the radar screens then at the man sitting before the
computer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Tell
me that is not what I think it is,” Janet said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ma’am,
I really wish that I could. But we have ten missiles flying into our airspace,”
Joe Hogan said panicky. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Quickly
deploy the interceptor missiles,” Janet replied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joe
looked pale. “I did ma’am, they had absolutely no effect,” Joe replied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Where
did they come from Joe?” Janet asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joe
looked like he was ready to pass out. “Iraq and Canada,” Joe replied shaking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are
you telling me that those missiles came from our own allies?” Janet yelled
pointing at the screen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joe was
almost afraid to answer, “Yes ma’am, I’m afraid that they have.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janet
looked back at the representatives; they all had the same expression on their
faces. Janet hesitated for only a moment, “Joe, I want you to return fire
immediately. Defend our country.” Within minutes real missiles were now being
launched by the United States targeting Canada and Iraq.</span></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaxtUGbjSI_nTkCjLcCBINWaoj9x1AUJ8xK5PaGHkYvfSHxdbA2WLBH04zAijucFUDyWywLZoCd2uxvTEn1FeKGVeyyTxxc3QC0BBUHAJdLaFzjyCoXIW5B-8RMSUe0Qjt40frML6otU/s1600/Booktour1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaxtUGbjSI_nTkCjLcCBINWaoj9x1AUJ8xK5PaGHkYvfSHxdbA2WLBH04zAijucFUDyWywLZoCd2uxvTEn1FeKGVeyyTxxc3QC0BBUHAJdLaFzjyCoXIW5B-8RMSUe0Qjt40frML6otU/s400/Booktour1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-51101030867687258282013-07-07T18:32:00.000-07:002013-07-07T18:32:13.772-07:00The Amulet, by Alison PensyThis modern fairy story by Alison Pensy is adorable! Faedra Bennett, who lives with her father in an English cottage, discovers something life-changing about herself on her eighteenth birthday, including the fact that her best friend--a dog that arrived during her mother's wake eleven years ago--is not an ordinary dog! He's her shape-shifting guardian, Faen. And yes, he's sexy, strong, and honorable and already knows Faedra inside and out by the time he reveals himself to her. Now it's her turn to get to know him and her new role as custodian to an important object that is the key to saving her world and Faen's.
I loved every minute of it and can't wait to read the next book in the series!Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-55463342042561419292013-06-21T07:39:00.002-07:002013-06-21T07:39:11.929-07:00Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay AsherJay Asher's debut novel was brilliantly conceived. I can't say enough good things about the idea of having a teen boy (Clay) listening to the last thoughts of a girl (Hannah) who, by the opening of the novel, has already killed herself. Like Clay, we can't wait to find out how different people and events contributed to Hannah's decision. The book is hard to put down.
In the beginning, the use of audio tapes threw me off, because I couldn't imagine how a twenty-first-century teen would have access to such an outmoded form of technology. Nor did I have confidence that the subsequent teens in the tapes would have access to a machine they could use to listen to them. Asher gets around this by having Tony's story, which I won't divulge here, but it still required a leap of faith on my part.
The language of Hannah and Clay compensated for my leap of faith, pulling me into realistic teen drama, teen thoughts, and teen emotions. There was never a moment while reading from either Hannah or Clay's points of view that I didn't hear and imagine a real teen.
In spite of the realness of the teen voices, I still didn't always get a full sense of the characters, which took something away from the ending, since I couldn't recall Skye. Although I appreciated this clear sign that Clay had indeed been transformed by the tapes, I still would have liked more. I was disappointed not to see Clay encounter the others in the tapes.
Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to everyone, teens and adults alike.Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-37335517800673551492013-06-16T15:10:00.001-07:002013-06-16T15:10:47.406-07:00The Infernal Devices, by Cassandra ClareWhen a seventeen-year-old Tessa leaves New York to find her older brother in London after their aunt dies, she's abducted by the dark sisters and tortured into learning about a power she never knew she had. Little does she know that a terrifying mastermind plans to use her power to destroy the entire race of Shadow Hunters, known as the Nephilim.
I absolutely loved this trilogy. The setting, the plot, the narrative style, and the characters were brilliantly done. I especially loved the characters, which were amazingly distinct despite a large cast. My favorite characters were Tessa, Will, and Jem. They were all three so good, that you couldn't help but love them. All three books also continued to add new twists and turns to the story. Even the Epilogue of the last book has a surprising twist, and I loved it!
I highly recommend this series to young and old alike.Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-73808857667235456612013-06-10T12:58:00.001-07:002013-06-10T12:59:04.222-07:00Audiobook Giveaway!To celebrate the release of the audiobook edition of The Gatekeeper's Sons, I'm holding a giveaway. Enter to win a $20 Itunes giftcard, a $30 Amazon giftcard, and a free copy of the audiobook. The contest ends in one week, on June 17th.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a id="rc-72abbf0" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/72abbf0/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-67109485134199266232013-05-22T10:39:00.000-07:002013-05-22T10:39:30.952-07:00Expats, by Chris Pavone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<i>Expats</i>, by Chris Pavone, is about an American family in which the wife and husband have careers they keep secret from one another until everything comes to a head in Europe. Shortly after resigning from her CIA agent position, Kate is surprised when her husband, Dexter, says his job requires them to move to Luxembourg. With two little boys, Kate agrees to make the move only to find intrigue follows. Unsure whether her suspicious nature is making her paranoid or if her snooping is warranted, she nevertheless snoops to uncover one secret after another.<br />
<br />
I truly enjoyed watching Kate unravel the mystery surrounding her and found the book difficult to put down, especially during the second half. The author does a remarkable job of making what would seem an unbelievable tale believable by crafting consistent characters with realistic motives. Although I sometimes was jarred by the movement in time and felt the ending was abrupt, I loved the story and would recommend it.<br />
</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-59389574782741160352013-05-01T06:40:00.002-07:002013-05-01T06:40:34.477-07:00The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
It took time for me to warm up to the narrator (Death) and his habit of stopping the story to ruminate and make comments. I even had a bad dream that he had pinned me down and was forcing me to listen to his tale as he lay on top of me in my bed. But at some point, he became endearing, like the hot-mouthed Rosa. I fell in love with the characters and was enthralled with their joys and sorrows. I miss them now that I've finished their story.<br />
<br />
The narrator's descriptions were also a pleasure, and I felt the author found a way to infuse originality into a story humanity has needed to tell over and over since the Second World War.<br />
<br />
<i>The Book Thief</i> is a beautiful testament to the power of words--to their ability to kill and to save lives. It is also a beautiful testament to human beings in exactly the same way.<br />
</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-2526867289136235762013-04-24T19:54:00.003-07:002013-04-24T19:54:44.963-07:00The Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins<br />
I recently included the first book of this trilogy in my Young Adult Literature class at the University of Texas at San Antonio because I truly admire the world and complexities created by Collins. The characters are multidimensional and believable and their futuristic dystopian society has just enough similarities to our own with its use of television and propaganda, class striation, and exploitation of the poor to be relatable.<br />
<br />
I know many parents have criticized the level of violence in this series, but the ultimate message is similar to the one in Jonathon's Swift's <i>Modest Proposal</i>: We need to stop sacrificing our children in our political conflicts. It's no accident that Katniss is seventeen years old when many soldiers in our country and others recruit that age so that they are prime for enlisting by age eighteen. And families who pride themselves on serving their nation for generations in the armed forces are not unlike the career tributes.<br />
<br />
Collins's trilogy is anti-war in the same vein as <i>Small Soldiers</i>, a partially animated movie in which technologically advanced toys go to war with one another. But it is also fatalistic in that the rebellion and the Capitol soon become indistinguishable from one another in the same way as Orwell's men and pigs in <i>Animal Farm</i>.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this heart-wrenching, fast-paced series to young and old alike.<br />
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-9636139610512208802013-01-16T20:52:00.001-08:002013-01-16T20:52:48.554-08:00Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I enjoyed a great deal about this novel. I loved the concept and have never read anything like it, which is saying something because I've read a lot of books. I was also amazed by the author's imagination. Her descriptions of the circus, the clothing, the setting, the rooms, and even the books were so vivid that they felt tangible. I truly was carried away during the scenes at the circus, feeling like a <em>reveur</em>.<br />
<br />
I gave the book three stars because, for me, the heart and soul of a good story comes from its characters, and Morgenstern's, though unusual and distinct and memorable, were not developed adequately enough to make me invested in their journeys. There were times when I had to force myself to continue because I didn't care enough to feel compelled to finish their stories. <br />
So was it interesting? Yes! Imaginative? Absolutely! At times, breath-takingly beautiful? No doubt. But a compelling read it was not. Not for me, anyway.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-28359281578745477712012-12-12T20:41:00.002-08:002012-12-12T20:41:51.231-08:00The Host, by Stephenie Meyer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow. Talk about a wild ride. You get on and there's no getting off. You can't even stop to breathe! The tension is unrelenting. You have to keep going till the end.<br />
<br />
I loved the concept of alien parastites taking over humans for "the greater good," at first emphasizing the tendency for humans to be violent and unreasonable, and later defending us as the most desirable companions in the universe.<br />
<br />
I also loved the concept of two enemies sharing the same body, forced to get to know one another and eventually coming to love one another. I loved how the two identies occupying the same body have distinct personalities, which is underscored by their being in love with different men. The conflict of the two men both wanting the same body but being in love with two different persons is brilliant.<br />
<br />
The ending might have gone on a little too long, but that's my only complaint about this exciting, interesting, and moving read that has made its way up to one of my top picks!</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-33318290164011609232012-12-11T10:41:00.000-08:002012-12-11T11:00:56.215-08:00The Next Big Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The beautiful Stefania Mattana, from <a href="http://dailypinner.eraniapinnera.com/the-next-big-thing-and-chase-novels/">http://dailypinner.eraniapinnera.com/the-next-big-thing-and-chase-novels/</a>, contacted me last week, inviting me to participate in a world-wide movement known as The Next Big Thing, an author relay in which one author answers a series of interview questions and then passes the baton onto another. Thank you, Stefania, for choosing me!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><strong></strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><strong>1. What is the title of your book?</strong></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>The Gatekeeper's Challenge, The Gatekeeper's Trilogy #2</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>2. Where did the idea come from for the book? </strong><br />
I've loved Greek mythology since the eighth grade, when I read Edith Hamilton's <em>Mythology</em>. After reading Stephenie Meyer's <em>Twilight</em>, I wondered what would happen if something similar ocurred between a girl and a Greek god.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>3. What genre does your book fall under?</strong><br />
Contemporary young adult fantasy.<br />
<strong></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?</strong><br />
I have no idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<strong>5. What is the one sentence synopsis for your book?</strong><br />
In order to be with Thanatos, the god of death and the love of her life, sixteen-year-old Therese Mills must complete a set of five challenges designed by Hades, who hopes to see her fail.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>6. Will your book be self-published or through an agency? </strong><br />
Self-published.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? </strong><br />
Nine months.<br />
<strong></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? </strong><br />
<em>The Goddess Test</em>, <em>Oh My Gods</em>, <em>Solstice</em>, <em>Starcrossed</em>, and <em>The Percy Jackson</em> series.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>9. Who or what inspired you to write this story?</strong><br />
See my answer to number 2.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?</strong><br />
I'm holding a contest for my readers from January 1, 2013 through October 1, 2013. The winner will recieve a one-of-a-kind locket (resembling the one Athena gives to Therese in my first book) with this inscription from Alice Walker: "The most common way people give up their power is by believing they have none." The winner will also receive a solid brass apple with this engraved: "Hera's golden apple of immortality from the garden of the Hesperides." With parental permission, the winner's photo and brief bio will be published in the final book of the trilogy. Details can be found here: <a href="http://www.evapohler.com/contest">http://www.evapohler.com/contest</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<strong><strong>11. Which other writers would you like to tag to tell us about their Next Big Thing?</strong></strong> Please go check out my good friend, fellow writer, and Texan, Valerie Chandler, at <a href="http://www.vpchandler.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355250625_0">www.vpchandler.com</span></a>.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-79416164103409999592012-12-06T10:47:00.002-08:002012-12-06T10:47:32.445-08:00Author Spotlight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please meet the fabulous E.G. Gaddess, young adult author of Victorian fiction. Soon I will review her debut novel, <em>Dhampyr Heritage</em>. Go here to learn more: <a href="http://www.eggaddess.com/books/">http://www.eggaddess.com/books/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Meddon",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">Available now!</span></span></span><br />
<a class="image-link" href="https://www.createspace.com/3784144"><img alt="Front cover of Dhampyr Heritage" height="174" src="http://www.eggaddess.com/img/Dhampyr_Cover_front_copy.jpg" style="float: left;" width="115" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">It is 1909.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">Four years ago, Gideon's best friend - Christian - died. It was not a pleasant death. Gideon was the only witness.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">Gideon was sent to Portugal - to his grandmother's home - to be safe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">But the danger has followed him, and he is not the only one in danger. So, it is time to <a href="http://www.eggaddess.com/books/#" id="_GPLITA_0" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjgxMTc6NDpyZXR1cm46ZTQ3OTNhODE1MDEyNWNhMzg4MmVhN2NiM2EwOTUxZmE6ei0xMjQyLTY3ODY0Ond3dy5lZ2dhZGRlc3MuY29tOjIxMzYwOmNjZDE3MzI1MjI3OWFkYjg2YWMwMmY2MzhmNzI0NDBk" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings">return</a> to England - for Gideon to face his family, Christian's family, and the truth of Christian's death.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">However, Christian does not just haunt Gideon's memories, he's flesh and bone - and still 12 years old - a vampyr.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif",serif;">And then, there is Zola, a new friend, with her smile and strange words, whose guardian just may be the one responsible for Christian's current existence.</span></span></div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-63627373950653825542012-12-03T20:38:00.003-08:002012-12-03T20:38:52.443-08:00Starters, by Lissa Price<em>Starters</em> is a dystopian novel about a war-torn society in which unclaimed minors struggle to survive without getting caught by marshals, who want to institutionalize them. Because most of the middle-aged citizens were wiped out in the spore wars, the society consists of minors and the elderly. A power-hungry entrepreneur has developed a company called Prime Destinations at which impoverished minors, also called starters, can make money by renting their bodies out to elderly folks referred to as enders. Callie, desperate to help her sick younger brother, becomes a renter when things go wrong. The person renting her body pulls her into an investigation of Prime Destinations and she gets caught in the crossfire where she can't always tell who her friends are.<br />
<br />
There were a lot of things I loved about this book. I loved the concept, and thought Price did an excellent job making the technology believable. Other areas weren't quite as believable, in my opinion, and at times I felt like some of the language describing emotional scenes was a bit heavy-handed, but the logistics of switching bodies was well presented. The plot was also compelling. There was never a dull moment.<br />
<br />
Overall, I would recommend this story and look forward to the sequel.Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-73493343140635490942012-11-30T00:56:00.000-08:002012-11-30T00:56:01.326-08:00Goodreads Giveaway Winners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Congratulations to these fifteen winners of the Goodreads giveaway of the second book in the <em>Gatekeeper's Trilogy</em>, <em>The Gatekeeper's Challenge</em>. In addition to receiving signed paperback editions of the second book, they will also receive free ebook editions of the first book, T<em>he Gatekeeper's Sons</em>. Here are the winners:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="width: 193px;"><colgroup> <col width="193"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr><td height="20" width="193">Bhavika Mehta</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Shannon MacDonald</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Karin Ulik</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Jeremy Hibbs</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Penni Freels</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Heather Murphy</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Yasmin Abner</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Martha Campos</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">John Snyder</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Toby Scheerschmidt</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Mercedes Manley</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Melanie Sosa</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Doreen Alba</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Mona Lebdeh</td></tr>
<tr><td height="20">Sarah Martin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-69528724478889676222012-11-23T13:05:00.000-08:002012-11-23T13:05:02.645-08:00Insurgent, by Veronica Roth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just finished the second book in Veronica Roth's dystopian <em>Divergent
</em>trilogy, <em>Insurgent</em>, about a society divided into five factions,
each based on a particular value. Among the society, there exist the
factionless, most of whom have minds different from the others, minds that are
more flexible, that can see value in more than one faction. Those people with
more flexible minds are called the divergent. In book two, a group has arisen to
resist the efforts of one faction to dominate the others, but the motives on
either side of the war aren't as black and white as they seem. <br /><br />The
compelling plot had me on edge for the entire read. Although the fast-paced plot
was sometimes exhausting, I felt like Beatrice, the main character, unwilling to
rest. <br /><br />At times, I doubted twists in the plot and worried I was being
manipulated and would come to the end, disenchanted and upset. But the ending
brought all of the plot points together in a way that overcame my doubts and
reinstilled my confidence in the saga, and now I'm eager for the next book.
Hurry up, Veronica Roth! </div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-82543723369248304262012-11-23T13:04:00.002-08:002012-11-23T13:04:11.397-08:00Divergent, by Veronica Roth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
At first, I didn't think I was going to enjoy
this novel, because the choosing ceremony reminded me too much of Lois Lowry's
<em>The Giver</em>, but it didn't take long for me to change my mind. I was
quickly drawn into the action, into Beatrice's dilemma, and into her
relationships with the people around her.<br /><br />I appreciated how the author
represented all five factions without favoritism. All five had positive and
negative traits, allowing readers to decide which faction best represented their
values. I found myself contemplating which faction I would choose. My initial
thought was Euridite, because I love seeking knowledge, but I wonder if my love
for peace is greater, putting me in Amity. I would definitely not choose
Abnegation or Dauntless! Not sure about Candor, either.<br /><br />Although the
action was gripping, the relationships between the characters are what kept me
reading. Roth really knows how to draw her characters and make them real. In
fact, as much as I loved <em>The Hunger Games</em>, I think I enjoyed this story
more because of that, and I can't wait to read <em>Insurgent</em>.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-6223935402679603432012-11-23T12:57:00.003-08:002012-11-23T12:57:56.660-08:00Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth Wein<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This story, about two young women, a Scottish spy and an English pilot during
World War II Nazi-occupied France, pulled me in, yanked me around, and left me
feeling breathless. The narrative begins in Queenie's point of view, as she
writes to literally save her life as a prisoner of war in a French hotel that's
been converted into a place of torture by the Nazis. Queenie oscillates between
recalling what she knows of the <a href="http://teenbookpix.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_0" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MTMwNTc6MTg6d2lyZWxlc3M6NjU4YTdhMjNjYzQ0ZWM1N2U1ZmIwMDIzMzUwMDA4ODg6ei0xMjQyLTY3ODY0OnRlZW5ib29rcGl4LmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbTowOjA" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings"><span style="color: #d52a33;">wireless</span></a>
operators working for the resistence and Ally forces--including their codes,
locations, and activities--and details about her torment as a prisoner. As a
once refined, uperclass student at Oxford, Queenie employs literary devices to
dramatize her story for her captors, writing more than required. She also needs
to write, to help her deal with her terrifying situation and to return to a time
when she was still with her best friend, Maddie.<br /><br />Maddie, the English
pilot, is not refined. At a time when women were discouraged from flying--used
only as a last resort--she just wanted the opportunity. Raised by grandparents
who own a motorbike store, Maddie has her own motorbike (and independence) and
quickly learns how to work on engines. Once her talents are recognized, she
quickly becomes the go-to pilot for a French resistence unit flying by moonlight
on secret airfields getting people in and out of the country, not far from where
her best friend is being held captive.<br /><br />I don't want to give too much
away, but the story continually surprises to the very end while it
simultaneously pulls at your heartstrings. The attention to detail--historical,
geographical, and mechanical--was sometimes difficult for me to follow, and I
would think a teen would have even greater difficulty. I also worry the details
about torture might be hard on some teen readers. I often thought while reading
that the novel may be more suitable for adults. But maybe I'm not giving young
people enough credit. </div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-16510252376709390982012-11-23T12:47:00.004-08:002012-11-23T12:47:56.877-08:00Poison Princess, by Kresley Cole<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This post-apocalptic fantasy novel based on the arcana of the <a href="http://teenbookpix.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjIyOTM6MTg5OnRhcm90IGNhcmRzOjcwMzY0NTM5Yzc4ZWNhYzhiYmRiMTkzODFmZjc3MjgzOnotMTI0Mi02Nzg2NDp0ZWVuYm9va3BpeC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb206MjIxNDpjYzdjYzE1MDcxZDMyMDA2YWJkYjcxZjg4MWRmN2FlZQ" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings"><span style="color: #d52a33;">Tarot
cards</span></a> pulled me in with riveting action and compelling characters. I grew to
really care about Evie, the main character, and fell in love with Jackson, the
sexy eighteen-year-old Cajun boy who protects her through much of the
story.<br /><br />As much as I loved the book, I was confused as to why Evie was
telling her story to Arthur and couldn't believe she would tell this stranger
such intimate details. The ending explains why,but I wish the novel would have
hinted to this explanation from the beginning. The whole time I kept thinking,
"The author didn't need this frame around Evie's narrative. Why did she even
include it?"<br /><br />As wowed as I was by the revelations at the end of the book,
I was disconcerted by the many unanswered questions. Because this is the first
book of a series, I guess I'll defer my judgment until I finish it, which I
definitely plan to do! </div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-3173406704813526162012-11-23T12:47:00.001-08:002012-11-23T12:47:07.392-08:00Sabriel, by Garth Nix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm glad I read this story. Initially I didn't like it. Nix started the story off
with lots of action, but did little to make me connect with and care for the
main character, Sabriel. I pushed onward anyway, and became intrigued by the
author's creativity, especially with the necromancer's use of bells. LOVED that.
The charter marks and sendings were also interesting, as were the paper flyers.
The world, in general, was captivating, and by the last half of the story,
Sabriel's character began to shine. I also enjoyed the relationship that
developed between Sabriel and Touchstone. <br />
<br />
The empowerment of females is a major theme that made me love this book.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-30334931863256878112012-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:002012-10-19T18:49:10.347-07:00Unbroken: A World War II Story, by Laura Hillenbrand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lovers of history and stories of survival will love this true account of Olympic gold medal winner, Louis Zamperini, and his horrific experiences when he becomes a pilot and bombardier during World War II. <br />
<br />
The beginning was slow for me, but I don't blame the author, who had so much information to cover, that it only made sense to summarize Louis's early life, since what happened during and after the war must be told in greater detail. But once Zamperini's plane goes down in the Pacific and he and two other men struggle against starvation, thirst, and the constant threat of sharks, the book takes hold of you to the very end.<br />
<br />
Hillenbrand demonstrates a wealth of research as she recounts Zamperini's years as a POW in various Japanese camps, and the people involved come to life on the page. This book made me grateful for my life and the luxuries and conveniences I often take for granted.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-3490910770875283822012-09-24T16:33:00.000-07:002012-09-24T16:34:10.618-07:00Congrats Giveaway Winners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thanks to all of you who entered one or more of my Goodreads Giveaways. <br />
<br />
Congrats to the following winners of signed paperback copies of <em>The Mystery Box</em>:<br />
Anastasia Berrer of Dover, Delaware<br />
Joan Bohl of Vincent, Ohio<br />
and Robin Weatherington of Sunnyvale, California<br />
<br />
Congrats to these winners of signed paperback copies of <em>The Gatekeeper's Sons</em>:<br />
Gabi Nygaard of Forest Grove, Oregon<br />
Renea Sellers of Keystone Heights, Florida<br />
and Kimberly Micciche of Saugus, California<br />
<br />
The books have been shipped and should arrive within the week. I hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-31847797051247567522012-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:002012-09-15T14:37:23.007-07:00Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Gillian Flynn parallels us readers to her characters and indicts us along with them!<br />
<br />
Amy, a native New Yorker and only child and the star of a children's book series called <em>Amazing Amy</em>, written by her parents, makes a point of mentioning in her diary that she is becoming the kind of person she used to mock: the domestic, unappreciated wife who'll do anything to keep her man happy. Her point of view alternates with that of her husband, Nick--a native midwesterner who lives his life trying not to be like his misogynistic father. Nick has been babied by a doting mother and fraternal twin sister and so has never been a take-charge kind of guy. This fact about him makes it believable that his life could go so wrong so quickly without him having the slightest clue until it is much, much too late.<br />
<br />
When Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, we, like the ever vigilant press, sift through the clues to piece together what happened. Although we read from the points of view of both characters, neither are quick to reveal their cards. Like the cops and the press, we oscillate between theories. I never thought I would be the kind of person who would quickly jump to conclusions--just as Amy and Nick thought they'd never become certain kinds of people. They become those kinds of people; I become those kinds of people. And it happens again and again as the story takes on turn after turn.<br />
<br />
I think, "I would never be a cheater," and then some new information makes me see why, in a certain situation, I, too might become one. I think, "I would never be a killer," and then I, too, can see myself wanting to kill someone. I think, "I would never stay with someone who treats people that way," and then, once again, I think, yes, for that reason, I would stay, too.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to be vague so this review doesn't spoil the wonderful surprises awaiting you! You won't be disappointed!</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-54465116978446457902012-08-29T18:54:00.001-07:002012-08-29T18:54:24.446-07:00The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I found this story to be an easy, engaging look into one man's attempt to negotiate family crises, but what makes it different from other domestic stories is its point of view: an old and loyal dog named Enzo, companion to the real protagonist, Denny. Enzo is the kind of narrator you can't help but love. He offers the best of both third person and first person narration. He can zoom in and out of Denny's story, contemplate it, and add his own hopes and struggles to the mix. I really enjoyed getting to know Enzo.<br />
<br />
One other spin on what might otherwise be just another domestic crisis story is Stein's use of the racing metaphor. It's more than a metaphor, because professional car racing is Denny's lifelong dream, and it continually gets held off and challenged because of his wife's illness and his in-laws' overbearing need to have control over his daughter's life. But I loved how the racing plays double duty as this metaphor for navigating through life. The techniques for successfully racing in the rain also apply to making it through the hard knocks in life. You'll have to read the book to find out what those are.</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-73507641565523667442012-08-27T10:56:00.000-07:002012-08-27T10:56:15.139-07:00Goodreads Giveaways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two of my books are being offered in a Goodreads Giveaway ending Sept. 24th. If you're interested in my teen fantasy, The Gatekeeper's Sons, please go here: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/31833-the-gatekeeper-s-sons-gatekeeper-s-trilogy-book-one">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/31833-the-gatekeeper-s-sons-gatekeeper-s-trilogy-book-one</a><br />
<br />
If you're interested in my adult suspense, The Mystery Box, please go here:<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/31834-the-mystery-box">http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/31834-the-mystery-box</a><br />
<br />
Good luck! I hope you win!<br />
</div>
Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408355281547943498.post-44665351932779850872012-07-25T22:56:00.001-07:002012-07-26T09:06:26.704-07:0011/22/63, by Stephen King<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you're looking for a compelling read, 11/22/63 won't disappoint. I was hooked within the first five pages and, even though this was a long book, finished within a few days. Without giving away too much, our main character, Jake Epping, teaches high school English in a small Maine town, recently divorced, no kids, and satisfied with helping GED students on the side when the owner of his favorite hamburger joint asks him for a favor. It's the last wish of a dying man. His wish is simple: go through the rabbit hole in his pantry, which always takes you back to Semptember 9, 1958, hang out for five years, and save JFK's life.<br />
<br />
It turns out to be not so simple.<br />
<br />
Poor Jake. I can't begin to tell you all the shit he goes through trying to make this happen, not to mention the ethical dilemma of killing a man who has not yet committed a crime. To make matters worse, he falls in love, and--you guessed it--must choose between the love of his life and saving the president's life.<br />
<br />
I won't tell you the ending, though I will say I was hoping for something different from the yellow card man. Read it yourself. You'll love it.<br />
<br /></div>Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15019769814132397985noreply@blogger.com0