Project 17

Project 17 by Laurie Stolarz.

Review:

This was a really good young adult book. I became interested in Danvers State Hospital after seeing it for the first time. The architecture and history of the building was haunting. I wanted to learn more about the building before it was shut down. I got a good view of it through this book. I wrote to Ms. Stolarz and she kindly replied explaining that she got a tour of the giant building before it was torn down. This was just a fun book that gave a little information on the history of the building and detailed the movie project a group of friends tries to create around it.

Evermore

Evermore by Alyson Noel.

Review:

This book reminded me a whole lot of "Twilight". It pretty much has the same plot and seems to be a copycat trying to fit with the "in" crowd. I lost interest pretty quickly because I knew I had already heard the story before. After reading this, I realized this genre just isn't for me...With the exception of "Twilight" of course!

Me & Emma

Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock.

Review:

I loved this book. When I first picked it up I kept starting and stopping. I couldn't get into the southern language and kept stumbling over it. I quickly got past that as the plot thickened with Caroline, Emma, their mother, and the abusive stepfather. There is such a dramatic twist to the plot that I just can't detail it any further. I took a wild guess as to what the ending would be when I had 100 pages left...read it and let me know if you had a clue too! If not, you're in for a surprise no matter what. I can't say any more, I don't want to ruin it.

The Mercy of Thin Air

The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue.

Review:

Raziela Nolan is in between worlds. She died tragically and made the choice to roam her old world following Andrew, the love of her life. Raziela haunts the home of a couple and witnesses the ups and downs of their relationship. She slips between the couple's life and her own past. This is a haunting story that is well written. For me, it was not a page turner, but still captured my interest and left me wondering how this book would end. It was a point of view I've never read from before and I liked it.

Twilight

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

Review:

I'm not in love with Edward Cullen but I thought he was a great character. Have a little fun with your reading. Don't over analyze. This book shows how captivated Isabella and Edward are by each other's worlds. Bella is in love, and yes she is consumed by it. Yeah maybe she shouldn't be so attached to a man, but she's young and she's learning. I think we can all relate to that. Edward is often confident (that's what makes him captivating) and thinks he knows what's best but he always tells Bella the consequences of their relationship; that he won't let her change her world for him the way she wants to.

I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the second. If you want a fun read, this is it. If you want to critique the heck out of it to declare yourself a literary marvel then you might want to read it too. For heaven's sakes just relax and enjoy.

Nineteen Minutes

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.

Review:

This is the fourth book I have read by Jodi Picoult and I love how she details this story from so many different views. I always wondered what would make anyone want such revenge against other human beings. I still found it hard to sympathize with Peter but I was able to see how much he was tormented and how it put him over the edge. This book makes you open your eyes and think about your words. We never really know how our words affect other people. The relationship between Josie and Matt was particularly interesting. This is a difficult topic to read about but Picoult handled it so well and gave a glimpse into the mind of someone it can be difficult to relate to.

The Tenth Circle

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult.

Review:

This was not my favorite book by Picoult. It's a sensitive subject and the way the main character twisted her story around so many times got on my nerves. I was also shocked by the activities of the teenagers in the novel. It seemed to come across that all kids acted that way and I know that's not true. I guess I wish Trixie used her own brain but being fourteen I can understand that she was at a confusing age. I liked the setting of Alaska; the details were interesting. I found this to be another quick read, but Salem Falls is still my favorite novel. :)

Plain Truth

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Review:

This is my second book by Jodi Picoult and I thought it was good. I read Salem Falls and that one was filled with so many twists and I loved it. This book did not have as many twists. It seemed to go in circles for a while but quickly picked up. The ending was great, and I had a feeling about it all along. I will definitely read more books by Jodi Picoult she does a great job describing the setting of her novels. I recommend this book; it gave a great picture of the Amish community.

Salem Falls

Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult.

Review:

This is my first Jodi Picoult book. It involves a teacher with a past he's trying to forget and a group of girls who won't let him live it down. Witchcraft is woven through the story and really brings it to life. I loved it and I am going to read more! I was in suspense until the end. Fabulous ending too! Makes you go back and think about what you read. :) Trust me, buy it!

The Edge of Winter

The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice.

Review:

I have to say I think the good reviews override the cynical reviews here, thank goodness. I too don't understand some of the reviewers of this book because I thought it was lovely. It's about a girl whose friends are changing while her views stay the same. She meets a young man who has similar views as she does. The same happens for her mother and both characters find how important it is to open up to new (and familiar) people. In fact, many of the characters in this book learn that lesson. This world is filled with people who are in a constant rush. This book showed me that there are still people who care about preserving things, and enjoying nature. If you're ready to sit down and take time to read a wonderfully written book, pick this one up.

I am now a fan of Luanne Rice.

The Choice

The Choice by, Nicholas Sparks.

Review:

I didn't want to, but I had to put this book down because my heart was breaking!! The romance between these two characters is so real and so strong. At one point I had to stop reading because I was getting too involved...I picked it back up the next morning and was so glad I did. This is such a romantic book and I really recommend it. Travis is an amazing character and I think a part of me fell in love :) This book will make you think about your own relationships.