Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman

Hey all! Alright I just finished this book on Thursday and it was fabulous! It is written by Neil Gaiman who is from the UK so it reads a little differently than I am used too. I had to look up a few things, such as "Sticking Plasters" apparently is the equivalent of a band-aid in America.

The book is about a man who returns to his childhood home and remembers a very interesting encounter with his neighbors down the road. The way Gaiman writes about the neighbors is just so fascinating! They were very unique and I was always waiting for the next crazy thing to happen!

Ultimately this is a story of growing up and maturing. Its a story about friendships and loss. Its very interesting to read a book from a child's point of view. It brings a different tone. Overall, I absolutely loved this book!

Highly Recommend!

Enjoy!
Bookworm

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

Alright guys I'm a little behind on my posts! So I'm going to catch up. Recently I finished The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp. This book was really great! If you don't mind the language or the constant teenaged drinking and shenanigans. . . this book is for you!

It is written from the perspective of a teenaged alcoholic named Sutter Keeley. Having lived an unhappy childhood, Sutter turns to alcohol for the comfort he is seeking. During a drunken episode he stumbles upon Amy, a shy girl in his class. Now before you think of this as another Fault in Our Stars, its not really that romantic. Since it is told from Sutter's P.O.V. , the romance aspect is lacking. He has a lively sense of humor mixed with an pessimistic outlook on life. He's such an interesting character and Tharp does an excellent job of making him painfully realistic and honest. Its almost refreshing to read! Anyways, this book is not very long, and has recently been made into a film! (Which I have yet to see)

Check it out!

Enjoy!
Bookworm

Descent By Kallie Ross

Hey all! Just so you know, I actually finished this book over a week ago, but due to a family vacation in the wilderness, I was unable to post any soon than now. But since I am back in civilization, I will do my best to review this book!

First off, let me say how much I love Kallie Ross. She's such a cute person. I used to listen to her Podcasts about the Twilight Series back in 2008 and both her and her sister are adorable people. I was even mentioned once! Anyways when I heard she was writing a book, I knew I had to read it! I believe Kallie self published. . . at least that's what my nook version said under Publisher. So Here we go:

I loved this book as a whole! I loved the characters! They were so full of life and their personalities were so cute and spunky. They were constantly making me laugh. The back story, the tribe of underground people, the descriptions, and the legends were all so interesting and it made me constantly stop and wonder if any of it was real. If so then I'm impressed by Kallie's research. If not, then I am equally impressed or more so with her imagination. The love triangle was cute! I really want her to choose Mateo, but I have a feeling there's going to be a Edward, Jacob, Bella thing happening in the future books. Lastly, I loved the way she ended the book. It was slightly elusive. You have some idea of what is going to happen, but there is still an air of mystery. I cannot wait for book 2.


I only have 2 negative comments and one isn't so negative at all really, just a preference:


1. I wish there was a way to have a hard copy of this book. I believe that  you can only purchase it via e-reader. But like I said, that's just my personal preference. Not a biggie.


2. I'm not sure if my next issue is because Kallie self published or if there was a typing error when they converted it to text or whatever. But I found that there were a lot of typos and things of that nature. Obviously, you are not going to catch every single one, and I know there are probably typos in this blog, but there were several large typos. I'm not sure how self publication works when it comes to editing. but you all know this is just a pet peeve of mine. It doesn't make this story any less awesome at all.


Overall I completely loved this book and if you all are looking for a good summer read, I definitely recommend this. It is only like 183 pages and I finished it in 2 days. So go get yourself a copy! Its only a few bucks on Barnes and Noble and I know Amazon has a version as well! If you want more information you can visit Kallie on Twitter, Instagram or at her website http://kallieross.com/


-Enjoy!!
Bookworm

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings = WOW

Hey all! I have just now finished the incredible Murder Complex by fledgling author Lindsay Cummings.

This book is AMAZING!

I am so impressed! This is, as far as I know, Lindsay's first book and its fantastic! It flows so well and the characters are spunky and oh so cool! Not only is her idea totally original, its brilliant! this book leaves you wanting more. .. Literally!

I don't really have any complaints either. I never found one error or typo which is a massive pet peeve of mine. I never felt like the plot got unrealistic or cheesy either. Everything that happened was believable for the story.

I cannot wait for the sequel! and if you haven't already, you guys need to check this book out! Trust me, you will fall in love with Meadow and Zephyr! Its a great dystopian meets fantasy meets sci-fi! there's a little something for everyone!

-Enjoy!!
Bookworm

The Saddest, Yet Most Inspiring, and Thought Provoking Book You Will Read--Jodi Piccoult's The Storyteller

Hey everyone! Last night I finally finished The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult.

I cried.

I laughed.

I was horrified.

I cried some more.

I ran out of tissues and had to buy more.

I lost sleep.

I walked away with a new perspective on  life.

This book will forever change how you see the world. It will also change how you see people. This book deals with the debate of right and wrong. . .black and white. . . and evil vs. good. This book is thoroughly researched and incredibly, and tastefully written. I know I have ranted and raved about Jodi Piccoult and her amazing work in the past, but this is truly an incredible piece of work. I could not put it down. I had to know what happened to Minka and like some of the other characters, I had to know what happened to Ania and Aleks. This book will blow your mind and make you question every shred of information you have ever learned in school about the Holocaust. . .well the little that was actually taught that is. I was completely astounded by the amount of information I did NOT know before.

Please, beware, this book is amazing, but it is also incredibly hard to read. I felt sick to my stomach half the time and couldn't see the words from tears the other half.

I am constantly surprised at how Jodi Piccoult shocks me time and time again. As is her style, you will be left with a massive shock and a What happens next?

THERE IS A REASON THIS WOMAN IS CONSTANTLY TOPPING THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST!

I HIGHLY recommend it!

-Enjoy!
Bookworm



P.S. next up: THE MURDER COMPLEX BY LINDSAY CUMMINGS  ***STAY TUNED***

Author To Watch: Courtney Alameda's Cover Release for Shutter!

Hey so remember Miss Courtney Alameda! Her novel SHUTTER, set to release February 2015  has a  cover! This amazing and talented (and I know because I have read bits and pieces of her work) woman got so lucky with this cover art! It rocks! If I didn't already know anything about her book i'd be intrigued. So naturally I am 100% more excited!

She is also doing a contest to give away 5 signed ARC (Advanced Readers Copies) All you have to do is go to http://www.hypable.com/2014/06/19/cover-reveal-shutter-plus-interview-with-courtney-alameda-giveaway/ for more information. Also read an interview with Courtney and find out all about her work and her inspiration!

Anyways look for Courtney's book on shelves next year! and stay tuned for more information!

Enjoy!

Bookworm


Also follow Courtney on Twitter @Courtneyalameda

or at her website www.courtneyalameda.com

Lindsay Cumming's New Release!

The Murder Complex is here! I have been following this Author for a while and I think her idea behind her latest novel is so unique! her book released last week and so far I've heard incredible
feedback!

"Cummings debuts with a bloody dystopian thriller, in which what’s left of humanity hides behind the great Perimeter and scrabbles over increasingly scarce resources. No one dies from natural causes, thanks to nanites in humans’ bloodstreams, and as a result violence and murder are commonplace. Sixteen-year-old Meadow Woodson fights to the death to earn a job that will let her feed her family. Everything changes when she meets Zephyr James, a mysterious young man secretly programmed to be a killer. Together, they confront the darkest secrets of their society, while battling each other and a host of other enemies. Cummings takes her dystopian setting to almost ludicrous extremes before springing a flurry of surprises on readers. The frequent perspective switches between Meadow and Zephyr are almost whiplash-inducing, and the characters prove hard to sympathize with: Meadow kills with worrisome casualness, Zephyr is almost too tormented by his role, and their predictable romance has little grounding. The setting remains nebulous, and the cliffhanger ending leaves much to be resolved. Ages 14–up. Agent: Louise Fury, L. Perkins Agency. (June)

VOYA, June 2014 (Vol. 37, No. 2) - Lindy Gerdes

In a world where natural death has been eradicated, only rampant murder can prevent overpopulation. Tough sixteen-year-old Meadow has been trained by her father to survive by any means necessary. Seventeen-year-old Zephyr is an orphan whose job is to clean up the heaps of corpses that pile up on a daily basis. Soon after Meadow and Zephyr meet, they find themselves in the midst of a battle to take down the Murder Complex, the system responsible for a murder-by-lottery method of population control. As Meadow and Zephyr unravel the mysteries of their own connection to the Murder Complex, a much darker world than they ever suspected is revealed. Incredibly short chapters that alternate between Meadow and Zephyr speed up the narrative, but the two perspectives are not drawn out enough to fully develop them into compelling, relatable characters. Their romance is equally peripheral; Meadow and Zephyr are mysterious to one another, but we learn little else about their mutual attraction that would explain why they rather suddenly fall in love. Hints at their connection to the Murder Complex will compel readers forward to a conclusion full of surprises but few satisfying explanations. Readers craving simple blood-drenched violence and fast-paced action may enjoy this read, but the one-dimensional characters and underdeveloped premise will leave many frustrated or bored. Because this title recycles a lot from popular dystopian fiction and gives little back, it should be considered for purchase only where readers have an insatiable appetite for anything dystopian. Reviewer: Lindy Gerdes; Ages 12 to 18. " (Barnes and Noble)

Like I said, she's cute, young, and incredibly talented! She is also on my to read list this summer! SUPPORT LINDSAY!

-Enjoy!
Bookworm

Also by Lindsay: The Fear Trials

Miss Kallie Ross's Debut!

 Alright! Do you all remember that Author I talked about a few months back?! Well, Miss Kallie Ross's book was just released last week and it is already getting fantastic results! I believe you can only find it in an E-reader version, but that's ok. I plan on reading it next! You should all support Kallie Ross as she makes her debut and read this! I know it is going to be A-mazing! Alright? Alright. now that that's settled! Have a great week!

Enjoy!
Bookworm

"Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…
Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead." (Barnes and Noble) (Available for 2.00 for Nook)

Next up! The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult

Alright next up on my never ending list of "to read" books this summer, is the amazingly talented Jodi Piccoult's The Storyteller. I cannot brag about her enough. she is just absoulutely amazing. She never fails to amaze me with her incredibly insightful messages and lessons. I always learn something new from her books. Whether it is a life lesson or a how to on one of the various professions she researches.

"Some stories live forever . . .

Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day’s breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother’s death. When Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage’s grief support group, begins stopping by the bakery, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Despite their differences, they see in each other the hidden scars that others can’t, and they become companions.

Everything changes on the day that Josef confesses a long-buried and shameful secret—one that nobody else in town would ever suspect—and asks Sage for an extraordinary favor. If she says yes, she faces not only moral repercussions, but potentially legal ones as well. With her own identity suddenly challenged, and the integrity of the closest friend she’s ever had clouded, Sage begins to question the assumptions and expectations she’s made about her life and her family. When does a moral choice become a moral imperative? And where does one draw the line between punishment and justice, forgiveness and mercy?

In this searingly honest novel, Jodi Picoult gracefully explores the lengths we will go in order to protect our families and to keep the past from dictating the future." (Barnes and Noble)

So far I am about 50 pages in and it is soo soo good as always!! Highly recommend!

Enjoy!!
Bookworm

The Mortal Insturments: City of Heavenly Fire FINALE! ***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Hello!

I hope the summer is treating everyone well! Aside from working, writing, blogging, and all the
various major life events that have occurred these past couple of weeks, I have finally finished the last installment of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series! All 725 pages of it! I feel so accomplished and slightly disappointed that they are now over. However, Cassie announced her new SERIES set to release late in 2015 titled The Dark Artifices!! I am beyond excited!

After finishing the 6th book, I became curious. Just how many pages has Cassie dedicated to this series? Well, counting up all the Hardcover editions of The Mortal Instruments series, the total comes out to 3,310 pages... Still curious, I wondered how many pages her 1st spin of series, the Infernal Devices, totaled out to be....the three books alone equal 1,518 PAGES! So naturally, I added them together to get a grand total for all 9 books to be 4,828 pages. This does not include each of the short stories she has written (the Bane Chronicles). This number has completely blown my mind!

Now on to Heavenly Fire. . . .

I cannot tell you all how amazing of a job she did tying things up! I was so impressed and extremely happy! However I have 3 pet peeves. I'd say that's pretty good!

1. I found several mistakes through out the book. Now I know it may not be possible to catch them all, but when its things like "Infernal" as "internal" I get a little frustrated. Especially when "Infernal" was kind of the name of an important object. I can let the little things go, but the editor should make sure the important words are spelled correctly. It's like misspelling the name of a main character. . . awkward

2. This may seem silly, But. . .and SPOILER. . .I wish Clary and Jace would have gotten engaged. I mean COME ON! 6 books and they don't even get engaged! anyway that's not really that big of a deal I guess lol

and finally. . .

3. I think....and SPOILER AGAIN... that they way she killed off Sebastian was a little too easy to me. It reminded me of the ending to Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer when she just let everyone walk away from the biggest fight in history. I don't know I just think it was a lot of build up for a weak ending.

I think though if that's all that I have to complain about i'm in good shape! I really did love it though! I CANNOT wait for Cassandra Clare's new series next year. I'm seriously like the biggest fan! So Cassie, if you are reading this. . . Lets DO lunch ok! It's on me! JUST HAVE YOUR PEOPLE CALL MY PEOPLE! LOL but honestly, she is one of my biggest writing inspirations! and I want to say a big fat thank you for those 4,828 pages! That is such an accomplishment! Anyways now I'm rambling so I will tie this up here!

Enjoy guys!!
-Bookworm

Maya Angelou: "Mother, Sister, Friend" and Mentor (1928-2014)

I'm sure most of you have already heard about the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou this last week. The news was shocking to me and I said to myself, "she can't be dead! I just saw her on the Oprah Life Class!" I was immediately saddened by the loss of such an amazing and inspirational woman. Although I had only been introduced to her work a little over 2 years ago now, Dr. Angelou had touched and changed my life so tremendously. Her insights on life and love and respect, have changed the way I see the world. She has taught me about religion and spirituality and most importantly, about forgiveness. Her written works have inspired me to want to write and like everything else you encounter, her writings have influenced how I write and I draw from that often. I think the most important lesson She taught me was the lesson of just being a good person. Being a kind person. Being a caring person. Smile at someone. And always remember, no one has the ability to control you or what you say.

Maya Angelou has touched the lives of so many people around the world and she will be greatly missed. Thank you for all that you have taught me Dr. Angelou.

 

 

-Enjoy!

 

Bookworm