FINALLY

While on vacation for two weeks, I only read one book. I was supposed to read a whole slew of novels but I did something completely out of character and got out of the house and out of town. I went to SC and GA and had a blast. I just didn't have the time to read. But now I feel like myself again and am back to my old ways.

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson
A fantasy adventure novel for young readers
5 STAR RATING
A NEW FAVORITE

I finally got around to reading this novel and I'm glad that I didn't return it to the library without finishing it. It's so damn good! The story is completely original and the characters are awesome. They just click, everything was in sync. The writing, the plot, the tone, it was all working for me. I am both happy and disappointed that this was a stand alone novel. It's rare to find a fantasy novel that isn't a platform for a new series. But this was so good that I hoped it actually was. I want more Piper, Anna, and Gee. Speaking of Gee, I loved the romance between him and Piper. Since they're so young, I was worried it would be handled poorly; like most teen books. But theirs was sweet and natural. Gee was such a sweetheart. If only all books were like this one. 

Just one?

I've been on vacation for two and a half weeks and I've only read one book...And it was an e-book that couldn't have been more than 150 pages. I just could bring myself to read while I was off work. I did plenty of other things and enjoyed myself immensely. I guess that's all that matters.

Unexpected by Sarah Morgan
A erotic romance published through Cosmo Red-Hot reads from Harlequin
3 STAR RATING

I got everything that I expected from this book. A hot guy, a cute girl, and steamy love scenes. What more could a romance junkie ask for? Well, if I'm being picky, I'd have loved a longer story. 

Little treats

Double, double. I read two books that I just loved. They are completely different but both are just dripping with awesome sauce :)

Zom-B Circus by Darren Shan
The companion novella to the Zom-B series
4 STAR RATING

This was a great companion novella to this twisted series. Cat Ward fits right in with her inhuman survival tendencies. She's a character you love to hate. And I love that her trash talking B is what sealed her horrible fate. If you don't have anything nice to say, just shut the hell up.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A Christmas classic for young children
4 STAR RATING

This is another cute kid's book that I've never read before. I couldn't get into the movie because the CGI was really creepy. But the art in the book is amazing and sucks you in. The story is short, simple and to the point. The ending is a bit sad but it sends a great message to kids. As long as you believe, it doesn't matter what other people think.

Kid's Korner

Some of the best books I've read have been children's books. A lot of adults give them a bad rep just like young adult novels but I think any book has the potential to be great. It doesn't matter if it's for kids, teens, or adults. Books are books and they're amazing :)

The Beast from the East by R.L. Stine

The 43rd book in the original Goosebumps series

2 STAR RATING

And this is why I will never go camping. It would be my luck to run into some talking beasts that play a game of tag that ends in murder. But the ending was the worst part. They don't even find their parents. Where the hell are the parents?! I'm pretty sure they got eaten.

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

A classic children's folktale

4 STAR RATING

How have I never read this book before today? It's so cute and funny and everything a children's book should be. It teaches a lesson without the kid knowing their learning a lesson. Don't touch stuff that I specifically say not to touch. I will find out and you will be punished. And I hope I wasn't the only one that thought the ending was going to be dark. I just had a feeling that I was going to see Big Anthony explode from eating all that pasta on the last page.

Should have been better

When I feel like a book should be absolutely amaze balls, you better freaking deliver.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
A coming of age story about a set of twins, Jude and Noah
2 STAR RATING

My expectations were very high for this reading experience and I'm left feeling completely let down. The writing was overly dramatic and kept me from falling into the story and getting to know the characters. And the characters were little drama queens themselves, making it difficult to sympathize with their dilemmas. If I had to choose, I'd pick Noah as my favorite twin. His chapters were easier to deal with and easier to read. When it came to Jude's POV, I could barely stand to read it in its entirety. That became skim city until I found myself at the end of the book which was the most cliche conclusion ever.