Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1)

by Gail Carriger

I really liked this book. In fact I liked it better than I thought I would have. I am 3 books into her other series and I find it sometimes hard to read but this one was easy. I guess that writing for a young adult audience helps that much in this case, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I loved the elements of this book. I love that the school floats, I love that they have a vampire and werewolf on staff. I love the elements of the flywaymen and Picklemen even if they confused me a little for a while, and the Picklemen still kind of do. I love the mechanimal and want one of my own.

I love how Sophronia is so strong and independent. I love Dimity and the fact that she wants to be diabolical but really is more of a lady and the other supporting characters and teachers are a great compliment. I love Soap and the sooties. I think that brings a good element to the story.

Some of my joy in reading this book also stemmed from the fact that I had one of my cats who is newer to us since we are watching these cats, but they may end up staying with us and Stella keeps laying on my books. She lays on the book in such a way that I can read but she gets to cuddle. She has a white tip on her tail so I call her my white tipped kitty. She's my new reading buddy.

I think I am going to like this series and I would love to keep reading it. Hopefully it stays this interesting and the characters stay interesting. I really can't wait to read the next one.

My Rating:

Blameless (Parasol Protectorate #3)

by Gail Carriger

This was a very interesting book. A good installment in the series. Considering how underwhelming the last book was to me this one proved to be an improvement and well worth the continuation of me reading the series. I was pleased to see Madame Lefoux again in this installment and actually being a major role.

I was actually really put off by the lack of Conall Maccon and his overall behavior and his incredibly slow progression to his senses. I applaud his beta for all that he did for his alpha, but he doesn't get enough credit really. I have never really been a big fan of the Earl of Woolsey and his behavior in casting Alexia out and putting his own pack in danger did nothing to make me think better of him.

I think it was a very big mistake for Alexia to go see the Templars, but I don't think she had a chance. I really can't wait to see what happens pregnancy wise. I am in this series for the long haul. Only two books left I believe.

My Rating:

vN (The Machine Dynasty, #1)

by Madeline Ashby

This book was very addicting. It kept me reading and I couldn't put it down. Nothing like having the main character be a robot who shares your name and she happens to eat her grandmother in the essential opening act of the story. I was glued to the story because it was unlike anything I have read in a long time, if ever.

Science Fiction is one of my favorite genres and this was one of the more amazing stories I have read in that genre. The entire cyber world and the way the androids were made by a religious group and everything. It was just very different. I loved it. The end was not quite as amazing as it could have been, but it fit. I would recommend this to anyone who likes these kinds of things or even those who don't but would like to give it a try.

My rating:

HETAERA: Daughter of the Gods

by J. A. Coffey

*I was given a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review*

This was a wonderful Historical Novel that was essentially a classic telling or version of Cinderella. It includes a slipper that only fits on one girl's feet and tales of wickedness and suffering. I really loved this book.

To be honest, in the beginning I wasn't sure what the heck was going on because I didn't read about the book, I just signed up for a copy and got it. I knew it was a historical novel but when Aesop showed up and they ended up in Greece and Egypt It made a lot more sense.

If you are into Historical Novels and especially ones that take place in ancient Greek or Egypt I suggest you take a look at this one. It is a good read and I would recommend it.

My rating:

The Kennedy Chronicles: The Golden Age of MTV Through Rose-Colored Glasses

by Kennedy

I loved this book. I remember Kennedy from when I was a kid. When I was about 8 years old she was a VJ and I do remember seeing her on TV, and I always liked her. I never knew that much about her being so young and all, and reading this was a total riot. I really loved it. I would never have thought she was a straightedge virgin when she was a VJ. It almost blows my mind that she could do that. I admire her for that. Plus being a Republican was a surprise to me as well. I admire her for that being as MTV was so obviously left leaning and still has that stigma.

As someone who grew up with this music and lived this music, all of these bands were and still are my favorite, this was like candy. I love hearing the stories about the behind the scenes and about Rock Stars that I admire and ones that I don't really like. I loved how you got the story written by Kennedy and then often got an interview after the chapter with one of, if not the main person mentioned in the chapter. It gave them a chance for a response. It almost added more weight to her stories and it was pleasant to read.

I would love to read this one again in the future and would recommend it to people my age or a little older who watched MTV and lived like me.

My rating:

I am getting better at this.

Now I have a few more things to set up, but I am getting better at this blog. I liked my old one of tumblr but I think I am going to get to do so much more on this one. I am having a little fun with this. I still have to make up a rating system to post with my review as I am sure you noticed that part is still missing, but I am doing well. Also need a header, but will work on that later I think.

Any feedback would be wonderful.

Deeply Odd (Odd Thomas, #6)

by Dean Koontz

I love this series, and always will. That being said I knew that he would have trouble topping his last book because in my eyes his last one was perfect. That being said I still like this one. I love the elements that were added to the long and adventurous story of Odd Thomas.

This was an intriguing story line, but not as epic as his previous entry in the series. There were a few new characters added as well as several surprises that were pleasant and well planned. There are many new unanswered questions and I can sense that the end of this series has to be within sight, but who knows. I still want to know who Annamaria is, but I guess I will have to read the next one at least to find out that riddle.

Dean Koontz is a fairly good author and this is one of if not my favorite series to date and I am happy that this was at least not disappointing. I just can't wait to see what is next in the series.

My Rating:

Confessions of a Bad Teacher: The Shocking Truth from the Front Lines of American Public Education

by John Owens

*I was given a free copy of this book from netgalley.com for a fair and unbiased review*

This book was amazing to me. It seemed very honestly written by a man who wanted to be a good man and teach the youth of our age in school and found out just how corrupt and problematic the system has become. This poor guy did years of college to teach just to essentially get pushed out by a horrid Principle and guidelines and requirements even Superman couldn't manage to do.

I knew our educational system had problems,but reading this book was a serious eye opener. I really had no idea it was as messed up as it is. It also saddens me because I would love to be a teacher, but it sounds like it has become a revolving door system and it wouldn't justify the cost for the education.

I liked this book a lot. Now, my copy had a few formatting errors, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked or ignored. It was a fast read, I read it in one sitting, and it seemed to go by very quickly.

If you like nonfiction or are an educator or have considered becoming a teacher, you should read this book.

My rating:

There's a Human in my Closet! (Undead Zed)

by Ryan Leach. Illustrated by Mike Bombon

This was so dang adorable I can't even tell you. Good story and hope to read it to my kids someday. It's almost like a classic story told from the other side of the fence. Reminds me a little of Monsters Inc.

I won't even lie, if when I have children we have a Kindle reader I will likely read this to my children because I think it is too dang adorable and my children will love Zombies as much as I do.

My rating:

Louie & Lilly's Nap Time: Bedtime Story Books for Kids

by David Scott

This was a cute book. It was short and sweet. I think it was nice and would read it to my kids. Though, to be fair it is a little more cutesy that I am so my boyfriend would probably be the one reading it to our children.

My rating:

High Witch (High Witch, #1)

by Mona Hanna

*I was given a free copy of this for an unbiased review*

This was a fairly cute book, and was easy to read. It just didn't have amazing characters or stick out to me as an amazing book or anything above being just plain good. I like the epilogue and all that, but not sure where this series would be going. Maybe I will have to check out the next one to see what happens, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the next one.

My Rating

Repossessed

by A. M. Jenkins

I liked reading this book. It was a very fresh idea and a pleasure to read. What happens when an entity gets tired of it's job and decides to hijack a body? Well, you have to read this to find out. It is very cute and funny. It was easy to read and I read it very quickly. I would recommend it as a quick read to people I know it would be up their alley. If you are interested in it, I say go for it.

My Rating:

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Wow. The first part of this book I wasn't sure what to think, the second part of this book was even more of a mindfuck, but the last part it was just insane. This Amy character is a psycho bitch in the purest sense of the phrase and it was really weird to read my name and associate it with such behavior. I think the name hang up was why it took me awhile to get into the book in the first place.

My Rating:

Alice in Zombieland

by Nickolas Cook & Lewis Carroll

Oh my god I love this book. I can't say it any more. A little sad that the tea party scene was so short, but all in all a wonderful zombification of a classic. Follow the black rat!

This book has inspired me to want to get a ying yang styled tattoo of the classic white rabbit and the black rat from this version. I think it would be really cool. Alice in wonderland has always been my favorite story and someday I will get a tattoo related to it.

My Rating:

Red Riding Hood

by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, David Leslie Johnson

I like this story. I haven't seen the movie but I want to. I really think this is a good retelling of the classic story. To be honest this hasn't been my favorite fairy tale and I didn't think that it would be that good, but I like it. I would maybe read this one again in the distant future.

I REALLY need to see this movie!

My Rating:

Satellite

by Larry Brown

*I was given a free copy of this for an honest review*

I love Flash Fiction. It is a somewhat rare form, but I love it done well. This collection wasn't bad. I loved the titular story Satellite. Side Dish was cute and mysterious. Stadium was adorable, and my mother and father have fought over stadium food before. Mail was hilarious, and I have felt like stealing mail at sometime. Also Cat The Cat was a little disturbing, but I love that about it. All and all it was a nice little read.

My Rating:

Black Sea Gods (Chronicle of Fu Xi)

by Brian Braden

*Author provided this book for an unbiased review*

This wasn't bad, but I had some trouble reading it. I am not sure if it was the hyphenated titles and names or the fact that I had heat stroke and really have been out of it for a while. It feels like an epic book, and in the long run, it is a good one, but it was fairly long to read.

I enjoyed it, It just took some time to read.

My rating:

American Psycho

by Bret Easton Ellis

I love this book. I love the disintegration of Patrick Bateman's mind. I don't know what it is about this book but it sticks in the mind. I read it once a long time ago and re-reading it reminded me that it is one of those books that sticks with you. I love this one so much. Maybe it is the descent into chaos or the simplistic style and elegance. I really can't say for sure, but I am addicted to this little story and I re-read it every couple of years.

My Rating:

Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery, #1)

by Kim Harrison

This wasn't a bad book. It wasn't what I thought it was, and I like how it ended up. It seems that so many of these YA books revolve around angels and their folklore. I had no idea this one did so I was surprised when it did. It was a good quick read and the characters were alright. It was a good take on the same type of story.

My Rating:

I am learning.

So, I am working on getting this up and running. Give me some time to fix things up and I have to catch up on some reading. I am working on some graphics that aren't great, but they are made by me. I will be working as fast as I can, but this weekend is going to be a very busy month. I am doing what I can.

Jaws

by Peter Benchley

I love this book. It reminds me of the movie, but there are very marked differences. I also swear that when reading it I had the sense I might have read it before. The Brody in this book is a little different than the one that made it to the movie screen and his wife is very different from the book to the movie screen. I still love Quint, and will always admire his desire to get the fish at any cost, and he ultimately does. While the ending is a lot more bland than the movie, it makes more practical sense. I really love this book. I think it will be my favorite or right up there with some mighty strong contenders.

My Rating:

Eden (Eden #1)

by Janelle Stalder

*I was gifted a free copy of this for an honest review*

This book is well written. The characters are well developed and it reads well. Aiden is taken from our world and brought to Eden to fight for the kingdom. I can't imagine being him and thrust into a world where you are riding horseback, fighting with axes and facing unknown creatures made by a warlock. I can imagine it would be incredibly weird, not to mention the added time crunch.

I admit the beginning was a little confusing with a rich fantasy world and then the next chapter being our everyday world, but it was explained quick enough. The dying king and the warring brothers are a classic story, but this one was done well. It is one of the better books I have been gifted to read. 

My rating:

Blockade Billy

By Stephen King

This was a short and sweet story about a man who played great baseball, but was stripped from the record books when his sordid past came to light. Written was an interview, it was easy to read and a generally good story.

The bonus story entitled Morality was weird. It is a story about a guy who offers his employee hundreds of thousands of dollars to assault someone for him because he can't do it himself and videotape it. It is worth reading if you are going to go for it.

My Rating:

Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card

I liked this book, but this was a hard to believe concept. I really would hate if our survival came down to playing tricks on kids to get them to save the world. I may have to read the next book because this was not a bad concept at all. I just wasn't sure what to think of it. 

I will probably try and read the next one just to see if it is any better. No guarantees though.

My Rating:

Swamplandia!

By Karen Russell

Not sure what to think of this book. My first reaction to this book was seriously WTF. After thinking for a while I think this book isn't bad in a general sense, it is written well, but some of the content is messed up. The entire story line of Ava and Bird Man is disturbing to me and I think I sensed where it was going because I had to put the book down for a few days before I could bring myself to finish it. Osceola was interesting, and I wondered about her mental health. Kiwi seemed the sanest of the bunch and that scares me. It was interesting. I am glad that I read it, but it falls in the weird category.

My Rating: