Book Reviews and Deer
I never do book reviews, unless you count a squealing fangirl moment as a book review. So, book reviews...
City of Bones by Casandra Clare
I am so totally and completely unfamiliar with the author or the fandom surrounding these books, but I did recently hear that the books are due to be made into movies. Anyway, I liked the book well enough. There are minor complaints, but those tend to be the same complaints I have with any paranormal novel geared toward teenagers (i.e. the constant expression of exactly how attractive the lead male character is). However, overall, I enjoyed it. I saw the big reveal at the end of the book coming from a mile away, but I didn't actually think the author would do it because it sure would throw a wrench in the main romantic storyline. And now that I've started the second book, I can see her trying to write herself out of it, though I think the big surprise would have been much more satisfying and tragic if she wouldn't try to explain her way around. Probably making no sense, but I don't want to spoil anything for someone who might like to read the novels. The basic premise is a teenage girl whose mother's abduction bring about the discovery that she is a Nephilim, descended from Shadowhunters who are warriors that protect the unsuspecting human race from demons. Because her mother hid this knowledge from her, the majority of the first novel is spent exploring the world she has discovered and meeting three teenage Shadowhunters.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
This is such a wonderful book. It's real and heartbreaking and beautiful. The story opens with a teenage boy who is on his way to boarding school. He is a social misfit in his public school and chooses to attend a private school in an effort to find a bit of an adventure. He befriends a small troupe of endearing and fun kids who also attend the school, one of whom is named Alaska. She is the glue that binds them all together as friends, yet also the one who seems to have the most trouble with life, exhibiting mischievous behavior that borders on recklessness many times. The book is split into two distinct halves: before and after. I won't say anything more about that because it would spoil a great deal of the impact of the event that splits the novel. Several serious topics are covered without dumbing the emotion down for a teenager. Emotionally, it is complex and thought-provoking. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of age. My copy has been packaged up and is due to be sent to Jason's sister. I think she'd appreciate it.
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange
Typically, I never buy a book without a recommendation or some prior knowledge of the book or author. However, I was in Target a couple weeks ago and found this on sale. I like vampires (vampyres?) and I like Mr. Darcy, so why not, right? Eh, not so great. This story picks up on Lizzy's and Darcy's wedding day. They marry and jaunt off on their wedding trip, but Darcy diverts them to Europe--Paris, the Alps, Venice, etc. I found Lizzy's character in particular to be off. She was a bit too demure and weak to be the Lizzy I love. The vampire thing didn't really come into play all that much through most of the novel. The majority of it involve Darcy being sad and furtive and distant, and Lizzy being sad and wishing Darcy would get on with the sexin'.
Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayor
I'm a fan of Jennifer Cruise, though I think it is best to space her books out to prevent the formula from getting repetitive. It had been months since I read a novel of hers, and I was looking for something quirky and funny with a dash of romance. This really hit the spot. There is much more action in this courtesy of Mr. Mayor, I can only assume. He's a former Green Beret and he knows all the best ways of killing folks, as does Shane, the male lead in this novel. The story started out with a bang right away and devolved into a hilarious mess reminiscent of some of the best bits of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.
Speaking of which, does anyone have any recommendations on contemporary romance novels with a humorous bend? Something along the lines of Jennifer Cruise?
I love this clip from X-Factor. I can't help but smile and dance in my seat when I watch it.
Thank you to everyone who tested out dog treats for me. You've all been very helpful, and I definitely known which treats I'll be proceeding with when I begin selling.
Also, I took a picture of the group of deer (herd?) that leisurely travel through the hayfield in front of my grandparents' house. I love sitting on the front porch and watching them eat. Unfortunately, Ferguson absolutely hates them. I think he would chase one down if I let him.
City of Bones by Casandra Clare
I am so totally and completely unfamiliar with the author or the fandom surrounding these books, but I did recently hear that the books are due to be made into movies. Anyway, I liked the book well enough. There are minor complaints, but those tend to be the same complaints I have with any paranormal novel geared toward teenagers (i.e. the constant expression of exactly how attractive the lead male character is). However, overall, I enjoyed it. I saw the big reveal at the end of the book coming from a mile away, but I didn't actually think the author would do it because it sure would throw a wrench in the main romantic storyline. And now that I've started the second book, I can see her trying to write herself out of it, though I think the big surprise would have been much more satisfying and tragic if she wouldn't try to explain her way around. Probably making no sense, but I don't want to spoil anything for someone who might like to read the novels. The basic premise is a teenage girl whose mother's abduction bring about the discovery that she is a Nephilim, descended from Shadowhunters who are warriors that protect the unsuspecting human race from demons. Because her mother hid this knowledge from her, the majority of the first novel is spent exploring the world she has discovered and meeting three teenage Shadowhunters.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
This is such a wonderful book. It's real and heartbreaking and beautiful. The story opens with a teenage boy who is on his way to boarding school. He is a social misfit in his public school and chooses to attend a private school in an effort to find a bit of an adventure. He befriends a small troupe of endearing and fun kids who also attend the school, one of whom is named Alaska. She is the glue that binds them all together as friends, yet also the one who seems to have the most trouble with life, exhibiting mischievous behavior that borders on recklessness many times. The book is split into two distinct halves: before and after. I won't say anything more about that because it would spoil a great deal of the impact of the event that splits the novel. Several serious topics are covered without dumbing the emotion down for a teenager. Emotionally, it is complex and thought-provoking. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of age. My copy has been packaged up and is due to be sent to Jason's sister. I think she'd appreciate it.
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange
Typically, I never buy a book without a recommendation or some prior knowledge of the book or author. However, I was in Target a couple weeks ago and found this on sale. I like vampires (vampyres?) and I like Mr. Darcy, so why not, right? Eh, not so great. This story picks up on Lizzy's and Darcy's wedding day. They marry and jaunt off on their wedding trip, but Darcy diverts them to Europe--Paris, the Alps, Venice, etc. I found Lizzy's character in particular to be off. She was a bit too demure and weak to be the Lizzy I love. The vampire thing didn't really come into play all that much through most of the novel. The majority of it involve Darcy being sad and furtive and distant, and Lizzy being sad and wishing Darcy would get on with the sexin'.
Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayor
I'm a fan of Jennifer Cruise, though I think it is best to space her books out to prevent the formula from getting repetitive. It had been months since I read a novel of hers, and I was looking for something quirky and funny with a dash of romance. This really hit the spot. There is much more action in this courtesy of Mr. Mayor, I can only assume. He's a former Green Beret and he knows all the best ways of killing folks, as does Shane, the male lead in this novel. The story started out with a bang right away and devolved into a hilarious mess reminiscent of some of the best bits of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.
Speaking of which, does anyone have any recommendations on contemporary romance novels with a humorous bend? Something along the lines of Jennifer Cruise?
I love this clip from X-Factor. I can't help but smile and dance in my seat when I watch it.
Thank you to everyone who tested out dog treats for me. You've all been very helpful, and I definitely known which treats I'll be proceeding with when I begin selling.
Also, I took a picture of the group of deer (herd?) that leisurely travel through the hayfield in front of my grandparents' house. I love sitting on the front porch and watching them eat. Unfortunately, Ferguson absolutely hates them. I think he would chase one down if I let him.