"Everything Everything" by Nicola Yoon is an Unusual YA Romance (UPDATED)

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is an unusual YA romance that was an interesting read and a commentary on life and love. I enjoyed reading about Madeline who was kept inside her house for 17 years due to a rare disease—basically being allergic to the world. Her nurse, Carla, helped her to visit with the boy next door, Olly, behind her mother’s back. Carla felt bad for Madeline and wanted her to be able to live a little, so encouraged her to take a risk and live her life.

I liked that this had very short chapters and much of the book was IM messages and emails exchanged between Olly and Madeline.  I also liked the illustrations and Madeline's short book spoilers throughout the book. This book even has some adventure in it which was a pleasant surprise. I thought it would be a depressing read, but it was quite the opposite! My favorite quote from this book is: “Love makes people crazy. Loss of love makes people crazy.” Pg. 300. This pretty much sums up this book. I would say this is inspirational too.
(Karen's review 10/2/15, 4 stars)


Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is a YA debut novel about a young girl named Madeline.  She has SCID, a rare disease that results in her not leaving the house.   I thought this book was really good!  I enjoyed the main character and the story line was very interesting.  The last part of this book came as a complete shock to me which was a good thing.  Give this book a chance.  You will be glad you did!
(Gerard's review 9/30/15, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

My mom should be dreading empty-nest syndrome.  But because of SCID, I'm not going anywhere.

From page 10 of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon.


Karen's:

"Yes, I know you're my mother."  Believe me, I've tried to blot it from my memory many times, but it never worked.

 From page 100 of The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones.


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"Disclaimer" by Renee Knight

In Disclaimer by Renee Knight, Catherine finds a novel, The Perfect Stranger, on her bed stand, realizing as she reads that it is about her and an event in her life that she does not want known.  Only one other person knew about it and that person is dead.  So who wrote it and why?  Her husband and son have the same book!

This book is good with action that kept me turning pages to a really good ending.  Here's a teaser from it for you:

I'm not interested in her acknowledgement of my pain.  It's too late for that now.

(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"On the Loose--A Katie Parker Production" by Jenny B. Jones is Heartwarming, Funny

On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones is the second book in the Katie Parker Production series that is as good as the first, In Between. Katie, a foster teen, continues to experience teen drama, lives through a tornado, forms more friendships and deepens her relationship with her hilarious foster grandmother. When her foster mom, Millie, is diagnosed with Cancer, Katie worries about what will happen to her. As Katie continues attending church with the Scotts and getting more involved with the youth group, she continues to struggle with her own faith.

I am enjoying this YA inspirational Christian fiction series very much and look forward to reading the final book in this series, The Big Picture. The author is a high school teacher who spends a lot of time with teens and her writing certainly reflects that. This is a fun read as well as a touching one and I love her writing style! I highly recommend this light, fun read to anyone who enjoys books about teens and family.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Badlands" by C. J. Box Isn't Anything Great

Needs more action!

In Badlands, by C. J. Box, one of the stars in my opinion is Kyle, a young boy who is out delivering the morning papers and sees a van crash and finds a package from the van.  The other star is Cassie, the new deputy sheriff.  I thought the story line was okay but predictable without much real action.  I liked Kyle a lot but this book wasn't so great.
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"In the Dark Places" by Peter Robinson

In the Dark Places by Peter Robinson is a British mystery novel that I really didn’t much care for. It is about a crime ring in a rural area involved in the stealing of farm equipment for resale. The whole book is the ongoing crime investigation trying to get to the bottom of it which mushrooms into something much bigger and gruesome. It was a bit confusing trying to keep all the law enforcement people straight, a map would have been helpful to show the lay of the land and the language used many British terms I wasn’t familiar with. There is good suspense near the end but for the most part I found myself plowing through just to finish it. I did appreciate the wrap-up summaries given when the law enforcement people got together to compare notes and update each other. That helped me know what was going on.
(Karen's review, 2 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: 3 This Week

Gerard's:

Kyle opened his mouth and roared.  His cry came out high-pitched and it cracked in the middle, but it sounded to him like he was a wounded animal.
From page 208 of Badlands by C. J. Box.

For a minute, he didn't answer.  His eyes were wide and shocked, and he had bitten his lower lip so hard that I could see dots of blood.

From page 20 of Who Do You Love? by Jennifer Weiner.  (Click link to see my review--my book of the month!)

Karen's:

Three people and a dog huddling in a tub with parts of a couch balanced on their heads is not a precaution.  It's what you do when the weatherman says a tornado is going to sail over your house and rip through your community.

 From page 14 of On The Loose by Jenny B. Jones.


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.
Happy Reading!

"Who Do You Love?" by Jennifer Weiner

In Who Do You Love? by Jennifer Weiner, Rachel and Andy were just 8 years old when one night they met in an ER waiting room.  Little did they know that this meeting would change both of their lives forever.  This story is told by Rachel and Andy really well.  I liked both of them.  Their story lines kept me interested throughout the whole book.  I LOVED this book--it's great with a fantastic ending!  This will most likely be my book of the month and make my year-end top 12 list.  Don't miss it, a must read!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Orphan #8" by Kim van Alkemade

Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade is based on a true story.  Rachel is only 8 years old when she finds herself in an infant home.  There a lady doctor runs experiments on girls.  Rachel is one of those girls.  Years later, she is a nurse in an old folks home when a patient is brought in.  Rachel recognizes the patient as the doctor who worked on her.  Will she try to get revenge?  This is a good page turner.  The tension builds as we learn what Rachel will do!  I enjoyed this book very much!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Finding Peace" by Melanie D. Snitker is about a Photographer and a Cop

Finding Peace by Melanie D. Snitker is a clean romance/mystery that was predictable right from the start as far as the romance part.  The mystery part provided at least some action to keep me interested enough to finish. Someone breaks into Laurie’s photography studio twice. She falls for the cop on the case and gets a gun for protection. This book actually showed what the work of a professional photographer involves which I enjoyed. Overall, the shallowness of the characters and the predictability of the plot made it a mediocre book for me. This is Book 1 in the Love's Compass series which I may or may not continue.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: 3 This Week

Gerard's:

Rachel could no longer keep down the panic that rose from the bottom of her belly.  It burst out of her throat in a wail that vibrated the air throughout the office.

From page 44 of Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade.


Karen's:

He had been doing his best to ignore the pull he had towards her.  But when he was in the same room with her, it was like the wall he had built up was made of sand that was blown away by the music of her voice.

 From page 52 (Loc. 740-41) of Finding Peace (Love's Compass Book 1) by Melanie D. Snitker.

Gilchrist made his way over, wondering what on earth was making her behave in such a willful and excited manner.  Irritation slowly gave way to curiosity.

 From page 2 of In the Dark Places by Peter Robinson

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.
Happy Reading!

"Ana of California" by Andi Teran is Heartwarming and Enjoyable! (Updated)

Ana of California by Andi Teran is the heartwarming story of Ana Cortez, an orphan who is approaching 16 and has been bounced around from foster home to foster home. She lives in L.A. where her father, mother and grandmother were shot by rival gang members. She finds herself in a new situation to avoid living in a group home, being a summer intern on Abbie and Emmett’s farm in northern California. When she is attracted to Cole, a boy everyone warns her to stay away from, she ignores their advice and they become friends.

I loved this story because Ana is such a likable character who tries to do the right thing but still ends up in bad situations. She always worries that Abbie and Emmett will send her back so tries very hard to work hard and please them. It shows how one person can make a difference and overcome one's past by moving forward. I loved how Ana found ways to use her artistic abilities too. I recommend this as a good beach read—very enjoyable!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's thoughts:
Ana of California by Andi Teran is about a young teen girl named Ana. Ana is an orphan and has made the rounds of foster homes. Now she is down to her last chance. Make it work at this place—a farm or else she goes back to a group home. Can Ana do it? Can she make a go of it at the farm or not. I really liked this and cheered for Ana the whole way. I thought this book had enough action to keep my interest and is well worth reading. (5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Barter" by Siobhan Adcock

The Barter by Siobhan Adcock tells the story of two women—Bridget and Rebecca. Bridget’s story is told in modern times while Rebecca’s story is set in 1902. They both have something in common. To find out what that is, you will have to read the book. I really loved Bridget’s story. It was so good and funny a lot of the time. Rebecca’s story I didn’t like as much, but it did get better at the end. On the strength of Bridget’s story, I give this book 4 stars. Well worth reading.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: 5 This Week!

Gerard's:

You are not wearing underwear--like, any underwear of any kind--and you are out in public in your pajamas, and so is your kid, and by the way, you just gave her a snack from a container of oat puffs you found in the backseat of your mobile landfill of a car.

From page 95 of The Barter by Siobhan Adcock. 
 

I feel like I'm suffocating.  What about one day off-estate?

From page 8 of Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt.


A monster rushed toward him, arms flung wide as if to grapple.  Caswell's heart lurched before his brain fully understood:  A male corpse was moving on the current of air that had just been sucked from the room.


From page 19 of Zero World by Jason M. Hough.
  

Karen's:

"It's a one-month trial.  If the work goes well, you'll stay through Labor Day and go to school there.  If it doesn't, you come back to a group home and school here."

 From page 12 of Ana of California by Andi Teran.

Many mothers imagine hurting their infants, even drowning them, burning them.  Understand this, if you don't understand anything else:  When mothers imagine hurting their children, their mind doesn't signal a wish.  It's the mind's mechanism visualizing the worst outcome so you can counteract.

 From page 174 of Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt (uncorrected proof copy--page may differ).  Very good debut novel!  We both liked it.  Click on link to see our reviews.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.

Happy Reading!

"Hold Me Like a Breath" by Tiffany Schmidt

In Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt, Penelope is a daughter of one of three families involved in a black market scheme.  She has a blood disorder that causes her to bruise easily and she is to be protected at all cost!   She hates this and would love to get off on her own for a while.  Then an incident happens and Penelope is alone, all alone.  Can she handle it?

I liked this book way more than I expected I would.  There is good action that kept me turning pages.  I Loved it!  Hoping there is a sequel.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Zero World" by Jason M. Hough--a Science Fiction Adventure

In Zero World by Jason M. Hough, we meet Peter Caswell who is a skillful assassin.  He also has the ability to forget day to day who he has killed.  Just as he is about to go on vacation, he gets an assignment unlike any that he has ever received.  He will have to be at his best to complete this one! 

As long as long as this book focused on the main story, it was really good.  However, when it went off down a "rabbit trail," I had problems with it.  The last 75 pages were page turners for sure.  It is over 400 pages so takes a commitment--worth reading.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Debut Novel: "Remember Mia" by Alexander Burt is a Real Page Turner! (Updated)

Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt is about Estelle Paradise who wakes in a hospital with amnesia, but realizes her 7-month-old daughter, Mia, is missing. She cannot remember the events that led up to her being admitted to the hospital quite far from her home. Her husband has no idea where their daughter is either, and the mother is the primary suspect, who suffered with postpartum depression that had progressed into psychosis. Estelle insists that someone took her baby and at her husband’s suggestion, admits herself into a psych ward to work with a doctor who helps her get her memory back.  

I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Estelle and admire her courage as she pursued the truth.  I liked this book and thought the premise was quite interesting.  I didn't care for the husband because he didn't seem very supportive of his wife at all!  I liked the ending, although it was pretty far-fetched wrapped up so neat that it seemed unbelievable.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)   

Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt is a thriller about Estelle Paradise who wakes up in a hospital.  She was found just about dead inside of a car that was in a ravine and totally wrecked.  Her memory is pretty much gone but she does know one thing--her newborn baby girl, Mia, and anything connected to Mia is gone!  Someone took her and Estelle needs to find her, but who will help when everyone thinks she did it?

WOW!  This book poses lots of questions:  Does she ever remember?  Where is Mia now?  What has her husband done to help her?  Books do not get much better than this!  It is a real page turner.  This is a must read if you enjoy thrillers.  The tension in this book mounts so well that I read it in only two days!  It was hard to put down.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

We received an advanced copy of this debut novel and am so glad I did!  However, that did not influence our review.  It went on sale July 7, 2015.

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Best Boy" by Eli Gottlieb was Disappointing

Best Boy by Eli Gottlieb is told by Todd Arror. He is an autistic man in his 50s who lives in a gated community with people who have special needs. He enjoys his life to a point, but would like to go live with his brother and his family. When new people come into his life, it is time to put that plan in place. This story was good enough, the characters were okay, and the book was just sort of bland. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it just never did. I was disappointed in this one because usually I like the books PEOPLE MAGAZINE recommends.
 (Gerard's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Beyond the Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Beyond the Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is the sequel to The Chocolate War and continues on with the Vigils and their shenanigans at the Trinity High School. Obie and Carter join forces to bring down Archie. Obie becomes distracted with a girl and Archie doesn’t like it. Jerry lived in Canada after recovering from the beating he took last fall, but returns and Goober feels guilty and very protective of him. This story becomes one of life and death as the year takes its toll on the boys. With one suicide and two attempted murders, this book shows a dark side of high school.

I didn’t care as much for this book as I did the first. It covered many different boys, which was a little hard to keep straight at first. If possible, it even got darker than the first one in my opinion. It too though is a quick read.

SPOILER ALERT – STOP IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THIS BOOK YET. I was shocked really to see how Obie got so caught up in revenge that he became as bad as Archie. Once again, Archie is in control and even after he graduates, keeps his control over the school. It’s pretty amazing how he manages it. (Karen's review, 4 stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!