"Harry Potter--The Character Vault" by Jody Revenson

Harry Potter--The Character Vault by Jody Revenson is like looking through a scrapbook of the world of Harry Potter.  This is quite an informative, interesting book about the behind-the-scenes work of the Harry Potter films.  It gives interesting facts about the costumes and props for the different characters as well as some feelings the actors expressed about their characters, roles and costumes.  I think anyone who is considering watching or has enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movies would find this book very interesting.  It has lots of pictures of movie scenes and two posters, one of death eaters and one of the Order of the Phoenix.
(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!

"One of Us--The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway" is Gripping

One of Us –The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway by Asne Seierstad is a true story of Anders who went on a killing spree one day. The first part of this book tells the story of Anders growing up with his mom and his friends. He did not really have a relationship with his father. The second part of this book is when he goes on the killing spree. This is told very well and it is gripping to say the least! The last part deals with the aftermath of what he did and how it affected the people he shot.
(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!

Karen's Favorite Reads for 2015

I read 83 books in 2015 and this video shows my top 20 favorites which includes the Harry Potter Series of 7 by J. K. Rowling and the Katie Productions series of 3 by Jenny B. Jones.  The "Books & Cats, Life is Good" t-shirt was a Christmas present from my cats, Manny Boy and Spunky Doodle.  My dog, Abby, got me the whole set of Harry Potter books which by the way, if you haven't yet read, you should!

If you made a favorite book post or video for books you read in 2015, feel free to share the link in the comments.  My husband's favorite book post will be up soon--he's still deciding.

Happy Reading!

"Ashley Bell" by Dean Koontz Lives up to the Hype!

In Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz, a young girl named Bibi Blair is having a good life. Then one day out of the blue, she is rushed into emergency ER. She is young and thinks that this is no big deal. She finds out that she has brain cancer and has one year to live! But her recovery is unbelievable and a woman tells her that her life was spared so she can save Ashley Bell. Save her from what, or whom? Who is Ashley Bell?

There has been a lot of book hype about this novel and the hype is the real deal! As usual, Koontz goes into stuff you would find hard to believe, but that is part of the fun! I LOVED IT!
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!

"Corrupted" by Lisa Scottoline - Inspired by Kids for Cash Scandal!

In Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline, lawyer Bennie Rosato takes on a murder case to defend Jason who she feels she let down when he was sent to Juvie 19 years ago. She also finds romance with Declan, the uncle of the Ritchie, the guy who her defendant is accused of killing. This book was inspired by kids-for-cash scandal in the judicial system in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

This book got my attention right away with the glimpse into the juvenile detention system and following two 12-yr-old boys. I found it to be very interesting and the story moved along quickly. I like Bennie and felt bad for her when she and Declan had to put a hold on their relationship. I liked how the reader was kept informed all along the way of what Bennie was thinking and feeling and how she prepared her case. This book delves into what justice is in a very readable way. If you like to read about trials and enjoy seeing things from a lawyer’s point of view, I highly recommend this book.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Link to the real kids-for-cash scandal: http://jlc.org/luzerne-county-kids-cash-scandal

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!