"Every Last One" by Anna Quindlen

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen is about the Latham family, comprised of Mary Beth and Glen, parents of three teenagers:  Ruthie and fraternal twin boys, Alex and Max.  Ruthie is into academics and loves to write, Alex is into sports and Max is into his drums and their dog.  While focusing on their depressed son, Max, the parents are caught completely off guard when Ruthie's boyfriend becomes obsessed with her and continues stalking her after she breaks up with him.  When tragedy strikes, can Mary Beth keep it together?

There is a lot of interpersonal relationships in this book and the mother is the main character who tells the story.  This book gives insight into parenting, teen issues and sibling rivalry.  For me, this book moved very slow but it is a good story and I'm glad I stuck with it to finish it.  It is contemporary fiction that reminded me a bit of Little Big Lies by Liane Moriarty which was way better.  I read this because it was a library recommendation based on my like for What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross, but I saw very little similarity other than the mother being the main character telling the story.  If you like family stories about teens and are good with no suspense, no mystery and slow moving, then I recommend this one.
(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!

"With Malice" by Eileen Cook

With Malice by Eileen Cook centers on 18-yr.-old Jill Charron.  Jill has it all--smart, pretty and a very rich dad.  One day she wakes up and does not know where she is.  I turns out she is in a hospital and has been for some time.  She was in an accident and is in bad shape.  Then Jill finds out her best friend is dead and all signs point to Jill as being the one who killed her!  Jill doesn't think she did it but cannot remember what happened. 

I thought this book was really good because it kept me turning the pages eager to see what would happen.  I was hooked early and enjoyed the ride.  The writing was very good.
(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!

"Highly Illogical Behavior" by John Corey Whaley

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley centers on three teens:  (1) Solomon who has not left his house in three years and sees no reason to; (2) Lisa who has big plans to get into an exclusive school; and (3) Clark, who is Lisa's boyfriend but would like to be more.

Lisa's plans include Solomon, but she does not let him know that.  When she decides to get Clark's help, things get really interesting.

I enjoyed this book.  I thought the story line was good and I enjoyed all three characters.  I also had an unexpected ending I was glad to see.
(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!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:
Then one day trying wasn't enough, so he stripped down to his boxers and sat in the fountain in front of his junior high school.  Then And right there, with his classmates and teachers watching, with the morning sun blinding him, he slowly leaned back until his entire body was underwater.
From page 4of Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley.


Falling, with wind whistling and roaring past my head for a short eternity, only to bounce my head against the seat in front of me.  I coughed, spit, and strained for a breath.

From page 33 of Mayday by Karen Harrington.


Karen's:

I want to run upstairs and get into the shower, but I like to watch my children when they don't know I'm there, convinced that they'll reveal themselves to me in some essential way.  They're so different when it's just the three of them, together.

From page 56 of Every Last One by Anna Quindlen.


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

"Mayday" by Karen Harrington

In Mayday by Karen Harrington, a young boy named Wayne is the main character.  Wayne has a lot going on in his life.  He lives with his mom, who is separated from his dad and his grandpa who was in the army.  Wayne's uncle dies while fighting in the army, and on the plane ride back from the service, Wayne and his mom service a horrible plane crash.  Now Wayne cannot talk and his face does not look too good.

I liked this children's book because it had humor and made me think. The characters were brought out really well and the ending surprised me which is a good thing!
(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!