Review: Sleep No More by Susan Crandall

I recently read Sleep No More by Susan Crandall, a pretty exciting read!

Summary: Abby Whitman walks in her sleep. One night, when she was still a young girl, she started a fire, horribly scarring her younger sister and since then, has lived a lonely existence due to her guilt and fear that she will cause some other awful event. One night, the blackouts start again, but this time she is involved in a car accident while sleep driving, killing a young man. Although the evidence points to her not being guilty, she still has doubts since she has no memory of several hours of that night. She begins working with a psychiatrist to try to remember what happened and in the course of this, long buried secrets are revealed.

My Thoughts: This story has a lot of surprises in it, so you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Abby is a very sympathetic character and you want her to succeed and hopefully get some happiness in her life. I felt that the ending was somewhat confusing and had to re-read some parts to understand what was going on. Overall though, this was a good read and not entirely predictable like some thrillers, where you can figure out the ending by the second chapter. There is also a bit of romance thrown in to add to the storyline. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading suspense.

Rating: 3.5/5

Disclaimer: Though I received this book free of charge for review, these are my honest opinions.

Review: Nocturne by Harrison Gradwell Slater

Hey everyone! I swear, I am not slacking, it's only taking me forever to finish books because of school, so I apologize for my lack of reviews as of late. But I finally have one ready to go!

I just finished reading Harrison Gradwell Slater's latest novel, Nocturne. This was a pretty unique book.

Summary: Artemisia, a photographer, has just been hired to travel to Paris to photograph many of the things and places that were a part of Chopin's life, for a magazine story about the famous musician and composer. She is relieved for this opportunity to leave New York for a while because she has just broken things off with her fiance, Clifton, who has proven to be both unstable and violent, and not very happy about the break up. While in Paris, she meets Matthew, a Chopin expert, who will be writing the story to accompany her photographs, and with whom she seems to share an instant connection. While their relationship grows, Clifton lurks in the shadows, and begins sending disturbing letters to Artemisia, alerting her to the fact that he has followed her there. Soon, Matthew and Artemisia travel to Warsaw for Matthew to study an old diary that was found, which reveals much of Chopin's past. Has Clifton followed her there too, or is she finally safe from his grasp?

My Thoughts: This is certainly a very unqiue premise for a novel, unlike anything else I have ever read. Two stories run parallel with one another - that of Artemisa, Matthew and Clifton, and that which is revealed in the old diary, written by a former lover and almost wife of Chopin. Another cool aspect is that this book comes with a CD of Chopin's music performed by the author. Throughout the book, there are cues when he recommends you play a certain song to go along with the story. I did not play the CD at all because I am not a fan of classical music, but still enjoyed the story just the same. I liked the suspense factor in this novel. Clifton was a very creepy character, and the letters he sent to Artemisia left her feeling very unsettled. He always seemed to be lurking in the shadows nearby. I also liked the touch of romance that this novel included, between Artemisia and Matthew. It was not over the top and did not dominate the story, but merely added to it. The book also had a lot of historical information, mostly about Chopin, which many people would find interesting. This book was rather short though, and the ending seemed rushed to me. I feel that the author could have improved this book by expanding it. The characters also did not seem that realistic to me, and I did not see the chemistry between Matthew and Artemisia. Again, these problems could have been remedied if the book had been longer.

The Bottom Line: Overall, this was an interesting read with some minor setbacks regarding characterization. I think this would be very appealing to history buffs, and fans of classical musical, particularly Chopin. This book was suspenseful and slightly romantic, but unrealistic.

Rating: 3.5/5

Disclaimer: Though I received this book free of charge for review, these are my honest opinions.

Nostalgic Reads: My Journey as a Reader

Lately while I've been "book hunting" (aka browsing thrift stores, used book stores, and book sales), I've been purchasing copies of ANY Ramona Quimby book I can find. Beverly Cleary, I blame *ahem* thank YOU for turning my childhood heart onto reading.

I remember always being a reader as a child. I can't remember a time when I didn't have my nose in a book, when I wasn't considered a bookworm. I remember practically squealing with delight each time one of those new Scholastic book orders were handed out in elementary school. When the book shipments came in, I was in Heaven. I always had the largest stack of books, by the way (thanks Mom and Dad for supporting and encouraging my addiction from an early age). I would look at those books and their glorious shiny covers and feel so much delight. Once, as a gift, I received a Nancy Drew boxed set from my mother, and I carried it around the house with me for several days. I was a bizarre child, yes, but I found my passion so early in life and for that I am so grateful. Sometimes life gets confusing and hard, but I know who I am: I am a nerd. I am a lover of the English language, grammar, and spelling. Most of all, I am a booklover and a bookworm, and I have no shame in that. In fact, I am proud to call myself all of those things. It's who I am. It's who I've always been.

I love books for many reasons. I thank my mom, first of all. She is just as big of a reader as I am. Her love for reading rubbed off on me as a child and has only grown exponentially throughout the years. I am certainly my mother's daughter, though slightly nerdier. So to my mom, thank you for introducing to me what has become my life's passion. Thank you for encouraging me to read. My vocabulary has exceeded that of my peers because of this. Just kidding. But really, thank you.

Another reason for my love of reading is also the escapism factor. When I was little, I was so painfully shy and awkward, and had such a hard time making friends. I can remember crying about this as a child. I felt I didn't fit in. Today, at 21, I am still an extremely shy person, but luckily, I have a couple of the best friends in the world. I am still awkward, but in what I hope is an endearing way. I make myself laugh on an almost daily basis, and my friends think I'm quite funny as well. Hey, as long as they're laughing WITH me, right?

Anyways, reading was vital for me while I was growing up for those reasons. Books became my friends. Ramona Quimby and Pippi Longstocking made me laugh when I had no friends to do that for me. Anastasia Krupnik became the perfect companion. The Little Women became the sisters I never had and Alice McKinley (Phyllis Reynolds Nayl0r) became my best friend. I jump with joy when a new Alice book comes out because I have been reading her books and following her story since I was about 7 or 8 years old. As her story progresses and her life changes, so does mine, and I have always been almost the same age as she has in the series. We have grown up together. She feels real to me and I am overjoyed that her story has not yet ended.

I no longer need fictional characters to be my friends, as I have my own in real life. But I rely on these fictional characters for a laugh or a smile when I'm feeling down, and sometimes for a good cry. They can always brighten my day and I know they will never leave me. They will always be there, as my patient, perfect, and very first friends.

So here is a giant "thank you" to the authors who have shaped my life and who made me feel not so alone as a child. You changed me. You gave me friends for life. I can never repay you for what you have done for me. I am who I am because of all of you.

Three authors stand out in my mind: Beverly Cleary, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Megan McCafferty. These women have been 3 life-altering authors for me.

Beverly Cleary's Ramona series got me through my childhood. It remains my favorite series today and are the books that turned me onto reading. Never have I met a character that made me laugh so much.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Alice series has been in my life since the early 90's and continues to remain a part of my life, as new installments are still being released. Never have I met a character that feels so real to me as Alice does.

Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series (starting with Sloppy Firsts) got me through my adolescense, and I literally bawled at the end of the final installment, Perfect Fifths, last year. Never have I missed a character so much as I miss Jessica Darling.

So there you have it. The reason I am a bookworm, the reason I am becoming a librarian, and the reason I am who I am. I am a proud bookworm.

They Found Him Dead by Georgette Heyer

I started Georgette Heyer's mystery novel, They Found Him Dead, but am sad to say I did not finish it. This bums me out slightly because I honestly can't remember the last time I started a book and didn't finish it. I got to about page 70 before I gave up, but I made the difficult decision not to finish it when I was still not into it at that point. I find it hard to make the decision to not finish a book. I've always been the kind of person that MUST finish a book, simply because I try to see merit in all the work that I read, and because I appreciate how hard every author works to put out a book. I simply could not get into this one, though.

I'll tell you a bit about this book since I know there are plenty of Heyer fans out there, and I am certain this book would appeal to MANY people, just not me.

It is the morning after wealthy Silas Kane's sixtieth birthday party - a celebration that brings to light a number of familial controversies. When Kane he is found dead at the foot of a cliff, the assumption is that he simply lost his way in the fog and fell by accident. But the subsequent death of his nephew and heir and threats on the life of the third Kane, the newest heir, raises obvious suspicion, and the redoubtable investigative skills of Superintendent Hannasyde prove critical once again.
-Goodreads

Hayer's novels were recently reissued by Sourcebooks which will surely bring about a new wave of fans for this very popular author. I believe her books were originally written in the 1920's or 30's, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Heyer's work reminds me a bit of Jane Austen, as far as the writing style goes. If you're a big Austen fan, I think you'll love Heyer as well. Sadly and ashamedly, as an English Lit. major in college, I do NOT like Jane Austen's writing. Her story lines are great, but old writing and I do not get along for the most part. I'm much more of a contemporary fiction kind of girl. Books like this one make me feel like I'm doing homework. I do think fans of historical fiction will find this book to be interesting and fun though!

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep (Blog Tour)

"'My name is Gin, and I kill people.'

My name is Gin Blanco. They call me the Spider — the most feared assassin in the South (and a part-time cook at the Pork Pit BBQ joint.) As a Stone elemental, I can hear the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet and feel the vibrations of the soaring mountains above me, though I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to.

Call it professional pride. After a ruthless Air elemental double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way. I may look hot in a miniskirt, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble when irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine agrees to help. The last thing a coldhearted killer needs when she's battling a magic more powerful than her own is a sexy distraction ... especially when he wants her dead just as much as the enemy."
--From Goodreads

Doesn't that sound good?! Review coming soon! This is a February 2010 release, and the first of a brand new series.

Review: Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger (Tour)

I signed on for a blog tour for Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger, which seems fantastic, but because of my mass amounts of schoolwork, I have been so incredibly bogged down. I decided to turn to my mother, who is my inspiration in all that I do, especially reading. She is the biggest reason I am "StephTheBookworm," as she taught me to love reading from an early age. She was also interested in this book, and agreed to read it and review it on my blog for the blog tour. I'll be reading it shortly, but the tour is today, so without further ado . . . my mama's review:

Summary: Mary and Cobb, two adventure seeking individuals, meet on a kayaking trip and end up falling in love. Unfortunately in order for Mary to stay with Cobb, he must agree to promise to help her end her life when she feels it is time.

My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I had never read anything from this author before and the title was kind of vague, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a love story, sort of in the Nicholas Sparks tradition. The characters were very well developed, especially Mary, who is a quirky, funny woman that you'd love to be friends with. This is a book where the first chapter could also be the last, so you know from the first paragraph how it's going to end, but you are so hooked into the characters that you want to see how they got there, so I didn't feel that it ruined the book by knowing the ending ahead of time. If you'd rather not know how it ends, just skip that first chapter and go back at the end. I have to admit this book made me cry and I didn't want to start another one right away, because I needed some time to absorb it. I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Rating: 5/5!

Thanks to my Mom (KimTheBookworm?). Maybe she will make some more guest appearances, as she loves to read too!

Review: Unlikely Angels by Michael O'Doran + Giveaway

I just finished reading Unlikely Angels by Michael O'Doran, a novel I received for review.

Summary: Mitch and Rob are complete opposites but have been best friends since childhood. They begin to drift apart in their high school years as their differences finally come between them. They do everything together as children, including loving Leslie, who moves to town in elementary school. Life takes unexpected turns for all three of them, and many years later, by chance, Mitch and Rob are brought back together again, though tension is still palpable between them. Can they forget the past differences that pulled them apart and reconnect, or is it too late?

My Thoughts: This was an incredibly unique story featuring a very strong male friendship, which I don't often see in novels. I enjoyed reading about their childhood, the trouble they got into, and the fun they had. I also liked seeing the story evolve from their childhood to high school, college years, and even adulthood. I chuckled a bit during the story, and also began to feel involved in the character's lives and interested in what would happen. My complaint would be the editing of this book. It was evident that this was written by a first time author, and I encountered a bit of grammatical and editing errors, which detracted from my reading enjoyment. The story also seemed a bit confusing and rushed at times and the writing was very childish and amateur. I do give the author props though for his originality!

The Bottom Line: If you can look past the errors and less than stellar writing style, this is an enjoyable and touching read about fate and the bonds that tie friends together.

Rating: 2.5/5

Giveaway: If you'd like a copy of this book, leave a comment below and I'll enter you in the giveaway! All I ask is that you be a Google Friend Connect follower, and live in the U.S. so that I can mail this out easily. Please leave your e-mail address for me, or if you are not comfortable with that, be sure to be on the look out for my post announcing the winner. The winner will be drawn randomly on February 19th.

Disclaimer: Though this book was received free of charge for review, these are my honest opinions.

Review: Falling for Romeo by Jennifer Laurens (Tour)

I recently finished Falling for Romeo by Jennifer Laurens which was provided by Around the World Tours.

Summary: Jennifer and John have been neighbors and friends since childhood, but now that they're in high school, things have changed. Tension has built between them, and their relationship is of the love-hate variety. Now they are playing Romeo and Juliet in the school play and things are getting stranger. They have to share a kiss on stage (Jenn's first), and neither can tell what the other is thinking about the kissing. Rumors go around, jealousy and tensions flare, but maybe what they're feeling is real?

My Thoughts: This was a cute and fun little romance. It was fun to see their relationship go on a roller coaster ride, and switch from love to hate in an instant. The story was slightly predictable, but intended for a younger crowd, which it would strongly appeal to. I'd say this is a great book for 14-16 year old teen girls looking for a fun and light romance!

Rating: 3/5

Excuses, Excuses (or: Where I've Been and why I Haven't Blogged)

Hey all, just a quick update since I haven't blogged in over a week! I started classes two weeks ago. I'm a junior in my second to last semester (I'm graduating a semester early, hopefully). That said, I'm currently taking five upper division English classes, two of which are arguably the most difficult classes in the English program at my school, all five of which have mass amounts of reading. I've also been working 15-20 hours a week too, with two night classes. Needless to say, I haven't been able to get as much of my own pleasure reading done. I have been reading, as always, but I don't have nearly as much time to as I'd like. Instead, my reading is mostly comprised of Shakespeare, Plato, textbooks, and novels from the late 1800's. I'm not too pleased, though not ALL of the reading is completely terrible.

I'm almost finished with Unlikely Angels, and have some other great review books coming up soon(ish), it's just so hard to find the time to read all of them as promptly as I'd like to. I'm hoping to have a review up for Angels within the next couple of days just as soon as I finish. I apologize for the lack of posting, and thank you for hanging in there with me. I've still been keeping up with all of your blogs, and they make me smile on a daily basis.

If you are an author or publisher who has sent me one of your books for review, I promise to get it read and reviewed as soon as I can. I look forward to reading all of the fantastic books I have received and thank you for your patience!

Happy reading to all of my bloggy friends. You're the best!