School Reading...

Well... I started back up at school yesterday. I am now officially a college senior which is exciting but I am already so overwhelmed and knee-deep in schoolwork I could cry. I am taking three English classes (one of which is my hardcore senior seminar for English majors), and a Health class. Anyways, for TWO of the English classes (Europen Lit. and Topics in Women's Lit.), we have to read a novel a week(!!!) This is a bit overwhelming!

Here's what's on the agenda for this week... ugh.



-The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov for European Lit.
-The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton for Women's Lit. I read Custom of the Country for a class last semester and I wasn't really into it. So... lucky me... more Edith Wharton!

If you've read either of those, it would make me feel super if you loved them... but please, tell me if you hated them too. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but we'll see.

For fun (if fun is still possible), I'm reading Sounds of Murder by Patricia Rockwell... if/when I ever get a spare second to breathe... or pee... or read for enjoyment... or anything else like that. :)



I do have several reviews coming up just as soon as I can get 'em up! Oh, how I love you all!

ARC Review: Huck by Janet Elder

Title: Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings
Author: Janet Elder
Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir
Publication: September 28, 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours

My Summary: Janet and Rich Elder's son, Micheal, had been begging for a dog since he was four. Their busy jobs and hectic New York City lifestyle prevented them from caving for years. When Janet discovers she has breast cancer, though, she decides that 11 year old Michael should finally have his dog to help cope with the illness and the stresses it would bring. Huck, a toy poodle puppy comes home and steals their hearts away. Shortly after his arrival, the family goes on a vacation to Florida and they, apprehensively, leave Huck with Janet's sister in Ramsey, New Jersey. Just a few days into the trip, the Elder's receive a phone call... Huck has escaped through the fence. The devastated family returns to Ramsey immediately and begin an intense and all-consuming search for days in the freezing weather with help from many strangers in the small town.

My Thoughts: When I saw this ARC on the tour site, I knew I had to read it. I LOVE animals and I love memoirs, so it seemed like a great fit. I did like the book, but I do have a couple of issues that kept me from loving it. First, the story focuses and talks mostly about the family rather than Huck. I think it's really important that in non-fiction stories such as this one that we do get to know the family behind the animal, but I wanted a lot more of Huck than I actually ever got. I'm thinking Marley and Me, where we see all of Marley's crazy antics and fall in love with him. We never really get the chance to fall in love with Huck, though he does seem cute.

Second, the writing was extremely formal, even the dialogue, and by this I mean, it would say things like... "it is cold" or "they are searching." Now, I don't have the book so these are not direct quotes, but just an example of the kind of formal writing you'll see when reading this... lots of spots where contractions should/could have been used but weren't. It almost causes the dialogue to feel unrealistic at times. Perhaps the formal writing is because the author is a journalist? I dunno.

Aside from those grievances, this was an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading about her son, Michael, and all the things he did in order to try and get a dog, such as creating Powerpoint presentations for his parents. The beginning of the book does a nice job setting up the desperation and desire for the dog and makes it that much sweeter when he finally arrives.

I'd say the second half or so of the book is dedicated to the search. The family did everything they could to find Huck, plastering the town and nearby areas with posters offering rewards, going door to door inquiring about a lost dog, and approaching many random strangers. While some of this section of the book got tedious at times to read, it was so touching and heartwrenching to see the kindness of so many strangers... it was crazy how many people in the town offered their help... some even going so far as to search for Huck themselves. The family was devastated when Huck was gone, showing how important and life-changing animals can be.

While this book has its faults (for me at least), it does give me a bit of hope about humanity and the kindness of others. Sometimes it's hard to find kindness in the world around us, but if we look hard enough, it's there, in the smile of a stranger or in the eyes of a cuddly puppy.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Review: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Title: Infinite Days
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Age Level: Young Adult
Publication: August 2010
Source: Around The World Tours

My Summary: After being an evil vampire queen for over 500 years, Lenah desires to be human again. She and her vampire love perform a dangerous ritual that will turn her human again, but unbeknownst to her, will kill him. She wakes up as a teenage girl at Wickham Boarding School, where she has the chance to live life again as a human, make friends, and even fall in love again. Things are going great, but the vampire coven she ruled over is angrily searching for her... and they want their queen back. They'll stop at nothing to find her and get her back, even if it means bloodshed of those she now loves...

My Thoughts: I wasn't too sure about this book going into it because of the vampires and all of that... it's not really my thing... but holy cannoli... I was blown away by this magnificent, magical, and engaging book! And yes, I really did just say holy cannoli. I was sucked into this story immediately and felt for Lenah immensely, even though she was a complete terror while she was a vampire.

A cool aspect of this book was the back and forth. Flashbacks of Lenah's past were interwoven quite often within the main storyline of her being at Wickham as a mortal being again. We see how she became a vampire 500 years ago, and see many scenes and flashbacks of her time as a vampire, and all the terror she caused. It was almost as if two stories were going on side by side which was really neat. It combines the whole vampire myth/ paranormal aspect with boarding school, teenage drama - something for everyone!

This book really was gripping. It kept me turning the pages at a fast pace. I wanted to know about Lenah's newfound romance at Wickham, and what he would think if he knew she was a vampire... I needed to see what would happen when the coven arrived... I had a desperate desire to find out if Lenah could make it as a human. I was so involved in this story.

Even if you're not into the vampire thing, like me, I'd recommend giving this new series a try anyways. It's not the typical vampire read so don't let that scare you off! It's unique as all get out, and I adored it. I anxiously await the next installment!

My Rating: 5/5

Currently NOT Reading Mockingjay.

Am I the only that isn't reading it right now? I haven't read any of the series yet. Don't worry. I want to, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I hope I won't be let down after all the hype. I also haven't read Twilight, which I do own and plan on reading soon too. I know, I am a weird book fanatic. Don't judge meeeee. Haha.

So, right now I'm reading After, by Amy Efaw, a YA novel about a teenage girl who gives birth and throws her baby in a dumpster. It's intense and super engaging. I don't want to put it down.

For those of you who aren't reading Mockingjay right now, let me know what you're currently reading! ;)

ARC Review: Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord

Title: Hector and the Search for Happiness
Author: Francois Lelord
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Publication: August 31, 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours

My Summary: Hector, a French psychiatrist, has spent years treating patients, some unhappy for legitimate reasons, and some unhappy for no reason at all it seems. He's decided to travel the world to figure out what makes people happy, and to compile a list while on his journey. He has many adventures (and misadventures) over the world while searching for the true meaning of happiness. Note: This book was translated from the French.

My Thoughts: This novella was unlike anything I have ever read. The most notable feature is its simplistic and childlike writing. It was written as though intended for a young child, though don't let that fool you, because Hector finds himself in many adult-like situations, such as spending the night with a prostitute, doing things that "people who are in love do" (see what I mean?). It's rather charming, actually, this writing style, though I don't know if I could have tolerated it if the book was much longer than it was (less than 200 pages).

Hector was a very likable character, often finding himself in loads of trouble, unintentionally of course, but always reflecting calmly and rationally, even when he was kidnapped and almost killed. He was naive and childlike himself, it seemed, though maybe it was just the writing surrounding his story.

Anyways, I thought this book was cute, silly and quite charming, but not what I was anticipating. It did have a bit of a storyline and plot, but a lot of the times I felt like I was reading a self-help book, or felt as though I was being taught a lesson. There wasn't enough length or substance to ever be truly engaging, and I never felt eager to find out what would happen next in Hector's whimsical, slow little world.

This book is considered a novel, but I don't feel quite right calling it that. If you're looking for a quick little read with a dash of self-help, then pick this book up, but don't expect an engaging story. It's just a cutesy little read. With all of Hector's travels though... it would make one hell of a movie!

My Rating: 2.75/5

Review: The Wild Irish Sea by Loucinda McGary

Title: The Wild Irish Sea: A Windswept Tale of Love and Magic
Author: Loucinda McGary
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Age Level: Adult
Publication: July 2010
Source: For review from Sourcebooks

Summary: American woman Amber O'Neill is drawn to Ireland when she sees an image in her mind of her twin brother, Parker, nearly dying. They have been telepathically connected since childhood, and in this instance, it just may save his life. When she arrives, she meets with local police officer, Kevin Hennessey, to help her find her brother, and they are immediately drawn to one another with an intense passion. Once they find Parker, the trio embark on a huge, and dangerous, adventure involving smugglers, the myth of a Selkie prince, endangered children, mind-reading (with more than just each other, shockingly), wild chases, gunshots, and romance.

My Thoughts: I thought the idea of telepathy and mind-reading was really cool, and that it was neat that the author was able to combine many elements into one story: romance, suspense, and folklore. The Irish setting was also rich and vivid. She draws a lot on the character's emotions and pasts, which was good, but for some reason, I didn't fully connect with them, or ever feel fully engaged with the story. I love suspense, but the suspense sequence here, mainly the last third of the book or so, didn't really capture my attention and I'm not entirely sure why. I think some of it may have been a bit confusing or described in such a way that I wasn't too sure what was going on at all times. Anyways, it had its moments and was a unique read nonetheless. Was it the best book ever? No... but it was fun, and I think romantic suspense readers that are interested in Ireland and myths/folklore would really get a kick out of it.

My Rating: 2.5/5

ARC Review: An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

Oh hi there! Haven't blogged in a week... but I have been on blogger everyday, reading your reviews and all that good stuff. I do have a few reviews that need to be written though, so... on with the show!

Title: An Object of Beauty
Author: Steve Martin
Genre: Literary Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Publication: November 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours

So, yes, I read An Object of Beauty, THE Steve Martin's (actor, comedian, writer extraordinaire) newest upcoming release. Several years ago, I read and adored his novella, Shopgirl (which was also made into a movie), so I was super stoked about this book... but it was kind of a letdown.

Summary: This tells the story of Lacey Yeager, a young, beautiful, charming, and seductive young woman in New York City, and her climb to success in the art world, through means of manipulation, seduction, and greed. She begins as a lowly gallery employee at Sotheby's auction house, sorting through art in the basement, but eventually works her way up to owning a gallery.

My Thoughts: I really had high hopes for this book but it was, for the most part, disappointing. While the writing was beautiful, eloquent and sophisticated, the story was slow, dragging, and anti-climatic. Lacey could have been fascinating, but we are closed off to any of her inner thoughts and ideas, as the story is narrated by an old college friend of hers who views her life from the outside. It seems I waited almost the whole time for something, anything, to happen, but nothing ever really did.

This book could have been scandalous and explosive, but even Lacey's scandals and crimes are dulled down and not made exciting at all... they are just sort of glossed over... Lacey did this and that and blahhh. I mean, there were these exciting things happening once in a while, but there was no sense of excitement whatsoever. I feel like even the author was bored writing about them. Did this story have potential? Absolutely. Like I said, the writing itself is quite brilliant - Steve Martin certainly has a way with words, and he definitely did his art research... but there is simply no enthusiasm, no spice, and it is all rather dull.

I would highly recommend his first book, Shopgirl, though!

My Rating: 2.5/5

Review: Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Title: Tell Me a Secret

Author: Holly Cupala
Publication Year: 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Source: Around The World Tours

Summary: Five years ago, Miranda's older, troublsome and wild sister Xanda died. Now, she lives in the shadow of the past and the secrets that were buried along with her sister's death, namely: what really happened the night that she died? Randa's parents refuse to speak of it, and instead choose to forge ahead with their "good" daughter, Miranda, who has a bright college future ahead of her, one that Xanda, who often snuck out of the house with her boyfriend, never had. Now, Miranda has her very own secret - she's pregnant, and things fall apart even more. Her boyfriend and her best friend are no longer interested in her, accusing her of lies, and are more interested in each other, her parents can't communicate except for yelling, and her plans for art school are out of reach. Will Miranda's own secret bring her closer to discovering Xanda's secret?

My Thoughts: Wow, what an emotional story! So many twists and unexpected surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. Let me also say, this was NOT a typical teenage pregnancy book. In fact, that wasn't even the main focus at all, which I thought was cool. The main story line was Xanda and the mysteries of the past. How did she die? Her parents tell her one thing, but she hears other things from everyone around her. Xanda was such an interesting character, even though she was dead. Flashbacks and memories showed a lot about her. She was a wild child and caused many family problems and fights. Miranda also had a lot of turmoil with her boyfriend, Kamran, and her "best friend." All in all, I thought this was excellent, intriguing, and I loved the dark feel that was present throughout.

My Rating: 4/5

Review: Numbers by Rachel Ward

I read Numbers, by Rachel Ward, for Around the World Tours.

Summary: Jem, a trouble-making, bad mouthed, 15 year old in England, sees a number for every person she meets. The number is the date they are going to die. She can't avoid it, and their deaths cannot be prevented. She feels overwhelmed and burdened by this, pushing away everyone, until Spider, a schoolmate, and fellow troublemaker befriends her. When Jem forsees a huge tragedy in London, authorities believe she had something to do with it, causing her and Spider to run away together where they encounter many difficulties, hardships, and love.

My Thoughts: I thought this book got off to a slow start, though the premise was interesting. About midway through the book though, it picked up quite a bit and I enjoyed it more. Jem and Spider are rough kids, in a class for "bad" kids, always ditching school, swearing, and living life on the edge. As two outcasts, they made a perfect pair, once Jem let her guard down. Now, Jem was particulary rough around the edges, constantly dropping F bombs and things like that. She seemed like a real street kid. The whole tone of this novel was dark, but revealing, showing the underbelly of rough city life and neglected children. Anyways, the two of them find themselves in many situations and troublesome settings once they take off to avoid the police. Spider is also fleeing for a purpose... he was involved with a rough crowd and stole a big sum of cash he was supposed to deliver for them. A lot of interesting things happen, and it also even got a bit emotional at times. All in all, I did enjoy the book, but the first half didn't capture me right away.

My Rating: 3/5

My Good News!

As many of you know, I am studying to be a librarian. I'm finishing my Bachelor's in English Literature in May (just two more semesters!), then I'll be going to grad school to get my Master's in Library Science in order to be a public librarian - my dream!

Well, back in April, I took the library civil service test and just recently found out that I scored a 100 on it.... and I just got hired to work part time at the circulation desk at one of my local libraries! Eeee!!! So needless to say, I'm ecstatic. This is the step in the right direction, and a total dream for me. I'm hoping to be able to work my way up in the library world, and once I get my Master's, become a librarian at that library. My local library is WONDERFUL! It's got to be the best in the county, and there are quite a few awesome libraries throughout my county. It's a huge library with so many awesome programs, TONS of books, music and DVDs, computers, and everything and they loaned over one million items last year. SWEET! It's such a cool place and I cannot wait to begin my career there.

I've got a number of reviews coming up this week so I'll see ya soon!