M&M Reviews

KM- FIREPROOF - Eric Wilson

2009-04-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

"Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighters adage: Never leave your partner. Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules."

Fireproof was instantly gripping. I made the mistake of beginning it at about 10p.m., and it was nearly 4 a.m. before I reached was able to stop. Not even coming to a point that I was willing to stop at, I finally couldn't keep my eyes open.

This is the story of a firefighter that puts everything on the line for his job, but does a less than satisfactory job at being a husband. His wife, Catherine, is finally at her wits end. At first, Caleb is indignant and decides to give up. His father convinces him to follow a plan for forty days, and see what happens. The transformations that Caleb goes through are amazing. He finds faith in God, and every aspect of his life is changed.

It's got great scenes (fire calls; two good structure fire scenes, one intense vehicle accident), amusing chatter (you'll come to love Wayne and Terrell), and serious every-day issues that we all deal with at one point or another. It's a very touching story.

Honestly, this book made me think about my own standing with God. And it gave me a new insight into marriage and relationships. I don't think I'll ever take another relationship so lightly. It really inspires thought and revelations. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone in a serious relationship, looking for inspiration, and definitely for married couples. Also a great read for firefighters, as I know we tend to have a more difficult time with relationships than most people.

Here's a great quote from it: "Marriages aren't fireproof. Sometimes you get burned." "Fireproof doesn't mean that a fire will never come, but that when it comes you'll be able to withstand it."

RATINGS:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A

KM- The Jester - James Patterson

2009-04-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

This was quite the deviation from Mr. Patterson. And not a trip down lovers lane, as some of his more deviant works were. This was a trip into the past.

The Jester takes place from about the year 1090, and tells of a young innkeeper named Hugh that takes off to fight in the Crusades, leaving his young bride at home. After over a year spent traveling and fighting, he decides to desert the battles and return home. Upon his return, he expects nothing more than to be greeted by his wife. However, he is greeted by the ruins of his inn lying in a pile of ashes and the news that his wife has been taken. He must then embark on the dangerous mission to locate and rescue his wife, before the last thing he loves is also taken from him.

From the battle scenes to the anguish, from the jokes to the holy relics, it's a great story line. I couldn't put it down. Yet another of Patterson's page-turners. The story is complicated, but interwoven so well that the turns and twists nearly have you jumping on edge, just waiting to see what will happen next.

RATINGS
CHARACTERS: 5/5
Plot: 4.6/5
Interest Level: 4.7/7
OVERALL: 95/A

KM- Fear Nothing- Dean Koontz

2009-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

I went back and read the prequal to the previously reviewed Seize the Night. As it turns out, Fear Nothing was just as good of a read, and I genuinely wish I'd read it first. There were a lot of details and back story that was quite important to the rest of the story.

This takes you back to the year previous to Seize the Night, when Chris Snow was dealing with the death of his father, the conspiracy surrounding his mother's work, and some shady characters in his quiet town. Moonlight Bay is, on the surface, a quiet, coastal town. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find strange things lurking beneath the surface of Fort Wyvern, a crooked police force, and many happenings that seem beyond belief (but in typical Koontz fashion, also seem totally believable). Here, you will be introduced to Sasha Goodall, Chris's dj/lover with an unknown past; Bobby Halloway, his best friend/surfer buddy (I must say, I picked up a lot of the surfer lingo); and Roosevelt & Mungojerrie, who are a team unlike any other. The light-hearted chatter among the characters bring a slightly lighter tone to the otherwise ominous story, and it's so intense that once you finish it, you'll nearly have to wipe the sand from the bottom of your feet from your beach runs with the crew.

RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.8/5
OVERALL: 99/A

CM - Undying - V.K. Forrest

2009-03-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

This one is one I've been reading off and on for awhile. It's about woman that calls herself Macy; her real name is Marcelene. She has been stalked by a killer the FBI has branded the "Buried Alive Killer"...he buries his victims (always families) up to their chins in makeshift graves and makes them watch as he strangles them one by one. He calls himself "Teddy".

The only way Macy knows how to escape Teddy is to run. Constantly on the run with a fake identification and a habit of nevering sticking around. She contacts a "special" FBI agent named Fia. In her attempt to her Fia and the FBI catch the Buried Alive Killer, Macy calls Fia and updates her when Teddy gives her information.

Fia is part of the Kahill sept; They worshipped the pagan gods and when St. Patrick came to their shore to convert them, they fought him. As a punishment, God turned the Kahill Sept into vampires; most of them were destroyed by slayers. The survivors fled to the New World and worshipped the One God, praying for redemption. They seek out and execute evil predators; those the police cannot catch, those like Teddy.

Don't get too caught up on those details, the book explains it all. What I didn't realize is that this was the sequel to V.K. Forrest's first Clare Point book, Eternal. It's on my Amazon list to read eventually. It was overall an ok read. The suspense was decent; the romance was questionable.

Ratings:
Overall I'll give it a B. It served its purpose; I read it, it passed time. It was a decent read; I don't have complaints, but also I am not about to rave about it.

CM - I Know This Much Is True - Wally Lamb

2009-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have yet to be disappointed by Wally Lamb. This book, I Know This Much Is True was a thought provoking read. Published in 1992, it is about two Italian twin brothers, Dominick and Thomas. The book is reading from Dominick's point of view.

Although they are twins, the two brothers couldn't be more different. While in college at the age of 19, Thomas starts to crack. Growing up with an abusive stepfather and a meek mother, Dominick has spent his entire life loving/hating and protecting/resenting his brother Thomas.

Thomas is diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic. His unthinkable act puts his own life as well as Dominick’s in chaos. In order to save himself; to be the brother who comes out of the woods, Dominick must face not only his past but his future. I highly doubt that there is a person out there who wouldn’t be touched by this attention grabbing and heart-wrenching story.

It is almost a Herculean task to articulate just how talented and enchanting Wally Lamb is. I rave for good reason. He does what great fictions authors are supposed to do- make you believe what you are reading.

Ratings:
For lack of a higher praise; I give this book and this author my utmost respect and admiration. I only wish that Wally Lamb never ceases to write; it is his God given gift.

KM- Seize the Night - Dean Koontz

2009-03-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yet again, another novel from Koontz, and again, I was not disappointed. This was definitely one that held my attention.

Christopher Snow is a man confined to the night. He has a rare genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum, which makes the patient very susceptible to cancers of the skin and eyes, to where even short exposures can cause extreme damage. Chris embarks on another adventure in Moonlight Bay, where the end of the world is coming, with his best friend, Bobby Halloway; his girlfriend, Sasha Goodball; a militant DJ, Doogie Sassman; an intelligent cat, Mungojerrie; and Mungojerrie's translator, Roosevelt. The characters were absolutely memorable. Most of the time I can't remember the character's first names, much less their last, but this one left you feeling as though you actually knew these people.

The task that the group must undertake is to travel to Ft. Wyvern, an abandoned military base, to recover four missing local children, and Chris's "brother". They're forced to face terror and mysteries beyond our comprehension, but that create a fast-paced story that plays out in your head like a movie. The dialogue between the characters is quite entertaining, and you're sure to learn alot, such as the XP condition, surfer slang, and the basic theory of quantum physics without even realizing that you're absorbing information. There are a few sad moments, and you'll lose a beloved character, but the way things go...Well, it goes exactly as it should, if that makes sense.

Note: This is a SEQUEL. I was unaware and am now working on the first book, Fear Nothing. Review to come soon.

Ratings:
Character Development: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: A+

KM- Friday the 13th

2009-02-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well, since we're reviewing movies as well, let's talk about what a disappointment this one was.

As we all know, the main reason to watch the Friday the 13th movies was for the gore. There was never actually a good story line, the villan had no logical way (nor did they try to explain how he did it) to have come back to life X many times, and let's face it.. Jason just wasn't really that scary. This movie, however, even failed in the gore department. There were a few humorous moments, since it dealt with a bunch of teenagers, a few of which were stoners, and that one Asian kid made the whole movie. After he died, the only entertaining part was when the "tough macho man" screamed like a prepubescent girl. Unfortunately, the ending even left it open for ...wait for it.. ANOTHER ONE. This one was, what? The 14th? Give it up while you're ahead guys, and remake some movies that are actually still SCARY (Hello, The Excorcist, anyone??)

RATINGS:
Characters: 3/5 (the Asian kid gets 5/5)
Plot: 2/5 (there really isn't one.. kids go camping, get killed by local serial monster)
Interest Level: 3/5 (only until the one kid dies.. After that, it's about a 1.5/5, but I'm being lenient)
OVERALL: 53/F

P.S. Whoever else decides to watch this monstrous piece of film garbage, please come back and tell me, because maybe I just missed it, but... What happened to the boat?

KM- THR3E - Ted Dekker

2009-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

This was a book I stumbled upon for 75% off during a Waldenbooks closing sale. It's a book featuring two novels, THR3E and Obsession. Considering THR3E took me over a month to read, I don't think I'll be reading Obsession any time soon.

That being said, I did think it was quite an interesting story line. Kevin is a regular guy, seminary student, with an old childhood love and an ordinary life, that suddenly finds himself amidst a terror-riddled thrill ride. Someone is giving him an ultimatum: confess your sin, or I set off another bomb. The man calls himself Slater, and Kevin, with the help of his childhood friend, Samantha, and an extremely nice FBI agent, Jennifer, must solve the riddles so that he will know what to confess before someone loses their life in one of the bombs.

It had a major psychological twist that, looking back, I could have seen from a mile away, but I just didn't catch it. Like I said, it was a good story, but just didn't hold my attention very well.

RATINGS
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 80/C

CM - Tithe - Holly Black

2009-02-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

This one was about a 16 year old girl named Kaye who travels from city to city with her mother's rock band. When forced to move to her childhood home in Jersey, she starts remembering her childhood friends Gristle, Lutie, and Spike...faeries.

Kaye soon finds herself a unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms- The Unseelie and Seelie Courts. The Unseelie Court being the "bad guys" and the Seelie Court being the "good faeries". Kaye then starts finding out more about herself and her newfound subject of observation-a guy faerie named Robin. Along for the ride are her childhood friends Janet (real), the faeries, and Janet's brother Corny. She learns that she could set the Seelie Court faeries free from the rule of the Unseelie Court for 7 years if she is sacrificed as the "tithe" or offering.

This one had a very teeny-bopper faerie tale imaginary friend feel to it. It was creative and did keep me occupied during an unexpected six hour wait in the emergency room. It had its strange points, but I think the author was well-intended.

Just a note, I realize that I have spelled "faerie" throughout the review, not "fairy" as I normally would; that is the way the author spelled it throughout the book-and yes that did slightly grind on my OCD nerves.

Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Interest level: This one is difficult. Although I didn't find it that interesting, I'm sure the younger readers it was intended for would. So I'll leave that one alone.
Overall: I'd recommend it for the younger reader, but not too young because there was some violence, death, etc. This was definitely not Tinkerbell.

CM - She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb

2009-01-26T00:46:00.000-08:00

I've become a Wally Lamb fan, his writing style is charming.

The plot is tricky to explain. The book is about a girl named Dolores Price, and to quote the book, "you will never forget Dolores Price." As the reader you have both the privilege and obligation to experience her coming of age from her perspective. A concoction of ill-fated events leads you to believe that this girl is a human pincushion; that the world is literally just picking on her. Don’t fret; Wally Lamb uses enough humor in the storyline to keep it from being a depressing sob story.

The book starts when she’s four years old, takes you through adolescence, and brings you to college with Dolores, and even the mental institution and eventually marriages and other events in her life. You start to feel like you’re experiencing everything right along with her, which I love it when authors are able to do that. The sheer quantity of experiences pretty much guarantees that any reader can relate to at least one. It’s odd, yet delightful how her story can make you laugh at some points, wince at others, and be neutral through some.

Ratings:
This is also another Oprah’s book club pick, and I have to agree, it was definitely a good read.
Characters: A
Plot: B+
Interest Level: A-
Overall: A-

KM- Baby Jack - Frank Schaeffer

2009-01-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

For the military fans, this one's for you!

This is an amazing story of a young man, Jack Odgen, who comes from wealth, priviledge, and opportunity and makes the selfless act of joining the Marine Corps against his family's wishes. His father tells him never to speak to him again, although his mother and sister do come around. It takes you on the path Jack took through Parris Island for basic training and even to the last of his days and beyond. Through his diary kept at PI, his letters to and from his family, and his family's thoughts, you'll learn of the difficulties new Marines face in training, the hardships of Jack going against his family for what he knew was right, and best of all, what became of that young Marine...and his child.

Overall Rating: A+++

Great story, although it does bring tears at certain moments.

KM- Cut - Patricia McCormick

2009-01-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

This book was one of my favorites when I was in high school. It's the story of a young teenager named Callie who is a "cutter". She is put into Sea Pines after a school nurse notices the lacerations on her arms, and the story is a great vessel that takes you into the mind of a troubled teen.

We can all relate to a time when we felt absolutely overwhelmed and felt utterly hopeless. Callie's story is one that will touch everyone's heart. She is going through treatments at Sea Pines and isolates herself behind a wall of silence. You'll be taken behind the scenes to how it all started, what provoked her, and best of all, how she finally got help.

It's a young adult book, but I think anyone of any age could appreciate this book. It's a very powerful story.

Overall Rating: A+

CM - The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb

2009-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

This book was extremely well written and flowed nicely for the reader. I kept seeing the book everywhere, and as someone who takes a hint pretty quickly, I decided to read it. It was a work of fiction about a schoolteacher named Caelum Quirk and his wife Maureen who works as a school nurse. However, the book places two fictional characters at the scene of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. If that makes sense...Caelum and Maureen were fictional characters, and their story was fictional, but all the facts surrounding Columbine were legit.

Had I not known better, I would have surely believed that these two people were real and so was their experience. That gives credit to the author for writing such an enthralling book. In April of 1999, Caelum returns home to Conneticut to be with his aunt, the only living member of his family and also the only one who ever cared about him. His aunt "Lolly" had suffered a stroke and although she was unable to talk, she manages to say "Cae", so he went. While he was there, he receives bad news followed by horrific news. His wife Maureen finds herself in the school library at Columbine (where the majority of the killings occured) locked in a cabinet saying Hail Mary's and etching a note to her husband in the cabinet fearing that the sadistic teenaged killers had only a matter of time before they found and killed her too. She survives, but not without cost...she is unable to recover from the trauma.

The effects of chaos are not so easily put right, and further tragedy ensues. I have to admit this book caught me off guard. What I thought was meant to be a book about Columbine turned into a eye-opening read. It questions the faith that lies at the heart of everyday life and questions why those who claim not to believe in God, nevertheless turn to Him in times of trouble and in the face of tragedy. I can't give away too much more because that would defeat the purpose of you reading the book, but it was a worthwhile novel. Great read. Oprah even picked Wally Lamb's books to go in her bookclub. I am personally envious of the fluidity in which he writes.

Ratings:
Hey, if its good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for you.
Great read, thought provoking, well written, I give it an A

CM - Manhunt - Colin Wilson

2009-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

This book is titled Manhunt - The Definitive History of Serial Murder Investigation. Being a criminal justice major, we tend to love reading these twisted accounts of human evil. This book is both a look at the sadistic killers themselves and the innovative techniques detectives have used to track them down. It describes in detail how psychological profiling is used to read "personality fingerprints" and create a profile to help catch and stop serial murderers. Although serial killers make up less than 1 percent of murders each year, their crimes are usually so grumesome that it makes detectives and the public alike wonder how they commit these heinous crimes with no compunction about doing so again and again.

This book embodied the stories of some of the most notorious criminals...that being said, their crimes are not bedtime stories. To anyone with a beating heart and a shred of human emotion, their crimes are unthinkable. It included but was not limited to the following: Karla Homoika (who looked like your everyday blonde but was driven by a desire to present her fiance' with a "surrogate virgin"-schoolgirls to rape), the infamous Charles Manson, the "Boston Strangler" Albert DeSalvo, Ed Kemper (who once stated that "to have a particular experience with a person, and to possess them in the way I wanted to, I had to evict them from their human bodies", which he did frequently and was famous for his cruel acts of necrophilia), Gary Ridgway the "Green River Killer" who was charged with 48 counts of murder after being caught in what was once the largest unsolved murder case in American history, Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins, David Berkowitz a.k.a. the "Son of Sam", John Wayne Gacy, and a slew of other "celebrities" that have gone down in history as the "worst of the worst" for lack of a better phrase.

I of course found this book to be enthralling and quite interesting, but it is definitely not for the faint at heart or the weak stomached. It's nightmare material for most. The only complaint I have about this book is that the print was incredibly tiny and hurt my eyes after awhile. Other than that, I can't exactly give ratings to serial killers individually, so if you're interesting in criminal profiles, serial killers, etc, this one was a good read.

KM- Terminal - Robin Cook

2009-01-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

Robin Cook mainly writes medical thrillers, and I've never really been into them, not because of a dislike for the genre, but more because I've never really read any books from that category. I was quite pleased with this book.

It's the story of a young med student named Sean who comes from an Irish family and is currently attending Harvard. He begins working at the Forbes Cancer Center, since his main research goal is an oncogene project which could help cure cancer. This Center seems to have a 100% success rate for treating a certain type of brain tumor, called medulloblastoma. It usually affects young people, and suddenly he starts to realize that the statistical analysis of their patients just doesn't seem to check out, so he begins to dive into an abyss of conspiracy, politics, and overall underhanded schemes.

I was a little confused at times because the novel does contain a lot of medical jargon, but if you pay attention, it's not hard to keep up, and you can actually learn a lot about the condition and how it works.

I'd recommend it for any medical thriller fan, and adults who are looking for something a bit more intellectual to get into.

Overall Rating: B+

CM - WTF? - Gregory Bergman and Anthony W. Haddad

2008-12-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

The book is titled "WTF? How to Survive 101 of Life's Worst F*#!-ing Situations". I was immediately intrigued. It was decent variety of situations, I could count quite a few I've already experienced. They varied from "You forget where you parked" to "Your girlfriend gives you herpes." Although I frequently forget where I've parked, I can't say my girlfriend has ever given me herpes...but if that situation should ever prevent itself I guess I'm prepared.

This book gives you options that are occasionally offensive, sometimes illegal, certainly inventive, and always hilarious. Although I wouldn't buy it as an actual self-help guide...only a dum-dum would, it was pretty funny. I especially liked the things to say to get telemarketers to stop calling, I'll have to try some of those. Although the book didn't suggest this option, I find it works well. Ask the telemarketer for their home number. When they reply with some lame "company policy prohibits me from giving my home number out", say that you understand, most people don't want complete strangers bothering them at home. Wait 10 seconds for it to sink in.

Anyways, all in a all, it was a funny read.

Ratings:
I'll give it a A-

CM - The Heroin Diaries - Nikki Sixx

2008-12-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

Born Frank Feranna, Nikki Sixx moved to LA at 17 and in 1981 became the bassist/songwriter for Motley Crue. His book, the Heroin Diaries is a compilation of journal entries he wrote while he self-destructed on a concoction of alcohol, cocaine, pills, acid, and his poison of choice, heroin. “Alcohol, acid, cocaine…they were just love affairs. When I met heroin, it was true love.” – Nikki Sixx

The reasoning behind the book? I’ll quote Nikki Sixx “Someone asked me why I was writing this book and I said, maybe one person will read it and it will help them. They said, that’s not very rock ‘n’ roll is it? I said, fuck off and smirked because I know it’s the most rock ‘n’ rock thing about me – doing what I wanna do in life.”

With more money than he could spend, Nikki Sixx put most of his resources up his arm. He spent years in a state of paranoia hiding in his closet with his drug paraphernalia and guns. The journal gives you a look at his childhood, his relationship with his mom, sister, etc. It also gives you a preview of his lifestyle in Motley Crue. Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, no surprise there.

Kudos to Nikki Sixx for having the courage to face his demons in a very public manner. The critics and reviews promised a raw look at “one of the most unique memoirs of addiction ever published.” I wouldn’t have gone that far. Although it was a good read, you can only read about getting high so many times until it gets monotonous and slightly repetitive. It was interesting to read the opinions of the people who surrounded Sixx and knew him. He was rather ballsy when he asked the co-author Ian Gittins to get the other sides of the story and Sixx wanted all the insults and atrocities itemized in the book- no editing.

As a bonus, almost every page of the book was decorated and animated in a way that made it easier to read. Some of the drawings and quotes were intriguing.

Ratings: I give it a B+

KM- The Long Hard Road Out of Hell- Marilyn Manson with Neil Strauss

2008-12-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

This was an amazing account of one of the most controversial artists of our time's life, from an awkward child attending Catholic school to a minister in the Church of Satan. From drugs, sex, and rock and roll, you hear of his firsts in everything.

I know most people are thinking "Oh. Manson. Nah, I wouldn't be interested." Or even worse, are judgemental characters that throw out accusations that he worships Satan without knowing his story. Once you read this, whether or not you like or hate him, you will have a whole new perspective of him.

Some of the best anecdotes he writes about in this were: exploring his grandfather's forbidden basement; how he got his band together (Twiggy Ramirez [whiskey and speed!!!], etc.) and how he came up with the concept of their names; his first acid trip; touring with Trent Reznor, encountering Courtney Love, etc... The high points, the low points, they're all great!

Overall, I think this was a great read. I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart, because there are times when things he and his friends do are pretty much debasing to other people, but it's interesting nonetheless.

Thanks Coran =D

Ratings:
A++

CM - You Suck - Christopher Moore

2008-12-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

This was the first I've read from Christopher Moore, the title jumped at me from the bargain section in Waldenbooks. I must admit that I had to keep reading sentences over and over again to make sure I was reading them right, that started upon my reading the first sentence of the book "You bitch, you killed me, you suck!"

Anyways...the book was about Tommy Flood and his girlfriend...the bitch that killed him...or not really killed him just turned him into a vampire, Jody. Christopher Moore wrote the book in such a way that you had to keep reading...not in a suspenseful way but more like humor to me.

Throw in a Las Vegas call girl that is literally dyed blue, a clan of turkey-bowling vampire hunters, a minion named "Abby Normal", and a homeless guy that has a sign that reads "I am poor, and my cat is huge"...later changed to "I am poor and someone shaved my huge cat"....don't ask, I can't explain, you'd have to experience this one for yourself. I'd recommened it to anyone with a twisted, non-conformist sense of humor.

For example, one of my favorite quotes of the whole book:
Tommy: I bet it smells like peppermint...
Jody: What?
Tommy: Elf sex.
Tommy: Or maybe cinnamon...yeah that's it, cinnamon.

Ratings: I give it an A for an abundance of random-ness and for making me laugh

CM - Sundays at Tiffany's - James Patterson

2008-12-21T01:36:00.000-08:00

I guess writers go through phases; James Patterson apparently had his "romantic" phase and wrote Sundays at Tiffany's, Sam's Letters to Jennifer, and Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. All are un-related but similiar in tone, mood, and theme.

Sundays at Tiffany's was about a little girl named Jane. She's lonely because her mother is a Broadway producer and makes time for her only to take her on their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's, or to criticize literally almost every facet of this child. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. Only Jane can see him.

On Jane's 9th birthday Michael has to break her heart after her mother already forgot about her birthday. He was there to help until she was old enough to manage and then had to go help other kids who needed him. He leaves on her birthday and promises that she'll forget about him soon enough, that's how it always happened.

Or so they thought. Years later, Jane is in her thirties and still wrestling with her overbearing mother, not to mention a real jackass of a boyfriend. When one day out of the blue, she sees her imaginary friend from when she was 8 years old. Same impossibly green eyes...but how? Why? Is she just stark crazy?

Although he may have been going through a phase, James Patterson didn't completely change genres on us, you can still taste a hint and twist of suspense. The overall plot was a bit funky, but all in all, it was a good read. Didn't turn out like I expected, but at least it didn't reek of "happily ever after" OR "what a tragedy I wish I never read it"...but you'll just have to form your own opinions.

Ratings:
Overall: I give it a B+

KM- The Funhouse - Dean Koontz

2008-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Years after leaving the carnival, her hated first husband, and the child she could never love, Ellen has a new life, a new husband, and two beautiful children, but now the carnival is coming back to town, and Ellen is going to have to pay for her sins.

This was yet another interesting Koontz read, although it wasn't quite what I expected. The description given on the inner page was quite misleading. It was more along the lines of "Ellen's children are going to have to pay for her sins". The above description was taken from amazon.com's description, yet the one on the book says about the same thing, except it focuses more on the fact that her teenage daughter is pregnant, which is actually only a minor detail in the story.

This was one of Koontz's earlier works, written in 1980, yet even 28 years ago, you could see a little of Koontz's current style shining through. It was originally written under his pen name, Owen West. Overall, it was a pretty interesting read. I believe the fact that it was one of his earlier works actually intensifies the "I have to know what happens!!" mindframe while reading it, since you're even more curious due to the fact that it's not quite what we're used to from him. But over all, it was a very good read.

RATINGS
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 93/A

KM- 1st To Die- James Pattesron

2008-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

A serial killer is stalking and murdering newlyweds on their honeymoon. San Francisco Homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer takes the case and along the way meets three other women–a lawyer, a reporter, and the city medical examiner. Joining forces to solve this gruesome crime, the Women's Murder Club is born.

Ok, this one, I was skeptical about. I got the series up to the 5th one for Christmas last year, and I've finally gotten around to reading it. I was shocked. It's classic Patterson in the sense that it's made of 1-2 page chapters, which definitely does make his books slightly easier to read, although it's annoying at the same time.
I was instantly intrigued with Lindsay Boxer as a character, and she had a great backstory. I like how the others characters where gradually brought in and revealed with their connections, and the club they've formed is a great concept. They're friends who work in the justice field, one a homicide inspector, one a medical examiner, one a reporter, and the other is a district attorney. They're strong women working in dominantly male fields. They meet up together to discuss aspects of the case, showing that 2 heads (or 4..) heads are better than one.
I'm actually looking forward to the next one in this series.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.8/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 95/A

KM- Just After Sunset - Stephen King

2008-12-08T12:17:00.001-08:00

This was King at his finest. While reading the stories you feel as though some details are left out, but when you finish them, it's comparable to a light bulb going off and everything falling together. Willa, about a young woman and her fellow travelers at an Amtrak station, and N., about a psychiatric patient who has to hold the world together, were my favorites.

I can't really say too much about it, since I really don't want to ruin it, but this was AMAZING. King showed his most twisted, cryptic, insightful works yet, and it will blow you away!

Ratings:
Screw all that, it gets an A+++

CM - The Rescue - Nicholas Sparks

2008-12-08T01:23:00.000-08:00

This one was on the top 5 favorite Sparks books, right up there with The Guardian and The Bend in the Road. This one was about a volunteer firefighter named Taylor McAden. When confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, Taylor takes risks that no one else in the department dared to take. He does whatever he can to save a live. But there's one risk that Taylor can't bring himself to take. He can't fall in love.

For all of his adult life, Taylor has dated women who need to be rescued, and once their crisis is over, he gets bored and leaves. The one day, a raging record breaking storm hits his small southern town. Denise Holton, a young single mother is driving through it when he car skids off the road with her four year old son in tow. What aggravates the circumstances is that Kyle, her son, has severe learning disabilities. Who comes to her rescue? None other than local hero, Taylor McAden.

Both are stricken with terror when they realize that Kyle is no where to be found after the accident. During the search for Kyle, the connection between Taylor and Denise takes root. Taylor doesn't know that this rescue will be different from all the others, demanding much more than physical courage.

Absolutely recommend this one. Nicholas Sparks provokes you to continue through his spellbinding story lines until the very end.

P.S.! Kayla I know you aren't a fan of Sparks, but since I did talk you into reading the Guardian and you liked it, I am recommending that you read this one too. Especially since it's about a volunteer firefighter, you should relate easily. I think you'll like this one.

Ratings:
I give it an A, to no one's surpise

CM - Toxic Parents - Dr. Susan Forward

2008-12-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

As the profile says, I'll read just about anything. Normally, I'm not into the self-help books as most are particularly lacking in inspiration and I usually end up reading a few chapters before I toss it aside. This one I was surprised. I didn't toss it aside as I normally would have, and it didn't reek with the normal "self-help" weirdo type of feel. I found it to be hard-hitting and pretty damn exact.

The book is broken into parts. It asks you a series of questions that you are to answer on your own. Your own answers will surprise you. Then it tells you some short stories of other people that will pretty much make your stomach flip flop. It gives you a list of "who are toxic parents" and categorizes the inadequate, the controllers, the alcoholics, the verbal abusers, the physical abusers, and my personal vote for 1st in line to the electric chair, the sexual abusers. Each category has their own chapters and I think just identifying what type of parents you have is a tremendous step to reclaiming your own identity.

Definitely recommend this book for anyone who has had trying times with their parents and even for those who don't. I must admit I'm a sucker for hearing other people's life stories, I find it so interesting, even if it does rip your heart out sometimes, as it did in some of these stories. It's not a "I hate my parents" "My childhood sucked waaah me" book. It was actually very insightful. Also, this book is pretty much all ages. There are stories of the burdens of caring for elderly parents as well as stories to relate to if you are still living with your parents. We all have parents, and at some time, we all need some help/perspectives for dealing with them.

Ratings:
Overall, I give it an A, very insightful, worth reading

CM - The Choice - Nicholas Sparks

2008-12-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

This was a good one. As usual, I'm pleased with the way Nicholas Sparks captures and entertains. This one was about a man named Travis Parker (not Barker!) He has everything a man could want, a good job as a vet, loyal friends, and a waterfront home in a small town in North Carolina. He swims, goes boating with his friends, and barbecues. He holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship would cramp his "bachelor" style. That is until his new neighbor, Gabby Holland moves in.

Despite his attempts to be cordial, the redhead nextdoor seems to have a grudge against him. Classic love/hate relationship. Still, Travis tries to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor. His persistence leads them on a journey neither expected. I won't spoil it, but The Choice ultimately confronts readers with a heart wrenching question...How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

Recommend it! Although it wasn't the best of the best of Spark's novels, it wasn't a bad read at all.

Ratings: Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest level: 4/5
Overall rating: I'll give it a A-

CM - Untamed - P.C. Cast

2008-12-08T00:53:00.002-08:00

Untamed is the 4th (but not final!) book in the House of Night series. Zoey finds out that life sucks when all your friends are pissed at you. In one week she went from having three boyfriends to none and from having a close knit group of friends who trusted her to being an outcast like she was before she came to the House of Night. Her advisor Neferet has declared war on humans, and Zoey knows that catastrophic events are about to come her way. Zoey's adventures take wild and dangerous turns as loyalities are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened.

This was by far the best book in the series. The only bad thing I could possibly think of to say is that I'm horribly disappointed that I have to wait until March 2009 for the 5th book in the series, "Hunted" to find out what happens to Zoey and her friends. Well people, you've just found my achilles...I hate to wait and I just HAVE to know what happens, always. I can't say why I'm so eager to read the 5th book without giving too much away...but if you haven't started this series, it's definitely worth what you pay for it.

Ratings: I give it an A+ and a dirty look for making me wait impatiently for the 5th one

CM - Chosen - P.C. Cast

2008-12-08T00:53:00.001-08:00

Chosen is the 3rd House of Night series book. Zoey's adventures at the House of Night take a mysterious turn or two. Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be her enemies and oddly enough, sworn enemies are turning into friends. Zoey has to figure out how to help her best friend Stevie Rae who is struggling to maintain her grip on humanity while Zoey scrambles to utilize her powers to find a solution. Trust has become a rare commodity at the House of Night and Zoey finds herself keeping secrets from nearly everyone.

Zoey finds herself juggling three boyfriends...one being a teacher at the House of Night. Then vampires start turning up dead and a war with the human race is brought up. Zoey starts to find out the hard way that things are definitely not always what they seem. Definitely worth reading, by this point in the series, you find yourself engulfed and unable to explain why.

Ratings:
I give it an A

CM - Betrayed - P.C. Cast

2008-12-08T00:52:00.000-08:00

This is the 2nd book in the "House of Night" series by P.C. and Kristen Cast. By the time you get to this book, Zoey Redbird has settled in at the House of Night. She is chosen as the leader of the elite Dark Daughters and starts to realize her own powers. She even has a boyfriend or two. Then human teenagers that Zoey once went to school with start to be abducted and killed and all the evidence is pointing to the vamps at the House of Night. Then, when Zoey needs her friends the most, death strikes the House of Night and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal (hence the title) that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.
I don't want to give away too much of the book, but this book picked up more so than the first book. Worth reading.

Ratings:
I give it an A-

CM - The Nymphos of Rocky Flats - Mario Acevedo

2008-12-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

I'm soooo mad at my book club for recommending me this one. I know, I know, I should have read the title and known better, but it was on special for 20 cents, and I want my 20 cents back!!

Alright, so the book actually had a potentially good plot. Felix was an Iraq soldier who's platoon accidentally killed what they though was four insurgents but turned out to be a family of four including a 12 yr old girl. An encounter in Iraq give Felix the gift/curse of immortality as the undead. Even I must admit that the first few chapters were pretty good. Back home in the states, Felix is still affected and is trying to pay penance for his war-time sins. The former infantryman works as a detective and is asked to investigate a case at a government facility in Rocky Flats, Colorado. Sounds like a decent read right? Not.

I feel no remorse for spoiling the end to this garbage. I'm still pissed that I wasted two hours of my time reading this waste of paper and ink. Let's just say that little green men and UFO's...not my cup of tea. I don't know why the author went so horribly wrong in the last 7 or so chapters. It turns out that there's some weird chemical from a UFO that was part of a government cover-up conspiracy that turns the people in Rocky Flats into nymphomaniacs because of alien invasion. Yeah....anyways, the proceeding ratings should be of no surprise to anyone. I want a refund! Damn you book club!

Characters: 2/5
Plot: COULD have been a 4/5, but thanks to the ending, 1/5
Interest rating: None. Zip, zero, nil.
Overall rating: Refer to the finger I'm giving my book club and the author

KM- I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell- Tucker Max

2008-12-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

My name is Tucker Max, and I am an asshole.
I get excessively drunk at inappropriate times, disregard social norms, indulge every whim, ignore the consequences of my actions, mock idiots and posers, sleep with more women than is safe or reasonable, and just generally act like a raging dickhead.
But, I do contribute to humanity in one very important way. I share my adventures with the world.

This book was hilarity at it's finest. I found the website because of a friend of mine, and soon read all of the stories featured on tuckermax.com. Then, I set out to find the book. Most of the stories featured in the book are also on his website, but there are some extras thrown in. It's definitely worth the $13 I paid for it. Tucker Max was a student at Duke School of Law, and it's a telling of his drunken nights and one-night stands. This man has the sort of life you can't even imagine. It seems that even on an average day, hilarity ensues. The best part of it is, it's all true.

This book is definitely not for the easily offended. He sleeps with random women, gets drunk and is generally disrespectful of all other people, but if you're not easily offended, this could very well be some of the funniest stories you will ever hear.

Rating:
Characters: 5/5 Absolutely love his friend, Drunkasaurus Rex!
Plot: N/A It's a collection of stories, but it gets the highest rating for a collection
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A+++

KM- Odd Thomas- Dean Koontz

2008-12-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

"The dead don't talk. I don't know why." But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Odd Thomas thinks of himself as an ordinary guy, if possessed of a certain measure of talent at the Pico Mundo Grill and rapturously in love with the most beautiful girl in the world, Stormy Llewellyn. Maybe he has a gift, maybe it's a curse, Odd has never been sure, but he tries to do his best by the silent souls who seek him out. Sometimes they want justice, and Odd's otherworldly tips to Pico Mundo's sympathetic police chief, Wyatt Porter, can solve a crime. Occasionally they can prevent one. But this time it's different. A mysterious man comes to town with a voracious appetite, a filing cabinet stuffed with information on the world's worst killers, and a pack of hyena-like shades following him wherever he goes. Who the man is and what he wants, not even Odd's deceased informants can tell him. His most ominous clue is a page ripped from a day-by-day calendar for August 15.
Today is August 14. In less than twenty-four hours, Pico Mundo will awaken to a day of catastrophe. As evil coils under the searing desert sun, Odd travels through the shifting prisms of his world, struggling to avert a looming cataclysm with the aid of his soul mate and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock 'n' Roll. His account of two shattering days when past and present, fate and destiny converge is the stuff of our worst nightmares-and a testament by which to live: sanely if not safely, with courage, humor, and a full heart that even in the darkness must persevere.

This was a mind-blowing work from Dean Koontz. It is one of the few books that actually brought a tear to my eye at some parts. The heroic young man is faced with so many challenges, and yet he perseveres. The story instantly captures your attention from the opening page with a humble introduction from the main character. As the action progresses, you'll be gripping the book in white-knuckled anticipation, sighing with relief, and smiling at the beauty of the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story about an everyday hero with a bit of a supernatural gift. It deals with the most basic of moral questions, how much evil is there really in an average human? How strong is the power of love? What can you go through and still have faith in humanity?

RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A for lack of anything higher.

KM- Twilight- THE MOVIE

2008-12-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

I guess I will start this one by saying: DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.

This movie was similar to the books only in a few moments of dialog, the fact that the Cullens were vampires, and that Bella and Edward loved each other. The events were somewhat similar, but where in the books did Edward say something as stupid as "You can google it." WHAT?! No.

I know most people are thinking, "You knew it wouldn't be identical to the book." Yes, I did. I prepared myself for that. What I did NOT prepare myself for was that they were going to take what could have been the best movie of the YEAR, and ruin it with mediocre acting, forced lines, and overall terrible settings. I was so disappointed by this that I felt as though I'd lost a friend. Not to mention the fact that I was in a theater full of teenage girls who squealed every time Edward came on the screen.

I guess the best way to put it is, IF you HAVE NOT read the book, the movie may pass as a semi-decent film. If you HAVE read the book, the movie will be nothing but a massacre to your senses and a way to ruin a great story.

And just a p.s.: THEY RUINED JASPER.

RATINGS
Acting: 2/5
Character Portrayal: 2/5
Similarities: 3/5
Overall: 47/F

CM - Dear John - Nicholas Sparks

2008-12-01T03:40:00.001-08:00

This book is a story about an angry rebel named John Tyree who enlisted in the army after high school because he didn't know what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets Savannah Lynn Curtis, the girl of his dreams. She is in North Carolina attending college and working for Habitat for Humanity and is completely unprepared for her feelings for John Tyree.

The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that makes Savannah vow to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty, and John is ready to settle down with the woman that captured his heart. Neither one of them can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world and that single day forces John to risk every dream he's ever had. Like so many soldiers, John is forced to choose between love and his devotion to the country. And like so many left behind, Savannah has to decide whether to wait for John or move on.

This one was a good read, but then again I am never disappointed when I finish a Sparks novel.

Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest level: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5

CM - Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer

2008-12-01T03:27:00.000-08:00

Breaking Dawn was one of the most anticipated books...ever. Twilight fans across the country were waiting for what seemed like an eternity for August 4th to roll around so they could scramble to the nearest bookstore to get a copy. I went that very day and picked up my copy because I absolutely could not wait to see what unfolded in the end of Edward & Bella's journey.

Well folks, I have to say, this one was not nearly as good of a read as the first 3 books in this series. The story picks up where Eclipse left off and Bella still finds herself torn between her love of Edward and her friendship with Jacob and Victoria is still after her. I don't want to spoil the book, but I will say that Edward and Bella's wedding was in the beginning...followed by some highly illogical events...but anyways, I was personally disappointed. I was not only disappointed that this would be the last book in the series, but the series of events threw me for a loop.

Either way, I've warned before, if you pick up one of these books in the series it is like an addiction. Let's just call it cocaine...you don't start cocaine unless you intend to keep doing cocaine because of it's highly addictive and alluring nature...same thing with the Twilight series. So it's understandable that you go read it even after hearing that it's not the greatest, I did. The book wasn't terrible, it just didn't play out like I would have wanted it to.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 3/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

CM - Complete Tales & Poems - Edgar Allen Poe

2008-12-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I would recommend this book for any Poe fan. It has all of his short stories and poems including some of my favorites like the Tell Tale Heart, Annabell Lee, The Black Cat, The Raven, and many more. It was a steal at the bookstore for $8.

Ratings:
Differ by story but overall, I give the collection an A. Thought-provoking and written from sheer madness, which makes it all the more interesting.

CM - Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer

2008-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Since Kayla took on the enormous task of trying to fit all the awesomeness of Twilight and New Moon into a review, I figured I'd go ahead and review the 3rd book in the series, Eclipse.

By now, if you've read the first two books in the series, chances are, you're already hooked on the Cullens so I don't need to explain much. This book is a continuation of Edward and Bella's story. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killins and Victoria continues her quest for revenge on Bella, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. She is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob (boo!) sorry...couldn't resist.

Graduation is approaching and Bella has to choose...life with Jacob...or death and eternity with Edward and the rest of the Cullens. Which will she choose? Read it and find out. This one was just as good as the first two.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest level: 5/5
Overall rating: It's no surprise that I'm giving this an A+

CM - The Quickie - James Patterson

2008-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

This one was a good read. I'm normally not an absolute Patterson fanatic...but this one was
pretty easy to get into.

The story is about a detective named Lauren who is married to her husband Paul. One day, she drives downtown hoping to surprise him at lunch. She spots him going into a hotel with a georgeous young blonde. This betrayal tears her apart and of course allows her to justify having her own fling with a detective coworker.

That's as much of the plot as I'll give away. Let's just say that once Lauren has the quickie, an amazing amount of things go wrong. Lauren is faced with many decisions and dilemmas that force her to decide what really matters in her life.

I won't divulge too much to avoid spoiling the book, but I will say that there's murder, infidelity, and revenge...and that's just in the first few chapters. All in all, it was a good book.

Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: I'll give it an A-

CM - How to Make Love Like a Pornstar - Jenna Jameson

2008-11-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know what you're thinking, it's a book about a freaking porn star. BUT and that's a big but, I was very surprised by this book. It was actually well written and reasonably tasteful. True, she had help, but that's beside the point. It was nothing like what I expected; I expected a book about a porn star. What I read was a book about a woman who had alot more to say than I would have thought.

The story is an edgy raw look at a life of turmoil filled with rape, drug abuse, and tumultous relationships with family, friends, and of course lovers. The book starts with Jenna's early days and takes you on the rocky journey to what she is today. I was surprised to say the least that someone who in my opinion has been degrated to a pulp actually is a very strong person. I have a new respect for her, although I still do not condone what she does nor do I think it is any way to make a living, the book was still a pretty decent autobiography. Definitely for the 18+ age group.

All in all, don't judge a book by it's cover...you may just find a decent book behind the slightly sleazy cover.

Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall rating: I'll give it an A- ...and would recommend people give it a chance

KM- Let Me Call You Sweetheart- Mary Higgins Clark

2008-11-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Kerry has taken an interest in a 10-year-old murder case, in which Skip Reardon had been found guilty of slaying his beautiful wife, Suzanne, and has since been pleading his innocence from his jail cell. When Kerry's small daughter, Robin, goes to a New York plastic surgeon after a car crash, it is apparent that Dr. Smith, who was Suzanne's father, is weird. He seems to be fashioning the faces of young women to resemble his dead daughter?and it was his testimony that sent Skip to jail. Kerry's interest in the case (and her parallel interest in Skip's good-guy lawyer) may harm her chances of a judgeship, and it also draws the ominous attention of another possible suspect, James Weeks, a wealthy real-estate magnate with rumored mob connections. Then there's elegant, tasteful art burglar Jason Arnott, who had also known Suzanne....

This one was decent, nothing to jump around about, but I enjoyed it. As usual, Clark writes in characters designed to do nothing more than to throw you off the trail of the actual culprit. I feel that this story was a bit slow paced and lackluster. More of a read for when there's really a lack of anything else, or for when you're looking for a shallow read.

RATINGS
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 67/D

KM- Paint It Black - Janet Fitch

2008-11-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Josie Tyrell, art model, teen runaway, and denizen of LA's rock scene, finds a chance at real love with art student Michael Faraday. A Harvard dropout and son of a renowned pianist, Michael introduces Josie to a world of sophistication she had never dreamed existed and to his spiritual quest for the beauty that shines through everyday existence. But when she recieves a call from the LA county coroner, asking her to idenitfy her lover's dead body, her bright dreams all turn to black.

This was a happen-upon, I saw it on a bargain rack at Waldenbooks, and picked it up. I was amazed at the simple-yet-powerful style with which Fitch wrote the book. The story involves all sorts of emotions, from despondency to love, to betrayal, and unlikely friendships. It delves into the darker side of human nature and makes you wonder just how much you really know about those around you. Overall, I found it very enlightening, and the flashback-style of writing definitely made for a great adventure with Josie.

RATINGS:
Characters: 4.75/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 95/A

CM - Watch You Bleed the Guns N Roses Saga - Stephen Davis

2008-11-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big fan of the GNR. So I was of course attracted to this book simply because it was about Guns N Roses. I always try to stay objective so I didn't let my love of the band affect my opinion of the book.

The book was well written, I'll give Stephen Davis that. It takes you back to the days when hardcore Axl was little Bill Bailey. The story tells you how the members met, and how they all ended up in L.A. and their journey to stardom and how they became the biggest rock stars of their generation.

Stephen Davis is one of America's more prominent rock journalists, so he definitely didn't let me down. Although the book was a bit difficult to get into, it picked up. The book definitely explains some of the titles to some of GNR's hits. I can imagine that it would be a tremendous feat to try to fit the awesomeness of these rock God's into 420 pages...(ironic I know) but somehow Davis pulled it off. Definitely an educational/entertaining read. I recommend it to all GNR fans, as it gives you a more in-depth look into the rock Gods...all in all, worth the $20-something I spent on amazon.

Ratings:
Characters: 100/100 :)
Plot: Could have been better
Overall rating: I'll give it a B+

CM - Seduced by the Night - Robin T. Popp

2008-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

It's no secret, I'm a sucker for vampire novels (pun highly intended ;) Other than the Twilight series and the Marked series, Seduced by the Night was on up there on my list of favorite vampire novels.

The story is about a bio-chemist named Bethany who works in the fancy Van Horne Technologies research lab. She soon finds herself in need of protection because her assitant and front desk security guard are both killed. She is engaged to marry the wealthy owner of Van Horne Technolgies, Mr. Miles Van Horne himself. Her fiance has her working on project to duplicate a synthetic version of a plant that is only found deep in the amazon. While working on this project, Bethany finds that this project could be highly illegal and starts to worry. She doesn't have much time because a group of vampires is out to kidnap her. After a few attempts to snatch her, Dirk Adams, an ex Naval officer/ fledging (half vamp half human)/ vampire hunter volunteers to protect her. Bethany doesn't know why, but she always feels safe with Dirk. Their attraction is undeniable, but she is after all in a loveless engagement to Miles.

Bethany is faced with decisions that she doesn't have a whole lot of time to make. Why is Miles getting her to produce this plant extract? Will she stay devoted to Miles and end up in an unhappy marriage...or follow her heart into the arms of Dirk Adams? Will she be safe or is she doomed to be kidnapped and forced to produce venom for this clan of vampires? How will it end for Bethany? I dunno, read it yourself and find out :)

Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall rating 4/5

CM - The Client - John Grisham

2008-11-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

There was no hesitation for me to buy this book, I had already saw the freaking fantastic movie so for me it was a must-read. I wasn't disappointed.

The story is about an 11 year old named Mark Sway who witnessess an attorney commit suicide. Before he dies, the lawyer tells Mark a deadly secret concerning the recent murder of a Louisiana senator who was murdered by a Mafia thug killer who is about to go on trial . The FBI pressures Mark to tell them the attorneys last words but Mark knows that the mob is watching his every move and is already fearful after his house is burned down. He is concerned for the saftety of his mom and little brother so he hires a lawyer. (Susan Saradon in the movie :) Reggie Love in the movie & book. Realizing that Mark has no choice but to talk, Mark comes up with a crazy plan that would keep Reggie and his family safe from the mob... and it just might work.

Definitely recommend! It was a suspense and humor filled novel and surprisingly, the book and the movie were both great (usually its one or the other).

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5

KM- The Face - Dean Koontz

2008-11-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

He's Hollywood's most dazzling star, who inspires the worship of millions and the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying "messages" penetrates the security of his legendary estate. All that stands between him and an insidious killer is a weary ex-cop who has already seen his own death.

This was a great one, with a classic Koontz feel in that it's not what you're expecting. The characters are amazingly well developed with great personality and interweaving storylines that cumulate into one great tale. Aelfric "Fric" Manheim, the son of The Face, is a young boy who is being threatened by forces unheard of, and the security manager of the estate, Ethan, is protected by forces even more strange. Even the minor characters in the story are absolutely crucial to development. From Hollywood glitz and glam, to voodoo practices and time loops, this one will definitely keep you glued to the pages.

Ratings:

Characters: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Interest Level: 5/5

Overall: 100/A

KM- Along Came A Spider - James Patterson

2008-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

A missing little girl named Maggie Rose.
A family of three brutally murdered
in the projects of Washington, D.C.
The thrill-killing of a beautiful
elementary school teacher.
A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls
himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret
Service, and the police cannot outsmart him — even after he's been captured.

.

This is the first novel in the Alex Cross series. Det. Cross is a unique character in that he's an African-American detective with a Ph.D. in forensic psychology, and yet still has a sense of humor. He and his best friend and co-worker, Sampson, make a great team. You'll be immediately endeared to the characters.

The story starts out with a retelling of the Lindbergh kidnapping that will leave you thinking, "What?!" but the story develops amazingly well and is paced at a perfect speed. From rogue FBI agents, to the adrenaline always involved with stories of children, this book will tug at your heartstrings, keep you on your toes, and even make you question your own views of the justice system. This was one I could barely put down!

RATINGS:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A

CM - The Lost Boy - Dave Pelzer

2008-11-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Most of you have probably seen the book "A Child Called It" on the bookshelves in the bookstore and probably have passed right by it without much thought. I picked it up one day and soon was out looking for The Lost Boy, which is the sequel. Dave Pelzer is an amazing man. He is so incredibly brave for allowing readers to delve into his heartwrenching childhood.

The story is about a young boy who has suffered torture at the hands of his crazed mother and ignored by his alcoholic firefighter father. I found it ironic that his father was a "hero" but yet never saved his own son from the hell he received at the hands of his psychotic mother. The book takes you back to a time when Pelzer was a nine year old boy. You feel his pain as he describes living with his mother and bouncing from foster home to foster home all the while feeling isolation, fear, and devastation while dealing with feeling unworthy of being loved. It is definitely humbling to read how tragic his childhood was. Though society is quick to ridicule the foster care system, Dave Pelzer is a living breathing testament to the necessity of the systems existance. I will warn that this book is not for the weak at heart or the weak-stomached as some of his recollections will rip your heart out and make you want to vomit on your shoes at the sheer thought of this level of human evil. Overall, I would recommend this book to the more mature readers. Definitely not for those under 16-17. If you are in need of a big slice of humble pie, pick up A Child Called It and the sequel, The Lost Boy. Reasonably priced at around $11 a piece.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5

CM - The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks

2008-11-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

I own every last one of Nicholas Spark's novels and I have yet to be completely disappointed. Although this one was highly advertised, I have to say it was not his best work, however, I am still glad that I read it.

The story is about a U.S. Marine named Logan Thibault who while deployed, finds a photograph of a young woman buried in the dirt. His instincts tell him to toss it aside, but instead he keeps it in his pocket. Soon after, Logan experiences what most would call incredible luck. He survives deadly attacks that claim the lives of those around him. His superstitious best friend, Victor, is convinced that the photo is his good luck charm-that it keeps him safe. Back home, Logan can't stop thinking about the woman in the photo. He sets out walking on foot across the country to find her, and ends up in North Carolina. Elizabeth, the woman in the photo, is a divorced mother with a young son. Her ex husband is the corrupt sheriff in town and soon butts heads with Logan. Logan doesn't disclose his reasons for coming to find Elizabeth immediately and instead ends up working with her and her mother training dogs.

The last 10 or so pages of this book were the best part of the entire story. Kudos to Nicholas Sparks for over a decade of stories that tug at the heart strings and keep me personally entertained. There's a reason he is a New York Times best-selling author. His writing styles are seeming to change up and this book is definitely set apart from his normal style. Perhaps he is starting to lean into a more suspenseful Dean Koontz type feel to his stories. Either way, I paid $14 for the book and I would recommend it.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5

CM - The Guardian - Nicholas Sparks

2008-11-30T14:36:00.001-08:00

This book was by far one of my favorite Sparks books.

The story is about a 29 yr old woman named Julie who's husband died and left her two things- a great dane dog and the promise that he would always watch over her. She lives in a small town in North Carolina. After four years have passed since her husbands death, Julie finally feels ready to start looking for love again. But who will she choose? Her last husbands best friend Mike, or a handsome engineer named Richard. Instead of being a easy-breezy love story, Julie finds herself fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by deceptionand jealousy that has grown into a murderous intent.

This book definitely had more heat than the average Nicholas Sparks book. The ending was hair raising and definitely had me ignoring the world as I tried desperately to finish the book. I even talked Kayla (who is avid about ignoring Nicholas Sparks) into reading it (and she liked it!)

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5

Definitely pick it up!

KM- New Moon - Stephenie Meyer

2008-11-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

This is the second novel in the Twilight series. It continues the story of Edward & Bella, and is a rollercoaster. Early on in the novel, Edward decides that it's best for Bella that he leave her, rather than risk hurting her. So Bella becomes closer friends with Jacob, who has a secret of his own. The matter is further complicated when Bella begins doing dangerous things, feeling that she refuses to keep a promise to be safe when the promise to stay with her was broken. She risks her life several times, and the ending will blow you away.

New Moon flows brilliantly with Twilight, and the seamless transition from one to the other only leaves you thirsting for Eclipse.

RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A

KM- Twilight- Stephenie Meyer

2008-11-30T14:06:00.001-08:00

I must say that I stumbled across this book by accident. I'd never heard of it, and ended up buying it on recommendation from a girl who worked at the local Waldenbooks. I am definitely not a vampire-story fan, never have been, I believe they're all too cliche.
This book, however, was amazing. It's a story about a young girl moving in with her father, from Arizona to Forks, Washington. It's a drastic change for her, and she begins at a new school only to find the most attractive guy at the school, Edward Cullen, and his family all seem to think she's absolutely terrible from the moment they meet her. The story blossoms into a very complicated romance between a vampire and a normal teenage girl. Go ahead, I know what you're thinking. "That's so for 12-year-olds." I thought so too, until I got completely caught up in the story and finished the first 3 novels within a 48 hour period, not even pausing when I was at work.
It's a great story for all ages and both genders. Love is a theme that applies to all. Angst makes for an interesting read for teens. There's a maturity to the characters that endear them to adults. There's action for the males.

From the moment Edward and Bella encounter each other in a close setting for the first time, you will be hooked. You'll be taken through a tour of life as a vampire, life as a teenage girl with a great secret, the danger of love, an amazing game of baseball, and an intense scene of action where enemy vampires battle over a "snack". Overall, GREAT read, recommended for ANYONE.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A

CM - Marked - P.C. Cast

2008-11-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

I picked this series on a whim one day, and I was pleasantly surprised. Although the first book in the series, Marked, was a bit difficult to get into to, I was glad I stuck with it.

The story entails a girl named Zoey who gets "Marked" by a tracker vampire. This means that she must go to a vampire academy called the House of Night. Her uber-religious step father and doormat mother are not exactly welcoming to the idea of their daughter turning into a vampire and Zoey isn't thrilled either. She has to pick up and change schools, and lets face it, no one wants to be the new kid.

I won't spoil the book so i'll simply add that the book definitely is worth reading, especially since I paid $8.95 for it -- $35 for the set of four books. It is classified as "young readers" but I would definitely not recommend it for anyone under the age of maybe 16. I know 40+ yr olds that read and enjoyed so don't be thrown off by that classification. The 5th book in the series "Hunted" comes out in March 2009 and I am definitely looking forward to it.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5

KM- Your Heart Belongs to Me - Dean Koontz

2008-11-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

I've never been disappointed by a Koontz novel, although I must say this one threw me for a loop. I felt like the ending sort of came out of nowhere, although it was a very interesting read.

The story revolves around a 34-year-old Ryan Perry. He is in love with his girlfriend, Samantha, and things begin going downhill for him when he begins have seizures out of nowhere, with no previous medical indication of an abnormality. While he suspects he's being poisoned, he alienates some of the most important people in his life. When diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, he is put on a donor list, and has some very strange incidents, beginning with a friendly nurse assisting in his biopsy, ending with the barrel of a gun pointed at the back of his head.

I would recommend it, although for some reason, it lacks the usual Koontz feel. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something was lacking from his usual talent in this one.

Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 90/B

Next Up: Before I Say Goodbye- Mary Higgins Clark

Introductions, ladies and gents.

2008-11-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm Kayla, 18, avid reader. I mainly read suspense, muder mystery, sci-fi, etc., with a lot of true crime peppered in. Some of my favorite authors are: Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, and John Grisham. I do read outside my main genres, and will be posting all sorts of reviews. My friend and I decided to start this site after we've pretty much formed our own little book club. We will sometimes post on the same book, but more than likely will be making different posts about different books, and occasionally commenting on each other's commentaries.