I didn't realize that this book was part of a series until writing this review. I'm sure I would have had more backstory (I probably could have used aI didn't realize that this book was part of a series until writing this review. I'm sure I would have had more backstory (I probably could have used a little more in some places), but this book stood on its own, too. Full of great characters and interesting story lines, I enjoyed this drama involving tennis stars, rock bands, drugs, and the agent who tries to keep it all together. Will definitely read another book by Coben....more
This book was a quick and easy read. It feels similar to the first three books in the series, but has skipped about 18 years and follows in the footstThis book was a quick and easy read. It feels similar to the first three books in the series, but has skipped about 18 years and follows in the footsteps of the princess going through the Selection. The only issue I had was my inability to really like or love the main character. I still liked the book and kept going, but the heroine in this book does seem rather unlikeable. Maybe that's the point?...more
A really thought-provoking book set in the early 20th century in Yuneetah, Tennessee. This poor town set between a river and mountains will soon be flA really thought-provoking book set in the early 20th century in Yuneetah, Tennessee. This poor town set between a river and mountains will soon be flooded by a new dam for the sake of progress. While most of the town leaves the area for new lives elsewhere, Annie Clyde refuses to leave by the government-imposed deadline. She can't find the strength to leave her family home - where her mother died and she was born. But when her 3-year-old daughter Gracie disappears only days before the deadline, those who are left in the town have to figure out what happened as the water keeps rising. A compelling cast of characters include the one-eyed drifter, the fierce sheriff, the medicine woman, the young government man and the loner aunt. These various characters really made me think about the real cost of progress. I wouldn't say this was a page-turner and actually felt a bit slow at time, but I really enjoyed it overall. ...more
I love every book in The Giver Quartet, but this may actually be my favorite (outside of the original Giver). There are so many loose ends that are tiI love every book in The Giver Quartet, but this may actually be my favorite (outside of the original Giver). There are so many loose ends that are tied up and many questions answered. A must-read for lovers of The Giver and the full series....more
**spoiler alert** Just a wonderful book. Really unique, even as post-apocalyptic stories fill the shelves. The weaving of different characters and the**spoiler alert** Just a wonderful book. Really unique, even as post-apocalyptic stories fill the shelves. The weaving of different characters and the unlikely way they come together and split apart over time. I particularly liked reading about the different ways characters "got their lives back" after the majority of the world's population died. But really, the entire book was about people - and their dreams and lives mattered to me as a reader - whether they lived or died. I'm still thinking about several of the characters today, which to me is the sign of a wonderful book. ...more
Do you know what I love about this book? Everything. Do you know what I love about Lois Lowry? Everything.
Gossamer is such a beautiful story of thoseDo you know what I love about this book? Everything. Do you know what I love about Lois Lowry? Everything.
Gossamer is such a beautiful story of those who make our dreams. The magic immediately pulled me in. And this book is unlike any I've read. Just like most of Lowry's books, it's filled with beauty and sorrow. Throughout, her books make me feel many things- but mainly hope. ...more
A quick read, this book is similar to many other recent dystopian YA novels. A mix of Hunger Games and The Bachelor, this book follows the selection oA quick read, this book is similar to many other recent dystopian YA novels. A mix of Hunger Games and The Bachelor, this book follows the selection of the prince's wife in a distant post-apocalyptic future. (While it takes place in what is now the US, it's changed after many world wars to be a strict caste-system, with huge variations in quality of life between the levels.)
But while thousands of young girls in Ilea would have been thrilled to be included the selection, America doesn't want anything to do with it. But once in the castle, she begins to wonder if there's more to the prince than what she initially believed.
A love triangle, politics and privilege are at the core of this book. And at the end, I was itching to start book #2. ...more
Gah! Another book about WWII - this time in France. What I loved about this book is that the war backdrop felt so different than anything else I've reGah! Another book about WWII - this time in France. What I loved about this book is that the war backdrop felt so different than anything else I've read. It was captivating to read about the perspective of the French - who suffered through years of occupation by the Germans. The story was a beautiful tale of the resistance to the Nazis and the horrors that many Frenchmen and women endured - including humiliation, violence, near starvation, and even occupation by the enemy in their own home. The author did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing - particularly about what would happen to the sisters, their friends and lovers. And while the present story was not a huge part of the book, it was really well done and had many elements of surprise....more
A great book that transitions between the Salem Witch Panic and the 1990s. Loved the way the author discussed the women accused of witchcraft. It was A great book that transitions between the Salem Witch Panic and the 1990s. Loved the way the author discussed the women accused of witchcraft. It was interesting to think of these women and then entire issue in a new light. While the modern day story was a bit cliched in some ways, the characters were likable and I cared about what happened to them. Overall a great read. ...more
This book is truly captivating, and just like The Giver and Gathering Blue. It picks up with Matty, the young boy in Gathering Blue. What I like aboutThis book is truly captivating, and just like The Giver and Gathering Blue. It picks up with Matty, the young boy in Gathering Blue. What I like about these books is that they move quickly and feel important somehow. Like you could read them again and again and they would still mean something. ...more
This was a fast and enjoyable read. I really loved the plot line and the twists, although most of the "revelations" weren't huge surprises. But even tThis was a fast and enjoyable read. I really loved the plot line and the twists, although most of the "revelations" weren't huge surprises. But even though there was a lot of dark subject matter (death, suicide, infidelity, etc.), it was light enough that nothing left me particularly "moved." Instead, it felt like the hard parts were glossed over. I wouldn't say this was bad, per say. But a bit odd when thinking about what the book was really about.
I would say that some of the literature references were a bit overdone for me. While I'm a big reader, I don't remember enough about these pieces for any of the references to really make sense. So they got a bit glossed over....more
**spoiler alert** It's difficult to love a book when you don't even like the characters. Neither Blanche nor Jenny captured a bit of my interest and t**spoiler alert** It's difficult to love a book when you don't even like the characters. Neither Blanche nor Jenny captured a bit of my interest and that made it hard to even finish the book. However, parts of the plot caught my attention enough to continue along. Who did kill Jenny? What had happened to the baby? Would Blanche finally do the right thing? I had an inkling the "mystery" would throw a curve ball, which it did. The time period and place also gave me enough interest to keep going. In all, not a favorite book but a few nuggets of interest throughout....more
I loved every moment of this book. I was drawn in immediately to the characters in the past and present, I was itching to connect all the dots, and itI loved every moment of this book. I was drawn in immediately to the characters in the past and present, I was itching to connect all the dots, and it was captivating to the end. ...more
I intended to read the first chapter of The Gifting. Instead, I stayed up half the night night finishing it. And then feeling disappointed that I coulI intended to read the first chapter of The Gifting. Instead, I stayed up half the night night finishing it. And then feeling disappointed that I couldn't just continue into the second book. (Who needs sleep?)
The book is set in the near future, and it was felt current enough that it took me a while to realize it wasn't happening in present times. Just a few subtle political and cultural differences alerted me.
I was immediately captivated with Tess, a teenager who wished nothing more than to be normal and blend in. But that's something she could never do - both because of her supernatural whisperings and the fact that she became the "new girl" every few years due to her father's job. It was a final move to California that truly turned her and her family's world upside down - connecting her with a boy who finally seemed to understand her and bringing her closer to understanding the power of her own abilities.
While the story had many supernatural elements, it also felt relatable - Tess' feelings were what many teenagers feel - jealousy, fear, embarrassment, lust - and you almost forgot about the dreams and darkness she was experiencing. And I think it was this that made this book so remarkable. And worth the lack of sleep....more
I often find myself disappointed when a book progresses just the way I expected. In this way, Shadowgirl was a joy to read. The twists and turns drew I often find myself disappointed when a book progresses just the way I expected. In this way, Shadowgirl was a joy to read. The twists and turns drew me in and held me. And Ristau kept me guessing - just the way I like it.
Aine's quest to discover the truth behind her mysterious past (and find herself, too) is a common YA theme. But Shadowgirl takes place in a world of faeries - parallel with Shadowlands (the world we know as humans). This Faireland is not a world of Tinkerbell (as I may have imagined). There are power struggles, violence, and secrets, too.
The beauty to me was that while the quest to find meaning and purpose is universal - there was darkness and magic and lore mixed right in. And this only added to the intrigue.
Looking forward to the next installment to pick up where we left off with Aine, Keva, Cerean and Hennessey. ...more
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