How Hard Can Love Be?

How Hard Can Love Be? by Holly Bourne     480 pages

Amber, Evie and Lottie: three girls facing down tough issues with the combined powers of friendship, feminism and cheesy snacks. Both hilarious and heart-rending, this is Amber’s story of how painful – and exhilarating – love can be, following on from Evie’s story in Am I Normal Yet?

All Amber wants is a little bit of love. Her mum has never been the caring type, even before she moved to California, got remarried and had a personality transplant. But Amber's hoping that spending the summer with her can change all that.

And then there's prom king Kyle, the guy all the girls want. Can he really be interested in anti-cheerleader Amber? Even with best friends Evie and Lottie's advice, there's no escaping the fact: love is hard.

This was a fun, summer romance read. Though it's considered the second book in Bourne's "Spinster Club," series, each book acts as a stand-alone, with a different girl at the center of the story. While there are references to events or people from the first book, you can read this one alone and it's just as enjoyable. I thought Amber was an interesting character to read - at times, she is very difficult because she has a lot of emotional baggage (and represses a lot of it), but there are times where you see her spunky, fun side come out and you get a sense of how strong she is as an individual, despite all the things in her life that might have broken her. This is a romance story, but this is also a mother/daughter story - Amber leaves England to spend the summer with her mother (albeit helping out at a camp that her mother and her step-father run). Her mother, a recovering alcoholic, is a difficult character to like - she continually pushes Amber away or deflects Amber's attempts to remember good memories or make new bonds. She often pushes blame away from her - but one of the things that makes this book a strong book is that Bourne doesn't shy away from discussing alcoholism, and how it affects a family. Amber is hurt that her mother is not living up to how she used to be, she's frustrated that her mom has never apologized for the terrible things she did while she was an alcoholic, or that she left her in England to start a new life, with a man Amber despises, in America. While Amber's feelings are valid, Bourne doesn't place all the blame on her mom, giving space in the novel to talk about alcoholism as a disease (one that is for life and that her mother must struggle with continually). It makes the story stronger, gives it an element of realness that doesn't let the reader shy away from. The romance in the book is light and cute and just what you'd want from a summer read. Kyle, the All-American Boy is handsome, nice, but think's he's totally boring. The growth that happens as Amber helps coax him out of his shell, and how he helps her see how amazing she is as a person, is the kind of mutually-beneficial relationship I'd like to see more often in YA books. They are adorable together and their exchanges bring a lightness to the novel that balances out the darker bits. The only nit-pick I would have is that whoever Bourne's editor is didn't seem to see fit to take some of the Britishisms out of the American characters speech. Often Kyle, Russ, or some of the other American characters will say things that are completely British, such as "at the weekend," "whinge," or even the exclamation of, "oi!" It's a bit awkward, as an American who never hears such terms said, read American characters saying those things. While this is not a deal-breaker, it is jarring and takes me out of the story every time I come across it. Otherwise, a solid read and I'll definitely continue on reading the rest of the series. I would recommend to any teen or young adult looking for a cute summer romance story (and doesn't mind a bit of drama of the serious kind, aka: alcoholism and broken families).

What Light

What Light by Jay Asher, 251 pages

“Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon--it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other. Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other. By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love. What Light is a love story that's moving and life-affirming and completely unforgettable.” This was a sweet romance and a good story besides.  This book would appeal to teens who like romance and maybe realistic fiction as well.

Top Prospect

Top Prospect by Paul Volponi, 270 pages

“Travis Gardner lives to play quarterback. He's a standout QB by the middle school, and he's prepared to put everything he has into the game. Then Gainesville University's head coach makes Travis a promise: Travis will have a place on the team, and a scholarship to go with it. He just has to get through high school first. As Travis starts ninth grade, he'll have to earn his teammates' trust and dodge opponents aiming to sack the star quarterback. But his biggest challenge might be staying focused in the face of sudden fame. Because now the pressure is on, and Travis has to prove himself with every pass.” This was a good story with well developed characters.  I’m not sure that I really liked the main character, because he was pretty arrogant, but I was still rooting for him.  He was definitely real and Volponi does a good job of making you care.  This is a good read for teens who like sports stories.

Katherine Of Aragon The True Queen

Katherine Of Aragon The True Queen by Alison Weir, 602 pages

“A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage--and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner. Katherine's patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine's maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.” I like Weir’s writing, both in fiction and nonfiction.  This is an excellent story about Katherine.  People who like historical fiction, especially about the Tudor era, will want to read this.

Life According To Og The Frog

Life According To Og The Frog by Betty G. Birney, 150 pages

“The adventures in Humphrey's Room 26 are hopping back into the spotlight, from the perspective of Og the Frog!  When Og the Frog first comes to Room 26, he doesn't know what to think. He misses his friends from the pond, there are all kinds of strange noises, and the water is his tank just might be too clean (you know, a little muck never hurt anyone). But the furry, squeaky fellow living next to him is endlessly entertaining, the kids sure are friendly, and--BING, BANG, BOING!--they put big fat crickets right into his tank. All of this gives Og lots of ideas for one of his favorite pastimes--making up poems and songs. But he gets stumped when talk turns to sending him back to the pond. Will he have to say good-bye to Tabitha whose whole life just changed like his? Or Mandy who just started seeing the bright side of things with his help? And Humphrey, who he's finally beginning to figure out? Og's frog's-eye view of the world is curious, sympathetic, and poetic, and the perfect companion to The World According to Humphrey.” This is a cute series for younger chapter book readers.  I liked this addition to the series and kids who like animal stories will probably like the series in general and this book in particular.

Hardcore Twenty-Four

Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich, 285 pages

“Trouble comes in bunches for Stephanie Plum. First, professional grave robber and semi-professional loon, Simon Diggery, won't let her take him in until she agrees to care for his boa constrictor, Ethel. Stephanie's main qualification for babysitting an extremely large snake is that she owns a stun gun--whether that's for use on the wandering serpent or the petrified neighbors remains to be seen. Events take a dark turn when headless bodies start appearing across town. At first, it's just corpses from a funeral home and the morgue that have had the heads removed. But when a homeless man is murdered and dumped behind a church Stephanie knows that she's the only one with a prayer of catching this killer. If all that's not enough, Diesel's back in town. The 6-foot-tall, blonde-haired hunk is a man who accepts no limits--that includes locked doors, closed windows and underwear. Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morelli isn't pleased at this unexpected arrival nor is Ranger, the high-powered security consultant who has his own plans for Stephanie. As usual Jersey's favorite bounty hunter is stuck in the middle with more questions than answers. What's the deal with Grandma Mazur's latest online paramour? Who is behind the startling epidemic of mutilated corpses? And is the enigmatic Diesel's sudden appearance a coincidence or the cause of recent deadly events?” This series is back to being hilarious.  I laughed out loud at more than one scene.  Anyone who likes humorous adventure romance should read these books.

American Street

American Street by Ibi Zoboi, 324 pages

“On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie--a good life. But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola's mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit's west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own. Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?” I liked this book but not as much as I wanted to.  This is a good book for teens who want gritty, realistic fiction.

Exit, Pursued By A Bear

Exit, Pursued By A Bear by E. K. Johnston, 243 pages

“Hermione Winters is captain of her cheerleading team, and in tiny Palermo Heights, this doesn't mean what you think it means. At PHHS, the cheerleaders don't cheer for the sports teams; they are the sports team--the pride and joy of a tiny town. The team's summer training camp is Hermione's last and marks the beginning of the end of...she's not sure what. She does know this season could make her a legend. But during a camp party, someone slips something in her drink. And it all goes black. In every class, there's a star cheerleader and a pariah pregnant girl. They're never supposed to be the same person. Hermione struggles to regain the control she's always had and faces a wrenching decision about how to move on. The assault wasn't the beginning of Hermione Winter's story and she's not going to let it be the end. She won't be anyone's cautionary tale.” This story is a little unrealistic in that Hermione has a great support system, which is not typical.  However, the author admits that she wanted to give Hermione that.  Frankly, I don’t care.  I loved this book.  I’ve just finished reading three books that I absolutely loved and this one has been my favorite of the three.  Everyone, especially teens should read this book.

Dear Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone, 210 pages

“Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend--but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out. Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up-- way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.” All I really want to say is, read this book.  I can’t believe how well it’s put together and how well the Justyce is developed so that you are really inside his head the whole time.  Even the pieces that are not his thoughts feel like you’re experiencing them from his perspective.  This may be the most powerful book I’ve read all year.  I will be giving it to any teens who want realistic fiction.

Not If I See You First

Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom, 310 pages

“Parker Grant doesn't need 20/20 vision to see right through you. That's why she created the Rules: Don't treat her any differently just because she's blind, and never take advantage. There will be no second chances. Just ask Scott Kilpatrick, the boy who broke her heart. When Scott suddenly reappears in her life after being gone for years, Parker knows there's only one way to react--shun him so hard it hurts. She has enough on her mind already, like trying out for the track team (that's right, her eyes don't work but her legs still do), doling out tough-love advice to her painfully naive classmates, and giving herself gold stars for every day she hasn't cried since her dad's death three months ago. But avoiding her past quickly proves impossible, and the more Parker learns about what really happened--both with Scott, and her dad--the more she starts to question if things are always as they seem. Maybe, just maybe, some Rules are meant to be broken. Combining a fiercely engaging voice with true heart, debut author Eric Lindstrom's Not If I See You First illuminates those blind spots that we all have in life, whether visually impaired or not.” This book was amazing.  I loved it.  Any teen who likes realistic stories should read this book.

Thin Ice

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon, 394 pages

“If Ginny Reed is still alive—who is the woman buried in her grave? FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor is assigned to find the truth.” Hannon does a good job of mixing suspense and romance.  The stories always feel like a lot more suspense than romance, at least until the end.  Although her books are Christian, she doesn’t try to overdo that message, which I like.  These probably wouldn’t appeal to someone who isn’t Christian, or at least spiritual, but many people, especially women, who like romance and suspense should read her books, and this one is as good as all the others I’ve read.

Ink And Bone

Ink And Bone by Rachel Caine, 355 pages

“In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…  Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly--but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service. When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life--and soon both heretics and books will burn.…” I love this series so far.  I can’t wait for the next book.  Teens who like alternate history, dystopia and fantasy will love this.

The Long Cosmos

The Long Cosmos by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter, 377 pages

“The thrilling conclusion to the internationally bestselling Long Earth series explores the greatest question of all: What is the meaning of life? 2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day, a new society continues to evolve in the Long Earth. Now, a message has been received: "Join us." The Next--the hyper-intelligent post-humans--realize that the missive contains instructions for kick-starting the development of an immense artificial intelligence known as The Machine. But to build this computer the size of an Earth continent, they must obtain help from the more populous and still industrious worlds of mankind. Meanwhile, on a trek in the High Meggers, Joshua Valienté, now nearing seventy, is saved from death when a troll band discovers him. Living among the trolls as he recovers, Joshua develops a deeper understanding of this collective-intelligence species and its society. He discovers that some older trolls, with capacious memories, act as communal libraries, and live on a very strange Long Earth world, in caverns under the root systems of trees as tall as mountains. Valienté also learns something much more profound . . . about life and its purpose in the Long Earth: We cultivate the cosmos to maximize the opportunities for life and joy in this universe, and to prepare for new universes to come.” I have not read the other books in this series and it really wasn’t much of a drawback.  I was able to pick up what was happening pretty quickly.  I enjoyed this book enough that I want to read the others in the series and would recommend it to fans of science fiction and fantasy.

All The Dirty Parts

All The Dirty Parts by Daniel Handler, 134 pages

“From bestselling, award-winning author Daniel Handler, a gutsy, exciting novel that looks honestly at the erotic impulses of an all-too-typical young man. Cole is a boy in high school. He runs cross country, he sketches, he jokes around with friends. But none of this quite matters next to the allure of sex. ‘Let me put it this way,’ he says. ‘Draw a number line, with zero is you never think about sex and ten is, it 's all you think about, and while you are drawing the line, I am thinking about sex.’ Cole fantasizes about whomever he 's looking at. He consumes and shares pornography. And he sleeps with a lot of girls, which is beginning to earn him a not-quite-savory reputation around school. This leaves him adrift with only his best friend for company, and then something startling starts to happen between them that might be what he 's been after all this time and then he meets Grisaille. All The Dirty Parts is an unblinking take on teenage desire in a culture of unrelenting explicitness and shunted communication, where sex feels like love, but no one knows what love feels like. With short chapters in the style of Jenny Offill or Mary Robison, Daniel Handler gives us a tender, brutal, funny, intoxicating portrait of an age when the lens of sex tilts the world. ‘There are love stories galore,’ Cole tells us, ‘This isn 't that. The story I 'm typing is all the dirty parts.’” Handler’s books just keep getting stranger.  I’m not sure that I really liked this book and I’m not sure that I’d recommend it to anyone, other than someone who was specifically looking for Handler’s books.

Children of Exile

Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix, 296 pages

“A twelve-year-old girl raised in a foster village is returned to her biological parents, and discovers home is not what she expected it to be.” I read the second book in this series first, which I would not recommend.  I like the series better now that I’ve read the first book since it explains quite a bit.  This will be a good read for kids who like science fiction and books about relationships.

Danger, Sweetheart

Danger, Sweetheart by MaryJanice Davidson, 318 pages

“Blake Tarbell has a town to save. Rich, carefree, and used to the Vegas party lifestyle, Blake is thrown for a curve when his former cocktail-waitress mother pleads he go back to her roots to save the town she grew up in. Blake's used to using money to solve his problems, but when he arrives in Sweetheart, North Dakota, this city boy has to trade in his high-priced shoes for a pair of cowboy boots...and he's about to get a little help from the loveliest lady in town... Natalie Lane's got no time for newbies. The prettiest gal to ever put on a pair of work gloves, there's nothing she can't do to keep a farm up and running. But when a handsome city-slicker rolls into town with nothing but bad farmer's instincts and good intentions, Natalie's heartstrings are pulled. She's about to teach him a thing or two about how to survive in Sweetheart. And he's about to teach her a thing or two about love...” Although not part of her supernatural books, I still enjoyed this.  It still has her humor, but it was a little disjointed and not as good as some of her other books.  It falls very squarely under just romance and people who enjoy humorous romance will almost certainly enjoy it.

Binti

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor, 90 pages

“Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs. Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach. If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself -- but first she has to make it there, alive.” I liked this so much better than her young adult books.  I wish I’d had time to read this before she came to St. Louis because I probably would have wanted to see her.  As it is, I plan to read the sequels and any other adult books she writes.  I would definitely give this to anyone who likes science fiction.

Ghost Behind The Wall

Ghost Behind The Wall by Melvin Burgess, 164 pages

David gets into a lot of fights.  He’s angry about a lot of things in his life and when he realizes he can get into the ventilation system from his apartment and into other people’s apartments the same way, he thinks it’s a great opportunity to play tricks and cause trouble.  Unfortunately for him, he encounters a ghost while in the vents.  The ghost seems to be more angry than David and also seems determined to hurt an old man living in another apartment.  David is worried about the old man’s welfare and worried that he will be blamed for the trouble the ghost is causing.  This was an unusual ghost story but very interesting.  Kids who like scary stories would enjoy it.

I’m Just No Good At Rhyming And Other Nonsense For Mischievous Kids And Immature Grown-Ups

I’m Just No Good At Rhyming And Other NonsenseFor Mischievous Kids And Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris, 221 pages

This book of poetry is absolutely hilarious.  I’m not a huge fan of poetry, usually, but I have always loved Shel Silverstein.  This book compares to Silverstein, as far as I’m concerned.  Kids who like humorous poetry absolutely have to read this book.

A Spark of Light

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult     352 pages

The warm fall day starts like any other at the Center—a women’s reproductive health services clinic—its staff offering care to anyone who passes through its doors. Then, in late morning, a desperate and distraught gunman bursts in and opens fire, taking all inside hostage.

After rushing to the scene, Hugh McElroy, a police hostage negotiator, sets up a perimeter and begins making a plan to communicate with the gunman. As his phone vibrates with incoming text messages he glances at it and, to his horror, finds out that his fifteen-year-old daughter, Wren, is inside the clinic.

But Wren is not alone. She will share the next and tensest few hours of her young life with a cast of unforgettable characters: A nurse who calms her own panic in order save the life of a wounded woman. A doctor who does his work not in spite of his faith but because of it, and who will find that faith tested as never before. A pro-life protester disguised as a patient, who now stands in the cross hairs of the same rage she herself has felt. A young woman who has come to terminate her pregnancy. And the disturbed individual himself, vowing to be heard.

This was a fascinating story, and well crafted, as it weaves together the stories of several lives as they intersect on one particular day at a woman's reproductive health clinic.

Some are there to get an abortion, some are there to get the pill, some are there because they work there, they are the abortion doctor, or that is where they receive they're gynecological exams. Whatever the reason, on this fateful day all their lives are thrown together when an anti-abortion activist starts shooting.

This story was a bit difficult to follow, at first, as it traces the story backwards. Immediately you're thrust into the story, amongst the hostages, the negotiator, and the gunman. It's always difficult for me when a story jumps back and forth between perspec

tives, and this story followed ten different people, and it jumped rather frequently.

The thing that Picoult is so skilled at is revealing the story, bit by bit, until all the pieces begin to come together, finally, into a whole, at the very end. And when you finally get a major reveal you've been waiting for the whole time you've been reading, often you end up making some audible sound, like a gasp, because you just didn't see it coming. At least, that's how it was for me, though not as strongly this time, as I predicted the sort-of big reveal before it happened, though not until I was at least half-way done.

The parts I loved about this story were the different character's stories and how they all fit together to tell this overarching story about abortion from all sides. Going into this story, you might just think it's a pro-live vs. pro-choice struggle. But there are so many facets that make up the abortion discussion, that aren't as often brought up. Picoult makes sure to touch them all. I learned so much just reading this book - and I highly recommend reading Picoult's "Author's Note," as well, where she speaks personally about her thoughts on abortion.

That being said, what kept this from being higher rated for me were the numerous times that this story felt less like a story and more like a "covering all the bases" blanket statement about abortion. As much as I appreciated all the information about abortion, sometimes the story element was lacking and a character became a mouth-piece to tell me a specific fact or point of view about abortion rather than me feeling link this was something heart-felt by that character. This story is definitely coming in at a time where these kinds of discussions are raging and abortion is painting a wide swath in a political landscape. This notion unfortunately colors my enjoyment of the story, a bit, as it feels like a PSA rather than a story.

But otherwise, I really felt like this was well done and is definitely up there in my list of favorite Picoult books. I would definitely recommend it to anyone because perspective is necessary when it comes to topics like these. Empathy is an amazing eye-opener, and getting an idea of what someone facing such a choice might be thinking or feeling or even knowing what their life is like is important and humanizing, a point that Picoult is emphasizing, underlining, and exclaiming with every word. So read it.

Dealing with Dragons

Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede     212 pages

Cimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for.

I loved this book when I was a child. It was one of my favorite fantasy books. Listening to the audiobook, it's now one of my favorite audios! It has a full cast and all the voices are great. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers or those who love a strong, bad-ass female character, especially one that breaks the mold (aka: not your typical princess). Cimorene is amazing and one of my favorite book characters of all time. Give the book a listen or read it, it's a great adventure story.

milk and honey

milk and honey by rupi kaur     204 pages

milk and honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. It is about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain, heals a different heartache. milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.

Though I'm sure this would be categorized under confessional poetry, to me a lot of it read like motivational poster captions or something inspirational someone would probably tattoo on their forearm.  Though I have read enough poetry to know that almost anything can be considered poetry, it doesn't mean I have to agree. I would consider Kaur's writing as more of a diary/memoir of her reflections on her life, particularly the most traumatic moments and how she was able to get past them. I can see how this work is inspirational to some, and Kaur definitely deserves to be called brave because she does not hide the fact that this is a work of deeply personal emotions and experiences. I just can't get past how simplistic most of it seems. But then, a lot of people might really need someone to tell them, "You matter," or "Love yourself first," and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way. This is definitely something I would give to someone I knew was going through a rough patch and really needs some advice on self-care. That being said, I did not enjoy the majority of this book. A handful of "poems" stuck out to me, but most of it seemed derivative of works or quotes I'd seen or heard before. I'm very picky when it comes to poetry and none of these poems really spoke to me or made my skin prickle or caused me to feel a rise of emotion. Perhaps I'm not the intended audience, I'm not sure. Either way, for me, this was mostly just an "eh" book and I probably won't read it again. If you got something out of it, great. I think Kaur is justified in sharing this piece of herself because there are lots of people out there who need to hear the things she's stated in this book.

Death of Christian Culture

The Death of Christian Culture by John Senior, 178 pages

According to John Senior, modernity's inward turn resulted in a solipsistic closed circle, and subsequent attempts to escape have only accelerated the death spiral into nihilistic madness.  Senior's argument is not that this is wicked, but that it is delusional, and it is destructive and wicked because it is delusional.  In this, the long demise of Christian Realism is both cause and effect, her resurrection a faint but not impossible hope.

Senior throws out ideas and references with machine gun rapidity.  For some readers this will be hopelessly confusing, while others will constantly find themselves asking him to expand upon an argument or observation.  Certainly he is never boring.

A Handful of Happiness: Ninna, the tiny hedgehog with a big heart

A Handful of Happiness: Ninna, the tiny hedgehog with a big heart by Massimo Vacchetta,  Jamie Richards   184 pages

"Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that no love is too great and no creature is too small."  Well, that blurb is a nice sum-up.  It was enough to make me pick up this book (that and the super cute photo on the cover).

This book is about an Italian veterinarian, Massimo, who specializes in large animals and is feeling heartbroken and depressed --- until the day a colleague gives him a recently orphaned baby hedgehog. He doesn't know anything about them, but makes contact with someone who does and from there, finds himself immersed in taking care of this little hedgehog.  And, in the process, Massimo discovers his own happiness.

I enjoyed this book, although (perhaps due to the fact that it was translated), the pace is sometimes a bit choppy. It was interesting to learn about hedgehogs and also go through Massimo's journey with him. 

Battleship Yamato

Battleship Yamato: Of War, Beauty, and Irony by Jan Morris, 96 pages

The Yamato was the largest and most powerful battleship ever built.  She played a minor role in two battles before being ordered, in the final months of World War II, to launch a Special - suicide - Attack against the American fleet assaulting Okinawa.  This mission was not expected to have any success, rather, it was intended to distract the Americans and provide an opening for a simultaneous kamikaze sortie.  The Yamato was tracked from the moment she left the Inland Sea and sunk barely halfway to her destination.  Over two thousand Japanese sailors died with her.  The attacking American planes suffered minimal losses.

In her brief, lyrical account, Jan Morris describes the Yamato as a beautiful ship, "a Dreadnought of Dreadnoughts", but obsolete before she was even finished.  The pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy, she was too valuable to be risked in battle, and so conserved until the war was lost, then sacrificed in a futile gesture.  Sacrificed with her were the imperial ambitions of the homeland whose name she bore.

Give me your hand

Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott     343 pages

Kit Owens thought the best she'd do was getting accepted to State until she met the mysterious Diane Fleming in her high school chemistry class. Diane is academically brilliant and driven, inspiring Kit to drive herself harder and harder, competing with Diane for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  However, something's a little off about Diane and when she shares a secret with Kit, their entire friendship changes.  Now, more than 10 years later, Kit thinks all of that is behind her. She's working in a lab for someone she admires, on a project that she's passionate about.  However, the past comes back with a vengeance when Diane is brought into the lab's group of staff. Now, both Kit and Diane are locked in a dangerous game to compete for a position both of them are coveting.

I love how Megan Abbott writes dark, complicated female characters. I found this book, like others by this author, to be a compulsive read. Kit is an intriguing character who gets more complicated as the story continues.  Actually, the story itself becomes more complicated as it goes along. And when Diane enters the picture in the current time, showing up at the lab Kit works at, you get a clear sense that something awful is bubbling under the surface, threatening to break through (and possibly swallow them both).   Great book!

Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery

Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan         Audio Book: 11 hours     Hardback Book:  416 pages                    

I do love Jenny Colgan’s writing.    She is in the same category as Sophie Kinsella to me, great writer, excellent characters, fun stories.    Man!  She made me so mad at main character, Polly Waterford in this one.   I was furious with her.    Don’t want to give too much of the story away, but, lots of laugh out loud dialogue happens all the way up to when someone very close to Tarney moves in to town.    I can’t tell you who cause it will blow some of the story, but, the story has a huge turn regarding Neil because of Polly’s not asking permission to allow him to enter a location where Polly has just had a conversation about a potential danger at this location (that would not be good for Neil).   Polly lets Neil in to the location without letting the person who lives there know and she has just had a conversation about the circumstances that could be dangerous and without so much as a care for the person at the location Polly lets Neil in KNOWING FULL WELL the scoop there – action occurs in the blink of an eye which this DITZ and I am controlling my language here which makes me sad because I really liked Polly and still do but I am so seeing red furious at her for this intentional act on her part that puts Neil in peril and it is POLLY’s FAULT and she blames the other person for it and never accepts the responsibility of her own actions in bringing about what transpires.   NEVER does she accept it is her fault.   NEVER does she admit to anyone what she did to cause the reaction.    AND SHE TELLS EVERYONE in town that it was the other two’s fault when it was CLEARLY HER OWN ACT that caused the problem.   I take issue with someone not owning their own mistakes.    Accepting that one’s self is to blame for something is not easy.    It is not what anyone wants to do but it is the RIGHT thing to do to own up to our own flaws and not only is Polly not woman enough to accept what she has done HERSELF she turns everyone against an innocent person and her companion who are innocent and only reacting normally – Polly never does admit she is the wrong person in the mix which makes me dislike her so much for that.   And I really am angry for what she did.    But then for her to blame someone else who had no idea what was going on because Polly’s sadity self took it upon herself to just do a thing in someone else’s home without even giving them the courtesy of asking if it was o.k. with them to do this thing that causes a chaotic reaction from another unknowing source who also lived in the home – for her to do that and then to go further and blame those who live there for what happens and then for Polly to go around disparaging them with libelous comments all over town and turn others all against this person who did nothing to warrant such behavior -  that part of the story just turned me totally off of Polly for most of the rest of the book.   I only felt a little sorry for her when she reaped some bad juju in the what goes around comes around fashion.   I did feel sorry for her because down deep I do so like Polly but I was just outdone for her to do this despicable thing then poison an innocent person’s reputation.   GRRRRRRR!   It was wrong and it was unfair and I hate that kind of behavior even in fictional characters.    Polly you were WRONG and need to own up to it and square things on those other folks behalf with the town.     And then after what Polly has done by proxy to Neil she heartlessly kicks him to the curb.    ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!     So much happens in this story.     I will try to stifle my urge to choke a fictional character and as in the story of “Annie”  trust that the sun will come out tomorrow.    It does folks.     GOOD STORY as always Jenny Colgan.     Polly, I will have to wait and see with you, sister.   I’m still not over what you did.    Way to grab those emotions, Jenny Colgan.    Wooo!   Your writing is so real.

The Last Black Unicorn

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish             Audio Book:  6 hrs. 29 mins      Hardback Book:  288 pages                    

I loved this book.   Tiffany Haddish is one of my favorite actresses – if you haven’t seen, “Girl’s Trip,” do.   The film is great and Tiffany Haddish is stand out hilarious.    In this book, Tiffany talks about her life with such depths of truth, the reader will be captivated by her life story.  She has the most amazing positive attitude to combat the rough times she has been through and sees some of the hardest times so innocently she just takes them in her stride where many others would not have been so strong.    She speaks honestly and openly about every aspect of her life (jaw dropping honesty at times) and while she may not name names, she tells things that will curl your hair and how she deals with some really harsh circumstances she has come through, man, I am in awe of this strong black woman – she could be a superhero because in many ways she already is.   She has kept a phenomenal sense of humor throughout even the toughest of times in her life and there have been many that she shares with her readers.  Beginning with how she arrived at the title of her life story through less than kind circumstances of her youth through her current circumstances.    She tells on herself and others and does it with such finesse and humor that I think everyone reading this book will come away a fan of hers.    She is a warrior, an overcomer and an up and comer.    May her star ever rise higher and her bank account, too.   She deserves a happy life filled with joy and no more financial worries.    She has never lost her sense of who she is and never forgot how easy it is to lose it all and have to start again.    She is brilliant and funny and doesn’t let bad terms define her.    She always finds a way and her personality is so charming.   I pray for the rest of her life she has nothing but sunshine, her book is so well done.   I would not recommend it for the younger set, as she does speak her mind in ways that can go well beyond an R rating at times, but, for the adult set, while her life story can make your jaw drop now and then, the way she bounces back will make the reader want to constantly wish her comfort for what she has been through and kudos for her amazing ability to come back from the edge and find the funny in even the most bizarre of circumstances.   Kudos, Tiffany.   Excellent book.  

This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today

This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz               Audio Book:  6 hrs., 26 mins      Hardback Book: 320 pages                

Chrissy Metz, the female child in the hit series, “This Is Us,” wrote this book about her life and how being a larger size person has impacted her.    Growing up, lots of male authority figures either walked out on her (her father) or mentally and physically abused her with be-ratings and beatings (her step-father).    Her mother did without so her kids could have more, food, material things and while during her childhood, Chrissy couldn’t understand why her mother allowed her step-dad treat her the way he did, and how her mother even sided with him against Chrissy when he wanted her to get out of the house and she was only eleven years old!    Later in life Chrissy comes to understand her mother’s reasoning – she had four kids and couldn’t make it on her own.   Step-Dad while a huge jerk to Chrissy, did provide food, a home and material goods throughout their lives and never stopped being a good provider if any angry one when it came to Chrissy.    He assigned her a multitude of chores to accomplish every day which in his mind was keeping her busy so she wouldn’t eat but in her mind it wasn’t fair because the other kids weren’t made to do chores.   Plus if he didn’t like a look she gave him or if she dared to add sass to her response to him the beating was on.    Her mother wouldn’t make waves and never held up for Chrissy and tried to push Chrissy off on her biological Dad who had walked out on the family years before leaving them nothing to live on.    He didn’t want her and made no bones telling her so.   Although when later in life her career in television took off he kept asking her how much money she made.     Her biological father never gave her a cent nor did he pay child support.    When Chrissy asked him a couple of times when she was out on her own and nearly destitute he always refused her and didn’t spend any time talking to her, never called, never cared, until the reporters started coming around interviewing him to which he played the role of concerned parent to which Chrissy denied everything he lied about in all of the follow-up interviews she did.      Her maternal grandmother loved her dearly and wished she could take her to raise, but, her grandmother was living in a home for seniors and unable to care for herself unassisted much less raise a child.   Though they always stayed close.      Chrissy’s life lead her to extraordinary things – she became a Hollywood agent for 9 years prior to her pursuing her own career in acting,  she lucked into a role on “American Horror Story,”  which landed her auditions and other roles that led to her landing the choice role of Kate on “This Is Us,” in its second season.    The show is on fire with a huge fan-base.   Chrissy’s character, Kate, is a plus-size woman who’s inner turmoil is brought out dramatically on the show and has helped many fans to be able to deal with their own sense of insecurity over their size.    It has also brought out the mostly ignored form of hateful prejudice against obese people.     To this day, though she doesn’t name the actress, Chrissy says, one actress constantly posts hateful things about Chrissy on her Facebook page.    Chrissy counters with hurt people hurt people and tries to remain positive against the onslaught of insults this person throws at her via cyber assault.   Chrissy says, while it hurts, she doesn’t reply back in kind and it seems to infuriate this person even more by not getting a rise out of her.   Chrissy says the only thing she can attack her on is her weight, because, even in person Chrissy has ignored the ugly and tries to stay positive and tell the actress that she (Chriss) poses no threat to her and has never tried to nor could she steal her thunder (which the actress has accused her of).   Chrissy is delighted with the, “This Is Us,” cast and crew and they all get along with and support one another.   She is riding high and loving life not letting the haters bring her down.    She loves that her character Kate is who she is and that the writers never try to make her less of a person because of her size but instead celebrate Kate for who she is and bring out her struggles so people can see and know and hopefully be more accepting of the diversity of all body types.    This caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey and she invited Chrissy out to her home for lunch and chatting.    Niecy Nash, too, talked to her on the red carpet and told her she wanted to be her friend and they talk and get together now.   Niecy offers her advice and they have become great friends.    Another happy place and incentive for plus-size gals that they don’t have to hide in a corner but must  look at the naysayers for who and what they are, shrug them off – their opinion is just that -their opinion and keep on keeping on till you realize your dreams – Disney was right – dreams do come true if you persue.    Diligence pays off.    Another true life story with a happy here and now.    Good book.

Death of Yesterday

Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton              Audio Book:  5 hours 35 mins.              Mass Market Paperback Book:  304 pages              Genre:   Adult Fiction   Murder Mystery

Another great story by M.C. Beaton.    I truly enjoy her Constable Hamish Macbeth series,  the t.v. show was good too, if different from the lead character but I do love the stories set in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland in the tiny town of Lochdubh.   M. C. Beaton’s writing is so genuine.   She paints all the characters vividly in your mind with her humorous critiques on how each person and animal mentioned in the stories looks, behaves and responds.   Delicious.   Like fine sweet treacle and a nice cuppa, just a joy to read and experience.   In this story there are a lot of murders rather than one big one.   People are dropping like flies and you aren’t sure who or how many murderers are afoot.    There are so many likely suspects with so very many reasons to commit murder,  lots of side ditties going on and two female rivals for Hamish’s attention, not to mention his fellow officer, Dick, who is around so much that the other constables ask when they are getting married?    Hamish finds solace in his hometown of Lochdubh, but, unfortunately he has a number of small towns he oversees as constable and it seems like something is going on everywhere.   He even consults Seer Angus to see if he can consult the spirits and find out any information on the gangload of potential perpetrators seemingly lurking everywhere in this one.    Factory workers forced to work for low wages and not allowed to speak to anyone about the conditions they work under, then of course the tight lipped Highlander attitude of being suspicious of anyone not from their town,  to critical busy body sisters who sassily report Hamish as being lazy and not doing his job because he isn’t finding the killers fast enough for them, to a serial killer who is not just a whiz at murder but a master of disquise and an escape artist that ranked right up there with Harry Houdini.    Great story, beautiful mini vacation to the Scottish countryside.     You always learn things from M. C. Beaton’s books like it never gets completely dark in the Highlands of Scotland but more of a misty glow in the offing.  Wow.   Makes you want to go there to see it for yourself.   Love the brougue in the dialogue, too.    Well written piece.    A quick read because you won’t want to put it down and it always feels like you are visiting a place familiar and cozy when you read about Hamish and all the happenings in his world.   The inhabitants begin to feel like the readers own neighbors they are fleshed out so well.   Sort of like a letter from home when you are living far away.     I do enjoy M.C. Beaton’s writing.   On to the next one!                       

Pure

Pure by Julianna Baggott   431 pages

In the dystopic world Baggott has created, there are two types of people: the Pure who live in a protected dome and the people who survived the Detonations, only to try to survive in the hostile environment they've been left with.  Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during what people call the Before. However, she's one of the many who have permanent burns, scars and fused, damaged bodies. She's also at the dangerous age of 16, when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to be trained (or, if they are weak, to be used as live targets).

At the seemingly opposite end of the spectrum is Partridge, a Pure whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome. However, Partridge feels claustrophobic in the Dome and can't stop thinking about whether his mother, who never made it into the Dome, is still alive. Risking his life to leave the Dome to find her, Partridge isn't sure where to go or who to trust, even as he realizes just how dangerous the world outside the Dome is.

I gave this book a re-read because I remember really liking it (and also enjoying the other 2 books in the trilogy).  It's been a few years so while I remembered some of the story, there was a lot that was new.  The story isn't perfect; there are parts that drag and the storyline about the militia raises enough questions to make it a kind of weak story element (in my opinion).  However, I enjoy the dual perspectives of Pressia and Partridge, and I really, really like this horrifying world that Baggott created.  The whole concept of people surviving the Detonations, but as beings who are fused to things (metal, glass, objects, even other people) gives this dystopia a really awful (yet fascinating) quality. The story has fairly even pacing to it, and a wealth of interesting characters, as well.

Bitch Planet : Triple Feature Bitch Planet : Triple Feature Vol. 1

Bitch Planet: Triple Feature, Vol. 1 (Bitch Planet (Collected Editions)) 144 pages

This volume of 15 stories has a nice variety of artists, although I didn't feel like I was connecting to the stories as much as I did to the first Bitch Planet book.  I don't mind completely independent stories, but because they're so short, I just wasn't hooked in the same way.  There isn't any advancement of the main story from the first book, although you get a sense of how different people have been affected by their society.

They all carry the same kind of satirical social commentary, which is the consistent thread here. The one thing I thought was fun was showing photos of women cosplaying in red overalls (you'll get this if you've read these stories).  It was a nice way to break up the stories.