Forgive Me by Amanda Eyre Ward

Forgive me, is average at best. I've read How to be Lost by Ward and the books don't even compare in quality. Forgive me, is a bit on the boring, long winded side and while I suppose it's suppose to teach me something about South African History all, it taught me was to turn the pages faster so I could finish the book sooner. This "novel" is more like four books crammed into one I would have preferred the journal portion the most.

The storyline is great concept and the middle of the book is the best part. I was left wanting to know more about the young man who was murdered and all his murderers rather than Nadine's (the reporter) life. If given the choice I'd pick up another one of her books and leave this one on the self.


Grade: C-

House by Frank Pereth & Ted Dekker

This novel was spooky, exciting and a good read. I have never read anything before by Pereth or Dekker nor did I know this book falls into the "christian" category. This book, unlike other Christian novels that have mistakenly fallen into my hands was good and was worth the read. It is not preachy and I am looking forward to watching the movie.

It is suspenseful and have several twists in the plot...




Grade: B

Along Came A Spider by James Patterson

Along Came A Spider is the first novel in the Alex Cross series. It is quick paced for the first half of the novel and then slows down however this does not take from the story itself. There is some unpredictable elements but this novel is not spectacular by any means. The villain is creepy and insane which adds exciting elements to this novel. This book is not as great as Patterson's other Cross novels however it is worth the read if your going to read other novels in the Cross series since it gives such insight into his private family life.




Grade: B-

The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky

When I first started reading "The Secret Between Us" it felt as thought I was reading a generic Jodi Picoult novel however as I read more of the novel I found myself enjoying Delinsky's easy to read writing style. This novel is a simple read and you can easily sympathize with most of the characters. However the ending is disappointing and a bit unrealistic.

The novel follows the relationship between and mother and daughter and how an accident one rainy night that is surrounded by lies can change a person and how the truth can set you free. The novel also examines the relationships between fathers and daughters and sisters. It's a simple read and could easily be made into a cheesy Lifetime movie.

Grade: B

The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

Back from vacation.... Time for a review. Sorry for lack of posts.

The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold was a huge disappointment! I'm sorry I even purchased it. I loved her novel, " The Lovely bones" and enjoyed her heartfelt memoir " Lucky" however, Almost Moon made me feel as though I was treading thru mucky water. The Almost Moon was about the life of a women who murders her mother. Her mother is an unpleasant women at best whom suffers from a mental illness but Sebold fails to trap the reader into actually caring about these characters. The book is difficult to read but I turned page after page in hopes that I'd capture some of the passion from her other two books. Sebold fails to deliver. I am in no way bothered by the dark material of this novel because lets face it, "Lucky" and "The Lovely Bones" were not feel good, happy novels. The concept is great but the writing and characters lacked depth. After reading this book, I'll think twice before purchasing another novel by Sebold or wait for paperback.

Grade: D

If I Am Missing or Dead: A Sister's Story of Love, Murder, and Liberation by Janine Latus

I won't pretend to understand why women stay with men who abuse them nor will I be naive to suggest that it's as easy as packing up and starting over. Janine Latus's memoir is haunting and chilling leaving you to realize that an abusive relationship can be happening to someone you know and love.

This book gives an honest insight into abusive relationships, we read page after page about Janine's abuse but get very little information on her sister Amy's abuse. Perhaps this is because very little is known, we actually don't start reading about Amy's disappearance until a little over half way, this book is mis-titled. That being said, I could not put this book down it is a page turner. A suggested read for all.

Grade: A-

If you or someone you know is being abused please us the following links, don't let Amy's story be yours.

Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your Internet or computer use might be monitored, please use a safer computer or call your local hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Domestic Violence

http://www.ndvh.org/help/abuse_quiz-help.html

Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or

TTY 1-800-787-3224

Support Network for Battered Women

http://www.snbw.org/

Or For 24 hour help Call 1-800-572-2782

Violence Against Women

http://www.4women.gov/violence/signs/

The Sunset Limited by Cormac McCarthy

Absolutely remarkable...

McCarthy one again writes a spectacular story. This short two character story is written in play format and one might even call it a spiritual journey since it deals with the question of god's existence and mortality. McCarthy's two characters discuss mortality with ease however there are many underlying symbolic issues, life, death, hell, heaven,purgatory, racism and even salvation. There are even laugh out loud, witty moments. My only issue was end... I felt like I did at the end of, Samuel Beckett's, Waiting for Godot, unfinished, frustrated and annoyed.

Grade: A-

A Good Man by Judith Henry Wall

This book deals with anger, forgivness, sadness, love and letting go of the past. Decades later, Rhonda is still dealing with her feelings of anger over her bestfriends betrayal. Her bestfriend ran off and married, Rhonda's boyfriend leaving her shocked, angry and despressed. These feelings continue well until her adulthood and she is finally able to come face to face with Gina Kay and get the full story on her betrayl.

The storyline is simple yet a bit hard for this reader to believe, who really holds on to the feelings associated with an old high school love and a friend you don't talk to anymore... especially if you're married and have children. However the book does put its hooks in you because you just have to find out why, Gina Kay betrayed Rhonda.

P.s. Not sure what the title of the book has to do with the story... it doesn't relate.

Grade: B-

The Vision by Dean Koontz

The Vision is quite a page turner, I was up well past 4am finishing this book. The lights were blazing and every noise startled me but I just could not put it down. Koontz keeps you guessing, just when you think you know who the killer is, you change your mind and think it's someone else however it's pretty easy to figure out who the killer really is. This is a must read for any Koontz fan.

The Vision is an exciting and fun read.... run out and get your copy today!

Grade: A