Mrs. Kennedy and Me: An Intimate Memoir by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin

Mrs. Kennedy and Me is the best, Memoir, I have read in years! My emotions were all over the place, my heart literally ached and I cried tears of sorrow.

Clint Hill's secret service, assignment was to protect, Mrs. Kennedy and at first he was disappointed. He wanted to be on the presidential detail but as time passed, Mrs, Kennedy and Mr Hill formed a strong bond, that carried on until her untimely death in 1994.

I never understood that awe factor of Mrs Kennedy, her charm and sophistication until this book. I was born, many, many, many years after Kennedy was assassinated and while I heard praises of her, I never full got it, until now --- until this book.

Her life as the First Lady is told in 26 different chapters, each essentially it's own story. Hill gives stories on life outside the White House, in the White House and abroad. Hill shares fond memories of Mrs. Kennedy, President Kennedy and their children.

You also get inside information on the Secret Services. The degree of dedication these men and women put into their jobs is substantial. They miss countless moments, meals and work days on end.

Mr Hill puts a new light on the Kennedy area and on Mrs. Kennedy. The story is told with compassion, understanding and respect. He is able to describe personality quirks in a way that brings Mrs Kennedy to "life" on the pages.  The details of the assassination and they days after are vivid and heartbreaking.

This books is about Mrs. Kennedy -- don't expect to read anything salacious. It is written with class and love.

Grade: A+++

Mockingbird by Chuck Wendig

Mockingbird, hits bookshelves Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

Mockingbird is the second book in a series. I had no idea, until just a few minutes ago, which means that this book definitely stands on its own.

The main character, Miriam is like no character, I have ever read about or any person I have ever met. She is truly unique. She is a train wreck in every imaginable way possible. She is foulmouthed, angry driven and surprisingly caring. She feels compelled to save the lives of those who will die a horrific death even it it means taking a life to save one.

With one simple touch, Miriam can see the future --- she can see how and when that person will die. These psychic abilities lead her down many dangerous paths. Luckily, Miriam has, Louis who is there to ground her and giver her a degree of normalcy however when things get tough and they do --- Louis is there to lend a helping hand.

This book is fabulous and engaging. It is nearly impossible to put down --- it flows from one scene to another --- keeping you on your toes. Expect the unexpected.

FYI: The first book in the series is called, Blackbirds.

Grade: A

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

I absolutely adore,  Emily Giffin ---- and her newest book is amazing.

The character's are real and beautiful. The storyline has a degree of realism.  Marian is a successful, rich women who's life is about to change. The person who causes this change in her daughter, Kirby who she gave up for adoption 18 years ago.

This single knock late one night changes the lives of all those involved.  As the store unravels you feel your self rooting for everyone! You want all the outcomes to be positive. Giffin gives a lot of backstory information which helps to create and seamless storyline.  You learn about what lead up to Kirby being concieved, her adoption and her current life status. You also learn about, Marian and why she made the choices she did.

Giffin captures all the emotions perfectly and and tells the story in alternating points of view.

Go -- and pick up this book, today!

Grade: A

New Firsts (Claudia and Monica: Freshman Girls) by Diana G Gallagher

New First is a rather sweet book about the first week of high school. It follows two best friends who have to deal with a variety of issues, from crushes to mean girls.

Claudia and Monica are not prepared for what high school has in store for them. They both struggles with "finding" their niche, while attempting to navigate new aspects of their friendship.

The story is told in alternating points of views --- giving you an insight to what each character is going through and thinking. This makes the story more personal.

This is a rather simplistic read and I would recommend it for tweens and teens alike (there is some mention of sex). I would not recommend it for an older audience because it is strongly geared to a much younger clientele.

I think this new series is a perfect for tweens/teens as it give them a bit of a more realistic solution to real problems.

Grade: A

Confessions of a Male Nurse by Michael Alexander

Confessions of a Male Nurse is a well written memoir. It chronicles the life of a male nurse working in New Zealand and the UK. 

Alexander (a pseudonym) writes a mixture of funny, sad and uplifting stories. Each patients story is told in its own, individual chapter. It's rather interesting to get a male perspective in a female dominated field. 

The stories and engaging and the read is quick. I wouldn't necessarily purchase this book but I would borrow it or check it from the library.

Grade: B

Ten Girls to Watch: A Novel by Charity Shumway

Ten Girls to Watch is a unique and well written debut novel.  Dawn is just out of college and nothing seems to be going her way. She wants to be a writer but the only writing job she can find is for a lawn care advice column --- that is until she is given the opportunity of a lifetime. A freelance job by Charm magazine.

Charm is known for their yearly publication of Ten Girls to Watch and it's Dawn's job to find the women who were voted "The Ten Girls To Watch"  in the past fifty years. During the process of finding and interviewing these women, Dawn learns not just about what they have been up to but also about herself.

This books is an entertaining and enjoyable read. Dawn is a sweet and realistic character. Run out and read it today!

Grade: A

Odd Apocalypse: An Odd Thomas Novel by Dean Koontz

Odd Apocalypse is the newest installment in the Odd Thomas series and Koontz once again dazzles his readers.  He weaves a spectacular tale. On his newest adventure, Odd once again finds himself in a peculiar and daunting situation.

Odd and his pregnant companion, AnnaMaria are guests at the prestigious, Roseland. Roseland is not an ordinary home and Odd takes notice of this rather quickly. The estate and grounds of Roseland are full of dark, haunting secrets and Odd needs to figure them out in order to save the life of a young man taken "prisoner" within the walls of the estate.

Odd Thomas is perhaps, Koontz's best and most recognized character. Odd, is the type of character your cheer on, want the best for and fall in love with. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you are missing out.

I can't wait to go on another adventure with, Odd and anxiously await the next book. Koontz's spectacular imagination keeps your craving more and reading all night long.

Grade: A+

Rape Girl by Alina Klein

Alina Klein was raped as a young teenage girl, so the emotions are raw, honest and true. A portion of the sales proceeds will go to RAINN.

If you are a victim of sexual assault and need someone to talk to (or chat with online) visit RAINN at http://www.rainn.org/ or call  1.800.656.HOPE(4673)

Rape Girl is an emotionally charged novel about a teenager girl who is raped. Klein captures the pain, hurt, anger and frustration associated with sexual assault.

Klein's debut novel will stay with you long after you've read it. The rape is not graphic but it is written in a way that disturbs you to the very core. Valerie is essentially shunned by her classmates and "best friend" --- this book is her struggle to remain strong and fight for the truth, against all odds.

Rape Girl, is a well written, powerful book.  Don't expect a long drawn out novel, this one packs a lot into 132 pages.

Grade: A

Once: An Eve Novel by Anna Carey

Once, is the sequel to, Anna Carey's book, Eve. It follows, Eve into the "glamorous" City of Sand. She is essentially prisoner within the city and wants out from the clutches of the, King.

There is a massive twist in the begging of the book, which I will not divulge as it is an important aspect of the book --- one that causes conflict and anger.  There is also a major event at the end of the book, which I'm still not quite sure, I believe.  I think it's more of a set up ---- for the next book.

The character development is done perfectly and the new cast of character's is amazing. Carey, can really make you feel empathetic to character's. In fact, I'm sorta rooting for a particular character because he is quite likable (in my opinion).

This series is irresistible but, you MUST read Eve first of you will be absolutely confused. It is a bit predictable but a fun read none the less. It took me a bit to get into it and once I did --- I was hooked.

Grade: B 

Beautiful Disaster: A Novel by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster will be released in paperback on August 14, 2012.

This books centers around young love. Abby and Travis are both college students from seemingly different walks of life. Abby has an innocence to her and is the essential "good girl" or so it seems. Travis is the strikingly handsome boy from the bad side of the tracks. When there worlds clash into one another, things get chaotic.

Their love is passionate, steamy and obsessive. It is romantic, frustrating and pulls you right back into your first relationship, where everything was new, confusing and you didn't quite now how to deal with it.

The character development and the story are amazing! McGuire writes a stellar novel that will keep you entertained from page one. So, many facets of life are covered and as with real life --- when things transpire or are revealed to the person you are in a relationship with --- things can become intense and make or break you as a couple.

To find out what is in store for, Abby and Travis pick up this book.... it will be one you will want to add to your personal collection.



Grade: A

To Selena, with Love by Chris Perez

Absolutely touching! 

Selena has been dead for seventeen years --- yet she remains in the heart of her loved ones and fans.

Chris Perez, her husband at the time of her death has finally opened up this heart and shared private and unknown moments of his life with, Selena.

Chris writes a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to his late wife. You discover so much more about, Selena. Things never disclosed to the media and he clarifies moments leading up to and of the death of, Selena.

You get to know, Selena as a women and not just as an artist. It explores so many different sides of her and her relationships with her inner circle, in particular, Chris. Chris doesnt' really hold much back, he is honest and lets out the best and worst parts of his relationship with, Selena and her family.

The movie, Selena almost seems like a huge fabrication once you read what really happened and how it happened.  Things were much more complicated underneath the surface in all facets.

The writing is rather simple,which makes for an easy read. If you are an overly emotional person --- this book might get to you.

Grade: A

January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her by Michael Schofield

 January First goes on sale, August 7, 2012

January Schofield, is just a child, a very intelligent child suffering from schizophrenia. At, age six she was diagnosed, with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia. She spends most of her life hallucinating. This is her life story, told by her father, Michael.


It is captivating, honest and heartbreaking. Michael, detail's the daily struggles to keep, January from harming herself and her family. He also vents his frustration with the mental health illness community. Medical professionals don't have the answers, the medication she is on, causes severe side effects of none at all. She takes medication that would knock out an adult but barley manages to keep her in check. Her life and that of her loved one is chaotic. January has no, knowledge of many of her actions and nothing seems to work. 


Michael does all that he can --- the love for a child is endless and he fights a tough battle to help maintain her sanity and make her life as "normal" as possible.


Expect an emotional journey. You will devour this book within hours. It is well written and very expressive. You don't need any knowledge of schizophrenia to understand of sympathize with the subject material.


Go out and read this --- buy your copy now.


Grade: A