Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Luckiest Girl starts off a bit weak and you question why you're reading it -- then you find yourself completely absorbed in this brilliant and gripping novel.

This is "Mean Girls" to the  max.  Topics such as ddepression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying and sexual assault are covered. This is a dark and intriguing read.

This is Jessica Knoll's debut novel and it is character driven, which allows you to get to know the main character, Tifani.

Tifani's story is told in a flashback pattern, flipping back and forth, from present time to the past. Readers get to know both the adult and teen version of, Tifani. When, Tifani was a young girl she became a victim of a devastating event, that has left her traumatized. This book explores the impact it has had on her throughout her entire life and a secret she has carried with her that when revealed will be explosive.

The most interesting and compelling chapters are the ones that take place during, Tifani's teen years. Adult, Tifani just isn't as entertaining but that doesn't mean that, the  novel isn't thought provoking or haunting. 

Expect sharp writing and a plot twist you don't exactly see coming.  

Grade: A

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy

Lily Wilder is smart, sassy and funny. Will is boring and she is about to marry him in six days! She's an attorney, he is an archaeologist.

They are as different as two people can get. Her family is crazy and complicated.  His is a much tamer and she has yet to meet his parents!

To make matters worst -- she just can't stop cheating on him.

The relationships between all the characters are fantastic and intriguing. I love the friendships, the conversations and the subplot makes this book worth the read!

So -- sit back, kick up your feet and sink your teeth into this book. You won't regret it.

Grade: A+

The Blondes by Emily Schultz

This book had so much potential! The premise was intriguing and I was initially fascinated but then I quickly lost interest but keep chugging along in hopes that things would improve, sadly they did not.

A disease, a virus, an epidemic of sorts has spread and it only targets blonde, females. This includes blonde's who dye their hair blonde --- so you don't have be a genetic blonde to succumb to this disease. It turns them into crazy, rapid killers!

The book opens up with a character named, Hazel who is heavily pregnant and sequestered in a cabin. She narrates the story, which entails her affair with her professor, her relationship with the professors wife and the epidemic spread.

Hazel isn't really a likable character and the outbreak is centered around her rather then the epidemic itself. I personally wanted to know about the epidemic and how it impacted society. I really didn't care about, Hazel's personal life story. I was rather disappointed with the story but I could see how some people would like the premise is fairly unique.

Grade: C-

Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish by Abigail Pogrebin

Pogerbin, writes an uplifting and enlightening look into Judaism. Judaism as a culture and as a religion.

He interviewed 60 different Jewish individuals, each having their own story to tell. Some of the interviewees are well known such as Stephen Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. There are lesser known yet equally important people who also share what is like to be Jewish and what being Jewish means to them.

Stars of David really makes you think, analyze and make critical distinctions between Judaism as a religion and a culture. Both are breathtakingly beautiful. This gem of book is impossible to put down, each story is poignant and personal.


Pick up your copy today.

Grade: A+

Every Fifteen Minutes By Scottoline, Lisa

Every Fifteen Minute starts off strong, slows down and then speeds right back up.  The plot is intriguing but many parts are hard to believe.

This book is basically about the life of Dr. Parrish, one of his clients who goes on a rampage and a trap set to bring him down professionally. A lot of different things are going on but it is written in such a way that you don't confuse events or characters.

I wish things had move a bit faster in the middle of the book purely for entertainment purposes. It did take me longer then usual to read this book and I'm not sure if it was because the middle portion dragged or because I've been working so much that I'm way past exhausted to stay up and read.

This isn't the best or worst book written by, Scottoline but if you are anxious to read another book on your pile, skip this one and pick up the other.

Grade: C