Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

 In Eclipse we learn that Edward and Jacob are very similar. They both bully and manipulate, Bella to get what they want from her. They are also both very possessive and  have an unhealthy love affliction for, Bella.

We learn that while, Bella is still very immature and weak she is starting to realize the ramifications of her turning into a Vampire and how much it would impact her and all those around her. This is the first time, I have a small degree of respect for her.

My most favorite part of this novel is the backstories. The vampire war (more information on this, please) and the rest of the Cullen Clan. I am over the love triangle between, Bella, Edward and Jacob but of course we knew all along who she was going to choose.

I also enjoyed the werewolf imprinting and newborn vampires in Seattle story lines. Overall this book was ok and I enjoyed it more this time then the previous.

Grade: C+

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

 This is the second time I have read New Moon and my feelings pretty much remain the same. The second book in the Twilight series it just an average read but it is entertaining enough.

Bella is a very weak character who treats those around her poorly. She isn't very likeable and I am not quite sure why Jacob or Mike are infatuated with her with that being said it is nice to see the focus on the friendship/relationships between Bella and Jacob. This is the only relationship point out of the entire series in which Bella is marginally likeable.

I am by far more interested in the supporting characters. I want to know much more about the werewolves and vampires and their background stories. I feel that Carlisle and Roses stories would be far more interesting and worth reading. I want to know about Rose's life before she became a vampire and the moments leading up to her change, her backstory seems absolutely intriguing. Carlisle is also a captivating character and I would like this story expanded upon. In fact I think all the other characters (vamps and wolves) would have a better story to tell than that of Edward and Bella including the Volturi.



If you haven't read this skip now...because I am about to spoil it.





The breakup between Bella and Edward has always bothered me because I find it to be incredibly cruel and and excessively dramatic. It wasn't a break up from a long term relationship or divorce. It was treated as if Edward had died and while I know teen relationships are dramatic, I found this one to be excessive and rather embarrassing for the character and writer. I had a hard time believing it which made it more difficult to accept the rest of the their love story. Romeo and Juliet they are not! They are more Sidney Prescott and Billy Loomis (Scream) with the exception of Sidney getting a backbone and kicking some ass.

I can say this --- I do like this book more than Twilight because of the werewolf story line and learning about the Volturi and various other characters.


Grade: B-

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I started this blog in February of 2008 and as a result of this I never shared my review of Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. I hadn't even noticed that until today when I decided to start my review on Twilight.

 I can say this ---- I was never a Twi-hard fan, I never waited in long lines for the movies and waited until the came out on DVD to watch them. Had it not been for a friend dumping an advanced readers copy in my lap, I doubt I would have read the series.

I enjoyed the books at the time but had a lot of issues with the relationships between characters, the story line and sparking vampires and while some of those issues still exist for me, I was able to enjoy the books on a different level.

I am not gonna give an in depth synopsis of this book because we know what happens. Girl moves, meets vampire, falls in love and discovers that truth lies behind the myths of the supernatural. Best friend falls in love with girl, girl does not share the feelings and best friend and boyfriend dislike one another .....and then a lot of other stuff happens.

My inner 13 year old girl, LOVES this book and thinks the characters are super cool and would just LOVE it if a boy loved me the way Edward does but is Team Jacob all the way. The adult me rolls her eyes but gets a kick out of all the cliches and discovers that she simply loves the relationship between, Bella and her father.

I will never be a huge fan on this book but can appreciate why so many people went gaga over it. It boils down to this ---- it makes you remember and experience the drama of  first "love" and if you haven't experience it yet it gives you a fantasy version of it.  Not many of the relationships are healthy, the writing is sub-par but it's an easy read that will waste time and entertain you enough to keep you reading. I can say this, I have found the background stories of a few of the characters much more interesting than Bella and Edwards story and relishes those moments and look forward to seeing them explored again.

Grade: C

The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

Tanya Dubois is on the run. She has left her husbands dead body crumbled at the bottom of the stairs. She's looking to re-start her life. A chance encounter with a bartender named, "Blue" gives her the chance. She forms an alliance with Blue but this proves to cause more problems then solve them.

Lutz has crafted an intriguing cast of characters. Her story line is riveting and keeps you immersed however it does jump around quite a bit as the story is told by different identities, emails, flashbacks and present tense. 

The ending was not what I anticipated and I was surprised, which for me, is a good thing! I did have a bit of trouble believing some of the things that happened, they just seemed far fetched. Lutz's writing makes it possible for you to experience what it is like to be on the run.

This book is a page turner but the ending ties up a bit too pretty for me.

Grade: B

Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth Guinnevere Shuster

 Available  

May 3, 2016

I love, love, love this book! It is paw-esome. It's only 128 pages but each page features a dog! I just wish it was bigger because I can't get enough of all those stinking cute face!

This pictures showcase the dogs personalities. More shelters need to go this route so that the public can see them shine rather then shiver, shake and act out in fear while enclosed in an unfamiliar, loud place.

This book gives a very brief description of why the dog ended up in the shelter, four snap shots and adoption date! My favorite part is the end where you get an update on some of the pups!

 I selected one of my favorite snapshots to give you an idea of what is in this precious little book. I promise the pics in the book look way better, my camera did something funky!  Go out and pre-order for purchase your book now. Buy one, two or more for fellow dog lovers.

FYI: A portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit the Humane Society of Utah and Best Friends Animal Society.

Grade: A+