The Academy (The Academy Series, 1) | by Elin Hilderbrand

 

ZipZap is a new app that is taking over Tiffin Academy. It reveals secrets and no one is safe. It's causing chaos and could destroy lives. Tiffin Academy had just been ranked the 2nd best boarding school in the US. It's unexpected and this means others are questioning the legitimacy of the ranking.

Relationships between students, teachers and staff become entwined which creates a LARGE cast of characters. Whew! It's a lot to keep track of but the POVs come together as the story unfolds. The book ends in such a way that you will be left wanting to read the second book which isn't out  yet!

I struggled a bit with this book mainly due to the large amount of characters and slow plot. There is a lot of drama which leads to some entertaining moments but then a let down as the story doesn't always deliver. I will still likely read the second book because I need to know!

You Thought You Knew | by Kevin Federline

 

 I did not purchase this book. I borrowed it from a friend. I was hesitant to read it because the last thing I wanted to do was read more Britney hate. Federline paints Britney in an ugly light. It's obvious that he uses women and Britney was his way into fame. 

This memoir is about his early life, life with Britney and life after. Kevin is honest about his own faults and drug use. He has a rather large ego. This is a small book at under 200 pages. Kevin claims he wants to help Britney but I think this book causes a lot more harm to her and the relationship she has with her sons. 

If you're curious about this book and his perspective borrow a copy from the library or a friend. Save your money for a different book.

Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth | by Amy Duggar King

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. If you don't know who Amy Duggar King is or who the Duggar's are this book is NOT for you. You need to know background information and know who the people involved in this book are. 

Amy is the niece of Jim Bob Duggar (Yes, Josh Duggars father). This is her story which gives us insight into her life growing up, her appearances on the TV show and her relationships with various Duggar family members. 

I don't feel that there wasn't anything new about the Duggars she revealed and while I appreciate her sharing her life experiences everything was a bit mixed up and I often felt as though the book lost its focus. 

This book is interesting enough and she gives a voice to survivors which is the most important thing about this book. 

Columbine 25th Anniversary Memorial Edition by Dave Cullen

 

I read Columbine many many years ago and for some reason this tragedy has been on my mind leading to me revisiting this book. I remember being glued to the TV the day it happened and watching it all unfold. It was chaotic, scary and unbelievable and I was safe in my living room. I can't even began to understand the fear, grief and horror the victims and their families experienced on April 20. 1998. 

Cullen details the events of the day and how they unfolded. He gives insight into the killers, those who's lives were taken and those who survived. I had forgotten how detailed and emotionally gripping this book was or perhaps being older and having seen the violence that continues to take lives as a result of mass shootings left me emotionally exhausted. 

Cullen's book is well researched and written in a clear and precise detail. He pulls you into the moments and debunks myths that still remain. I had forgotten many details and rediscovering them makes the day all that more tragic.

The 25th Anniversary has a new preface that adds a lot to the book. If you want to know more about Columbine this book is for you. I went back and forth between the physical book and audio book. The audiobook gives more of an emotional punch. 

The Compound | by Aisling Rawle

 

The Compound follows a group of 20 contestants who are participants in a reality TV show. Our main character and narrator Lily is in her twenties and her goal is the same as the other contestants to be the last one left in the home and be rewarded. They must compete against each other and vote one another out of the house. 

The Compound takes place in the future in a dystopian world. The house is located in the desert and the contestants have no idea where it's located as it is isolated. The house is the same one used over and over again on the reality show and new contestants have to compete to get such things as food, basic needs/wants and luxury items. 

Lily is a passive character but as people are eliminated she recognizes that she will have to step up her game if she wants to win. The book is full on tense moments and interesting characters. My biggest complain is the book ends a bit to quickly for my liking. 

The Last Letter Book | by Rebecca Yarros

 

Ella's life is busy. She is raising her twins alone and running the family business. Her brother Ryan is in Army as as a special ops solider. He has convinced his best friend Chaos and Ella to become pen pals of sort. Their relationship develops as they exchange letter after letter. Chaos is able to connect with someone on a different level than ever before. Ella has someone she can lean on which becomes increasingly important when her daughter is diagnosed with cancer.

Ella is struggling more than ever and then more bad news. Her beloved brother is gone. He has been killed. Ryan left Chaos a last-letter drill asking Chaos to take care of his sister. Chaos makes it his mission to help Ella heal but Ella isn't going to make it an easy task.

The Last Letter is told in alternating points of views and in past and present tense. The read is easy and fast. A bit unbelievable at times and the end is ...

Where We Belong | by Emily Giffin

Marian Caldwell is living in New York. She is living her dream as a television producer and in a good relationship. Then one night her past life comes knocking on her door. It is the daughter she gave up for adoption. Kirby is 18 years old and wants to know the woman who gave her up.

Marian's life is about to change. Kirby is a secret she has held onto all her life. This means that Marian starts to revisit her past and the choices she made. She also has to deal with her current situation and make some decisions that could change her life.

Where We Belong draws you in and is told in alternating timelines. The characters are interesting and the plot seems realistic.