Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Russell puts a new and unique spin on life after death but it lacks in other departments. The book is disjointed and all over the place. The character's lack development and the plot isn't that engaging.

I dont' really care enough about this book to go into much more detail. It basically follows around a teen girl by the name of, Jana who dies and finds herself in a dead school in which she has to learn rules. Jana can't remember exactly how she died or where she is from but she remembers her boyfriend and wants to see him again.

She meets other teens in dead school and they each tell their own story about there death, which is probably the best and most interesting part of the book. If you have some time to waste and no other books on you reading list pick this one up, otherwise skip it and go on to more pressing matters.

P.s. The cover is great!

Grade: C-

Little Night: A Novel by Luanne Rice

Little Night, is Rice's newest book. It was published, June 5, of this year.


It is well written, with strong characters and a serious storyline. Clare's life was shattered on the day she attempted to protect her sister, Anne from her abusive husband. Anne betrayed her sister by taking the stand and lying under oath. This lie put, Clare behind bars and resulted in a terminated relationship between, Anne, her husband and their children. Clare also pushed away her fiance, leaving her alone and lonely.


Nearly 20 years later, Grit, Anne's daughter shows up on, Clare's doorstep. Grit is mysterious and withdrawn and as her story unravels you learn about the years of abuse Grit, her brother and mother have sustained under their brutal hands of her father. Current time is mixed in with the past in a flawless and flowing manner.


The story also takes you back in time, to a period when Anne and Clare had a strong sisterly bond and how it slowly dissolved when Anne's became involved with, Frederik. 


This is a story about complex family relationships, forgiveness and love. A must read book.


Grade: A

Jeneration X: One Reluctant Adult's Attempt to Unarrest Her Arrested Development; Or, Why It's Never Too Late for Her Dumb Ass to Learn Why Froot Loops Are Not for Dinner by Jen Lancaster

Jen Lancaster is fabulous and her newest memoir is hilarious. I woke my husband and chihuahua more than once with my laugh and snorts (yes, she makes me laugh so hard, I snort!).

First and foremost. I love the cover of her book and I relate to her on so many levels. She is snarky, funny and bitchy (I totally adore, her bitchy attitude)!  She loves animals and has many fur kids of her own. What's not to love about someone who loves animals as much as she does?!

Now --- for the actually book review, part.

If you have read Jen's previous books, read her blog or follow her on facebook some of the stories will be the same but that doesn't mean they don't have added content or aren't funny. Jen is sharp, witty and amusing. She is brutally honest and that is what makes reading her books fun.

This memoir is about a more "grown up", Jen, who learns life lessons, in her own, funny, Jen worthy way.  Buy it asap and read it now!

Grade: A+

Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is by Gillian Flynn goes on sale, June 5, 2012! 

If you haven't read anything by Flynn you are missing out on a great author! This book is an excellent introduction to her work, she knows how to weave a tale and keep you entertained. 

I really don't want to give away too much so this is going to be rather brief. The reason, I don't want to reveal much is because this is the first book in ages that has surprised me. I didn't expect the twists and turns. You think you have it figured out until,  Flynn tosses something new at you. 

On the fifth anniversary of their wedding, Nick comes home to find that his wife, Amy is missing.  The scene suggests foul play but the police investigation along with clues point at, Nick.  Nick is under scrutiny and the press is turning the world against him.

The person Amy is, is revealed through her diaries. Everything is not as it seems. Their marriage is crumbling and both have their share of secrets that are slowly revealed to the audience. The story is told in alternating chapters from character's points of view, so you get to fully experience what they are going through. 

I'm not giving any more away. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so you're going to have go and get this book as soon as possible.

This book is ama-zing and I expect that you too will read it, in under 24 hours.

Grade: A+

The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch

Nell is one of two survivors of a plane crash. She has no memory of the crash or her life and now she has to put the pieces back together and trust those around her to guide her. The problem is --- she is being lied to by those who she trusts the most.

As the hidden secrets surface, Nell's need to find the truth grows stronger and must rely on her gut instinct.

This book isn't exactly my favorite by, Scotch. It's a bit long winded and feels disjointed. Overall it is a decent book but if you have others to read, read them first and put this one on hold for a bit.

Grade: C

Thumped by Megan McCafferty

Thumped is a great sequel to, Bumped. It starts several months after where, Bumped left off.

Melody and Harmony are living completely separate lives. Harmony is in, Goodside with her husband and Melody is promoting her brand.

To the rest of the world, everything seems perfect.... that is until it all comes crashing down and the truth is set free. The truth will rock, American to it's core and perhaps cause a revolutionary change (or so, I suspect in the next book).

Thumped is a much better book than, Bumped. The characters grow, the plot expands and the interest level is amped up. This is an entertaining and fun read once you get past some of the jargon that is at times a bit difficult to interpret. Sit back and enjoy the book, but make sure you read Bumped first or you will be lost!

Grade: B

A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron

A Dog's Journey, is the sequel to Cameron's bestselling, A Dog's Purpose.

If you haven't read, A Dog's Purpose, I strongly suggest you read it first. This book does stand on it's own but it isn't as powerful if you haven't read the first book. 

A Dog's Journey takes the reader through another emotional roller coaster.  You will be touched deeply by the sweet little character's Cameron has created. He gives his pet character's a voice and the human qualities most of us "crazy" pet owners put on our own pets. 

I absolutely loved this book and I can't possibly say enough good things about it, other then go out and get it, read it, share it, love it and give it as a gift! 

Grade: A+

White Horse: A Novel by Alex Adams

White Horse is the first book in what is set to be a trilogy. It takes place in a post apocalyptic time period. A mysterious virus dubbed, White Horse has wiped out most of the population and those who don't die or aren't immune become mutants.



Zoe is one of the few who have survived . She is immune and fighting to stay alive. Her story it told in a back and forth motion, switching from then to now. It gives you insight to life before the virus, during the virus and the current time frame.


Zoe goes on a Trans-Atlantic journey to find the man she loves, who she "knows" is alive! Along the way she runs into some unsavory characters who challenge her mentally and physically. 


I am not going to lie, it took me some time to get use to reading this book and even longer to like the main character, Zoe. This isn't the best post apocalyptic book I've read but it isn't the worse either. I wouldn't put this as a top choice to read but if your slightly interested take the chance, you might like it more than I did.


Grade: C

The List by Siobhan Vivian

Once a year, before homecoming at Mount Washington High School a list appear. This list ranks 8 girl, 2 from each class in order from prettiest to ugliest. This is their story and how the list impacts each girl.  No one knows who writes the list or how it gets passed down. 


Each girl tells her own story. Being on the list negatively impacts those chosen and complicates their lives. Their stories are weaved effortlessly and Vivian manages to tell each point of view with ease. The story flows and keeps you rather intrigued. 


Vivian captures teen angst at its best. Her teen character's seem real. She brings the cattiness and the drama of teen life, alive.


With the exception of the rushed ending, I enjoyed this book quite a lot.


Grade: A

I Couldn't Love You More by Jillian Medoff

I Couldn't Love You More goes on sale, May 15, 2012.

Medoff creates strong characters and weaves a complicated tale on family dynamics's.

Elliot Gorden has three children, one she gave birth to and two she has raised with her partner, Grant. Hailey is 4, Gail is 7 and then there is moody teenage, Charlotte. Life is pretty good a bit complicated but good. Everything seems to be going well until her ex, Finn makes a reappearance into her life. Finn who broke her heart, Finn who she hasn't heard from in years, Finn who she hasn't ever really gotten over.

Things are getting messy and her relationship with Grant is on a downward spiral and just when things couldn't get any worse they do. On a family beach vacation under the care of, Elliot, Hailey and Gail get swept up in the waves and Elliot is forced to make a quick decision on who to save first. One girl is left in a coma and a family falls apart.

Medoff, will pull you into her world. Her story tackles many real life issues and she does an excellent job at capturing how step families work. You will be captivated and entertained.




Grade: A

The Weepers: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

The Weepers goes on sale,  May 15, 2012. 

It's been 3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since, Sherry has seen daylight.  Sherry and her family have lived in a sealed bunker underground since a virus spread above.  Food has run out, her grandfather is buried in the freezer and her parents are fighting non-stop.

Sherry and her father leave the safety of the bunker in search of food . When they reach the surface they realize just how bad things are, the land has been bombed and there are dead bodies laying around. While searching for food in a supermarket, Sherry and her father are attacked by humans infected by the rabies virus, also known as weepers. The Weepers take her father and a young man named Joshua saves, Sherry's life.


Joshua, takes her to safe-haven to meet others like him, who live together and make due with what that have. Sherry and Joshua venture out to find her father and bring her family back to safe-haven, that is if the weepers don't get to them first.


This books is very interesting. It is full of suspense and action. It starts of strong and continues to build up. This isn't just another, zombie book. It is character driven and well written. Each character has a story to tellI and their stories are unique and frightning. I stayed up all night reading this because I had to find out what happened. Truth be told, I wasn't exactly happy with the ending but it isn't because it's a bad one. It is because I have to wait for what I hope is another book. 


Buy this book, check it out from the library or borrow it. 


Grade: A+