The Choice: Embrace the Possible - Dr. Edith Eger

 In 1944, Edith Eger was only sixteen-years-old when her along with her parents and grandparents were sent to Auschwitz. Her parents and grandparents were sent to the gas chamber. She was forced to waltz, "The Blue Danube" shortly after her family was murdered. Orders to dance for Mengele become common place for her. Her little ballerina body danced and danced and experience horrors upon horrors. 

When the camp was liberated her body breathing body was pulled from a pile of bones. She had survived. Her book details her accounts before, during and after the holocaust. It is an emotional read and a reminder of we must never forget.

Things I Should Have Said by Jamie Lynn Spears

 There has been so much controversy and talk regarding this book that I felt compelled to read it. Jamie Lynn Spears is the little sister of Britney Spears. This is her story, her experience. She opens up about her family and the things that have shaped her life. 

There has been a lot of negative reviews of this book but I think it's likely because people haven't read it. They are making judgment calls. The book is about Jamie not Britney. Britney makes appearances because she is Jamie's big sister. Most of it is positive with a bit of negativity mixed in but that is to be expected as they are siblings. 

Jamie's book talks about personal details in her life such as relationships she has with others including romantic ones, her time of  Zoey 101 and  her daughter's near death. She is vulnerable and her book makes me think that all the Spears children are victims of their parent and are dealing with it in a variety of ways.  I believe both Spears women have their own truths and this is Jamie's.

Saving Stacy: The Untold Story of the Moody Massacre Book by Rob St. Clair

 

Bellefontaine, Ohio is a small little town and everyone knows everyone. Logon County has a bit of a problem with some officers in their police force. Corruption seems to be high. On, May 25, 2005, a massacre  occurred leaving six dead and one sole survivor. Stacy was shot in the face twice and let to die but she survived. Her brother, Scott was quickly and without much investigation named the murderer and the case was considered a murder/suicide case. 

When fifteen-year-old, Stacy wakes up her memory of the incident doesn't line up with what the police are saying. She is adamant it wasn't her brother and that it was an older
man with gray hair, wearing a blue shirt. Evidence doesn't match up that, people are being tight lipped. No one wants to talk. There is underage sex, drugs and corruption and so many questions. Is Scott innocent, if he a victim and did someone else commit the murders?

There is a lot of information in this book that leads me to believe Scott did not commit the massacre or suicide. I think they police department knows this but they are either protecting their own or don't want to admit they made an incorrect judgment. The list of inconsistencies is long, the way Stacy is interviewed and treated is unethical. 

The reading can can dry at times just because there are a lot of details and things can be repetitive but I find this to be quite common in these types of books. If you are a True Crime fan and haven't heard of this case, I strongly recommend this book. 

Ashen Winter by Mike Mullin

 Ashen Winter is the second installation in the Ashfall series. It has been six long months since Yellowstone's super volcano has erupted. Alex and Darla are living with his relatives.  Life is hard and the fallout from the eruption is in full affect. Alex has been waiting for his parents to return  but can no longer wait and decides go look for them. 

The journey proves to be difficult and unsafe but this book can't met up to the energy of the first novel, Ashfall. It's tedious, long and boring. I felt like I was trudging thru ashfall in order to finish this book. I don't know if I will read the conclusion despite the cliffhanger. 

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

 

Yellowstone's super volcano erupts and chaos ensues. Initially, Alex and other's don't know the volcano has erupted making this my favorite part of the book. Mike Mullen quickly captures your attention as he describes the noise and fallout of the eruption. 

Alex lives over 900 miles away from Yellowstone and can hear the eruption for days, ash covers everything, animals and people die. Crops, homes and many other structures are destroyed. 15 year old, Alex wants to be with his parents and sibling who are visiting his aunt and uncle. He snaps on some ski and starts his trek. It's a harrowing journey, he meets a girl and together they work together to survive and make their way. 

The read was fast paced and shows the realties of the harsh and unpredictable struggle to survive.

Flicker in the Dark By Stacy Willingham

When Chloe Davis was 12 years old  her father confessed to the murder of  the six teenage girls who went missing in her hometown.  It's been twenty years and she has her own private practice as a psychologist. She is engaged and appears to have a happy life but under the surface she is a bit of a mess and things are about to get a whole lost messier.  A young girl goes missing and then another. History is repeating itself and everyone becomes a suspect. As things unravel it's easy to figure out who the suspect is but it doesn't take away from the story. 

It is well written, entertaining and thrilling. This is Wilingham's debut novel and I am looking forward to see what she has in store for us. 

Razor Blade Tears by S.A. Cosby

 Two young men have been murdered. They were married to one another and had a young daughter. Two fathers who are different as night and day and who couldn't accept their sons as gay come together to find out who killed their sons and avenge their death.

The writing wasn't my cup to tea. I found it to be long winded and dry for stretches at a time. The violence didn't bother me but I can see how it could be an issue for others.  The book felt very disjointed and had trouble finishing it. 

Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar

In the summer of 1988, the mutilated bodies of four young girls show up in a small city in Maryland.  The Author, Richard Chizmar grew up in this town and returned to live with his parents for the summer.  The story is told from his point of view. He gets details about the cases that the normal person wouldn't. He starts to feel haunted by the "boogeyman" as the story's intensity increases.

The read is clever, frightening and infuriating. Quite possibly the most well written book I have read this year! You don't want to miss out on it. 

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

  

I picked this book up and put it back down a few times but once I started reading it, I was hooked.

The Thousandth Floor takes place in New York City many, many years in the future.  The cast lives in a giant tower with the wealthiest being on the top and poorest on the bottom. The cast of characters is 5 people and the story is told from their point of view.  There is a lot of back and forth and until you get the characters "voice" down it can be a bit confusing trying to figure out who is who. 

Like most teen dramas this one is built on lies and figuring out everyone's truth.  The book starts off with a girl plummeting to her death and that is not the most dramatic part of it. There are custom made babies, cheating, spying,  technology and so much more!

If you're a fan of Pretty Little Liars - This is a good read for you.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

 

A young mother goes on a night jog and goes missing. A few weeks later a mother and her daughter go missing. Eleven years later the daughter returns. Her return creates more questions than answers.

There are multiple point of views and timelines. Everyone is suspect and when things start to merge and reveal you can't turn the pages fast enough to get to the conclusion. 

What Kind of Girl by Alyssa Sheinmel

Popular guy, Mike Parker hit his girlfriend. The bruise is visible and she reports it to the school principal. The school is divided. They are the golden couple. Did Mike, really hit  Maya or if she lying? Will, Mike lose his scholarship? Why didn't Maya speak up sooner? 

Maya and Junie are best friends and the story is told by each of them. Junie has her own struggles and secrets she's been keeping. There are a few other storytellers tossed in to give more perspectives. 

This book addresses a lot issues. Be prepared for some dark subjects and to be taken on an emotional ride.