Something, Maybe

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

AR Reading Level: 4.4
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Recommended for: Grades 9+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After some heavier reading lately, I was ready for something fun. Reminiscent of Sarah Dessen's books, this is a perfect summer read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Like most teens, Hannah wishes her parents were normal. But unlike most teens, she is the product of a relationship between a Hugh Hefner-esque celebrity and one of his "special girls." Living in a small town with her mom, money is tight as they try and support themselves without support from Hannah's father. Hannah has spent five years ignoring him, even though deep down she's hurt that he is not a part of her life.

Hannah works at a burger drive-thru call center, where she works with two guys from school. She has a major crush on Josh and wonders if he even knows she's alive. Finn, however, annoys her beyond all reason both at work and school. With the help of a friend, Hannah begins to recognize true love and to work out her inner conflicts both with her parents and in her love life.

Also reviewed by: So Many Books, So Little Time ~ Book Nut ~ Not Enough Bookshelves ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Source: BookMooch

Unbroken

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

AR Reading Level: 7.7
On the library bookshelves: Adult Non-fiction
Awards: Publishers Weekly Best Book; Christy Award/Honor; Los Angeles Times Book Prize

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, the son of Italian immigrants, who had a passion for running. At the age of 19, he attended the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, running the 5,000 meters. He looked poised to take the 1940 games by storm as he inched towards breaking the 4-minute mile record when World War II broke out and he enlisted.

Louis became a bombardier in the Pacific fighting theater. In 1943, his plane had mechanical trouble, and he went down into the ocean. He survived a horrific six-week ordeal on the ocean and was eventually captured by Japanese forces. He spent the remainder of the war as a POW in Japan.

This book is absolutely incredible. It's not just the meticulously researched history that makes this book sparkle. There is a raw humanness to Hillenbrand's writing that gives her story life. The things that have happened in this man's life are truly mind-boggling. I learned not only more about WWII reading this book, but I was able to think a lot about the personal attributes of integrity, forgiveness, faith and endurance. This is definitely going to be a standout favorite for the year.

Also reviewed by: Gerbera Daisy Diaries ~ The Boston Bibliophile ~ Lesley's Book Nook ~ At Home With Books ~ Bibliophile by the Sea

Source: Kindle Purchase

The Death of Ivan Ilyich

The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

AR Reading Level: 8.8
On the library stacks: Adult fiction

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read Anna Karenina about six years ago and loved it. This is my second Tolstoy and I was thrilled that Melissa recommended it. I was kind of shocked when I realized that it is actually a small little novella and easily read in a day.

Ivan Ilyich is a high-court judge in Russia. He felt his life was simple, peaceful and respectable. As he aged, anything unpleasant in his life (like a nagging wife) was sidelined as climbed social and professional ladders. But when Ivan receives a promotion he feels he more than deserves, he starts to notice a pain in his side and an odd taste in his mouth. Numerous doctors are called in, but it seems none can make an accurate diagnosis. Everyone knows Ivan is dying, but no one seems to want to acknowledge it, least alone Ivan. Eventually, Ivan must face the truth that his days are numbered. Upon review of his relatively short life, he starts to consider that perhaps his priorities were not what they should have been.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It packs an emotional punch and gets to the core of human nature. Tolstoy could have written this book today and it would be just as applicable. It's not a happy story, but one that is guaranteed to make you think and reflect about living life without regret. Definitely recommended!

Source: BookMooch

City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

AR Reading Level: 5.2
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Series: Mortal Instruments #4
Recommended for: Grades 9+

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Now that I have finally finished this book, I am caught up in this series! It has been difficult listening to others chat and avoid spoilers, but now I am also in the know. ;) I will try not to include any major spoilers in this review, however.

This book opens up about six weeks after City of Glass ended. Everyone is back in New York, settling into a routine. Jace seems more distant than he usually is, and everyone is worried about Simon as a fledgling vampire. There was an unresolved issue from the last book that ultimately rears its (very) ugly head, resulting in a major climax and cliffhanger at the end of this book.

I liked this book fine, but I think I'm just a little burned out on this series right now. Although the world creation is really incredible, the plot points seemed a little recycled. There were some new twists in here that I did appreciate, but I think I'm done with warlocks, faeries, vampires, werewolves, demons and Shadowhunters for a little while.

Also reviewed by: Book Thoughts ~ Fuzzy Cricket ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ Your link here?

Source: Borrowed

City of Glass

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

AR Reading Level: 5.3
On the library stacks: YA Fiction
Series: Mortal Instruments #3
Recommended for: Grades 9+

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This third book (of six) in the Mortal Instruments series picks up right where City of Ashes left off. Clary knows who she needs to find and where she needs to go in order to wake her mother up. She ultimately gets herself to Idris, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters, where the bulk of this book takes place.

Jace doesn't want Clary in Idris at all. Simon is thrown in jail as an intended scapegoat by the Inquisitor. Sebastian, the dark prince of Clary's childhood drawings, expresses an interest in Clary that rankles Jace. And Aline makes a play for Jace that rankles Clary. Luke, as a werewolf, is in town illegally, but he holds the keys to uniting the Shadowhunters and Downworlders together in order to defeat Valentine.

I thought this book was written more fluidly than the first two, and the stylistic elements that bothered me earlier did not seem to surface here. However, this book was much more predictable than I would have liked, but I still enjoyed watching the story unfold. I think this page-turning series is a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to reading what else Cassandra Clare has in store.

Also reviewed by: eclectic/eccentric ~ Books & other thoughts ~ Becky's Book Reviews ~ Bloggin' 'bout Books ~ My Own Little Corner of the World ~ Capricious Reader ~ Your link here?

Source: Borrowed

State of Wonder - TLC Book Tour

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Publisher: Harper
Publication date: June 7, 2011
Hardcover: 368 pages
Price: $26.99
On the library stacks: Adult fiction
Ann Patchett's website.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marina Singh is a pharmacologist at a Minnesota-based pharmaceutical company. She receives word that her officemate, Anders Eckman, has died of a fever in the Amazonian jungle of Brazil when he went to determine the status of a drug in development. Anders' wife, Karen, begs Marina to go down to Brazil to determine that Anders is really and truly dead and to bring home his belongings.

Mr. Fox, the company CEO and Marina's lover, also asks Marina to go to Brazil to try to reign in the rogue researcher, Annick Swenson. Marina was a student of Dr. Swenson's when she was a resident in obstetrics, but switched to pharmacology after an accident. Their shared history makes Marina hesitant to go, but an attractive choice since she knows the woman in question.

Once in Brazil, Marina meets a wonderful cast of characters including the driver, the bohemians who live in Annick's apartment, the Lakashi tribe whom the researchers work among, a deaf boy who comes from a neighboring cannibalistic tribe, and the indomitable Dr. Swenson. Marina is ultimately able to face her fears from the past, grow and develop as a woman and as a doctor, and to find the truth through the intricate web of lies and ethical dilemmas.

I enjoyed Marina's emotional journey as much as her eye-opening physical journey and survival in Brazil.  I thought Marina was a very sympathetic protagonist and someone I would like as a friend.  When I set the book down, I couldn't stop thinking about it and couldn't wait to get back to it. The novel held together so well for me, despite some far-fetched coincidences, until the last 5 pages. At that point, I wish I had just stopped reading because those final pages undid so much of what was woven together for me so beautifully in the story. However, I still highly recommend this novel. This may be my first Ann Patchett novel, but it definitely won't be my last.

Check out these reviews: Life In Review ~ The Lost Entwife ~ nomadreader ~ Regular Rumination ~ Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books
Look for these reviews coming soon:  Reading on a Rainy Day ~ Bibliophiliac ~ Library of Clean Reads ~ The Road to Here ~ A Bookish Way of Life ~ Book Hooked Blog ~ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom ~ Wordsmithonia ~ Steph and Tony Investigate ~ The Little Reader ~ I’m Booking It ~ MariReads 

Source: I received this book from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour.

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

AR Reading Level: 5.8
On the library stacks: Adult fiction

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved this movie as a teenager, but I had never read the book. What I did not know is that this book within book is a COMPLETE work of fiction, including all the stuff about Goldman's wife and kid that he throws in there. I thought his "abridgment" idea was very clever and I enjoyed finding the "Reunion Scene" online and learning about the real William Goldman.

I've never read a book where sarcasm was written this well, but it was grating on my nerves by the end. It got to a point where the narrator's cut-ins were just annoying me and I wanted the book to end. I don't know if I had read the book before the movie if I would have enjoyed the unique style more, but I definitely like the movie better!

Also reviewed by: The Avid Reader's Musings ~ Rebecca Reads
Source: Gift

Vegan Family Meals

Vegan Family Meals: Real Food for Everyone by Ann Gentry

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Hardcover: 272 pages
Price: $25.00

Back in October, my family's diet became mostly vegan. I am always on the lookout for new recipes as the change in lifestyle hasn't always been easy. I find the hardest part is that I run out of ideas quickly! I was excited to download this book from netGalley, and I have spent the last few months reading all the recipes.

Ann Gentry owns and operates a Los Angeles vegan restaurant called Real Food Daily. She certainly knows what she is doing and most of the recipes sound delicious. I thought she did a really great job in the sections where she discusses different types of milk substitutes, flours, fruits and vegetables, and describes the tenants of veganism. I think this would especially appeal to those just starting out as vegans.

The photographs in this book are amazing. The food looks gorgeous and the layout of this cookbook is really appealing. However, my major problem with this cookbook is that many of the recipes are very time-intensive and I was intimidated by some of the ingredients she uses. She favors Asian-style recipes with ingredients that I had never heard of and some are only found in specialty Asian markets. For those reasons, I didn't find this book especially useful for a busy mom-on-the-go who is looking to make quick and healthy meals for the family using ingredients on hand.

Source: e-copy provided by netGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for review purposes.

Hereafter

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Hardcover: 416 pages
Price: $17.99
Series: Hereafter #1
On the library stacks: YA Fiction 

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Amelia always has the same nightmare: She's drowning in the river and trying to fight her way out. But instead of waking up and realizing it was all just a dream, she regains consciousness in a sunny graveyard in Oklahoma where no one can see her and no one can hear her. Amelia died in that river years before and now she is a ghost, roaming alone and wondering what comes next in the Hereafter.

Things begin to change for Amelia the night Joshua's car falls in the river. After his near-death experience, he can see her and touch her. Together they must fight against the evil spirit Eli who wants to claim Amelia for his own and against the local coven who has been trying to exorcize the ghosts in the area for decades.

This is my first exposure to a paranormal ghost story. I liked the romance even though the descriptions of their fiery passion got a little over the top. I found this to be an engagingly quick read and I think I would have liked it to be even a little longer to flesh out more about the characters and the world Amelia is living in. I think this is a must-read for those who enjoy paranormal romance and I was impressed enough with this debut from Tara Hudson that I will probably read the next in the series.

Also reviewed by: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer ~ Your link here?

Source: e-copy provided by netGalley and HarperTeen for review purposes.

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris

On the library stacks: Adult Non-fiction
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alright, so this book took me a long time to get through. But that's not totally the book's fault. I actually REALLY liked the book. It's not a page-turner, but it is one of those books that I've already annoyed plenty of people talking about and I wish I could get everyone to read.

This book is applicable to every aspect of our lives--as parents, spouses, family members, friends, teammates, employees and citizens. The authors explain why we go through a process of self-justification in order to live with ourselves after we make mistakes. But we also learn why fessing up and going easier on others when they make mistakes is in everyone's best interest. We learn how our memories can change according to the version of the past that best suits our present, how people with good intentions can turn out to make horrendous choices they might never have once dreamed of making, and how the bias of lawyers and law enforcement officers can lead to big mistakes in our justice system.

I started out this book feeling embarrassed and somewhat guilty because I KNOW I have fallen in to so many traps that the authors highlight. While I've always been interested in what makes other people tick, this book also illuminated how I tick sometimes, and hopefully I'll be a better person for having read it. Highly recommended.

Also reviewed by: The Book Nest
Source: Library