The Stupidest Angel

(Blog note: My cover was cream colored but I really enjoyed the red boldness of this cover so I chose it instead.)

I am very glad that I gave Christopher Moore another chance. If you recall from an earlier post - I was not a huge fan of A Dirty Job.

This book focuses on the little town of Pine Cove during the time around Christmas. As we all know, the time period around Christmas can be very hectic - even more so the week prior to the big day. The book zooms in on certain key people like Lena (the ex-wife of Dale), Dale (a sordid person), Theo (the town constable), Maggie (Theo's wife and ex-B movie star), and Tucker (Lena's love interest).

When Raziel, the angel sent to deliver Christmas' miracle message, arrives to Earth he shakes things up. First of all - he doesn't blend in to the surrounding town. He is tall, blonde, blue eyed, and wearing a BLACK trench coat asking for a little boy. Not the kind of behavior that instills trust and faith in people. Meanwhile, Lena and Dale are fighting and while Lena is digging up a pine tree on Dale's property. Dale goes to attack Lena and in self-defense she kills him - accidentally of course. Two people witness this: a little boy and Tucker. Tucker helps Lena cover up the murder while the little boy goes home - to scared to tell anyone he just saw Santa Clause bite the bullet of death. When Raziel asks the child what his Christmas wish is - the little boy wishes for Santa not to be dead. What Raziel does, is raise ALL of the town's dead - making it a Christmas no one would forget. The town now has to fight off a horde of zombies that want to eat brains and then shop at Ikea (I loved that part!)

It was such a wonderfully funny book. I loved all the characters, especially how they interacted with one another. The end of the book had an enjoyable twist.

The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore, (New York: HarperCollins, 2004.)

War

I had to read this book for my American Ways of War class. It was a phenomenal book, that really allowed the reader to understand the view points of the men in the 2nd Platoon of the U.S. Army. Mr. Junger lived with them in the Korengal Valley - Afghanistan's deadliest location. The book does not deal with the 'politics' of war - simply the human nature of it; the fear, the love, and the psychology of war.

The thing that shocked me most, the lack of thought as to why they were fighting this war. They only cared for their brothers. If you spend all your days with a select few men, it is certainly understandable why you would only care for their safety. But wouldn't you be a bit curious as to why they are dying in the war?

I became really attached to the men in the platoon, and felt as if they were my friends too. I became emotional when Restrepo, the medic, was killed in action, and felt that I had just lost him as well.

The book really helped me understand how the men work - and I was allowed to see a glimpse into the much hidden world of a location acting outside the scrutinizing eye of the Top Brass. It gave me hope when the certain elder tribesmen of Afghanistan and certain men of the American military were working together to solve the many issues facing both factions.

My favorite part in the book was when both the American military and the Taliban fighters acknowledge each-other's fighting ability.

Eventually the base was destroyed and the American military pulled out of the location allowing it to fall back into Afghanistan's control.

I strongly recommend that everyone reads this book. It is a fascinating glimpse into a world that is kept from public eye. There are no politics in this book - it is simply a book about WAR and the effects it has on the people with in it.

War by Sebastian Junger (c) 2010

A Dirty Job

I had wanted to read Christopher Moore for a very long time, I just never had the time (I am finally done with this semester!!) I also, bought the Nook and wanted to add books to is - so why not do this one? I liked the cover and thought it would be amusing to read. Well, I was not that big of a fan when it came to his writing style (I am currently reading The Stupidest Angel and finding it hilarious!) OMFG! I just looked online and they're making a movie out of it? Hollywood - WHY CAN'T YOU BE ORIGINAL AND LEAVE THE BOOKS ALONE! (Ok, sorry about that!)

Charlie Asher is your average Beta male, not too hot and not too cold. He has the love of his life Rachel who is a beautiful, smart woman. A woman, many would say, was out of Charlie's league. They are about to expect their first child, and both could not be more happy. Well, Charlie is starting to get a bit unhinged. He is starting to see glowing red objects where ever he goes. He doesn't know what to make of them, nor if he is the only one who can see them. When he tried to warn someone that their umbrella was glowing red, the man was instantly killed by a bus! And when Charlie tried to explain to people what had just happened - it was like he was invisible!

When their child is born, both parents are excited (as every parent is). Suddenly, Charlie notices a dark figure in the room with him while Rachel sleeps. What is this man doing in his room? Charlie races to get the nurse but when he returns the man is gone, and Rachel will not awaken. She is dead. Charlie becomes heart-stricken and it is only with his sister's help that he begins to live again.

His life however, takes a turn for the weird. People start to die around Charlie, and that is after their names appear in a note pad by his bedside. Furthermore, he hears voices. These voices do not reside in his head, but in the sewers below the road. They call to him, and they call him "Fresh Meat". What's even stranger is a big, black, raven follows him. What does this mean? Why are they following Charlie? Is he the new Death?

Although I found his writing style to be a bit off (for me) I did enjoy this book. At one point I was in my bedroom with my dog sleeping beside me, when he got to to edge of the bed and started to do a deep growl - the kind that warns intruders to leave. It scared me because I was at the point in the book, where the Sewer voices could only be seen by dogs! Silly I know, but I could not help by be a bit scared. I enjoyed the relationship between Minty Fresh and Charlie. It was a wonderfully funny book and I cannot wait to read many more of his books.

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore. (c) 2006

Mocking Jay

Katniss has survived the arena once again, but what about Peeta? Is he alive? What is President Snow doing to him? All these thoughts keep floating around her head. She is alive though, and must repeat that. She is in the elusive District 13, alive. Is it a fate worse than death?

Katniss must adjust to thin new life style. District 13 is completely underground and they support themselves. For a long time, District 13 was a legend, and now it is true and Katniss has been chosen to represent them as the Mocking Jay. Can she?

She ignores the rules and lives as she chooses. Until one day, she understands her role, and if she is personally going to kill the President than she has to allow the leader of District 13 see that she is healthy enough to go into war. But that will be a challenge in itself, for once again Katniss is playing the role of a puppet - a role she swore she would never agree to.

I will not lie, I was very disappointed with the ending of this book; it seemed rushed. After all she had been through, that was the ending? Disappointing. With that being said, I found the events to be surprising and then expected. I wish she would have done a fourth book. This book felt too much like the 7th Harry Potter book in the way it ended for me.

Demonglass

Sometimes when I get a book, I like to think about the title and how it fits with the story. A few times, while reading a book, I'll have the "AH so that's how the title works with the book" moment.

There are other time were I like to understand how the cover of the book works with the story of the book. This was one of those cases. Before I started reading the book, I studied the cover. Liker her first book Hex Hall, the cover features image standing in front of a body of water with another image pointing back. The second image happened to be her wearing a wedding dress. "What", I wondered, "could possible happen in this story!?"

Now if you haven' read the first book, please do so, and secondly - don't read the remainder of this post. I might let something slip and I'd hate to ruin the book for you.

Last year at Hex Hall was a hectic one with Sophie trying to solve a mystery and also save her friend for ruin. Now summer is upon them, and for the first time in YEARS Sophie's dad wants to spend time with her. She agrees to go to London if Jenna tags along. If you recall, Sophie wants to go through the removal because she saw how terrible demons can be and doesn't want to take the risk of one day going mental (I heard Ron Weasly's voice when I wrote that!)

Her dad though, wants her to first get to know her demon side before she completely removes it. And besides, what could possibly go wrong on a trip where you spend the WHOLE time in London! I'm jealous that they could!!!

All that glitters is not gold, and with in days of landing things begin to take a turn for the worst. First the two demons that they meet have been getting them into trouble, and they don't even know who created them. That is not good, because that means that someone is rising demons - which will make The Eye want to destroy them forever.

That's not all. Before they left for London, Sophie found out that she is betrothed to Cal! How can she possibly marry Cal if she still as feelings for Archer - well does she still love Archer? Or like him? Maybe tolerate Archer? She doesn't know what she's going to do. But one things for sure, she has to help her father solve the mystery and save all of Prodigum.

This book was awesome. There were parts were I just could not stand to wait till I got to the bottom of the page to find out what happened. I did not want to put the book down to walk the dog or do my homework. Who wants to do homework when you have an amazing book just waiting in your backpack?

I also enjoyed the character development of Sophie. She was more mature and patient, you could tell she had grown. ALSO she had amazing references that made her more personal.

Books in this series:

1) Hex Hall

2) Demonglass

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (c) 2011.

*This book was sent to me by Authors on the Web so that I could review it.

Undead and Unemployed

This is my very first book which I read on the nook and I really enjoyed it! I found reading on the Nook to be very enjoyable and easy when I was trying to put my son down for bed. I only needed one hand to hold the Nook and flip the pages.

We first met Betsy in Undead and Unwed where her life had just completely changed. Or is that "unlife"? Now it's 3 months later and she starting to get everything back on track.....sort of. She still has to deal with Sincalir and that whole 'Queen of the Dead' thing, not to mention she now has to find a job.

She doesn't want to live off of her best friend, Jessica's money. So what job will allow her to work nights? She finally finds her dream job working in the Macy's shoe department. That does sound like an amazing job, although I'd probably get fired quickly for all the shoes I'd try on.

Life seems to be going pretty well for her until she finds out her little house had a termite infestation. And there there's the problem that people are now trying to kill vampires and are now after her. So between dodging bullets she has to fix the termite problem, solve who's trying to kill her and why, solve the mystery of the little girl (where is her mother), and avoid Sinclair. Easy right?

I loved how sassy Betsy was and how she always had a comment to make about someone. Plus she reads J.D. Robb too! I wouldn't mind if she were my friend. But I wonder how she'll feel, when 780 years from now, Mark and Jessica are dead. Will she bring them over? I guess I must continue to read!!

Books in this series:

1) Undead and Unwed

2) Undead and Unemployed

3) Undead and Unappreciated

4) Undead and Unreturnable

5) Undead and Unpopular

6) Undead and Uneasy

7) Undead and Unworthy

8) Undead and Unwelcome

9) Undead and Unfinished

Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson. Penguin Group, 2004.

Format: eBook from Barnes and Noble.

Blood Valentine

The Ancient Greeks feared love because they knew how powerful it was. It was and is a force that cannot be stopped. As one famous saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Bloody Valentine opens with our friend Oliver, fresh in the grasps of the ugly side of love; the love that is painful and deadly. Every waking second stings with the love that is lost, gone forever. Every scent, sight, sound reminds him of the one that is no longer there. He enters the local pub Holiday to ease his aching heart. He has become a regular there, a place where underage drinking is allowed. He tries to lessen the painful memories of Schuyler by knocking back shot after shot. He then forms an idea in his head - one that might help erase her completely from his memory. As he is leaving for the night the bartender gives him on quick warning, "Whatever you are about to do, please don't. Because it's not going to help." (Cruz p 10)

Next we meet up with Allegra Van Allen years before she is in a coma. She is a young teenager in 1985 and fully of life and happiness. She goes to Endicott and is on the field hockey team. While at the hospital recovering from a nasty hit to the head (one that would've injured any Red Blood) she becomes friendly with Bendix Chase the hottie of the school. Once Allegra and Bendix (who shared the same room in the hospital) are back in school they become closer than ever, much to the ire of Charles Van Allen (who remember is really Michelle). She has a dream that spooks her to the core - if she stays on the path that she in on only destruction will occur.

Finally we see Schuyler. She is looking for the prefect bonding dress, in Florence. It hasn't been easy because the Venerators are always hot on their heels. After trying on dress after dress she almost gives up hope, but a small little fabric store saves her from loosing completely. She finds her dream fabric, a silk blue hue, and goes home and begins to fix her dress. Suddenly she is under attack from a Venerator. He tells her that she must place a cursed ring on Jack or lose her best friend Oliver. She must chose between Jack's love or the love she has for Oliver.

Bloody Valentine is a companion novella to her Blue Blood series and I LOVE IT! Of course, I love all of her Blue Blood book. I do not know how I will be able to wait till October to read her sixth Blue Bloods book, Lost In Time.

My favorite section in this book dealt with Allegra. I really enjoyed getting some of Allegra's history: who she was before she became the living dead. It was really fun to see how more human she was, and less angelic/Queen and saviour. She really struggled with teenage wants/needs vs what she knew she had to do. I know I've been there. I also enjoyed how Melissa introduced a new character (which will be in a completely different series!) in such a way that leaves the reader begging for more.

Bloody Valentine by Melissa De La Cruz. New York (c) 2010

*This book was given to me by Hyperion.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Imagine that you could go back in time. See events replay themselves out, and you could get different viewing perspectives each time you went back. The catch is - you cannot chose when and where you go back, and you cannot stop it.

Henry DeTamble has that problem. He is a time traveler. Although his past and future are intertwined, crossed, and tangled it is not always clear where he is going, and where he has been.

He meets his future wife, Clare Abishire, when she is six in 1977. When they first meet, he is 36, and has already known Clare in the future - is already married to her. The friendship they forge will last years and Henry weaves in and out of it.

Clare though, must struggle to live a life where Henry pops in and out of it. She has to deal with peer pressure in high school - the controversy that surrounds her - is she gay? Straight? Where are her boyfriends, or girlfriends?

These two must endure both the test of time and love. Is their love strong enough to withstand those tests?

This book is amazing! We often wish we could be time travelers, but we never stop and think of the consequences. We never stop and think how horrific it could be! Henry must relive some horrible events in his past, and he cannot escape them! Imagine reliving an embarrassing moment, that you can never let fade away in the past. I enjoyed being a part of their love story! It made me think of my own relationship to my husband, and how much I cherish every second with him - how I hate when he's away and cannot wait to see him again. It is hard for me to imagine my husband popping in and out of my past and future, never knowing when he will be gone, and for how long.

I have one small issue with the book. When Ms. Niffenegger would have two dates, like November 23 1988, and July 12, 2000 she would not separate them. Hm. I'm trying to think of a better example because obviously when Henry time travels backwards the music and cloths would change. There were some dates that would run together and I wouldn't necessarily be able to tell present from past.

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. New York: A Harvest Book (c) 2003.

Never Slow Dance with A Zombie

Last year, October 2009, E. Van Lowe and Ms. Princess of A Park-Avenue Princess were holding a Twitter competition to see who could coin a nice catch phrase with the title of Mr. Lowe's book. Mr. Lowe's name has been hyperlinked to the page on his blog where he mentions the first winner, ME! :)

I was so happy when I won! I now can say, I'm happy I got a chance to read his book! IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Margot Jean Johnson made a pledge that she would change her life. She would become popular and have a hot, popular boyfriend. Her best friend Sybil is going to help Margot attain that goal.

Friends though, don't always see eye to eye. On the night of the big carnival Margot and Sybil get into a big fight. They don't go to the carnival, instead assume the other is having fun at said carnival.

When the girls arrive the next day something seems strange. The students have a green tinge to their skin, and the most popular girl at school - well she looks like she has seen better days. All the students have turned into flesh eating zombies! Trying not to become among the living dead, they head over to the principal's office (since he clearly is among the living). The principal asks for a huge favor. Could they possibly NOT tell anyone about the student zombie population, and act as if nothing has happened. Class would continue like normal.

At first the girls enjoy their new status: popular AND alive! Soon though they begin to tire, and think about trying to help the student body. Will they give up their newfound popularity though?

I absolutely LOVED this book! I was laughing all the time, and I think I got strange stares from my fellow peers as I rode the campus connector to my classes. I enjoyed the descriptions of the type of zombie you could become (according to which clique you were in when you were alive.) At one point Margot thinks "Uh-uh! No way! I do not want to become a Goth-although black is slimming." (Lowe 63)

This story was peppered with snarky remarks like that all through out the story. It did have a serious side. Margot has the tough question (we all face) Is it really worth it - to be Queen Bee of high school?

If you want a funny, sweet, mysterious coming-of-age book then I suggest this one!!

Never Slow Dance with A Zombie by E. Van Lowe. New York: A Tom Doherty Associates Book, 2009.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica is on her way to school one day when she sees a strange person, in dark clothes. This person doesn't belong and is starting to give her the creeps. As she gets on the bus she swears he is calling out to her "Antanasia". How could he know that name? No one knows that name . . .well no one in America. Jessica is adopted, and Antanasia is her old name that only her parents knew back in Romania.

As her first day ends, her mother picks her up from school and she mentions the fact that a strange man has been following her. On their way home - she sees the strange man and points it out to her mother. Her mother gets out of the car and Jessica is nervous. What is her mother doing - this guy could kill her! But instead her mother talks to this strange man and even shakes his hand. When she gets back in the car she says this strange man will be coming over for dinner later.

During dinner that night Jessica learns that this strange man is two things: 1) a vampier and 2) her future husband. Before her parents died they promised her to him. Great, now she has to deal with her senior year of high school and somehow telling him that she does NOT want to marry him!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Jessica the main character was an actually REAL girl who was NOT a size 2! I was actually shocked to read that she was a size 10. Lucias (her betrothed) kept telling her through out the book that being a size 10 was beautiful and that being skinny was not. Wonderful!! I'm tired of constantly seeing super skinny people and being told that's what beauty is. It took me years to appreciate my body - even though I'm not a size 2 (I'm quite bigger and that's ok :). I also enjoyed Lucias who was a clever, funny young man who wasn't emo. What is it in teen books with the heartthrob being emo? I don't care for it.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (c) 2009

Twenties Girl

Lara Lington's great aunt-Sadie has just passed away at the young age of 105 years. However, no one seems to care. In fact the only people that show up to great aunt-Sadie's funeral are Lara, her mother and father and sister Tonya and her father's brother Bill, his wife, and spoiled daughter. What's even more pitiful is the room. There are no flowers, not pictures of Sadie, and horrible muzak is being pipped throughout the speakers.

Lara feels even more guilty when the vicar comes and asks for some information on Said so that she can put it in her speech - and not one family member can give any information. No one knew her or went to see her. As the vicar begins her speech, a shrill voice cries out asking where her necklace is. Lara looks around - where is this voice coming from? Again she hears it and suddenly she sees the person belonging to the voice. A young lady in a flapper dress. The young lady notices Lara looking at her and demands to know where her necklace is. Lara replies she doesn't know - and suddenly her family looks at her startled. Who is she talking to? Suddenly it dawns on Lara - she can only see this person. Is she going mad? The ghost, who now makes it known that she is Sadie Lancaster (Lara's dead great-aunt) demands that the necklace be found and the funeral stopped. She won't stop bugging Lara until she gets her wish. Lara stops the funeral by saying she believes great-aunt Sadie was murdered. Suddenly Lara finds herself agreeing to help her great-aunt's ghost hunt down a missing necklace. Is she on a wild goose chase?

I must admit that when I read the inside flap of the book I thought the story would turn about differently. Like she'd find the necklace and be transported back into the 1920's and that sort of thing. I'm glad I was wrong. The 1920's has always been on of my favorite eras (the clothes alone!) and I was glad that I was able to read a book that blended the culture of the '20s with that of the '09s (as in 2009). Sadie is such a spunky woman, and you have no problem imagining her in the '20s in a smoke filled club dancing the Charleston. At time Lara seemed a bit dim witted (especially when it came her to her ex-boyfriend) and I was glad Sadie was there to tell it to her like it was. It was such a cute book to read. I was greatly pleased by it - the little twist and turns in the plot kept me wondering (and it wasn't an agonizing wait for the answers either).

After reading this book I want to go out to a cute vintage clothes shop and purchase some flapper dresses of my own (I've always loved vintage clothing '40s in particular). And why not? Although I don't think I'll be cutting my hair into a short bob or marceling it any time soon.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. New York (c) 2009

Catching Fire

The time following the previous Hunger Games has kept both Katniss and Peeta very busy. Finally after months of 'preforming' Katniss sneaks down to her old home and slips into the woods where she meets up with Gale. They hunt in the woods but there is now an odd tension in the air that surrounds them. When Katniss finally got a chance to be alone with Gale he kissed her, and she doesn't know how to interpret her feelings.

The Capitol, and everyone else for that matter, thinks that Gale is her cousin - so how can she possibly have a romantic future with him? This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games - which is marked by the Quarter Quell. Each quell has a certain theme (shall we say) to it. For example, one year had twice as many tributes. Before the announcement of the Quarter Quell theme President Snow goes and visits Katniss and the message he delivers to her does not bode well. Districts have started to uprise and it's her fault, now to save all those she loves she must impress upon people her undying and true love to Peeta - failure of this would mean the deaths of many. When the theme for the Quarter Quell is announced people are shocked: the victors from the previous games are to be picked - which means that Katniss is going in for sure, but who will go with her - Haymitch or Peeta?

I love this series and am so glad I came across it! Poor Katniss. There are moments in the story where I hate her, and then there are moments when I feel so sad for her. Her life is not easy. She lost her father, had to take care of her mother and protect her sister, has to sneak to get food for her family - and now be more of a puppet for the Capitol. Yet, she can be so narrow minded of other people's thoughts and feelings - like Peeta. She'll have a feeling about him and then instantly switch it to the complete opposite because she thinks he's 'faking'. Why doesn't she just go and ask him? Or for once try and figure out her feelings??

I used to see the Team Katniss or Team Peeta buttons and think - how can they choose? After finishing reading the first book I still didn't know how they could choose. But now I know my decision. I'm for Team Peeta. He never waivers. I like many of you, am eagerly awaiting the third book, Mocking Jay.

Books in this series:

1) Hunger Games

2) Catching Fire

3) Mocking Jay (8.24.10)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. New York 2009

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

Our crime fighting Lunch Lady is back and this time she going to battle evil librarians!

The day begins as days normally do, but this time there is excitement in the air. The annual Book Fair is about to begin!! All the kids and teachers cannot wait for it to begin! The librarian though is less that excited and snaps at the Breakfast Bunch and the Lunch Lady and her friend Betty to leave immediately because the library is closed.

On the way home, Hector notices he dropped his keys in the library so they all head back to retrieve them. The following day the book fair begins and everyone is happy to look around. After school the Breakfast Bunch decide to do a bit of spying on their own and what they see is something most librarians don't want you to see . . . THEIR EVIL PLANNING SESSION!!!!

Mrs. Page with the help of Edna Bibliosa (her assistant), Vivian Bookwormer, and Jane Shelver begin to formulate a plan that will destroy the new video game system and end with world domination. When the kids go to the lunch ladies the following day to tell them about what they saw the lunch ladies dismiss their silly antics. After all, how can librarians possibly be evil!? The breakfast brunch decide to take matters into their own hands . . . can they stop those librarians in time?

I loved it!! I know some fellow librarians and have a hard time viewing them as evil schemers which made it even more fun to read. I kept picturing them as the evil librarians in the book. One of my favorite parts was when the high school librarian preferred to be called a "media specialist" (about page 22). I also enjoyed how well (or rather not-so-well) the Lunch Lady went undercover. I also enjoyed the evil librarians evil weapons - characters from books that attacked - like the 3 little pigs.

Graphic Novels in this series:

1. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

2. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

3. Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta

4. Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown (Recently Out: May 11, 2010)

5. Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit (Spring 2011)

6. Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Frenzy (Spring 2011)

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. New York (c) 2009

Envy

This is the third book in the Luxe series (reviews for both one and two).

In my previous reviewed posts I had mentioned that I was going to write what was on the inside flap and just give you my thoughts - well I felt like that was cheating and I am no longer going to do that.

When we last left our little group of blue bloods, Penelope and Lina - now called Carolina - were starting to get what they wanted. Their means may have been devious and cruel but at least they were getting results. Meanwhile our two favorite heroines were not fairing so well. Elizabeth was now, once again back in New York and Diana so hopelessly in love.

Elizabeth - She is now forced to resume her old role in society, even though she no longer cares for the life. She is the shell of her former self. While on a trip down to Florida with her sister, Penelope, Henry, Teddy, and Carolina she can't help but feel a little happy. One night on the dance floor Teddy once again proposes to her. Can she accept his proposal of love when she herself feels dead to the world?

Diana - Hopelessly in love with Henry (who may or may not still have feelings for her) and trying her best to push him out of her mind. After Penelope married Henry Diana realizes her chances with him are no longer. With her sister not feeling well she must put herself out there to represent the Holland family name. It's a hard thing to do when she keeps running into Henry. Does he still have feelings for her though?

Penelope - Spoiled, rotten, little thing she is. Now that she has successful married the wealthiest bachelor in all of New York what more can she do? Oh, that is except still try to ruin both Elizabeth and Diana Holland's lives. Penelope wants it all and to be the center of attention at all times, and she's finding it hard to do when society is still in love with perfect little Diana. Even her own husband can't keep his eyes off of Diana. Well, our Penelope won't take that, so now she must find a way to ruin her former "best" friend and her sister. But how to do it?

Carolina - Once again she finds herself in a world she had thought not possible. Dresses are made just for her, not those ugly off the rack dresses. She has found an old buck to support her lifestyle and she has a new crush a certain Leland. Yes, things could not be going better for the former lady's maid - and she is even going on an outing! She's going to Florida with Penelope, the Holland girls, Henry, Teddy Cutting, and even her crush! She's finally made it. Or has she? When telegram arrives to her in Florida that her friend Mr. Longhorn dies suddenly Carolina is at a loss of what to do. Who will now pay for her life? How will she be able to keep up her charade of being a wealthy girl from out West?

I feel a little betrayed by this third book. The ending was such in the second book, that I felt the third book would go a different way. Perhaps the fourth book will draw it all together in a nice, neat little package? Compared to the drama of the first two books, this one was on the quieter side - more back room dealings then public attempts.

I really do wish someone would stick it to Penelope! She's so spoiled - even her brother who is older than her - follows her commands like a trained dog. Just once I wish that the story would have her exposed. Would I feel sorry for her? Probably.

I did enjoy reading the book and imagining the fashion back then! I would have loved to dressed like that back in the day (forgoing the stupid corset). What life must've been like back then - if you were of the blue blood standing. It's always fun (for me) to read books set in a different time. I love getting glimpses of what it was once like or maybe.

Books in this series:

1. The Luxe

2. Rumors

3. Envy

4. Splendor

Envy by Anna Godbersen. New York (c) 2008

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

I first saw this book series advertised on a poster inside a school cafeteria (I was subbing at the time) and instantly I knew I had to read them! Finally, I have.

From the inside flap (I DID NOT WRITE THIS!):

"Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady.

What does she do when she isn't dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home?

Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn't only serve sloppy joes - she serves justice! And she has her eye on a very suspicious substitute teacher who just doesn't seem right . . .

Whatever danger lies ahead, it's no match for LUNCH LADY! Or for the kids who are on to her!"

My thoughts:

What a delightful quick read! You begin the Lunch Lady story with her capturing two bad guys before beginning her day at work. Before lunch is to be served, she and her partner in crime solving head down to the Lunch Lady Bat Cave where her friend shows her a new gadget. This made me think of James Bond whenever he'd go see his friend and get new tech gadgets. However, Lunch Lady's friend looks more like Penny from James Bond.

I love how all of her gadgets are food related - "spatu-copter", "cannoli-oculars", she even has fish stick nunchuks! How cool would it be to have a lunch lady that fought crime and worked at your school?

Graphic Novels in this series:

1. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

2. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

3. Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta

4. Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown (Recently Out: May 11, 2010)

5. Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit (Spring 2011)

6. Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Frenzy (Spring 2011)

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. New York (c) 2009

Queen of Babble Gets Hitched

I'm going to be doing my reviews a bit differently from here on out. Instead of trying to summarize what I've just read, I'm going to copy the inside flap and then give you my thoughts on the book. I've always felt that the inside flap does a wonderful job of summarizing the book for us, plus it's the part we all read to see if we want the book. Since I do not know who writes the inside flap bio, and therefore cannot give them just credit, I will just quote the author - even though they probably did not write it.

From the inside flap (AGAIN I DID NOT WRITE THIS!!):

"Big mouth. Big heart. Big wedding. Big problem.

It's the wedding of the century! Things are looking up at last for Lizzie Nichols. She has a career she loves in the field of her choice (wedding gown restoration), and the love of her life, Jean-Luc, has finally proposed. Life's become a dizzying whirl of wedding gown fittings - not necessarily her own - as Lizzie prepares for her dream wedding at her fiancé's chateau in the south of France.

But the dream soon becomes a nightmare as the best man - whom Lizzie might once have accidentally slept with . . . no, really, just slept - announces his total lack of support for the couple, a sentiment the maid of honor happens to second; Lizzie's Midwestern family can't understand why she doesn't want to have her wedding in the family backyard; her future, oh-so-proper French in-laws seem to be slowly trying to lure the groom away from medical school and back into investment banking; and Lizzie finder herself wondering if her Prince Charming really is as charming as she once believed.

Is Lizzie really ready to embrace her new role as wife and mistress of Chateau Mirac? Or is she destined to fall into another man's arms . . . and into the trap of becoming a Bad Girl instead?"

My thoughts:

I have read the first two books so I was eager to read the third and final book. The inside flap (which you have just read above) re-kindled my curiosity about the story. Would Lizzie end up with Luke? Would she finally start her own business? What of Chaz and Sheri? However after reading the book I feel mildly pleased. The inside flap hints about Luke's family trying to lure him away, but it didn't really feel like that. I thought there was going to be some major fighting between Lizzie and Luke's family however they weren't really mentioned (except for his uncle).

Granted - this book is supposed to be a light summer read - but I was hoping for a bit more. There were times when I wanted to slap Lizzie. I felt like her self realization moments were the same thing. Like she kept saying "and my hair was brown, not blonde, which I had always wanted" over and over and over again - and each time she is shocked at her conclusion - when she had just reached the very same conclusion not 5 pages ago. I wish Meg Cabot would've done a fourth Queen of Babble book - like her ever after, children or no children, how she deals with being a wife and running a business or not. Perhaps I could email her and suggest it? (Silly me, to think a famous writer would read an email from moi!)

All in all this book was a nice light read, perfect for the beach or as an "in-between" book (as in-between heavy reading [for school, work, whatever]) so I'd give it a B for whatever it's worth.

Books in this series :

1) Queen of Babble

2) Queen of Babble: In The Big City

3) Queen of Babble: Gets Hitched

Queen of Babble Hitched by Meg Cabot (c) 2008 Meg Cabot LLC

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry is now entering his sixth year at Hogwarts. He received a letter from Dumbledore telling Harry that he himself would arrive to pick up Harry from the Dursley's house. Dumbledore arrives at the house to the shock of the Dursleys. Before Dumbledore takes Harry to the Burrow he first takes Harry to visit an old friend. When they arrive at the house it looks as though the Death Eaters have already been through. Chairs have been upturned, pillows slashed, and what appears to be blood on the walls.

Dumbledore isn't fooled though - and quickly picks out his old friend Horace Slughorn. He finally, with the help of Harry, convinces Horace to come back to Hogwarts and teach. Security has been increased around Harry every since the ministry acknowledges the return of Voldemort. While at the Burrow, Harry runs into an old friend Fluer who, he finds out, is engaged to Bill - much to Mrs. Weasley's displeasure.

When everyone arrives back to Hogwarts, things appear to be the same. During their first night back though, they learn that Snape has finally gotten his dream job - teaching the Defense Against Dark Arts post while Professor Slughorn will be the new potions teacher. Harry, who thought he wouldn't be able to take potions borrows an old potions book that was once owned by a person going by the name of Half-Blood Prince. The book owned by the Half-Blood Prince has markings that help Harry with potions and soon Professor Slughorn believes that Harry is a pro at potions.

Harry though begins to suspect that Draco is a new Death Eater, and that Professor Snape is helping him. No one will listen to his crazy ideas, especially since Dumbledore believes Snape to be on the side of the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore has also started to teach Harry on his own about Voldemort's past. But Harry can't let the feeling go that Draco and Snape are not up to any good. Will Harry be able to change Dumbledore's mind?

I think I liked this book even less than the previous five. For one thing, I didn't like how Harry (SPOILER) became quickly infatuated with Ginny - it was literally over night. His every thought was of her or Draco. It got a bit irritating to read "and the monster reared it's head in the delightful news and began to purr with happiness" or whatever feeling it was experiencing. It was like a splash of cold water on the face - abrupt and unpleasant.

Furthermore, what is it with her and (spoiler) killing off the characters? Dumbledore - Really? I'm trying to think about it from her point of view, as a writer trying to make the plot more interesting. It still would have been interesting but oh well. I vaguely remember the 7th book and the part I do remember I did not like. Harry still irritated me a bit in this book, although not as much as the previous book.

Books in this series:

1) Sorcerer's Stone

2) Chamber of Secrets

3) Prisoner of Azkaban

4) Goblet of Fire

5) Order of the Phoenix

6) Half-Blood Prince

7) Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (c) 2005

Rumors

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive”

- Sir Walter Scott

Our favorite cast from New York circa 1899 is back - and this time the tangled web of lies has grown. As you may recall from the first book (SPOILER IF YOU HAVE NOT READ LUXE) Elizabeth Holland faked her own death and went out west to be with Will, her true love.

Diana has now been placed in the social spotlight and is her family's only hope to stay afloat in the dog eat dog world of high society. However, Diana was never as polished as her sister Elizabeth was, and so finds the role she now must play rather irritating. Her role becomes harder when Henry Schoonmaker, Elizabeth's former fiance, can't take his eyes off her and declares his true feelings for her and she him. However, society won't accept them as a match because of the situation relating to Elizabeth.

Penelope Hayes, never one to be out-shined, is glad that her 'friend' Elizabeth has left the social scene. With Elizabeth gone, Penelope can now focus of Henry and make sure that he notices her - and that society will notice how they make a wonderful pair. Also, the disappearance of Elizabeth, allows Penelope to become the Queen of Society - a title that was once Elizabeth's. However, when her attempts to catch Henry's eyes goes unnoticed she begins to get agitated. Nothing will stand in her way - well except for Diana Holland who seems to have Henry's undivided attention.

Lina the Holland's former maid has made quite the splash in society. After selling some juicy gossip about the Holland's to Penelope for a price of $500 Lina can now afford to live in some style. She checks herself into the Netherland hotel and begins to formulate a plan that will allow her to be seen as belonging to the rank of the social elite women. Her luck quickly runs out though when the money she was using to buy her way into the society is stolen. She has no hope now of becoming polished and chasing after William. Her luck turns though, when she befriends Tristen - a con artist like herself. When Lina learns of more juicy gossip she decide to go to Penelope again. This time Lina is out for blood, she's quickly learning the rules of the social charades.

Hmm, I'm trying to gather my thoughts on this book. The ending is still with me and I can't give it away and I fear that if I write about my feelings on the subject I will have given the ending away. Can I just say that if FRUSTRATED ME! Does that give it away? I don't think so. I can see how it leads to the third book, but WHY? WHY? WHY? Ok. That's off my chest.

This book is still set in 1899, and I assume the third will be set in 1900 since the second book concludes in the last hours of 1899. I would have loved to have lived back then - but only as the wealthy. The clothes they all wore! To think today if we were to dress like that it would only be to go out somewhere nice - a ball, an opera, the Grammies. They however, dressed like that all the time. I might've liked being in those dresses at first but then I would've missed being in shorts or pants.

I loved the character development. Elizabeth was the focus in the first book, but in the second you see more of Lina and Diana. Oh Lina, Lina, Lina. Tisk tisk. It was fun getting to know them more. Penelope is still the trickster amongst them all - I hate her so.

I early am awaiting the 3rd book.

Books in this series:

1. The Luxe

2. Rumors

3. Envy

4. Splendor

Rumors by Anna Godbersen. New York (c) 2008

Thirst No. 1

Thirst No. 1 is compiled from three stories: Last Vampire, Black Blood, and Red Dice.

In the Last Vampire:

Alisa Perne has been called into the P.I.'s office, for reasons unknown to her. She is amused but cautious. While meeting with the P.I. she notices a few things. He is carrying a gun and treating her with caution - but why? To the outside world she looks like a harmless teen, so why would the P.I. need to be cautious?

Unfortunately for our P.I. he is very cocky and decides to show Alisa just how much she knows about her. He asks her how old she is, which you never do to a vampire (they don't like that) and he asks her about her money. She's very wealthy for her age and yet she has no parents. How did she get so rich. Did she steal the money? Invest the money? Win the lotto? Alisa already doesn't like the guy but asks why he has taken an interest in her and that's when he tells her that he was hired by a mystery man to look for her and dig up some information. Sadly our P.I. friend does not survive the meeting. However, Alisa is uneasy. Who is looking for her? She decides she'll the P.I.'s son to answer that question so she goes undercover at the local high school and begins her plan.

What she discovers is not good; her old friend Yaksha is out to get her and he was the one who created her 5,000 years ago. Their meeting will not be good.

Both Black Blood and Red Dice continue Alisa's story.

I really enjoyed this book. When I first started reading it I thought I was going to hate it, and did not look forward to reading the 500+ pages of it. I found her to be very cold and arrogant - although now I stand corrected. Alisa (whose real name is Sita) is full of compassion and intelligence. Although she believes that Krishna no longer lover her, she still prays to him. She is constantly struggling with morale issues - like near the end where she must chose between killing a few to save humanity or not killing at all (not a spoiler). I also like how religion was woven throughout the story.

Books in this series:

Thirst No. 1 (Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice)

Thirst No. 2 (Phantom, Evil Thirst, Creatures of Forever)

Thirst No. 3 (The Eternal Dawn)

Thirst No. 1 by Christopher Pike. New York (c) 2009

Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You

As I was browsing the YA section in my library I came across this book, and I'm sad to say I judged a book by its title. I do not know if it's as bad as judging a book by its cover but there, my confession is out. I've always had a secret dream to be a ballerina and this book let me live vicariously through the main character Kayla.

Kayla attends Florida Arts High School (which everyone calls Farts) with her older sister Paterson. She attends the school for their dance section while Paterson attends the school for their art section. Kayla has been a ballet dancer for all her life and loves every moment of it, even when Melissa (who's like Malfoy in HP) continues to irritate Kayla. Kayla is entering her junior year at Farts and it really excited. She spent her summer in NYC perfecting her technique at a wonderful ballet school and can't wait to put her new technique to use and win the coveted role of Cinderella in the ballet production of Cinderella.

When auditions come, she preforms wonderfully. The next day when the roles have been cast everyone is crowding around to see who's gotten which position. Lourdes, one of Kayla's friends has received the role of Cinderella (and although Kayla really wanted that part she's glad it went to Lourdes). Although Kayla is bummed she still can get a decent part by playing one of the seasons - but no. Her role is playing that of one of the ugly step-sisters! Even though she landed the understudy role of Cinderella, her true role is that of an ugly step-sister. Later that day Kayla's dance instructor calls her into her office to explain the decisioning. Timm (with two ems) whose company is producing the play, decided not to cast Kayla as Cinderella because she is rather 'well endowed' and does not have the 'typical' female ballerina body. He does recognizer her talent, but her lady friends are just too much.

The next day a pair of red pointe shows with a note "dancing in red shoes will kill you" appear in the dance studio. Rumors start to swirl about who and why they were placed there. Of course Melissa takes this opportune moment to cast suspicion towards Kayla. The question though remains who put them there and is it a legitimate threat? Will someone actually die if they were red pointe shoes while preforming Cinderella?

This was such a quick and light read. The message of the book was very easy to grasp without having to dig for it: girls should not have to conform to the "norm" just to 'fit in'. Kayla with her rather large chest would have had to had breast reduction surgery if she wanted to continue in the main areas of ballet; she doesn't have the typical body of a female ballerina - which I assume is tiny everywhere. In the book Paterson, Gray, and Kayla were talking about fairy tales and the implications the message has for young women. In the olden days (before Disney changed them) the tales were more like the true Brothers Grimm tales - there was not happily every after for the women.

Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You by Dorian Cirrone. NY (c) 2005