Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before By: Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lara Jean Covey has been in love, at least from afar. And when she finds the need to purge that out, she writes each boy out of her system a long love letter, from the heart, tears, empty dreams flow and now as each envelope sealed and addressed hide in her hat box - a memory. That is until her sister Margot decides to go away to school in Scotland and her dad decides to clean house, and soon mysteriously those letters are now in the hands of the ones that were never meant to see them - including her sister's ex boyfriend and boy next door, Josh. To complicate matters, Peter, her former friend's recent ex, got his and now has an idea that might help both of them - a fake relationship. Lines blur for everyone and the complications of what once was felt and what is now happening ripple, maybe Lara needs to stop the fantasy and hold on the possibility of reality.
This is a cutesy type of book, some of the "drama" seemed forced and didn't necessarily flow with the book, and the ending wasn't as climatic as I wished it would have been - but overall, I liked it, predictable, sweet, and something to enjoy for a couple hours when at the pool.

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Review: Going Vintage By: Lindsey Leavitt

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mallory thought things were great between her and her boyfriend until she went onto his computer, clicked on the history, and found a whole other life and girlfriend there. It was on that moment that she felt betrayed, not just by him, but by technology in general and made the decision to swear it off, at least until she checked off a list she found that her grandmother wrote when she was her age. Should be easy, no phone, no internet; become pep squad secretary (first, must create a pep squad), host a fancy dinner, sew a dress (maybe learn to sew on a button), find a steady, and do something dangerous.
I loved Mallory, her sister Ginnie, Oliver and other characters - they came right off the pages and literally into life, like a 90s Freddie Prinze Jr movie. Is this a cute book, yes - sweet, yes - does it hold a few lessons of growing up in the pages, of course and the value of loving yourself above all else -- But I must tell you, that it is the way it is written that swallows you and makes you dive head first into it and fall in love and glimmer over again about first loves and heartbreak and finding your worth. This is the book to curl into and share with your daughter, keep on your shelf and pull out before you take out the old yearbook.

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Review: World of Warcraft War Crimes By: Christie Golden

War Crimes by Christie Golden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All the leaders of factions of both the Alliance and the Horde have gathered before the August Celestials to hear the trial of Garrosh Hellscream.
From the beginning, with wounds raw and tensions tight, twists and turns occur - the introduction of The Vision of Time, but most surprisingly, High Chieftain Bain Bloodhoof is serving as the Defender and High Priestess Tyranda Whisperwind as the Accuser. Each must bring their case forward doing their upmost and best. Witness after witness is brought forth, vision after vision used, and as the trial goes on the question of all - Alliance and Horde - is brought to trial and just who has clean hands of any war crimes?
There are those that plot to kill, those that plot an escape, and time is ticking as the trial comes to an end, posing the great question - is it possible for someone like Garrosh to change given a chance?
Warning: Great surprises and A cliffhanger that will have you wanting for more

I could not put this down!!! This book I read in one sitting, it was engaging and I was on the edge of my sit! If not left in check, do we all have the capability to have Garrosh inside of us?

*****This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads *****

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Review: Tease By: Amanda Maciel

Tease by Amanda Maciel
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Sara Wharton finds herself re evaluating her actions that lead up to another classmate taking her life. It does help that she is forced to do this considering that she is facing some major charges in the actions that lead up to the death of Emma Putnam. Taken straight from headlines and the epidemic of bullying, this book explores the the build up and aftermath the the eyes of the perpetrator and is supposed to ask the reader to see through the black and white and into the grey.
Sara is a mean girl and her "best friend" Brielle is even worst - how is it that these people are the hierarchy of high school truly begs to wonder and adds to the belief of the dumbing down of society. I was horrified to think that a whole school would be behind these school girl antics and not stand up to them, never, not once, throughout the book, did another student hold any integrity to put these two into their place... is this how it works now?! Let me say this, never would I nor have I stood back and allowed another human being to be bullied in my presence (or even rumored about - are you a coward, say it to their face to find the truth, if you care). I am sure that the self-involved Sara would not be an easy character for any one to like or find any qualities to keep on reading. The reason for the bullying, Emma is too pretty, has too many male friends, has stolen Sara's boyfriend Dylan - yeah, a "real" keeper there.
Don't look for something deep within these pages, shallow, mean people, without boundaries that come across page after page, actions left uncheck by even adults that lack responsibility, and a rushed ending that seems as false as a tv evangelist selling redemption for the price of $17.99 - I really loved the documentary Bully and recommend it if you are looking for insight.

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Review: A Long Long Way Down By: Nick Hornby

A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Topper House is the highest place in London and popular for one thing, suicide - jumpers, that is. It is on New Years Eve that four people collide with the same idea, finding themselves on the roof, with the same idea, and now find themselves forever linked in each other's lives.
Martin, used to have a wife a successful career, a relationship with his two little girls; he has also slept with a fifteen year old, gone to prison, and knows that this is the punishment that he deserves.
Maureen, has no husband, never did, but has a full handicap son which has given her no life, taking hers would make no difference in the world.
Jess, is mercurial, having a missing sister, a famous political father, an ex who won't explain just what happened, well, maybe all this comes and goes but the feeling is rather passionate and necessary just to stop going on.
JJ, had a band, had a girl, had the possibilities and then it ended, everyone moved on but him and the depression has gripped him and labeled him as a waste and loser.
Mr. Hornby writes with humor and honesty about these characters, making them very real, vulnerable. I think that this was his finest and best work that I have ever read! Switching the point of view between characters, allowing the reader to gain more insight into each one and way others seem outside of themselves - brilliant!
Perfect to read on your own, to read with a group (imagine the discussions to had with one!!!), I am sure that you will want to share this one.

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Review: 396 Pure, Unadulterated, Dyed-In-The-wool, 100% Made-Up, Completely Fake Disneyland "Facts" By: Horatio Q Liar

396 pure, unadulterated, dyed-in-the-wool, 100% made-up, completely fake disneyland "facts" by Dominick Cancilla
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

***** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads *****

The "Magical" place on earth - apparently there are others that have the same observations as me and are not afraid to list the insanity that occurs once you enter the turnstiles or talk to those who eyes that glaze over, a dopey smile washes across the face, and a tirade of the wonder of the theme park is spewed in your direction and then wish for the hours of your life back.
How many "facts" can be found in a place where you pay to wait in line to ride three rides the whole day - 396. These are fake facts, that when you go back into the trauma of the experience, you can laugh. I found them filled with the kind of dry humor, a bit tongue in cheek, that I can appreciate. Keep this book handy - this is the one you want when family wants a reunion at the park, or the kids/grandkids want a trip - a simple reminder of the insane and that you are not alone.

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Review: I Suck At Girls By: Justin Halpern

I Suck at Girls by Justin Halpern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I continued my journey with Justin Halpern in his second book, a follow up to The Sh*t My Dad Says. Here Justin goes through the journey of missteps and mishaps that lead him to the girl he is proposing to. Filled with his father's advice and unconventional sometimes unwanted wisdom on women, I found myself on the phone calling others just to read sections out loud - knowing we have gone through something similar and laughing to the point of crying.
There is a quick wit and view of life that Halpern can put on paper that one MUST experience. He writes honestly the thoughts in your head that you would never put on paper for fear of being put away or blackmailed and does it lovingly (even the recounting of the first time he caught his parents in the act - priceless - and, look, we have all been there and sought treatment for it and done it to our children to complete the circle of damage).
Buy this, read it, love it, talk about it, have others read it, laugh, and do it all over again.

I for one can not wait for more from Justin Halpern!!

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