Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu

Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I say this every time, but I really like the S.A.S.S. series because they feature better teenage female protagonists than so many other books out there. It's great to feel good about recommending this series to teen girls. :) Having said that, I must confess this wasn't my favorite installment. The program attendees did not have the diversity I've come to expect. Usually, the students come from a variety of backgrounds and I like that. This one, however, dealt with Chinese people almost exclusively. I found that bothersome and a touch unrealistic. Yes, the program was set in China and the main character chose that program partially because of her Chinese heritage. However, I thought it was odd that almost every character was Chinese. In real life, these kind of programs should promote diversity and choose students to represent that, so I was a touch disappointed when the book didn't depict that. Overall, however, I liked CeCe's story and the way it all worked out. At the end of the day, I look forward to reading more of this series in the future as well. :)

Dead Man Talking by Casey Daniels.

Dead Man Talking by Casey Daniels

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Honestly, I had a hard time suspending my disbelief at times. However, it had nothing to do with the paranormal aspects of the story. I can accept that Pepper is a private investigator for the dead. I had a much harder time with some of the other plot points. For example, I don't believe you could be signed up to do a reality TV series and NOT know about it until the camera crew shows up. Also, it seemed odd to me that the community service people weren't escorted by anyone "official", especially considering Pepper didn't know she was going to be supervising them until they showed up. Additionally, I had a bit of a hard time suspending disbelief for how the ending went down. It just seemed a little fantastical to me. Overall, however, it wasn't a bad story. I just felt like certain parts weren't ringing true for me and it took me out of the book a bit.

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Like so many others, I was drawn to this book because of the packaging. I thought it was cute and the concept sounded like fun. Also, like so many others, I was a bit disappointed in the end. The concept had a lot of promise but the author didn't quite deliver. I feel the author didn't follow the mythology very well. I'm a little confused about the ending. It happened so fast and so abruptly that it didn't really work for me. In fact, the action was very uneven throughout and some of the descriptions were quite boring. All that said, however, it wasn't the worst book I've ever read and I will consider reading another one before giving it up completely.

Technical Hitch by Jane Sigaloff

Technical Hitch by Jane Sigaloff

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book was not very well written, but even worse, it was very poorly edited. It was so bad, that I had to check if the book was an ARC or not. (Sadly, it isn't). The conversations were awkward at times, the story lines didn't do much for me, and the errors really took me out of the story. A few examples of errors that made me want to burn this book include:

Page 61: "Absently he absently licked the sweat...."

Page 155: "Maybe he thinks he makes it look him less accessible and therefore more desirable".

Page 178: Emma's name is replaced with Jess's on the same page, even though we're clearly only following Emma at this point in the story.

There were a few other errors, but these were the ones that made me want to throw the book against the wall. If I could give this book an even lower rating, I would. It's books like this that make me question my need to finish nearly every book I start.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr Ripley by Phyllis Nagy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Normally, I try to read the novel before seeing the movie. However, it was the movie that encouraged me to read this book. I thought the movie was interesting and it made me want to delve deeper into Tom's story. Particularly, I was curious about some of the relationships between characters and aspects of Tom's personality. Well, the book is actually quite different from the movie. Some parts are dead on and exactly how they read while others weren't even close. So, would I rate the movie or the book higher? I'm not sure. They are more different than I expected and it's hard to compare them. In fact, I don't want to compare them. If you like the book, the movie might confuse you and vice versa. However, this is one time I am glad I watched the movie before reading the book. I think if I'd read it first, I would have been a bit disappointed with the changes.

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Romance isn't my favorite genre, but this one had knitting and magic to help keep my interest. The knitting references were very good, in particular. I loved the use of specific brands of yarn and things like that. The magic was big Hollywood type magic, so the novel stayed light and just a bit fluffy. Overall, I liked it more than I thought I would based on the romance label.

Up and Out by Ariella Papa

Up & Out by Ariella Papa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book well enough, but I would have liked it more a few years ago. Just a few years ago, I would have been able to really identify with the main character and her situation. I've been through that time when your friendships can get weird and I know how it feels to think they are all falling apart. But, I wouldn't say I'm still in that place, so the book didn't hit me the same way it would have if I had read it sooner. If you are in that place, that quarter-life crisis time, then this book will probably speak to you more. If you are just shy of the quarter-life crisis, then you will probably like this book a lot too because you'll feel normal if/when it happens to you. If, however, you are over that hump, you might only be reminded of that rocky time and find yourself not enjoying it very much.

In Murder We Trust by Eleanor Hyde

In Murder We Trust by Eleanor Hyde

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At first, I was a little confused by the cast of characters. But, eventually, I figured out the people and how they were connected. I thought the ending was well thought out and smart. I couldn't believe the dog's name is Columbo- my parents have a basset hound with the same name! Too funny! Overall, it was a little dry at times, but smart enough to keep me interested.

Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson

Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think this might be my new favorite book in the series. I really liked Cat's journey and the maturity she developed by the end. So much of it rang true! When you move away, friendships can change in ways you don't expect. When a friend has a creep for a boyfriend, she won't always believe you. And most importantly, no matter how much you plan on life going in a certain direction, it can always surprise you in ways you never planned. All of these themes help to create a fascinating character on a wonderful journey. Loved it! :) I think Spanish students would particularly enjoy this installment since it takes place in Mexico and has many Spanish words and phrases throughout. Again, these are the kinds of books I feel good about sharing with teen girls. I love the positive messages they bring and diverse characters and settings. So good. :)

Devil May Ride by Wendy Roberts

Devil May Ride by Wendy Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Satanism, a motorcycle gang, and ghosts galore! Seriously, this woman is fast becoming my new favorite author. This series is so up my alley! They characters talk like my friends talk and I just love that. The main mystery is seedy and fascinating. We learn some really interesting back story and it seems to fit in well. Sometimes, when an author goes back to explain things, they can stop following their own rules or it will stick out in some way. That did NOT happen for me at all. I felt it was all very smart and it totally worked for me. I can't wait for more in this series. :)

Push by Sapphire

Push by Sapphire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I imagine this book will become required reading in many college lit classes. It has some great themes and a unique voice. But, even without analyzing it, it's still a great book. It's hard and raw and feels more real than not.

You know what book I would compare it to? The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. That one left a similar impression on me. It's another book with a strong and unique voice and of course, it has sadness. The subject matter is totally different, but it left a huge emotional impression.

That is the strength of Push, for me. The emotional impression is really key. I've read several Jodi Picoult books and while they are well crafted, I have trouble connecting to the characters emotionally. Push allowed me to emotionally connect with Precious. She didn't hide the emotions and I don't believe she focused on them too much, either. It's just a really fascinating book to me.

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, it was different than what I was expecting. There were excellent and realistic depictions of witchcraft mixed with the more fantastical Hollywood depictions of it. I felt conflicted by this throughout the entire book. I guess I don't understand why the author chose to mix realism with fantasy as much as she did. Weird. I enjoyed the store and the cast of characters quite a bit. I liked the setting, the action, and most aspects of the story. I just didn't like the real versus Hollywood versions of magic. It was just so inconsistent for me that it took away some of my enjoyment. I would be willing to give the next book in the series a try though. There were definitely enough positives for me to go into the next one with an open mind.

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'll be honest. I had a hard time getting through the beginning of this book. It was written with a bit more formality than I expected. It just didn't grab me right from the start, so it felt like a chore to read. However, that view quickly changed once I got into the meat of the story. The action of the second half is fast paced and exciting. By the end of the book, I really liked Mrs. Pollifax and would gladly read more of her adventures. She showed that she is smart and resourceful, and I didn't feel that I needed to suspend as much disbelief as I thought I would when I read the description. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm glad I stuck it out until the end.

Leftover Dead by Jimmie Ruth Evans

Leftover Dead by Jimmie Ruth Evans

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Overall, I really liked it. I like that they were investigating an unsolved crime because it feels somewhat unrealistic for a small town setting to host so many murders throughout a series. It's especially difficult to suspend my disbelief that one character would find herself connected to every murder, in such a setting. Additionally, the main characters leave town to follow up on some leads and I really liked that. I guess I just need to see some changes of scenery, even in a book series. Miranda and Mayrene were pushed to the side quite a bit in this book, which was surprising to me. They were really only mentioned in passing. The author really focused on Wanda Nell and Jack's relationship, as well as the unsolved crime, of course. I was put off by a few small plot points, but not enough to stop reading the series. In fact, I am really looking forward to reading the next installment soon. :)

Dying to Be Thin by Kathryn Lilley

Dying to Be Thin by Kathryn Lilley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been on a cozy mystery kick for a few years now and this one caught my eye as something new to try. Overall, I enjoyed it. Often when I start a new series, I'm disappointed with the first installment. Happily, that did not happen this time. I think this was a very strong start to a series. It is a little seedier than I was expecting, but that doesn't bother me at all. :) Also, I must confess that I figured out who was behind everything rather early on and I deduced a big part of the motive as well before the reveal. I don't think it was obviously written, but it is easy enough if you don't fall for all of the red herrings and other misdirections. I will definitely read more in this series.

Drink, Play, F@#k by Andrew Gottlieb

Drink, Play, F@#k: One Man's Search for Anything Across Ireland, Las Vegas, and Thailand by Andrew Gottlieb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I couldn't decide if this book was fiction or non-fiction in the beginning. By the end, I felt like it was actually a mix of the two. I just don't think the entire thing was made up. Anyway, the section on Ireland was my favorite. It was fast to read and most of it rang very true to me. The Las Vegas section was overall pretty good too. I experienced Vegas for the first time not that long ago and many parts of the story rang true, as well. The Thailand section is sort of where he lost me. Now, I've never been to Thailand so I didn't have any first hand knowledge to work with while reading. But, most of that section did not have the organic feel of the first 2 sections. Maybe I was just expected to suspend too much disbelief. I'm not sure, but I know I didn't love the last section of the book and it affected how I felt about the book as a whole.

1984 by George Orwell

1984 by George Orwell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, I was never given this book as an assignment for a class. I took it upon myself to read it because it is a book that is found on every "must read" book list. I'm glad I read it, even though it did not do a lot for me. When I read Fahrenheit 451, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and On the Road, I immediately understood why these books are considered classics and on "must read" book lists. They intrigued me and stayed with me long after I put them down. Will 1984 have that same impact? Probably not. I am glad I read it and I did enjoy the freaky parallels between Orwell's dystopian future and our present. But, for some reason, the story didn't move me the way I anticipated. It felt like a chore to read and I was secretly pleased I'd never had to read it for a class. I was even more pleased that I didn't have to write a paper on it! :)

The Cluttered Corpse by Mary Jane Maffini

The Cluttered Corpse by Mary Jane Maffini

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
My main criticism/observation from the first book in this series was that the main character, Charlotte, never finishes an organizational job during the book. In fact, I finished my review for Organize your Corpses by saying, "Perhaps Charlotte will be able to finish a job in the next book? Ha ha!" Well, imagine my surprise to discover the same thing happens in this book too! I just don't get it. Again, Charlotte is interrupted during a big job with a mystery, so that explains the hold up on the big job. But, she never actually finishes any other job either. This is really striking me as odd for a series with organization as a theme. Am I the only one bothered by this? I guess I just expect a little more from Charlotte than I've been given thus far. Of course, I enjoy the books overall and will continue with the series, despite this random concern. The author does throw in a lot of organizational tips, but I'd kind of like to see her complete a job from start to finish as well as help solve a mystery. Am I asking for too much here? :/

I did find parts of the mystery a little obvious to solve and other parts impossible to solve until the reveal. I had no reason to suspect who was behind everything and how it all came together, which can be both good and bad. I liked that it was a surprise, but I don't like that I had no chance of solving the case before Charlotte. What can I say? I'm competitive with these fictional sleuths and I want a chance to beat them at their own game. :)

Bring Your Own Poison by Jimmie Ruth Evans

Bring Your Own Poison by Jimmie Ruth Evans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While the mystery of this book isn't as exciting as I would have liked, there are a lot of character developments that help make up the difference. In fact, the only plot points that I recall with clarity have to do with the main characters and what is happening in their lives. It's only been 3 days since I've read this book and I find it is difficult to recall who did what, how, and why. I wouldn't say it's poorly written, but the character developments definitely overshadow the mystery for me. I look forward to reading more in this series, despite not loving this installment.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Overall, I liked it. I think comparisons to Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket are ambitious, but I enjoyed the story for the most part. Personally, I'm not sure it needs to become a series. I will read the next one just to see how it goes, but I'm not foreseeing an addiction. The children were cute and I liked their interactions with Mr. Benedict. Once they were away from him, however, I was no longer in love. I loved the selection process in the beginning and following along to see how the children solved the problems in their own ways. But, the second half of the book didn't really do much for me. As I said, however, I will give book 2 a chance even though I'm not sure it will be worth it. If you have an appropriately aged child in your life, however, by all means give this story a shot. It has enough adventure to keep a child interested and enough new vocabulary to make a parent or teacher feel good about them reading it.