A World I Never Made by: James LePore

Review: There is a reason this book was free on my Kindle. Boring! The author writes no emotion at all. The dialogue is just alternating lines with quotes, 99% of the time not even clarifying who is speaking.  If there are two people its just back and forth but throw in a third person and you can't follow it.  Plus just no emotional description of the conversation? Really? Am I supposed to just guess how the character feels? I let my imagination just run with it at times but for the most part it sounded like a monotone converstation in my head.  The only reason I finished it was because the dialogue was so separated that it was a short read, I wont say quicker because it was so boring it took me like a week, but it was physically shorter which made me just suck it up.   I did watch a lot of TV while trying to get through it though.

Synopsis:  A man is in Paris and find out his daughter has killed herself, however when he goes to ID the body, it is not his daughter.  Pat Nolan realizes his daughter has faked her sucide, but why?  Pat goes along with it and begins the search for his daughter.  Soon he is aided by a French policewoman who breaks away from the police who she suspects is involved.  They discover the involvement of a possible Arab terrorist but do not know the connection to his daughter.  Could his daughter be a terrorist?  No, shes not, and this synopsis sounds way more exciting than the book. Be done with it now.

Rating: 0

Water for Elephants by: Sara Gruen

          Review: This storyline is unique and captivating as well as romantic.  Gruen paints a beautiful and vivid picture of the 1930's and of the circus.  The class system created between the roustabouts and the performers is perfectly executed down to the vernacular.  The segregation between the working class and the unemployed is prominent as well.  These two class distinctions make the reader associate well with Jacob and connect with his thought process.  The circus is an exciting yet highly dangerous place to be in this story.  The ending is fantastic and to me a complete surprise (the movie was great as well, although slightly different of course, still a good book to movie translation).

          Synopsis:  Jacob Jankowski is about to sit for his final exams to graduate from college and become a veterinarian when he receives news that shatters his world.  Escaping from his reality Jacob hops a train only to find that its the Benzini Brothers Circus. Jacob lucks out and gets himself a job with the circus during the Depression.  Soon Jacob is in over his head with all different characters that make up this circus and it is not all fun and games like it appears.  With his role as the circus' vet Jacob is in with the elite August and his wife Marlena.  In this circus August runs the show and when he hits it big by purchasing Rosie the bull elephant things begin to change. 

Rating: 9

Little Women by: Louisa May Alcott

Review:  It's a classic for a reason, this is a heartwarming story that easily stands the test of time.  I'm so glad I read this novel; once it was over I was filled with many positive emotions.  All of the characters are extremely unique and well developed.  The story line never slows down while you take on the emotions of the characters.  It felt like I was growing up with the March girls as I read.

Synopsis:  The four March daughters are not wealthy with money, but they are rich with love from close family and friends.  As they grow up together they share many life lessons through joys and tragedies. These lessons help the girls as the mature and go from childhood to adulthood.

Rating: 9

The Hunger Games Series by: Suzanne Collins

Review (SPOILERS):  Let me get right into it, the first two books were great, the second in particular was addictive, however the third book is an utter disappointment.

       The concept for this YA fiction series is quite original.  The scenarios and games are complex and well thought out. Anything can happen. 

       It starts with such a strong female lead. However the further into the books the slightly more annoying Katniss becomes.  She is physically strong and quick on her feet but she is so obtuse to the social politics being played in all three books. 

       By the end of Mockingjay, Katniss has been completely destroyed mentally.  She in no way resembles the character in the first book, and while I love character development that is not what this is.  Collins take a well developed character and breaks her. Then in the epilogue she tries to mend her, but she is still not the same.  This was not what I expected for a book written for young adults.

       Additionally, the first two books build up this revolution and in the third book they finally seize control. However Katniss soon learns that the rebels are not as wonderful as they appear.  I would like to see exactly how the rebels changed the society post war. Instead it just ends with broken Katniss and broken Peeta back in District 12. Seriously?

Synopsis:  Panem is broken into 12 Districts, spread out of the former North America.  There used to be 13 districts but when there was a rebellion against the Captiol, District 13 was destroyed.  Each District provides something of importance to the elite Capitol residents. And  as punishment for the District's rebellions every year 2 children are picked from each District and forced to take part in the Hunger Games.  A cruel game in a massive outdoor arena set with futuristic traps where the kids must fight to the death where only one will walk away.  Katniss Everdeen volunteers for her younger sister and she unwittingly sets in motion another rebellion to take down the Capitol.

Review: 8  (the first two really make it worth the read but, just know, the ending will let you down)

The Room-Mating Season by: Rona Jaffe

Review: An overall enjoyable read, and almost enlightening.  Seeing these very different women, in their twenties, all sharing a one bedroom in New York City in the sixties was captivating.  The differences between then and now is eye opening.  It was a great look into the past and really made me appreciate the present. The author brings the characters through the decades so the reader can watch them develop.  

       Although they all grow and mature one of the roommates story line is just sad and repetitive.  It was nice when she got her happy ending although it was long over due and she was in her golden years when it happened.  Personally, I felt that was a life lesson to be learned and hopefully other female readers will learn from her mistakes. It was hard to imagine that this girl would not take any control over her life.  It was enraging at times. 

Synopsis:  Its the sixties and four single women in their twenties all move in together. They are all so different yet all looking for the same thing, a man.  They each search for love in different ways with extremely different results.  After a tragedy pulls them together they stay friends for the rest of their lives. 

Rating: 7

The Beach House by: James Patterson

Review:  This James Patterson novel takes a different approach to the traditional crime story.  The victim's family and friends team up to deal out justice to the people responsible for more cruel acts than just murder. In this novel there are only minor twists as the main character researches what really happened to his brother. The scheme launched near the end makes this story mild compared to Patterson's other work but still unique.  The characters you can relate to and really appreciate overall make this book a quick exciting read.  

Synopsis: When Jack Mullen hears that his brother drowned while working valet service for a rich beach party he realizes something isn't right.  He teams up with his old friends from high school and charismatic grandfather to find out the truth.  When Jack and his friends start to get close is when the threats begin and Jack knows that his brother didn't simply drown.  Jack soon realizes that money can cover up just about anything.  However the Mullen's and their friends won't be silenced; they take matters into their own hands and decide to deal out justice regardless of the consequences.

Rating: 7

Live to Tell by: Lisa Gardner

Review:  Another fast paced thriller, with an original idea involving psychotic children.  Every story line in this mystery were chilling.  This was not her scariest work, but it was a little unnerving right before bed.  DD Warren is not my favorite character but the detailed stories make her bearable.  The characters pull you in and make you experience their fear and anguish, everyone except DD that is.

Synopsis:  An entire family is found massacred; it looks like a straightforward case until another family meets the same fate.  One thing ties these murders together, and it's lead detective DD Warren's job to find out.  

   Danielle, an RN on pediatric psych ward finds herself reliving her own tragic family nightmare. 

   Victoria is a single mom raising a very disturbed child.  One day 8 year old Evan is a happy, lovable child next he is a soulless, brutal monster set on attacking his mother.  

Rating: 8