One Chapter

All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban

The teens each arrived to their destination, following the details of the invitation that they each received. They were looking forward to a fun-filled evening. After all the years of studying, staying up late, and doing countless problems, they were finally getting their reward. Yet, as the teens looked around the room and did the math, they realized the numbers weren’t adding up. Then, someone noticed the something strange in the room and the note. What kind of a reward were they getting tonight? And who, just shut the door?

As they read the note, a more serious mood replaces the relaxed atmosphere that once inhabited the room. They had just one hour, one hour to pick someone to die. Was this a joke? Who would do something like this? Now what?

I liked the premise of this book as it sounded like something that I could really get into. In a book like this, I always wonder what I would do as I read what the characters were actually doing. It was interesting how the author chose such a variety of individuals to lock inside this room together but in the end, it all made sense.

The novel continues to switch from present to past tense throughout the book, to tell the whole story. I wondered sometimes if it would have been a better story if just one of the characters told us the story from the past instead of having us readers switch back and forth. I know some readers hate (I know hate is a powerful word) books that have the back-and-forth reading. I felt in this book, that I was doing A LOT of switching back and forth, almost too much for me. Did I like any of the characters? Not really. There were quite a few of them to keep track of and I thought a few of them were self-centered.

I enjoyed the book and the twists that came with it. After I finished reading it, I got to thinking, wow, this all happened in one hour! They only had a one-hour time limit. That sure was a ton of stuff to happen and think about in one hour. The book addresses depression, suicide, and bullying.

We Dream of Space by Erin Kelly

They lived under the same roof but they’re all living separate lives. Three siblings and their parents, coexisting at the same address. Cash walked with a dark cloud over his head, as he was failing 7^th grade for the second time. He also worrying about his bench seat on the basketball team. His brother, Fitch is an arcade wizard, who begins to get a temper when he’s harassed by his peers. Oh, why did you have to get involved with the girls, Fitch?

Then, there is Bird. She writes instructional manuals, a job that she takes very seriously. She’s a wonderful student, has great self-esteem: Bird’s life is good. One visit to a friend’s house changes all of this for Bird.

The parents should be the connecting element with these siblings but they don’t connect. The parents sit in their own corners; one reading and one watching the television. We’re told there is a lot of verbal fighting between the two of them, with some of it escalating to items being thrown. It’s sad that their children don’t get much support from them but I had to smile while reading, as the sibling created ways to work around this.

What I enjoyed about this book was the moments that were eye-opening experiences or experiences that made the siblings grow. At the beginning of the book, the siblings were acting alone, they were their own island. As the book progressed, they began to see each other. There were actual other individuals in their own home. Worthy individuals!

Linking the dramatics in the family and the excitement of the Challenger launch that occurred on January 28, 1986, you’ve got an excellent book. Hopes, dreams, struggles, successes, and trying to find your way, it’s all inside here.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I’ve heard and seen this book everywhere so I had to read it. Shooting your spouse five times in the face and then, pulling the silent treatment, now that is a good defense. What would cause someone to commit such a crime? I had to know.

I didn’t know if I really trusted Alicia throughout the book, although I didn’t know who I trusted really. Theo and Alicia both seemed sketchy to me. In parts of this books, I felt that I was secretly doing one of those sinister laughs as I read it. So who was getting the raw end of the deal now?

Alicia was admitted to the Grove, six years ago for a crime that she committed against her husband. Theo, feels that he’s qualified for the available position of forensic psychotherapist at the Grove, which will also provide him the opportunity to work with Alicia. Oh Theo, right off the bat, you feel that you are uniquely qualified to help the unresponsive Alicia and that myself, has me questioning your motive.

As I learned more about the two of them, both what is presently occurring and their past, it’s no wonder things are a mess. What I thought for one of them, I ended up thinking for the other one eventually. While I was reading, I was trying to figure out which one of them was clever and which one of them was smart. What was their motive? What did they really want? I never saw that ending coming nor did I suspect it.

I thought the book was a fun, entertaining read. I can see why some individuals really loved the book, I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. I’m glad that I read it and I look forward to reading what this author writes in the future.

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

What a great book about what is not “normal” can be perfectly normal, if you allow it to be. Armed with the notebook that her parents gave her, Bea finds that since her parents have divorced, life has become complicated. Why can’t things be simple like they used to be, why must everything be so confusing now? Bea’s finding out that adjusting to change is hard. Bea needs to discover, how to accept the changes in her life.

When Bea’s parents announced that they were divorcing, they handed her a notebook. Inside that notebook, contained a written, short list of items which they wrote to Bea, of Things That Will Not Change in her life, once they split up. Since then, Bea has added many things to that list. It was nice to see the character of Bea reflect upon this list and to add her ideas to it.

Seeing a counselor, Bea also talks about her feelings and gets help managing her anxiety. Life is not the same since her parent’s divorce nor will it be the same ever again. This will take some time to get used to for everyone involved. What she has now, is a new family and that’s what she needs to understand. I enjoyed the character of Bea as she was an honest, sincere, ten-year old girl just trying to adjust to the changes in her life. 4.5 stars

The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson

Well, that was not what I expected. I’ve been looking for a mystery series to read and it looks like I’ve finally found one.

What first intrigued me about this book was that it took place in Iceland. I don’t know a whole lot about that area and I enjoyed how the author incorporated some of that country’s characteristics into the story. I also liked how the main character was not perfect. She was an individual that you could relate to and understand her actions.

Told from multiple viewpoints, each of the stories within this book, had its own pacing and intensity. I noticed that as I read and switched between the stories, that my mannerism changed. One story I might be on edge while the next story, I was just reading along and then, I would find myself in another story not able to put the book down and then, wanting to flip ahead and read more of this story. Perhaps, I’ve had this same experience with other books, but not at this magnitude. These stories then came together to create an amazing conclusion.

Hulda had plans to retire, she knew the date was coming up but when her boss calls her into his office and expediates the process, Hulda is not prepared. She knew she didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the police department’s officers, yet to have her job striped from her by a younger, overachieving, male, just didn’t sit right with her.

With her cases reassigned, Hulda looks into a cold-case to pass the rest of her time on the force. She wanted a time-filler, she needed a time-filler but what Hulda found, was a case that needed a competent detective inspector. With time running against her, Hulda is determined to close this case the right way, but there are too many people getting in her way.

She should just walk away. She should just start planning a new life with Petur. Hulda is just starting to enjoy being in the presence of Petur, a retired doctor. But that too, has complications.

I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to continuing this series.

The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner

As they secretly nestled together in the barn loft, I was worried about creating a disturbance, for any noise or movement from me, could reveal their location. How I, the reader, could influence my book characters was beyond me, but I was totally wrapped up inside this book.

Shira wanted to be with her mother yet she also wanted to be outside, to be in the fresh air and have fun but mother said that wasn’t possible now. Mother, wanted to keep what she had left safe and that meant hiding in the barn. As the days passed, the intensity of the situation changes quite often. Mother is grateful to be in the barn yet there are the nightly visits by Henryk (the farm’s owner). There is mother’s constant strive to be positive for her daughter, mother’s own conflict over their situation, and then, Krystyna (Henryk wife’s) begins taking Shira outside on short trips.

I thought this was a quick-paced book that held my attention throughout the whole book. I truly felt the anticipation and the energy intensify as the story developed and progressed. I enjoyed watching Shira mature through the years and how her talent sparked. I found myself cheering on the characters many times and the ending was fantastic.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

I inhaled this book today. For five years, Coyote and Rodeo had been putting the miles on Yager, traveling wherever their hearts led them. Every day was an adventure with very few rules for the two of them. I loved how the author revealed the character’s story to the reader slowly throughout the book. The past and present are important to this story and the author combines the two of them to present a sweet, emotional story about family, friendship and love.

I really enjoyed Coyote’s mannerism and attitude in this story. In her early teens, she’s still a child but trying to act older. She wants to please her father but she also has her own needs and she’s trying to find a balance. I had quite a few “ahh” moments while reading this book, as they struck a sweet spot inside me.

This journey was remarkable. The individuals that they met were fantastic as each of them played an important part in their trip. When Coyote showed Salvador her favorite place, oh my gosh! What a scene!! Then, there was the violin scene! The campsite scene! Come on……..I loved every one of them. Be ready when you read this book for all the great scenes, they’re to be savored. The last 20+ pages in the book, the words were all flowing together as the tears were falling down my face.

Coyote and Rodeo have different ways of looking at the past and the future. Living in the present is a good concept but the present is also made up of your past, if you allow it. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

Volunteering

I really loved Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. So, when I was invited to be one of the volunteers on my libraries Facebook edition of What Should I Read? I knew that I would talk about this book.

It was a book that I couldn’t put down till I finished it. Thought-provoking, emotional, and interesting, this book was exactly what I needed. I know that some of you will shy away from this genre but if the synopsis or the conversation spikes your interest, check the book out, what have you got to lose. You might just find yourself another genre to love.

One of the other books brought to the table, I have on my TBR pile and the other two really sound interesting. I would love to read the BIG book but wow, that would take me forever!

I had a great time with this opportunity and I would love to do it again.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

It was a slow burn at first, as the bridal party gets situated on the deserted island first. The groom is a celebrity, his bride a publisher and the bridal party is a mish-mash of individuals, all linked to the couple, who each seem to have some hidden secret. As the events of the story unfolded, I loved how the book picked up speed. As I tried to put the book down, to attend to other matters, my mind wouldn’t let go of the island, as the lights flickered, and the guests tried to make sense of what was happening.

I could see why the couple had chosen this island for their special day with its seclusion, size, and the service that the owners provided. I really enjoyed the mixture of characters that the author included in this book and their interactions with each other.

When the big day arrived, the guests arrived on the island, ready for day of celebration. With an abundance of individuals to keep track of, I found this confusing at times yet the connections that they had with one another, made this book intriguing and remarkable.

As the secrets start to surface, I didn’t know who might be the next one to unburden their heart. Some of these, I had suspected but there were some that, made my jaw drop. With twists and turns, and ups and downs, this book was a great escape. 4.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the Book Club Girl Early Read program. This review is my own opinion of the novel and I thank Harper Collins and the Book Club Girl Early Read program for sending me this copy.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

All the stars! This book was breathtaking. Perhaps, I just needed this book but there was so much that I loved about this book that this review cannot contain it all! It was heartbreaking, eye-opening, captivating and enduring, and the way that the author put the story together was fantastic.

First, I love how Elizabeth structured this story. Told in verse, this story captivated me emotionally and mentally. Elizabeth paused in parts of her verse and I loved how these pauses made me feel. They were dramatic, as the pauses felt sharp and powerful. This book was hard to put down as I couldn’t stop thinking about what was going to happen next. Told from two different viewpoints, there was no right answer, there was no clear winner. I wanted both of the main characters to feel that they were going to be okay.

It didn’t seem fair to neither of them what had happened but there was nothing that they could do about that now. Their father was dead and they now needed to move forward. Separated by miles, separated by years, separated by parents, the girls now needed to decide what their next steps would be.

The writing in this book was terrific. This was an eventful and emotional story as the author described the events as the story unfolded. I found many great scenes in the book as I was reading it. I could hear Papi favorite bachata songs, as they spun around on the record player, when they gathered to discuss his arrangements. I could see his daughter’s reaction as she put these songs on, to remember her Papi. I could feel the family’s emotions as they heard the devasting news. As each girl considered what to do next, I felt their confusion and frustration. I wondered how far they would take their relationship and how each family would feel about it. I enjoyed how this book carried a mysterious element to it. It was amazing how using verse can enhance a story.

You need to read it. I would love to listen to the audio of this one! I highly recommend it.

“For the rest of my life I will sit + imagine

what my father would say in any given moment.

+ I will make him up:

his words, his advice, our memories.”