I have been very fortunate to have read a lot of books that I really love. I knew my luck wouldn't last. I am new to this world of books and reviews and writing negative reviews isn't something I am used to or want to do. I did finally find something worthy of writing something negative about, so this should be insteresting!
It's been awhile since I have posted anything, I spent the summer and fall very sick and not even being able to read very much. I am hoping to get back on track soon. I wanted to catch up on my review blog first. This will be a big one! I had read a lot of books that didn't get put in here. Hope you enjoy it! Peace.
One of my favorite books to read was Shadow of the Banyan, here is the review:
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey RatnerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is exquisite. It is like reading poetry. I love the imagery and it reminded me to be grateful for my life and for love. I feel like I have been given a gift. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Conner by Miranda StorkMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really great paranormal romance, but it goes even further with suspense and mystery! Great story with surprises at every turn and it keeps you guessing! A nice twist I must say! I received this book as a gift!
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Halflings by Heather BurchMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story contained extremely strong characters, and was very inspirational along with being a page-turner! I enjoyed the story so much, I cannot wait for the next! This is a great story for teens and adults, and is unlike anything I have read before. I really enjoyed reading this, and the Author has a wonderful style. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Bride of New France by Suzanne DesrochersMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the main character Laure. She is who I would have been in those times. I love that she didn't conform to what others thought she should be, I can identify with that today even. It's funny how so much has changed, yet some things about what are expected of women have not. Whether it be religious, familial, or societal. This book was amazing, really enjoyed it. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Dream New Dreams: Reimagining My Life After Loss by Jai PauschMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderfully inspiring read. Jai as a caregiver went through so much and came out fighting, still dreaming, and an inspiration for all of us. I believe in dreams myself, but she energized me with this book to do better, to be better! Love it! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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The Bad Ass Bible: The Bible's Greatest Hits Remixed by Harry F. KaneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ive read the Catholic Bible, and the KJV, so to move on to this version was a refreshing change and I loved it! Very relatable.
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Together in Paradise by Travis SloneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fascinating read! I didn't find it preachy at all, just a really smooth, lovely lesson that we could all benefit from. It was not based on any religion, and was interesting. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Manhattan Affair by Jack SussekMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the history of New York and its Hot Spots, and all the different details of the locations. I felt like I was sitting right there with them. The story glided smoothly along like the main character who was taken into his new world by Katherine. I believe Katherine to be a fantasy character though. You can certainly tell this book was written by a native New Yorker who loves his city. I really enjoyed reading this mystery. Very nice. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Season of the Witch: Enchantment, Terror and Deliverance in the City of Love by David TalbotMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was not born until the late 60's but I somehow feel connected and very curious about what was happening when I was an infant. I also feel I should have been there! By reading this chronicle of the Summer of love and other happenings in San Francisco, I felt the Authors love of the city and the times. I couldnt put it down, well organized and I also found myself looking up people, articles, newspapers, etc. Great book! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Coldness of Marek by Rachel O'LaughlinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautifully written fantasy book. I really enjoyed reading this tale of the lives of Trzl, Malcolm, and Lord Marek. The characters are so deeply intertwined, yet easily understood. The richness of the landscape is brought out so you feel that you are there, this is truly a fantasy book that draws you in to another world. Really amazing. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Sex Au Naturel: What It Is and Why It's Good for Your Marriage by Patrick CoffinMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was very disappointed in this book. It is so very limited in its scope. It is just for Catholics, and frankly built mostly on the main tradition of guilt. A couple of points stood out to me; the Author uses slaves and adultery to make a case against contraception. I mean really? Maybe these things were acceptable at that time, just as birth control is acceptable in our time. It's time for the Church to catch up. The arguments against contraception including the Bible references were vague at best. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you cannot limit the amount of children you have. The Author also repeatedly refers to women who cannot have children, those who are barren, as "cursed". So, I had one child and because of my health was struck barren...now I am "cursed by God"? That's a heavy handed statement for this gentlemen to make. The so called Granddaddy passage is ridiculous; he was killed for two reasons 1. He disobeyed his father. 2. His perversion (considered masterbation, not withholding children). Above all else I believe our God to be loving, caring, God. I believe sometimes people can get a little too "preachy" and judgmental, instead of going out and living the life. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, it was still informative!
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The Breast of Everything by Lori BerhonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The concept was quite shocking to me, and it took me quite a long time to come to grips with it. The book was very entertaining, and well put together. Fought back tears at the end, at the same time felt uplifted. It's great when a good book can do that for you. I was lucky to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
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Gold by Chris CleaveMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love how this book is organized, with flashbacks to the past and cute inserts about Star Wars and Sophie. This book would make a terrific movie, the characters feelings are brought out so well almost like poetry. I had so many emotions while reading this, and couldn't put it down! Really engaging story. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Enlarged Hearts by Kathie GiorgioMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely LOVED this collection of short stories! The stories are poignant, real, and some are sad. The story "The Fat Girl in Disguise" made me cry. I wanted them to accept her so badly! Then I wanted her to accept herself so badly. The last story is really uplifting, clever, and made me just giggle. Kathie Giorgio has an amazing talent. In this day and age it's not OK to discriminate against many groups of people, but boy it sure seems OK to torture Fat People. I suggest everyone read this book for a little perspective! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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My Story by Marilyn MonroeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Clearly written in her own words, the story of Marilyn's life is both tragic and up lifting. She knew she was destined for greatness. The images contained in this book are so beautiful! I was sad at the abrupt ending, wanting to know so much more. She is missed so much.
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The Real Girl Next Door by Denise RichardsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book, it was inspirational and nice to read about a celebrity that doesn't profit off of their ex's troubles and instead is taking the high road for her children. We have enough dirt and trashing in the world. Denise is from the Midwest, and you can tell those values have stuck with her. It's wonderful to see someone be so honest about their feelings during tragedy and hard times and come out still positive. I've been a sideline fan but this book made me a real Fan. I really understood her pain in going through her Mothers illness, and loving Dogs so much. Going through a messy divorce is hard, I can't imagine going through it publically. I admire Denise for not giving the "dirt" and trashing her Ex for her children's sake.
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Dream Lover by Suzanne JenkinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Real portrait of the women effected by the aftermath of Jack's death. Great characters and even better story. I love the romance elements that are real life based with flaws and all. I really have enjoyed this series so far, awesome!
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Let's Face It by Jodi R. MooreMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a clean, fun, smart, and last but not least inspirational story for teens! I really enjoyed how the story centers around the personality of the characters, they are presented clearly and thoughtfully. While there is teen romance, it goes beyond that and shows you that teenage girls are not just texting, and boy crazy! I received this book as a gift!
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Cemetery Girl by Joseph CognardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful young adult paranormal romance story for teens. Very clean and fun. I love how this story incorporates art and the paranormal, it's a lovely twist! The characters personalities are strong and conflicts are dealt with wisely and true to real-life. Very enjoyable read. I received this book as a gift!
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Where We Belong by Emily GiffinMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I fell in love with this book and I hope there is a sequel to it! I want to know what happens in the future in all of the characters lives they were so interesting to me! I cried, I laughed, I got angry, all great emotions evoked by this wonderful book. I really liked the format, going from Marian to Kirby. My only complaint being that sometimes Kirby seemed way too wise for her young age. I would give it four and half stars if I could!! This is not a book you can read in one sitting, nor would you want to. You want to savor it and hope it never ends! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America by Tanner ColbyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading the historical side of this book, much of which I was never taught in my Catholic school in the Midwest. We were not all-white, but it was 98%. They had a reputation of recruiting for sports. I was lucky in my real life to be unaware of any prejudice, and made good friends with several black people who I worked with in my early 20's. I have continued some of those friendships still today. This book however is so true that neighborhoods, and schools and businesses still struggle with being integrated today. I can count of at least ten places that I would never see a black person at in my surrounding area, that is sad. Great read. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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People Who Don't Know Me Think I'm Somebody by Mike ParishMy rating: 1 of 5 stars
I don't believe this is poetry, it's either a joke or an from what I read in these an attempt to become famous for something, anything...it's lazy, boring, and bad. There is way too much talk of the rich and how the Author isnt one of them, you can tell he wants money and fame but lacks the talent. It is labeled above as being "saddle-stitched" but it is printed off from a computer on paper and stapled together with a picture on the front and the mailing address and stamp on the back. Not a book by any definition. I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
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A Blazing Gilded Age by Rich DiSilvioMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel is terrific. I didn't want to put it down, but had to because it was so big! I absolutely love how the family's story is intertwined with historical events and people. Very entertaining and factual. I learned so much while I was reading this and it amazes me how much of history has repeated itself in this day and age. Our current leaders really could learn some lessons by looking back. I received this book as a gift!
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Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah StrohmeyerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a smart, fun book for teens! I really enjoyed reading this, it's nice to see a book where the smart girl is also the girl who gets to be popular. It can happen! Using the lessons from a book like this to have confidence in yourself could help a lot of teens. Differences are something to be admired and celebrated, just let people get to know you. Great book.
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Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith by Vincent H. ChoughMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The imagery was amazing throughout the entire book. I find his honesty refreshing and frankly, cathartic. While you couldn't tell where the story was taking you, (you didn't care!) it was pleasantly surprising where it would end up most of the time even though it was his real life. You felt like you were on great adventures! Excellent read, thank you Vincent! I received this book as a gift!
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