My thoughts on 'UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS' by Portia De Rossi

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain by Portia de Rossi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow! What a touching and honest memoir.

Of course I knew/know who Ellen DeGeneres is and I have heard of Portia De Rossi-even that the two of them were together, but I never really 'knew' Portia. Couldn't even remember what she looked like and of course knew nothing about her life.

So the first time I learned anything about her was when I was watching clips of Ellen's show on You Tube and Portia was on there as a guest. First thing I noticed was how pretty she was, then the love between her and Ellen was beautiful! Just from those few moments everyone could see that. After that I learned that Portia had an eating disorder (used to have) and that she had written a book about it. Now I definitely had to read that. This woman intrigued me-rather, her and Ellen intrigued me, but I still wanted to hear her story. So I got the book from my library....and...

This book is so intense, raw, real, honest, heartbreaking, and heart-lifting. I think it had more of an impact on me because Portia actually wrote this herself. These were all her actual words. She did not hire a ghost writer to put her story together.

She talks about her life trying to fit in and trying to be someone that, her mom especially, will be proud of. From the age of 12, Portia began modeling and thus truly began her affair with food and her weight.

I learned so much from this book. Eating disorders are not simple cut and dried things. They are so complex and there are so many other aspects involved. They are not just about wanting to be thin. They are about wanting to be in control of something in your life, about acceptance, insecurities, fear, etc. And even though I knew a lot of that, Portia wrote this story in a way that I felt it along with her.

The things that she did and the reactions from people that she encountered in her life were sometimes surprising but a lot of the times not. What surprised me even more was Portia's reactions to people when they shown concern to/about her. And once again, she made me understand why she reacted that way.

The second part of this book is when it really started to get intense and the epilogue made me cry.

I am so sorry that Portia went through everything that she went through. But I am so happy that she is know better and happy! And that Ellen is there for her. There love is extrraordinary!

Which brings me to the part of Portia's sexuality. Even though she felt she had to hide her sexuality because of her career, and unfortunately at that time she probably did, this book mostly focused on her eating disorder. She does address her sexuality in this book and about her fear of opening, but I felt it took a back seat to the disorder.

I recommend this book to everyone.



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My thoughts on 'FURY' by Elizabeth Miles

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it because I really didn't like the MC, Em. She was a horrible bestfriend!

But as I kept reading I didn't let that bother me too much and just focused on the other aspects of the story.

This story is basically about revenge, karma, what goes around comes around. And I really liked the way Elizabeth goes about doing this.

Our MC, Em betrays her best friend in such a horrible way and thinks about nobody but herself. Because of this she is targeted, but things really don't start to happen to hear until near the end of the book.

Chase is the other character in the book who is also targeted, but you don't find out why he is targeted until towards the end of the book, when stuff starts happening to Em.

I like how Elizabeth draws everything else and how it is not just all thrown at us, but I wish that one of the characters Drea, had a bigger part. She was hinted at throughout the story, but when she was actually given her part I was disappointed by the lack of 'shock' value for her that you would think she should have had.

I was also disappointed by the explanation for what is happening to Em and Chase. I feel there should have been more of a background story to what was going on.

I did like the punishments that Em and Chase got though. They were very fitting to what they had done. (although I never would wish that on anyone, but this is just a book after all....lol)

There is a lot of bullying in this book tho and it was sad how common and harsh it seemed to be in this town/school.

In the end I am glad that I kept with the book and finished it.



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Announcing Johanthan L. Howard!

Strange Chemistry has signed on another author-Johnathan L. Howard!

Johnathan L. Howard has written a futuristic Science Fiction novel titled: KATYA'S WORLD.

The distant and unloved colony world of Russalka has no land, only the raging sea. No clear skies, only the endless storm clouds. Beneath the waves, the people live in pressurised environments and take what they need from the boundless ocean. It is a hard life, but it is theirs and they fought a war against Earth to protect it. But wars leave wounds that never quite heal, and secrets that never quite lie silent.

Katya Kuriakova doesn’t care much about ancient history. She is making her first submarine voyage as an apprentice navigator; the first nice, simple journey of what she expects to be a nice, simple career. But there is nothing nice and simple about the deep, black waters of Russalka and soon she will encounter pirates and war criminals, see death and tragedy at first hand, and realise that her world’s future lies on the narrowest of knife edges.

For in the crushing depths lies a sleeping monster, an abomination of unknown origin. And when it wakes, it will seek out and kill every single person on the planet…

This sounds very good and will be released in November 2012. So the line up for releases this year at Strange Chemistry is:

September: SHIFT and BLACKWOOD

October: POLTERGEEKS and THE ASSASSIN'S CURSE

November: KATYA'S WORLD

I hope you will check out these books!

My thoughts on 'DELIRIUM' by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was such an amazing book! I loved everything about it from the very first page.

It is a dystopian book where love is a disease. How original and interesting! I couldn't help but agree with a lot of the story.

Love is truly a big problem in this world today. Or maybe not 'love' in particular, but strong feelings that are usually associated with love or with what some people may think is love. Feelings such as jealousy, revenge, anger, hurt, etc.

The cure which is supposed to 'cure' you from the disease or prevent you from getting the disease is basically like a less severe type of lobotomy. After you get this you are so easy going and so agreeable with everything.

You do not get this 'cure' until you are 18. A few months prior to this you go through an evaluation where you are basically judged/tested and then it is determined if you are able to go on to college or not. You are also give 4 people of the opposite sex to pick one from for your mate for life. Yes, you are also told basically who you are going to spend the rest the rest of your life with.

I liked that God was still present during this time. Maybe not in exactly the way we see Him, but he is still there and I really liked that.

The MC, Lena, at the beginning is so excited about the procedure (the cure) that she studies for the evaluation to make sure that she says the right things and she actually is counting down the days until she gets the cure.

Her best friend, Hana, actually rebels a little a few months before they are scheduled for the procedure and she tries to get Lena to rebel with her, but Lena wants no part of it, especially because if you are caught (and there are a lot of rules, such as not being with the opposite sex who haven't had the cure yet...not listening to approved music, etc) it can mean being put in the Crypts (jail) or worse.

Lena does everything that she is supposed to do, everything that is expected of her, wether she wants to or not. That is until she meets Alex.

Alex and her meet by accident and things kind of take of from that accidental meeting. They snowball, if you will, and before you know if Lena is so wrapped up in Alex that she can't think of anything else. She definitely has the 'disease'. She is in love!

She sneaks around every day and night just to be with Alex. Although she knows that they won't be together forever because her procedure is coming up, she refuses to think about that. Until the day that Lena finds out some devastating, or great news. Depending on how you look at it. What Lena finds out changes everything and next thing you know she is planning on running away with Alex. But running away is a huge and dangerous thing.

Of course things do not go as planned, but Lena and Alex seem to have overcome those obstacles, only to encounter more right at the end of the book. And of course the book ends on a huge cliffhanger!

I cannot wait to read the next book! Highly recommend this book!



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STRANGE CHEMISTRY OPEN DOOR!!

This is really exciting! When I got the email I knew I had to blog about it...

Strange Chemistry-in conjunction with Angry Robot Books- is doing an open door from April 16th to April 30th. What this means is that UNAGENTED AUTHORS are invited to send in their novels for consideration.

They say they will read everything they are sent, but please go to their website to find out everything you need to do before you mail out your manuscript.

My thoughts on 'FRACTURE' by Megan Miranda

Fracture by Megan Miranda

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


"If you had one day left to live, what would you do?"

This was such a good story with excellent writing and great characters!

The story is about a teenager named, DeLaney, who falls through a frozen lake and dies. But yet, she doesn't. She comes back and ends up in a coma for 6 days, where upon coming out of that coma, she is changed.

Not in the obvious ways that you would think, but in ways that you would never think. DeLaney ends up having some strange gift or curse, depending on the way that you look at it. This 'thing' that she has acquired changes her life so much and in so many ways.

She meets a strange new boy who she is both attracted to and repulsed by, her relationship between her neighbor and best friend becomes strained and the way her mom looks at her also changes, and not for the better.

DeLaney is trying to figure out what is going on with her and there is only person who seems to know, or at least who is experiencing the same thing she is. The one person she would rather stay away from. She is afraid to open up to other people about this for fear of what they will think or say. So she is stuck trying to deal with it all by herself. Or almost by herself.

But underneath the obvious, are also the feelings she is having for two different boys and she is not sure how to deal with them.

This story just flowed for me and the first chapter literally made me cry. It takes a lot to make me cry but this author did such a great job with her words that I just welled up.

A great debut novel that I highly recommend!

Check out the trailer....



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My thoughts on 'LIVING VIOLET' by Jaime Reed

Living Violet by Jaime Reed

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I read this book immediately after reading The Goddess Test and there were many things that were similar to me.



This is a story about a girl named Sam who works in a bookstore with a girl named Nadine. Also working at the bookstore is a boy named Caleb, who Sam thinks is weird but yet, she finds him intriguing-especially because of his violet eyes.



One day Sam and Caleb have a small chat at work and out of nowhere Caleb kisses her. And this begins their 'hot and cold' relationship.



There are some women around town that have been either dying or hospitalized because of heart attacks and then there is Caleb, whom Sam thinks is acting strange.



Sam soon learns some secrets about Caleb and her friend Nadine and after that nothing is the same for her.



There is intrigue, mystery, who-dun-it and of course romance in this book also. The same elements that were in The Goddess Test.



I thought that the story was well written and the characters were well done, but the whole 'thing' that was going on, the paranormal aspect, I wasn't too excited about. It was very interesting, but I don't know. It was just missing something for me.



I do want to add that there is a lot of pop culture in this book and the dialogue has a decent amount of slang in it. I actually found it more appealing to me, but years down the road I am not sure how that will affect the story.



Not a bad book and I am sure it will end up being a favorite of many people this year.



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My thoughts on "WHEREVER YOU GO" by Heather Davis

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book had a great ending.

The story is told from several different pov's...the MC, Holly, her dead boyfriend, Rob and her current boyfriend, Jason.

There are so many different things going on in this story, but they all loop together, that it makes it sort of difficult to explain the story.

Holly is the MC, who has lost her boyfriend when they get into a car accident months before and he dies. Holly also has a lot that she has to do at home, living with a single mom who works two jobs and having a younger sister. Before long her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's, comes to stay with them too and she has even more to take on.

Then you have Rob, her dead boyfriend, who is still hanging around. He can't communicate with anyone and he is frustrated about this and also because he is still stuck here all by himself.

Jason, who was Robs best friend, who is interested in Holly, finally makes his move. I think this is my favorite part of the book. Even though I am not a big lovey person when it comes to books, the things that Jason does for Holly is nothing short of love. He extends himself and sacrifices so much for her.

Aldo, Holly's grandfather, has the ability to communicate with Rob and he helps Rob to realize and admit to some things. Eventually helping him to cross over.

This story has so much in it. Heartache, love, sacrifice, courage, friendship, forgiveness. Even though each chapter had all the different pov's, everything came together so well. And the ending-the very last part, where Rob is talking, brought tears to my eyes.

Well done, Heather!





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WHAT LIES BENEATH by Richard Denney

For those of you who do not know who Richard Denney, he is a self published author who is well known in the book community on You Tube and on Goodreads.

I have read two of his books so far and I really enjoyed them. He seems to always be churning out a book. All of his books are fairly short but still pack a lot.

You can find his books on Amazon.

Below is what Richard had to say about the latest book of his that he has written: What Lies Beneath.

"I'm coming to you all today to introduce my new book "What Lies Beneath" to my awesome readers. What Lies Beneath came to me unexpectedly. I didn't set out to write a thriller and I sure enough didn't think it would become a trilogy. The story unfolds with seventeen year old Blair Lewis in the hospital with minor injuries to her body, but severe injuries to her life. She doesn't remember what happened before Dylan lost it and nearly drowned her. But she wants to know why more than anyone. Soon it becomes clear that someone is stalking her and attempting to make her lose her sanity over what is going on. Can she figure out who or what is after her? and what do you do when you feel you like your losing it? and most importantly, who do you turn to when there is no one left to trust?

Let's talk about the book cover!
Now, my friend pointed out that it resembles The unbecoming of mara dyer and I can sort of see it in the cover, but the cover resembles the story perfectly. It's a girl drowning and that is what happens to Blair. The drowning on the cover also shows how Blair feels. She feels she can't trust anyone and she feels like she's drowning in life. I'm not trying to copy the Mara Dyer cover in fact most of you know I really did not enjoy that book, but I am in no way mooching off of it. I wanted to clear this up so that if I do get bashed on it, this blog post will be here to silence the bashers. I think a lot of YA book covers look similar and some even use the same image. I adore the cover, I hope you do too.

While I researched a few things for this book, I scared myself with a few subjects that I tapped into. Such as psychological thrillers, and people who suffer from paranoia and depression. I personally think I did a great job with the first book and I'm already writing the second in the trilogy. I hope you enjoy this novella and I can't wait to see all your reviews, good or bad. :)

I will announce the official release date soon. Sooner than you think."

I think this is a gorgeous cover! I like how the knees are the focal point of it. I am really excited for this book to come out because it sounds so good!

So if you haven't read any of Richard's books you should go and get one or more and read them....You won't be disappointed.

(most of his books are YA, but some are MG)

My thoughts on 'THE GODDESS TEST' by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I usually do not read much during the day, but today I did.

I just couldn't put this book down. When I first started it I knew immediatelty that I would like it but not how much. I absolutely loved the writing!

This story if you cannot tell from the title is about Mythology. I have never read a story about Mythology and have never been interested in the gods, and honestly, I still am not, but this story was very interesting to me and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next.

I loved how there was mystery, intrigue and who-dun-it, and yes, I actually liked the romance that was in this book. Probably because it wasn't over the top and most times it was pretty subtle....I loved the characters, but there were also some things that I didn't care for and that is why the book only got 4 stars.

I actually became quite angry with the way Ella treated Kate at first. For those who have not read this book yet, Kate is the MC and Ella is one of the characters who works at Eden Manor, where Kate goes to stay for 6 months.

This is the story of Hades and Persephone, and I went into this not knowing barely anything at all about that story. But it didn't matter I still understood everything that was happening.

In a way it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast in some respects. And I kept picturing Belle and the Beast. The main difference was that Henry, or Hades, was not ugly in the least. He was a god so of course he was gorgeous.

I did guess a lot of what was going to happen in the book so either I am just really good at that or it was too predictable, but at the same time the parts I didn't guess made for a great surprise.

I liked how they explained the town of Eden. That was very interesting to me...as was Kate's moms role...and I have to say that Ava had me fooled.

The next book in this series is Goddess Interrupted and I cannot to read more of this story.





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My thoughts on 'BREATHING UNDERWATER' by Alex Flinn

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was amazing!

I also read Breaking Point by Alex Flinn and absolutely loved that book too.

Such a deep and emotional story about emotional and physical abuse. The MC, Nick, who was 16 and very popular in school, started dating a girl named, Caitlyn, who wasn't too popular.

The story is about how Nick is emotionally and physically abusive to Caityln and has to go to anger management classes per court orders.

I really don't know to express the impact this book had on me, except to say that every time I would read one of his journal entries I would put the book down and literally say, 'Wow!', and then digest what I just read.

I always wondered how someone could hurt someone they claimed to love, and this book helped me to understand a little bit.

In no way is this acceptable but I was able to understand, at least in regards to Nick, how something like could happen.

If you like realistic fiction and books about abuse then you have got to read this!

I am uploading a You Tube video on this book and hopefully I was able to express myself a little bit better in that how this book affected me.

This is a video done by Leah Mouse-she does great videos and is very well spoken. She is very intellegent and has a lot to say on a lot of different subjects.






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My thoughts on 'Oink! My life with Minipigs' by Matt Whyman

Oink! My Life with Mini pigs by Matt Whyman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a wonderful book!

If you like books about animals then you have got to read this book. There are a ton of books out there about dogs and cats, but I have never read a book about pet mini-pigs.

The author, Matt Whyman, does a great job telling this story. It was so informative and humorous. I absolutely loved the humor in this book!

The story talks about what led his family to acquire the mini-pigs, their adjustment to living with them, the ups and the downs and then trying to breed them.

To me, what set this book about from other fun and loving animal/pet books is the fact that Matt doesn't make the whole thing about having mini-pigs as pets just a wonderful thing. He is honest and actually tells us how he wasn't too happy with the idea right from the start. He also tells us about the trouble they had at times with them and how everything isn't all honky-dory living with mini-pigs.

I started this book, of course, wanting to add a mini-pig to our home-in the future. I actually did some research online and went as far as to check out some breeders and rescues. But thankfully, because of Matt's honesty, I quickly realized that a mini-pig would not be the pet for our household.

If you like books about animals, I definitely recommend picking this up.



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Please have Daniel Osborn in your thoughts and Prayers

UPDATE: 1-20-12

Daniel went back to the James Center today at the Ohio State University and got blood drawn and another cat scan on his chest area. They saw some unusual blood cell formation in his lungs and wanted to take a closer look and it was supposed to be a three hour cat scan which only ended up being a 30 minute cat scan. So hopefully that is good news that it's nothing to be worrying about. He will get the results on Monday of those tests.

First two authors added to STRANGE CHEMISTRY

Strange Chemistry is a new YA imprint of Angry Robot books. They are launching this fall and have just announced their very first authors that they have signed.  (To find out more about Strange Chemistry, click here)...

The first author is Kim Curran who is signed on for 2 books. The first being Shift, her debut novel,  which is about "the tale of your average, 16-year old loser Scott Tyler. When he meets the beautiful and mysterious Aubrey Jones, he learns he’s not quite so average after all. He’s a ‘Shifter’. And that means he has the power to undo any decision he’s ever made. At first, he thinks the power to shift is pretty cool. But as his world quickly starts to unravel around him he realises that each time he uses his power, it has consequences; terrible unforeseen consequences. Shifting is going to get him killed. In a world where everything can change with a thought, Scott has to decide where he stands."

Shift will be published this fall and her next novel, the sequel, will be published in 2013.

The next and last author signed so far to Strange Chemistry, is Sean Cummings. Sean is also signed on for two books with the first, Poltergeeks, being published this fall and the sequel being published in 2013.

Poltergeeks is about Julie, who "is an apprentice witch – or so she believes. When a dark power comes stalking out of the past to haunt her and her mother, Julie learns that she is far more than just a witch. With the help of her best friend Marcus and a rather unusual Great Dane, Julie has to race against time to ensure she can defeat the bad guy, save her mother and avoid being grounded – again!"

Both of these books sound like they are going to be really good so keep your eyes out for them this fall. Mark your calendars and keep checking back at the Strange Chemistry website for updates on what they have planned.

My thoughts on "INSIGHT" by Diana Greenwood

Insight by Diana Greenwood

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a story about a girl, Elvira and her family, in the 1940's. Even though it takes place during that time period I couldn't really tell.

Elvira has a rocky home life with a father who drinks and sometimes is gone for days and a mother who doesn't notice her and when she does it isn't to say anything nice.

One day her father enlists in the service and is gone. Her grandmother comes to stay with her and her mother and before long her mother gives birth to a baby girl.

Elvira talks about how life is and the struggles her and her family go through while her father is gone. She talks about how her sister is different then other kids and the road trip her and her family take with another, a near stranger, in search of something that they are positive they will find.

The story has religion in it and talks about God quite often. Elvira tells us how she went from not believing in God to believing and what it took for her to get there. Even though it had this in the story it is not in a preachy way.

And even though the tagline for this book is, "What if you could see things before they happen?", that is not the main point or idea of the story. It does wrap up the story and draw us to the end of the story, but not in the way that you would think.

This story is a coming of age story and I enjoyed it for that reason. I really loved the authors writing and the story line, but I do wish the tagline was more prominent in the story.



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Mia's story for Literature....

Mia had to write some entries for literature where she is the main character from a book or movie. She chose to do the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong.

She kind of followed went actually happened but in her own words. Remember this was for school. She is in 6th grade...

The Escape plan…

My name is Chloe Saunders, and right now I’m at Lyle house, a sort of “home” for people with problems, in Derek’s and Simon’s room. Dr.Davidoff and the other nurses think that we’re studying but in reality we’re planning our escape route.

Why escape?, you’re probably wondering. Well I’ll tell you why. Dr.Davidoff is keeping us here telling our parents that we have mental problems and are giving us medicine that will help us, but really we’re all special. In a good way. And the “medicine” that he’s giving us is to get our powers under control. For example. I’m a necromancer. I can raise the dead, see them, talk to them, and all that. Simon’s a sorcerer, Rae can control fire, and Derek. Well we don’t know what Derek is yet. Well there is one of us who just really does need some serious help. That person’s Taylor.

“Then we sneak out the back door.”

Simon said sounding proud of himself.

“The backdoor? You do realize that it has sensors right?”

I blurted.

The backdoor has sensors that can only be deactivated by a code, and I’m pretty sure none of us know what it is.

“Did you guys forget about me?”

Derek budded in. Clearly annoyed.

“No.” I lied.

“Anyways, if you haven’t already forgotten, that I not only have peculiar eyesight and sense of smell but also steps as soft as a cat’s and K-9 hearing, I already have the code.

“Great so when do we leave?” I asked.

“You guys leave tonight. As for me. I’m just cracking the code, them going back to bed.”

There was no use arguing, so we just left it at that.

　

Mission Escape In action…

I awoke in a haze to the buzzing of my alarm clock. I got up and looked over to see Rae still sleeping peacefully. I had almost forgotten that she was tagging along. After I went over to the closet and got our bags down, I tiptoed over to Rae and shook her awake.

“I’m up. I’m up.”

She murmured sitting up right.

“You better be. It’s time to go.” I shot back.

“Finally.” She pouted, standing up and stretching.

Once she was done, we headed downstairs into the kitchen.

To my surprise, only Simon awaited us.

“Where’s Derek”? I asked tossing Rae’s her bag. She had been to lazy to carry it down the stairs, therefore making me carry it.

“I couldn’t find him anywhere, but we have to go.” Simon explained.

“But Derek has the code.” Rae pointed out.

“The backdoor was already open when I got down here.” Simon told us.

“Good then you two go. I’ll find Derek.” I said backing out of the kitchen.

“but-” Simon started but was cut off by Rae.

“There’s no time to argue.” And pulled Simon out the open doorway.

It didn’t occur to me to check out side in until I was done looking in every single room. It was colder and darker than I expected.

I was heading toward the shed when I saw it. Derek’s bright, white, running shoe.

“Derek?” I whispered.

“Go!” he growled.

“Why are you back there?” I questioned, ignoring his order, and tiptoed closer.

“Stay back!”

“Are you okay?”

“Go. Away. Chloe.

It surprised me that I wasn’t that surprised at what I saw.

Derek was in the middle of his transformation.

　

Code Red…

I stayed with Derek until one of the nurses started out the door.

“Give me your shoe.”

I ordered Derek.

“What?”

“Give. Me. Your. Shoe. I have a plan.”

I repeated. He finally handed me his shoe. Confusion written all over his face.

I took of one of my own shoes off and hopped out into view. Pulling on Derek’s oversized shoe.

“Chloe?” She asked.

“yeah.” I replied, pulling down the part of my shirt that flipped up, down.

“What do you think your doing out here?”

She asked stepping forward.

“Finishing what Derek and I started in the attic.”

I said hardly a whisper.

I could feel my face going red at the lie.

“There’s no use, trying to come up with an excuse. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.” She smirked. Stepping closer.

“I-I d-don’t know w-what your t-talking about.”

I stuttered

“We also know that you stutter when you lie. You not fooling anyone, Mrs. Saunders.” She kept coming closer and I kept backing up until my back hit the wall.

“So tell me where they are.” She urged.

I noticed something shining in her hand. It took me a minute to realize that it was a gun. Noticing my gaze she lifted it up, pointing it at the center of my head.

“Oh this?” She laughed, but before she could pull the trigger, Derek pounced on her. The crack of the nurse’s head meeting concrete echoed though the air.

“Where are the others?” Derek growled, grabbing my arm and dragging me back towards the shed.

“I told them to go on while I went to go find you.”

I told him, not even bothering to struggle ageist his death grip.

“You such an idiot.”

He sighed, stopping in front of the gate.

“climb.” he added.

“I’m not a very good climber.” I admitted.

Without another word Derek tossed me up and over the gate.

I landed on my butt with a “thump”

“CODE RED!”

I heard Dr.Davidoff scream. He must have found the nurse.

“Derek. Hurry up.” I whispered franticly. As if on cue he came souring over the top of gate, landing on all fours.

“Come on!”

He said viciously, once again grabbing my arm.

We were darting across someone’s backyard when all the shouting started.

Last step to freedom…

“We’re almost there.” Derek said, almost sounding happy.

He sniffed the air again and headed left.

“Chloe? Derek?” Came an oddly familiar voice from the shadows.

Derek stiffened. Then raced toward the voice as if his life depended on it.

Moments later Simon and Rae stepped from the shadows.

“What took you so long?” Simon pouted.

“It happened.” Derek replied looking down at his now bare feet.

“What happened?” Rae asked.

“His transformation”

I replied.

“That narrows it down.”

She said her voice icy.

“Into a werewolf” Simon mumbled.

“We should go now. Their now far behind.”

Derek interrupted clearly wanting to change the subject.

Simon, taking the hint headed down the streets with us not far behind.

My thoughts on 'THE ALCHEMY OF FOREVER' by Avery Williams

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I finished this book so quickly. And not because it was under 250 pgs or that the words were rather large....no, although I am sure that helped, but because I was so drawn into this story that I just kept reading.

The story is about a group of people called 'incarnates' who take over other peoples bodies so they can live forever. The bodies they possess are only good for about 10 years and if they don't find another body before the body they are in expires they will be turned to dust and be gone forever.

The main girl, Seraphina, is tired of taking other peoples bodies, because she doesn't want to kill anymore. So after being an incarnate for 600 years she decides to run away. And it is 'run away' because the creator of them all, Cyrus, who is also an incarnate, is very possesive and controlling and would never just let Seraphina go.

So Seraphina makes a plan, but things go wrong and do not go as she had thought out so she must make some changes. Unfortunately, things become even more messed up and on top of what Seraphina is dealing with trying to get everything worked out she experiences things she never did before, which makes her double think her original plans.

Add to that that the fact that Cyrus is after her and that he may have found her.

Seraphina must find a way to outsmart Cryus, but still protect everything she has grown to care about.

There wasn't a whole lot of action in this book, but there was a lot of mystery and intrigue. Questions left unanswered. Some of the things I figured out right away, but I was so wrapped up in what was happening and what was going to happen to Seraphina that I wasn't too bothered by it.

I cannot wait for the next book because I just need to know what is going to happen next. And I need so many questions answered. Such as, why was a certain somebody in that part of town in the first place??

I usually don't come across a book like this that just draws me so deeply in unless it is a comtemparary so this book must be good!



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Library Haul 1-16-12

I brought a ton of stuff back to the library today and had a ton of stuff waiting for me. What a great trade!

I really wanted to do a You Tube video, but Mia and I cannot find the memory card now so that isn't happening....sucks! First, my charger is lost and I have to wait to get a new one before I can record anymore videos. And now, the memory card is missing and so I have to wait again before recording anymore videos...

So, I got 20 items from the library today-yes, a lot...but 1 was a DVD and 4 were CDs....I think since there are so many items I will just put the name and link them to their Amazon page.

DVD

Eminem: Diamonds and Pearls

CDs

Eminem: Relapse
Eminem: Recovery
2011 Grammy Nominees
Bad meets evil-Hell: the sequel

YA FICTION

Insight by Diana Greenwood
Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Living Violet by Jaime Reed
Wherever you go by Heather Davis
A long long sleep by Anna Sheehan
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

NON-FICTION ADULT


Understanding Drugs: Cocaine & Crack by Alan Hecht, D.C.
The Holocaust: Kristallnacht-The Nazi Terror that began the Holocaust by James M. Deem
Whatever you say I am: The life and times of Eminem by Anthony Bozza
Oink: My life with mini-pigs by Matt Whyman
It calls you back by Luis J. Rodriguez
It's so easy and other lies by Duff McKagan

These books are also going to be my TBR pile for the 2nd half of January since I already finished my first pile of TBR for January.

What is with all the HATE???

OK, so I did not realize that this was such a problem around the book community, but apparently there has been a lot of hate going around. I do not know how long it has been happening for, but I just got wind of it yesterday and it is not pretty.

I do not understand why people feel the need to say such nasty and hateful things to people. Especially over books and peoples opinions of them. I understand that reading certain books can really produce strong emotions in people but unless the person is giving a really bashing review of a book shouldn't we just let people state their opinions without being so judgemental?

Isn't one of the reasons why people love to be in the book community because it is such a happy and welcoming one? I know that is the reason I like to be in it and I have heard plenty of people state that is exactly why they also like being in this community.

People do this (have blogs, do videos, etc) because it is something that they enjoy doing. They love reading and they love to share their thoughts with others. They do not do this because they are looking for a debate or a fight, and when others start that it makes us upset and question if we should continue doing something that we really loved. It makes us question if it is worth all the hate to continue spending time to share our love of reading with others.

I believe that if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. Even if the review in question is bashing a book or the author. Although, if the review is bashing the author maybe you should stand up for said author. But please refrain from any hate or ugly words on your end also, because all you, we are doing is being just like the people we do not like.

The Irrestibly Sweet Blog Award

I normally don't do blog awards, but I was nominated by my good friend Krista, over at The Cubicle Blindness so I thought I would go ahead and do this one.

Here are The Rules:
Thank and link to the person who nominated you.

Share 7 random facts about yourself.
Pass the Award on to 10 deserving blog buddies.
Contact those buddies and let them know.

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. It takes a lot to get me mad, but when I do I have no problem speaking my mind. When I'm done, I'm OK again. I do not hold grudges.
2. I have an Associates degree
3. I have always wanted to be a Criminal Psychologist, but because of a lot of issues at home (when I was a teen) I obviously didn't take that path
4. I used to draw and write short stories
5. I have no desire to draw or write anymore
6. I do not drink or smoke and can't be around people who are drinking-unless it is a glass of something and they are not guzzling down beers or shots
7. Extremely afraid of vomit. Cannot be around anyone that has a stomach-ache. I have literally left the house before and my husband  has had to stay home from work to take care of the kids when they were throwing up. Cannot watch movies, etc that have it in there...Bad phobia!

and I just wanted to add one more:

      8. I love to have edgy short(er) haircuts and wild colors!

I am not going to tag anyone but I thought it would be fun to do since Krista tagged me.