Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright

Elyse Beardon is on a flight back home to her husband and daughter when she sits down next to a stranger and they begin a conversation. This man and the feelings he brings out in her will make her question where she is in her life. She has been married for almost a decade now and her husband Phil is a great man... her only problem is that she has been trying for years to make their marriage work and she has begun to realize it is a losing battle.

Love in Mid Air is Elyse's struggle to find some semblance of happiness in her life. She knows that not everyone is happy with their lives 100% of the time, but she feels that settling is not something she wants to do. Ms. Wright creates a woman who is very real, dealing with issues that are very relateable. Divorce is not something to take lightly and Elyse's struggle with it is intense and honest.

What I truly enjoyed about this story, is that Elyse is not always likable, her story is not always clean cut and she might not have a fairytale ending... but that is life. I think Ms. Wright did a phenomenal job of tackling a subject that I'm sure is very real to many women out there. This is the type of book that will make you think back on your life and your relationship and you will be grateful for what you have... or, in some cases, you might relate to Elyse's story.

This is one that I think will be a great pick for book clubs since it is very thought-provoking - or just one to be enjoyed for its great writing, realistic characters and real-life scenarios. All in all, a great read!

This book was provided for review by Hachette Book Group as part of their blog tour.

Check out some other tour stops today:
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com
http://www.mgpblog.com
http://www.my-book-views.blogspot.com
http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/
http://www.bellasnovella.com
http://www.maryinhb.blogspot.com
http://www.bridget3420.blogspot.com

After by Amy Efaw

Devon Davenport is 15 years old, she is a superstar athlete on her soccer team, straight-A student, and all around perfect teen. She strives to be everything that her mom isn't - strong, independent, reliable and definitely not a teen mother like her. She has set some very strict rules and regulations that she follows in order to stick to her goals.

But all that changes one morning when a baby is found in a dumpster behind her apartment building. The police begin their search and find themselves on Devon's doorstep. Her mother, flirting with the officers, believes that maybe her daughter can help since she stayed home from school because she was feeling sick. It doesn't take very long for them to realize that Devon is the person they are looking for.

The story mostly revolves around Devon - pre-baby and post-baby, or rather "IT" as she calls the infant. She now finds herself in a juvenile detention center facing some rather severe charges. Yet throughout it all she doesn't remember much of anything revolving around "IT" or "THAT NIGHT". She can't face what she's done. She swears that she did not know she was pregnant. The story unfolds little by little as you get more and more insight into Devon's life as her attorney does her research in order for her to be tried as a minor rather than an adult - meaning she could face life in jail if tried as an adult.

I entered into reading this book with some trepidation. I knew it would be an emotional rollercoaster. Ms. Efaw has created a character that, although not always liked, you can't help but to care for.. to sympathize with her. I was really surprised that I would feel this way about her, but in the end I did. I couldn't help but hope that it somehow worked out for her. What I truly enjoyed about this story is that Ms. Efaw does not try to sugar coat any of Devon's actions. They are what they are. Ugly. Raw. Emotional. It is a tough subject to read about, but definitely one that we've heard about more than once on the news.

My only complaint, and the reason why I did not give it 5 stars was because of the ending. It just felt too abrupt for me. I would have liked a little more. But still don't let that deter you from reading this. I'd recommend this to parents and teens - because it is a very thought-provoking subject and one that I think could spark some important discussions.

Giveaway: The 3-Day Cleanse

Celebrities, foodies and media people rely on the Blueprint Cleanse for relief from the excess, overindulgence and toxins we are all exposed to every day. Now, the founders of the cleanse praised in Elle, Vogue and Every Day with Rachel Ray, offer THE 3-DAY CLEANSE, an at-home juice cleansing program for everyone. Cleansing allows the digestive system to rid itself of the toxins everyone accumulates from unhealthy eating or from the environment. This is a customized program based on your own personal health and lifestyle. Unlike other programs the Blueprint Cleanse includes enough calories and natural fats for an easier yet incredibly effective cleanse. This books guides readers through step-by-step guidelines for a 1-day, 3-day and 14-day cleanse, as well as a long-term maintenance plan. There are sidebars with quick tips, secrets and advice from people who have done the cleanse and in addition to the juice, raw and part-raw recipes the authors include advice on battling the urge to cheat and working the cleanse into a busy lifestyle. It will boost your immune system, alleviate allergies and PMS, improve your mood and sex drive and clear up your skin. Finally.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Anna at HBG.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Saturday, April 24.

Giveaway: How to Never Look Fat Again

The new groundbreaking style-guide from bestseller author Charla Krupp on how to look 10
pounds lighter, 10 years younger and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, at the gym, even in a swimsuit!

You'll never get dressed the same way again once you discover:

*smart, easy ways to hide arm flap, a big bust, a muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, wide hips, thunder thighs, and heavy calves-and that's only half the book.

*which fabrics, colors, and styles make women look fat

*absolutely the best shades, shapes, and brilliant buys to make the pounds invisible

*clever solutions for special fashion situations--workout gear, evening wear, and even swimsuits!

*which products, fashions, and services you shouldn't waste your money on

*the top ten tips that will make you look thinner by tonight!

So, if you've ever put on a piece of clothing and asked "Does this make me look fat?" Finally, here is the book that will answer your question.


GIVEAWAY: I have 3 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Anna at HBG.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Saturday, April 24.

Giveaway: Admission

"Admissions. Admission. Aren't there two sides to the word? And two opposing sides...It's what we let in, but it's also what we let out."

For years, 38-year-old Portia Nathan has avoided the past, hiding behind her busy (and sometimes punishing) career as a Princeton University admissions officer and her dependable domestic life. Her reluctance to confront the truth is suddenly overwhelmed by the resurfacing of a life-altering decision, and Portia is faced with an extraordinary test. Just as thousands of the nation's brightest students await her decision regarding their academic admission, so too must Portia decide whether to make her own ultimate admission.

Admission is at once a fascinating look at the complex college admissions process and an emotional examination of what happens when the secrets of the past return and shake a woman's life to its core.


GIVEAWAY: I have 3 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Valerie at HBG.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Friday, April 23.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Jenna Fox has just awoken from a year long coma. She doesn't remember much of her life before the accident. All she knows about herself and her former life is what she is told and what she learns from the videos of herself that she is given to watch.

The not-too-distant future Ms. Pearson creates within these pages is both believable and intriguing. I enjoyed watching how Jenna uncovers in slow increments more and more of her life... but you know something is off right from the start. To be quite honest, this was what I enjoyed the most of this story. The suspense... WHO IS JENNA FOX?

I loved that we get little tidbits of pre-accident Jenna and how post-accident Jenna assimilates this information and then uses it to put the missing pieces together. I had all these different conspiracy theories going the whole time... is she a robot, is she a clone, is she an alien... Can I just tell you how much I loved not knowing. And the best part of it all, I never figured it out before Jenna did. That alone makes it worth the read.

At a glimpse this might seem like a story about a girl coming to terms with who she is and finding herself... but it is so much deeper than that. There are some strong messages scattered throughout the book dealing with religion, science, ethics, and humanity. But the one thing that really gripped me about this book was the thought... to what extent would a parent go to in order to save their child?

Although slow-paced, I found The Adoration of Jenna Fox to be utterly absorbing and highly thought-provoking. It contemplates one of life’s great questions—“What makes us human?” Is it our body, our memories, our knowledge, or something else entirely? This is geared more towards older teens, but definitely a worthy read for adults as well. If you're like me who doesn't really enjoy science fiction, this book will prove you wrong. READ IT!

My Rating:

Manic Monday Recaps

It's raining, it's pouring. I just love this weather. Would much prefer to be at home then at work but... c'est la vie.

Here's what I plan on reading this week:

Last week I read the following:
- The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
- Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright
- The Girl With Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
- The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
- After by Amy Efaw

I reviewed the following:
- Fade by Lisa McMann [review]
- The Crazy School by Cornelia Read [review]
- Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Lauren Myracle, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe and Stephanie Meyer [review]

What are you reading this week?

Saturday Sayings [19]

[via We Heart It]

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Stephanie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Lauren Myracle

Prom Nights from Hell is an anthology of short stories by five well-known young adult authors all giving prom a supernatural and/or paranormal twist. Each story was captivating in its own right, giving you a glimpse of interesting characters and plot lines that I mostly wished wouldn't end.

The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot

In The Exterminator's Daughter, you meet Mary (who reminded me a lot of Buffy). In this story her BFF is dating none other than the son of ... Dracula. Luckily for her, Mary is a novice vampire slayer. With the help of Adam, a boy from school, she will do what she must to save her friend and revenge her mother. The chapters alternate between Mary and Adam's point of view. Very cute story and I absolutely loved the dialogue between the characters.

The Corsage by Lauren Myracle

By far, the creepiest of the bunch and inspired by The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs. Frankie is given a corsage that grants three wishes. And, of course, her first wish is that the boy she loves asks her to prom. Talk about wishes going bad. Gave me the heebie jeebies.

Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
This is a short story about how Madison Avery (Once Dead, Twice Shy) dies. It's a story of light reapers and dark reapers and how she comes to be stuck amongst them. I think I liked it the least only because just when it started getting good it ended. I would say it's a sneak peak of what's to come in Once Dead, Twice Shy. The ending was too abrupt for my taste and left me flipping the pages back and forth because I felt as if I had missed something.

Kiss and Tell by Michele Jaffe
This was my favorite story in the book. It was the longest one too. Maybe that's why. This is the story of Miranda Kiss who is basically a superhero. She's got super powers but has no idea what they are half the time or what limits she has. She's got all these self-help books... the titles are hilarious. The girl was a hoot. I think this was the funnest, had the wittiest characters and a sweet romance to top it off.

Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer

Sheba is a low level demon causing quite the stir at her high school prom. The more misery and devastation she can cause the better. Happy couples are bickering, girls are suffering bouts of jealousy, boys are lusting over girls who aren't their dates, and there's even a student with the promise of using a weapon. Prom is quite the success for Sheba ... that is until she meets the eyes of Gabe Christiansen.

As with all short stories, you only get a glimpse into these characters lives and, as always, they rather end too quickly. All in all, this is a great little book to be enjoyed by both teens and adults alike.

The Crazy School by Cornelia Read

Santangelo Academy (referred to by some as "the Crazy School) is a boarding school for wayward teenagers who have run out of conventional schooling options. New teacher Madeline Dare finds that some of the "therapeutic" requirements prescribed by Dr. Santangelo are unconventional and downright sadistic. And when two kids are found dead, with Madeline framed as the killer, she finds out that something sinister is going on within the Crazy School.

First, let's start off with something I didn't know before I began reading this book, this is the second book in the Madeline Dare mysteries. A Field of Darkness being the first and where it looks like you get more background information on the clever and witty Madeline. You definitely do not have to read a A Field of Darkness to enjoy The Crazy School though. There is some hinting as to Madeline's past but nothing that deters from this story.

Although it did have a slow beginning, Madeline, her hubby (which was a hoot), her students and the staff at the school quickly grow on you. Ms. Read gives her characters this funny, ironic, and even cynical humor that I just can't help but to love. I loved Maddie's therapy sessions... I mean she makes her therapist cry. Just classic really. I definitely had a few laugh out loud moments.Towards the second half of the book it really picks up its pace and you find the pages flying by as you try to uncover the mystery which is just as thrilling as it is heartbreaking.

This can be enjoyed by older teens and adults alike. Definitely one to add to your reading list if you are a fan of quick-witted heroines and well-crafted mysteries.

This book was provided for review by Hachette Book Group.

Giveaways: Romance Lovers (there's something for everyone)

1600 years ago, Jordan was the sole survivor of a ruthless Tribe attack which annihilated his world. To stop the Tribes deadly galactic conquest from continuing, he followed the Tribes to Earth, assumed the name Merlin and assisted King Arthur and his Knights to save Earth. When Arthur died, Camelot fell and Jordan lost his Ancient Staff. Now, over 1000 years later, the Tribes are back and so is Jordan. He's recovered his Ancient Staff and is again on the trail of the Holy Grail to save Earth and protect the galaxy ...Vivianne Blackstone is a lady with her own agenda. An American businesswoman, self-made billionaire and a fighter from the get-go, she's confident, capable and a definite type A personality. One of Earth's brightest and most loyal citizens, she vows to do her part to save the planet when she learns the Tribes are on the move again. Jordan and Vivianne team up to save Earth and along the way they fall in love. But according to galactic legend, there's only 1 way to defeat the Tribes: Uniting the Ancient Staff with the Holy Grail. There's only one catch, Jordan cannot live without the Ancient Staff. To defeat the Tribes and save Earth, he must perish.

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

They're the McCords...three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range--if they seek the treasure hidden on it. But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

She was the one person who shook Jesse McCord's quiet determination. She was the only one he ever let in, body and soul. Then suddenly Amy Parrish was gone and the oldest McCord cousin devoted his life to the family ranch. Now Amy is back, offering help to Jesse find the McCord gold. Yet Jesse's not about to give her a second chance, and he hopes his pride will protect him from her irresistible charms. But under the wide prairie skies a dangerous, unseen enemy is fast closing in, threatening Amy and Jesse's very lives and the promise of their ... MONTANA LEGACY.


A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham, the Earl of Hadley is not accused of murdering anything-save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temprorary alliance, Ciara decides that she had no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of naughty pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step.


DEMON ENSLAVED
Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

AN ANGEL TEMPTED
Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side, sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary-even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again-one hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.


GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies of each up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Anna at HBG.

Please make sure to specify if there are specific titles that you are interested in winning.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Saturday, April 17.

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie is getting the hang of her ability as a dream catcher. Yep, she still gets sucked into people's dreams, but she now has the ability of controlling for how long she's in there. She can pull out easier and feels more in control of the situation. Although this takes a heavy toll on her body, she enjoys working undercover with Cabel and the police and has found a good use for her gift.

When Captain asks her to go undercover and help in uncovering if certain teachers have been getting a little frisky with the students at Fieldridge High, a definite strain is put on her relationship with Cabe, but she eventually puts her foot down and accepts the challenge. Then there's the box of documents that Captain hands her from the late Martha Stubin, with more information on her dream catching powers and exactly what fate awaits her if she is to use her gift for the good of mankind. And, needless to say, her future is much darker then she expected.

I can't rave enough about this series. I am 100% hooked on Janie and Cabel. I still ache for Janie - her mother continues drinking, has no idea what's going on outside the house, much less cares for what's going on with Janie. Her only source of happiness is Cabel and their sizzling romance.

Ms. McMann definitely delivers with Fade. Fade is suspenseful, thrilling, romantic and dark (because yes, we are dealing with sex, drugs and alcohol). The characters are real, the story is engaging and the anticipation, of whether Janie will crack the case or not, is intense.

Fade is the second in the Dream Catcher series. I do recommend that you read Wake first just because Fade is so fast-paced you might be a little confused as to what is going on. Also note, there are a few cuss words and also take into consideration that this story is about a sexual predator - so definitely recommended more for older teens or, at the very least, parental discretion is advised.

Loved it, highly recommend it! Can't wait to get my little hands on the final installment, GONE.

My Rating:

Manic Monday Recaps (on Tuesday)

Still sick. Kids sick too. Hate life right now. Getting reading done. Will get over it.

Here's what I plan on reading this week:

Last week I read the following:
- Prom Nights From Hell by Various Authors
- Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward
- Lover Awakened - J.R. Ward
- Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward
- Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward
- Lover Enshrined - J.R. Ward
- Lover Avenged - J.R. Ward

What? Yes, I read the whole Black Dagger Brotherhood series in one week. OCD, remember?!

I reviewed the following:
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll [review]
- The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan [review]
- Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe [review]

Hope you all are healthy and reading all that your little hearts desire. Toodles.

Bookcase of the Week [12]

[via A Traveling Journeyer]

I just love the simplicity of it.

Saturday Sayings [18]

[via Flickr]

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers". Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody... and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad — and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance... (via GoodReads)

For some reason this novel was not what I expected. Don't take me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but I originally anticipated a fun, upbeat YA novel about girl who sees dead people. This was not the case. Yes, of course, there is a girl who sees dead people, but this is a much more serious novel then I expected.

Cass was fantastic - she was funny, and witty, and has a knack for knowing the deep, dark secrets that her classmates try to hide behind their popularity and cool facades - they just don't know she is getting the "down low" from her see-through friends. See Cass was once part of the "cool crowd", until the day she and her BFF had a falling out and she became an outcast. Now her only friends are of the silent and deadly variety - the two ghosts that haunt her school, Norris and Bitsy.

But all this changes when Cass is approached by Tim in the need of her "special" talent. And, although Cass is originally put off by the idea of helping Tim (especially since he's part of the in-crowd), she eventually agrees to do what she can to help him. This is their story of how they struggle with their parents, friendships, and death.

What I truly enjoyed the most about this story is how realistic Cass’s tale felt. Despite this being a story that revolves around the supernatural, this is really a book about a teenage girl struggling to find her place in a world that isn't always easy.

I enjoyed Ms. Crewe's writing - it was straight-forward, flowed nicely and introduced us to a set of characters that, even with their flaws, were all relateable and likeable. This is a coming-of-age story, it is about fitting in, but more importantly, accepting oneself and letting go of grudges. It is about grief and loss, and moving on. A great book!

Giveaway Results

[via me-withoutyou]

The Crazy School by Cornelia Read
- limefrog
- Barb
- Alicia

Shadowtag by Louise Erdrich
- jemscout425

Brava Valentine by Adriana Trigiani
- kittyism

The Cougar Club by Susan McBride (autographed)
- SharpTeethOfLove

31 Bond Street by Ellen Horan
- mariag

So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
- A Bookshelf Monstrosity

Hush by Kate White
- lag123

In a Dark Wood by Marcel Moring
- GraceP

Marriage and Other Acts of Charity by Kate Braestrup [audiobook]
- robynl
- Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com
- Mary

The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova [audiobook]
- Kerry
- dlhaley
- Maria D.

I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne [audiobook]
- RachieG
- Tina
- Jess

The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris [audiobook]
- Mrs. DeRaps
- Just Mom
- nfmgirl

Way to go you guys! Winners were chosen using randomizer.org. I will be sending out a ton of e-mails within the next couple of minutes, so look out for it. You have until Tuesday to get back to me, if I haven't heard from you by then, a new winner will be chosen.

If you are still interested in more giveaways, check out my giveaways page [here]. More giveaways will be posted later today - so stay tuned.

i heart

[via We Heart It]

This week I just had to heart this picture. Why? Well, because dang it, I want a tub made out of books. Obviously it's not very practicable and I'm sure I'd be freaking out with worry that I'm going to get the books wet... but I don't care, I WANT ONE!

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. [via GoodReads]

As a big fan of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on The Dead-Tossed Waves. And boy, was I happy to see that not only did Ms. Ryan live up to the awesomeness that was The Forest of Hands and Teeth, but she might have even surpassed it in this one.

This is zombie mayhem at its best - but don't take me wrong, although this is a zombie book, this is also so much more. For one, the characters are all vividly descriptive, three-dimensional and very likeable. Gabry was a wonderful protagonist - she's young, she's scared, she questions herself in almost everything she does... nothing like Mary (TFHT). Where Mary was brave, strong-willed (even to a fault), was in need of something more in life then the relatively safe life she lived in her village in the forest, Gabry was the total opposite. Gabry is quiet, reserved, shy, she thinks before she acts and she enjoys the safety found within the town of Vista with its barricaded walls and constant patrolling of the town. The Mudo (a/k/a the Unconsecrated) are something that is found outside those walls - something that she and her mother might deal with if it washes up in the shores surrounding their lighthouse after a storm, but not something that is a constant or direct danger to her. Yet after a couple of pages that quickly changes.

Within these pages you will read about life in a world where there is life after death... just not the type where you walk into the light. Where once you return you become a soulless being only driven by the scent of blood and the need to infect. But more importantly, this is a story of hope, of love, of loss, of dealing with the lemons life hands you. Ms. Ryan's writing is stellar. She definitely has a way with words. She captured me from the first chapter and spit me out in the end in a heap. Because yes, although many questions are answered throughout the story relating to TFHT, there are still so many left unanswered. And that final moment in the book left me with my mouth open and freaking out because I've searched everywhere and still can't find out if and when there will be another book... yes, there is a cliff-hanger.

All in all, I am once again in awe of the world created by Ms. Ryan. Her story is one that although grimly revolves around pain and death, it also holds you enthralled with its vivid descriptions, relateable characters, and action-packed journey, making it an exciting and enticing read. Although this is considered a companion book to The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I do recommend that you read that one first. Reading The Dead-Tossed Waves first is like eating dessert before your meal. With all that said, I truly cannot tell you how anxious I am to hear of the next in the series... and to be quite honest, I hope it picks up right where this one left off. I highly recommend this.

My Rating:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

We all know what happened to poor Alice when she fell down the rabbit hole? Or do we?

This is definitely not Disney's Alice in Wonderland or Tim Burton's wickedly awesome version of the tale. This is it... the real deal.

I've been meaning to read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for a few years now (you'd think I would've read it as a child, but nope, back then I was into Stephen King haha) and I chose this edition in particular because I fell in love with Camille Rose Garcia's illustrations. With it's fun-shaped narratives and two-page, colorful layouts scattered throughout. Originally I thought it was a shorter version of the novel, but to my joy and delight, it was the full story, so this is definitely one that I'm showcasing in my bookshelf at the moment.

As for the story, well, it's complete nonsense of course, but that's the great thing about it. There are talking cats who disappear all but their grin. There are sneezing babies that turn into pigs. There are mock turtles, dodobirds, gryphons and hookah-smoking caterpillars. There is painting the roses red, a queen who won't think twice before yelling "off with his/her head", there are dormouse's with sleeping disorders who hang with nutty hatters and crazy hares. Oh, and did I mention Alice's problem with height... yea, the poor girl.

Jibberish I tell you. But that's the fun of it. I would call it an organized mess. There really is no rhyme or reason to it, and that's exactly what makes it such a delight to read. Very imaginative, colorful and amusing - and I personally could not help feeling "curiouser and curiouser". I read it rather quickly too, as it's not very long.

All in all, this was a very peculiar read, one that I can say is fun, whimsical and a classic that should be read at least once in your life.

And one last thing, does anyone actually know:
Why IS a raven like a writing desk?!