Book Review: To Rise Again At A Decent Hour

....to clarify...I won this ARC in a first reads Goodreads giveaway.

Ok. There. I did it. I finally finished the book. Now I can move on with my life.
How do I even begin to describe my feelings about this book. It is like nothing else I have ever read before. I'll start by giving it a 3.649284 out of 5.

It was so boring at times I gave into my headache and actually put the book down. That was disappointing. I wanted to love every word in the book, but I was constantly repelled every time I got to the parts about religious history. Not because it was uninteresting, but mostly because I feel like it was over my head and I didn't know what to believe. Then to my relief I came to the conclusion that my opinion on it's validity was of no importance to the overall concept of the story.

I eventually picked the book up again, and oh was I so happy I did! There are many moments that made up for the small boring tidbits (x10000000). There were parts that I literally LOLed. There were even more times that I related a little more to the main character than I would ever have wanted. There were some pretty brilliant descriptions about everyday events that I would have normally never stopped to appreciate how grand they really are. 

Much like the main character, my opinion on the novel is also a contradiction to itself. I loved it, but hated it. I loved it more than I hated it though... and I really grew fond of Dr. Paul C. O'Rourk. His character was so meticulously created and displayed. I haven't read of any other character yet that has been built upon with each line, each word. Every eccentricity was more insight to his character. He went off on a lot of tangents, and I ALMOST got confused and lost in it all, but the author brought you back soon enough for it not to be a problem. It was in all of those tangents that you get to know Paul for who he is and why he is they way he is.

I like how the book ended. That's all I will say.

Book Review: The Edge of Never

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Edge Of Never

by

J. A. Redmerski

** spoiler alert ** Every once in awhile I need to read a really good love story. This was a really good love story. I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters.

Camryn had dealt with a lot of heartache. She was somewhat damaged, but understandably, but not in the horribly horrific worst way. She still had a little fight left in her. She wanted to change things. She had her reservations, but that didn't stop her from living her life. She just went after what she knew would make her happy...along the way she met Andrew.

I love Andrew. I know I'm married and I can't have him (nevermind the fact that he is a fictional character-haha), but he really is amazing. He has his flaws, but he makes up for them in every other aspect. He's got a great story of his own and I COULD NOT put the book down in anticipation of finding out what it was.

These two had chemistry like no other. They had a beautiful friendship that quickly turned into a beautiful "love story." The best love story I've read in awhile.

I entered the giveaway for "The Edge of Always" #2 in this series and WON! ...that is actually how I heard of this book. I quickly read this so now I am ready to receive my copy of the second book in the series and see what else happens :)

Book Review: The Book Thief

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Book Thief

by

Markus Zusak

5 stars!

For a book set during the Nazi Germany time period it was thoroughly entertaining and hilarious. The perspective from which it was written gives a neutral view that allows for that kind of humor. You will instantly fall in love with every character, even the ones you don't want to. You will feel their joy, pain, satisfaction, humiliation, gratitude, etc... I felt like a member of Liesel's very disfunctional family, and was quite proud of it!

Liesel deals with so much heartbreak it's hard to read sometimes, but her challenges and journey keep you turning the page. I love a book that will make me think and cry....and cry I did! A lot. Mostly on the inside because I don't like to blur my vision (that makes reading more difficult). It's a feel-good cry. The moments you know are inevitable, you see them coming, but you still bawl like a baby. 

There's a lot in this book that is very hard to fathom, but I believe is necessary for everyone once they reach a certain age. Although a fictional story, it still paints a very realistic picture of the times. The truth of this time is painful, but the knowledge of the past must be passed on and this novel is a great tool to do just that. 

Book Review: The Rosie Project

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Rosie Project 

by 

Graeme Simsion

5 stars :)

I instantly fell in love with Don Tillman. He is so honest and lovable. This book follows his journey of finding a wife in his very logical, statistical manner. When his approach doesn't necessarily deliver the results he expected he receives so much more.

Written from Don's perspective, you're taken within the mind of a genetic's professor with Asperger's Syndrome. His concise, methodical, systematic, deliberate way of thinking and acting makes for a very entertaining narrative! I couldn't put this book down. I really hope it is made into a movie. I can't wait to watch it!

Book Review: Labor Day

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

Labor Day

by 

Joyce Maynard

2.5 STARS

** spoiler alert ** SPOILER!!!! I didn't really like this book much. Other than the lack of quotation marks the writing wasn't too bad. ...the dialogue without quotation marks made reading the first part of the book difficult but I eventually got past it. I think using a pubecient teenage boy as the narrator was a gross and creepy choice. The "love story" included sex, of course, which had to be conveyed by the narrator...dusturbing at the very least. However I do think the young boy was a superb choice only when it came to his mother's pathetic life. ("pathetic" being used in a non-malicious way-she truly was a sad sad person) I wasn't really feeling the "love" between Frank and Adele. He just spent the last almost 20 years in prison-why wouldn't he jump in the sack with the next available woman... Her side was even more unbelievable. She leads a sorry life putting so much worry, responsibility and pain on her son's shoulders yet some convict rolls into town and she's a changed woman! ...and even worse, her son goes along with all her shenanigans because he will still do anything to make her happy. No one in their right mind would make the mistake Adele did (at least I hope not). If she were so quick to "fall in love" with this supposedly dangerous criminal why wouldn't she just use that effort to get out of the house, find a real job, support her son emotionally and otherwise and work on herself. Afterall you can't love another until you love yourself...which makes this all the more unbelievable. I was really looking forward to this one, but was sadly disappointed. I will give her kudos for the idea. It's not your typical sunshine and butterflies love story.

Book Review: Maya-Bay of the Dolphin

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

I love reading. It has always been a very important part of my life. Was I always good at it? Definitely not, no one is. We all start out not knowing how to read. I, however, struggled more than the average person.

For most of elementary school I was put into a remedial reading group. We met during reading time each day. I really enjoyed the attention I got in that small group. It really helped me to succeed in school. I averaged a "C" all 6 years I was there, and I believe that was mostly for effort. Not being a great reader affected all areas of work.

Eventually, thanks to the help I received from teacher aides, I caught up and surpassed the majority of students in my grade. By the time I got to middle school (6th grade) I was getting all A's, on academic teams and the spell bowl team. Not to mention I was reading for fun.

It has opened my eyes to how very important reading is in all aspects of your life. I may not be an English Major or an editor of a big newspaper, but reading has been a blessing and a form of happiness for me.

Nowadays I read for fun. I paid my dues. I read all of those high school and college textbooks...let's put an emphasis on all of the Nursing material I had to read... I enjoy reading for fun now. I have read more in the last two years than I have my whole life (pertaining to reading for enjoyment.) I have read and enjoyed many different types of books. I also still really enjoy children's books. My kids are now reading and one of my favorite things to do with them is visit the bookstore. We go once or twice a week. I love it!

I just recently finished a book written by a local author, Suzanne De Board. I was lucky enough to meet  her and her husband over Thanksgiving break during a book signing. She had 7 books available for purchase, and of course I couldn't walk out of there with just one book--so I got three! The three I chose were: Sarah Jane, The Gift (the first book in "The Gift" series, and Maya-Bay of the Dolphin.  Maya-Bay of the Dolphin is a middle-school reading level chapter book. I read it the day after I bought it. I couldn't wait to dive into one of the books I got so I decided to start with the one I could finish quickly. I was not disappointed!

I am not a professional book reviewer, but I will give my opinion. I give reviews for almost all the books I read on my Goodreads app, but this is the first one I have written a blog post about. I believe this book is good enough to get more recognition so I would be happy to spread the word in any way I can.

I must begin with the cover illustration since that is the first thing you see. It is beautiful. I love the bright, cheerful colors. I will tell you all like I told the author, "I try not to judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it. These are beautiful." ("these" referring to all of her books.)

Her books really do have some of the best cover art I have ever seen.

Now onto the inside...

This was such a cute story. It is the story of seven year old Maya who loses her nana, her best friend. The family spreads her cremated ashes out to sea, and Maya spots a dolphin who she believes is her papa taking her nana with him.

The story continues with her parents struggle to make her believe she is not seeing her grandparents and that it is only marine animals.

The whole story is wonderful, but the ending is perfect. It put a smile on my face and brought a tear to my eye. I can't wait to read it with my kids.

It is very well written. I feel like it is a treasure for all ages, but especially the youngest readers. Books for young audiences are very much Straight to the point without much imagery or description for fear that the young reader can't understand the concept of the story. This story is quite the opposite. The author really delivers the scene and story simplistically and eloquently. 

I highly recommend this book. I love a book with a pleasant surprise ending and it isn't too often you find that in a book written for young readers. Which is why this book is for people of all ages. Christmas is coming near and you still have time to order things online. Give your children the gift of reading and start with this book! :) Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Maya-Bay of the Dolphin

Happy Reading!

Honoring Our Veterans

I know a lot of my posts are centered around my weight loss journey or crafting in some way. I love sharing my crochet patterns, pinterest fails, or recipes, etc., but today I thought I would change things up a bit.

In honor of Veterans Day being this month I was asked to share a link to an article about PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), once called shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome, is a serious condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a 
traumatic or terrifying event in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened," -WebMD. 

This blog post by The American Recall Center offers some important information on the topic.
Caring For Our Heroes: Learn About PTSD This Veterans Day

"The American Recall Center provides drug and medical device recall information alongside practical healthcare information and support. We aim to build the most comprehensive resource on the Internet for timely and trusted material regarding healthcare topics that matter to the consumer. The team at ARC is dedicated to helping consumers find accurate information with ease," -The American Recall Center (About Us).

Although this post is coming around Veterans day, and although most of us associate PTSD with military members who have seen combat, PTSD can occur in any person who has experienced a traumatic event. Unless you or someone close to you has experienced this condition, you probably haven't really thought about it too much. PTSD can be very debilitating and those who have it have a lot of obstacles to overcome. Let's take this time to educate ourselves a little more so that we may show support for those who have it.

Also in the article offered by The Recall Center are further resources that could be beneficial to those experiencing PTSD.

To those veterans who have served and fought for everything we have and stand for today, I thank you.