Allegiant by Veronica Roth Review

A final book in many ways can be difficult to read and for a writer, hard to finish. There are really only two options 1)hero lives happily ever after or 2)Hero dies. Spoiler: The book was written in two point of views and I think that gave a clue as to how the series would end. I found the writing itself just as good as Roth's previous books but I think she crammed a lot of info into this final installment. That being said sometimes it felt thick when I was reading. There was just a bit too much to thoroughly enjoy it all the time. I would have liked to have seen more of a bond between Four and Tris but the distance between them seemed almost deliberate. Was Roth trying to prepare Tobias for Tris's ultimate death?
Her death was a well thought out one. When she decided to go instead of Caleb, to me, it was the same self-sacrifice Harry attempts in the final Potter book. Tris however, was merely human and falls. But her fall was necessary. She was the only one who had a hope of being immune to the death spray and she was. What no one anticipated was that someone would kill our Divergent hero with a common gun. In her final breath we get to see her mother come for her and lead her to her final home. This part was the most beautifully written part of the book in my opinion.
Then we see Four struggle with his loss. Although he is reunited with his mother he has lost the person and a life he wanted more than anything. Another beautiful part was when FOur finally zip lines. That part made me cry. Loss is certain as a human. It defines what it means to be human and mortal. More than anything I think that was the message behind this book.
Tris knew she couldn't last forever. Like FOur says in the book a flame that bright isn't meant to last long. Tris took risks and lived more than Caleb ever could. I think that may have also been a reason why she volunteered for the job. Caleb is the only part of Tris that remains. I was a little shocked that Caleb let her go, as he was always depicted being the one who followed the selfless lifestyle better. But in the end Tris made the ultimate choice. I don't think she could have lived in a world where Four was a second class citizen. Tris was selfless. Tris was strong. Tris was fearless. TRIS WAS DAUNTLESS.

Review of Charlie the Ranch Dog

I bought this book for my son because he loves Biscuit the Small Yellow Puppy and Clifford. I was a little worried because the reading ages are a little higher, but it was a pleasant reading experience for my son. He loved the comical Basset Hound. The main character thinks he is a hard worker but in reality he is lazy and loves two things, sleeping and bacon. The illustrations are just as striking as the writing style that draws youngsters in the story. I give it five out of five stars and can not even tell you how wonderful the book is. It is a book your children will love to read over and over. Also it is relatively new so you could buy the books and collect them as they come out. I consider it a multi-cultural read. Most children's books are based in highly populated areas and this one is based on a ranch. That means it will give your children a different view on how people live and enable them to relate to a wider variety of people. You could also use this book to teach your kids where their food comes from and how animals are managed on a farm.

Teardrop by Lauren Kate

review

This book was a solid three for me. I was a bit let down. When I first found the cover I was astonished by how beautiful it was but while reading I read that her hair was now black and remains black throughout the book. So the cover was a misrepresentation. Then we get into the book itself. In Fallen she hinted at drinking teens but it wasn't a bold fact. This book had a couple scenes that involved drinking and it bothered me that she put it in a book that was intended for a preteen to teen audi...more This book was a solid three for me. I was a bit let down. When I first found the cover I was astonished by how beautiful it was but while reading I read that her hair was now black and remains black throughout the book. So the cover was a misrepresentation. Then we get into the book itself. In Fallen she hinted at drinking teens but it wasn't a bold fact. This book had a couple scenes that involved drinking and it bothered me that she put it in a book that was intended for a preteen to teen audience. Kids see enough of inappropriate behavior on television, why not keep the book pure for its intended audience? So that was what dropped my star rating, however the saving grace for this book is it's story. The story was original and beautiful. I love love love Ander. I feel bad for Brooks but not as bad as I did for Cam in Fallen. Now lets talk about the other important characters. I most related to Cat a bit in her man loving ways but again she was a jail bait character. That is not the type of girl you want pre-teens to look up to. I thought it was aweful that both her mother figures died and that the twins had to watch. But all in all it was a decent novel.

Review on the House of Hades

     wow, he didn't leave us with a cliff hanger. BY THE WAY SPOILERS AHEAD READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! Okay so here is what is up with the heroes of Olympus. First off Nico is homosexual. Didn't shock me really, I was wondering when Rick was gonna put in some homosexuality because he is writing in Greek Mythology and we all know Achiles had Patrocles. Greeks weren't real touchy about the homosexuality thing. However having feelings for Percy could cause one of three things to happen. 1)Percy Dies (not likely) 2) New male character is introduced to steal Nico's heart(possible) 3.) NICO DIES! (Likely) I think he will die but if not romance is in the air for him.
   On to the next thing Bob the Titan and Little Bob and the Giant. I really hope they are not dead. Honestly I am thinking we are going to see them resurface and fight on the good side. I really want little Bob to live.
    On to Percybeth, Glad they made it out. Really have a feeling that they are going to move to Camp Jupiter as ambassadors for the Greek Camp. Its a way for them to get their happy ending. I think that may also make Jason stick to his new decision that he would like being Greek. He and Piper will stay at Camp Half Blood to help strengthen the bonds between the two camps like Percy and AnnaBeth.
   that leads us to the new love between Leo and Calypso. I really hope things work out for them. I know Leo will try to get the girl of his dreams. My heart really feels for Leo. I mean how much can a guy love without getting any love back. Him getting Calypso to make a fire safe pouch for Frank was just showing how golden his heart really is. I LOVE LEO!!!!!!!!
    Hazel and Frank were Kick ass in this book enough said.
    Piper is discovering that being the child of the Goddess of Love is a good thing. Love is infinite. You can always make more and it is never ending.
    Now the new relationship between Jason and Nico. I think it really gave Jason some depth and humanity that he accepted Nico for who he was and tried to offer him a friendship. Nico needs to realize that not everyone is prejudice.

Clifford Still Captivates Children

My two year old has read his Biscuit books so often the bindings have fallen off, so I agreed to order him the whole set for Christmas in hard cover. Now I want to expand his reading materials. He doesn't care for Dr.Suess yet, but he loves books about dogs. At Walmart I bought a Biscuit book on a whim. He loved it. I bought another and he has read it to death as well. So when I went to the Books A Million I looked for more Clifford. I found a hardback edition called the Clifford Collection. Inside is the six original stories and a little bit about the author and how Clifford the big red dog was born.
My son was transfixed by the dog and his Emily Elizabeth. His favorite was Clifford Gets a Job. Reading to him is now more enjoyable than ever. He loves his daily dose of Clifford, and I love having a variety to read to him.
The moral values in the books are beneficial to the way I want my son to be as a grown man. From being nice to learning to pay for your own way. Every child should be read a Clifford book. I look forward to tracking down and ordering him the Clifford set through out the next year. Maybe by next Christmas he will have them all.

Review on Nicholas Spark's The Longest Ride

Two thumbs up for this one.Made me cry. Ira is the type of guy every girl wishes she could fall in love with but Luke is also charming with his cowboy hat and hard-working ways. I loved this one, I think it is his best book to date. However, I have to say his male characters well heroes actually are almost too perfect. I wish I would meet guys like this. It was a novel that made me tear up and it had some very memorable lines. Read it if you like romance without all the smutty parts. A book for a grandmother, mother, and daughter to share and talk about. The ending was very satisfying and happy.
However, (yes there is a but) I had to wonder if part of this novel was inspired by Lane Frost. The movie 8 seconds. There are a few similarities. I have to wonder. Still a great read for cowgirls, city girls, and the true romantic heart. Any age from 13 up. Words sometimes fail to satisfy what I feel about a book and this is one of those times.

Tiger's Curse Series

     This book was recommended through my cousin. I borrowed the first two from her and then ended up falling in love with it so much that I bought the whole series in hardback. The mythology in it is fresh and new, since India's myths haven't been written to death. It's a quality written book that will leave you wanting more. The author is highly talented and I can't wait to see new things from her. This is just a short sweet review because when you read the book you will be captured. This is a book that can speak for itself.

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My Veiws on Chicken Soup for the Soul

     I seriously don't know anyone who doesn't own at least one of these books. They are like gabbing with you friends on various topics. I love reading stories that sound like something one of my friends or family members might tell me in a conversation. These books also bring tears to my eyes. When I read about mothers in several books, teens and campus life, and the 20th Anniversary Reader's Choice, it related to me on such a personal level.
     As a mother there are times when the baby won't sleep and feel like you are going to tear your hair out. When things got like that for me I read a story from the book while I was rocking or feeding my son and it calmed me. It made me thankful to have all those sleepless nights and tired mornings when you really just want to cover your head and hide from the world. Next time I go to a baby shower I am getting the mom a copy of Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul. I know my mother makes me crazy with saying I always did this or that for you, or you should do it the way I did. Sometimes it helps to know there are other mothers out there like you or things to inspire you to be a better mom. After all where is a perfect mother? They don't exist.
     When I was younger I really liked Campus Chronicles and Soup for the Teenage Soul. At those fragile moments in a  young girls life she needs support. Especially for girls like me who don't have a lot of friends but have a lot of books. I would recommend this book to any teen that needs a boost.

    

My Review of Styxx by Sherrlynn Kenyon

Styxx is my favorite to date. When I heard how long it was I was a little skeptical and thought it would be a total re-hashing of Acheron. Kenyon has shocked me and impressed me to my core. Unlike so many other authors I give up on when the story begins to drag around book eleven or twelve, I am so happy to read these novels. No kidding this was the longest book I have ever read. I also have to say it was one of the best books I have ever read. As a true mythology nut I loved the classic names like Antigone and Hector. The symbols are just too many not to notice. Not to mention her characters are so believable and life-like.  I loved the twist at the end with Urian, and of course that they got a new baby to raise. However with the time sequence shift I am thinking that Kenyon's Dark Hunters and Nick books are about to sync up in a significant way. This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to see more from this amazing author. I just finished this book and I am already drooling for another one. Thank God Kenyon is such a fast writer.

The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith

First of all, I think this is proof that Rowling can write new things and not just ride her name. Another thing I am going to state is that I am not going to compare this book to Harry Potter. Everyone loved Harry, it was a once in a lifetime novel, that brought thousands if not millions of people into reading. That being said this new novel has carved out its own place in literary history. I think it had hints that it was a Rowling book. The dialect that was written in, also the café that was c...more      First of all, I think this is proof that Rowling can write new things and not just ride her name. Another thing I am going to state is that I am not going to compare this book to Harry Potter. Everyone loved Harry, it was a once in a lifetime novel, that brought thousands if not millions of people into reading. That being said this new novel has carved out its own place in literary history.      I think it had hints that it was a Rowling book. The dialect that was written in, also the café that was called Phoenix was a red flag to me, and above all the quality and care that was put into this book said Professional. Rowling or Galbraith which ever name you prefer, is a true master of words. No matter what name is on the cover I will read works like this any day.      I found the novel to be one of the best crime or mystery novel I have ever read. Although it is still burning me alive; I really wanted Strike and Robin to get together. Maybe in the future books that will happen. I actually can't wait for the next one to come out. It will be at the top of my list as soon as the release date is given. Not many novels can completely floor you wen you find out who the bad guy is, most of the time I guess right.      All the negative bossy comments that are about Rowling's choice not to return to fantasy are unjust in my opinion. As a writer you need to write the characters that pop into your head at any given time and stick with them. I would love it if she were to write another children's or fantasy themed book, but until she chooses to I will read whatever she decides to create. I like her style not just the ideas she writes. Her characters are diverse and lifelike compared to a lot of stiff characters I have read. People need to get off her back and support her creative mind to try different genres. I am a Potter fan but before that I AM A ROWLING FAN!

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

     While I was happy to hold the final book in my hands it also seemed to be a heart breaking moment. Harry had seen me through the vicious bullying of my childhood peers and had grown up with me. While everyone who loves Harry will forever want another Potter book, I think the last book was the end of an era.
     My love of reading began with Rowling's epic series. I can't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't had that boy in the cupboard to visit. My books were the only friends I ever had as a child and while not much has changed I long for the day when I can read Harry to my young son. Hopefully his own set of Potter books will become as used and loved as my own.
     I know this is a short post but I felt I had to say something about the books that led a whole generation and future generations into reading. What hasn't been said about Harry? He was invincible good, loving, and a true underdog that most people can relate to. He makes you remember the good in even a not so nice character (Snape) and that even if you are alone in the world there will be others to stand by your side and battle aside your fear... LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER  THE BOY WHO LIVED.

Sincerely,
a forever fan

Stephanie Meyer's Works

     There are books that when you read them for the first time you like them but upon re-reading them you find small mistakes that drive you nuts. This is true for the Twilight series. I really enjoyed reading it but when I re-read the first one and then continued on to the second one I found a big plot mistake. If you recall reading in Twilight that Edward sought the help and advice of his brothers you would remember that he said Emmett was immortal longer than Jasper and had encountered strong scents like Bella's. Emmett killed these two people.
     Anyway, in the second book when Bella is freaking out over her birthday Edward says that no one had celebrated a human birthday since Emmett. Now this shows that there are three possible reason's for this mistake.
 a.) vegetarian vampires are more sensitive to blood scent than regular vampires
b.)  She messed up on Emmett and Jasper's ages and back stories 
c.)   She simply wasn't paying attention and didn't elaborate on this part of the book

     I believe the first of these can be eliminated because the Volturi call Bella a blood singer so therefore they have some knowledge and experience with enticing blood. Therefore its not only vegetarians that are sensitive to "blood heroin."  
     I think b is the most reasonable explanation. C is plausible but just shows a lack of note keeping abilities and an uncaring nature for her work; her fans should be pissed off if this is the reason. But I did find a similar mistake regarding the color of Bella's eyes. When she is shocked at how red they are Edward says "Animal blood dilutes them faster." I believe she meant that herbivore's blood would dilute them faster than carnivore since we know that red eyes are common in non-vegetarian vampires and all the Cullens have topaz eyes even though they drink bears or mountain lions which are predators.
     I also find that Meyer is a one trick pony. While we love, love triangles I think this is a major part of any novel she writes. It was in Twilight and it was in The Host. She should really try creating some tension on the relationship in some other way like Edward's stalker like behavior. I also think Twilight is potentially harmful to young girls who haven't discovered what is healthy in a relationship. By the way I think the fact that she allows Edward in her room without parental consent is in blatant disregard to a teen's health as well. There are reasons parents do what they do. Honestly I think Bella and Charlie's father and daughter relationship is the fakest thing in the book. 
     Moving on to the Host I think it is the Twilight series condensed, with a splash of aliens, and the same love triangle dilemma.                   

Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles

     No vampire book from the last twenty years would be popular if it hadn't been for the sensually dark Lestat from Anne Rice. She penned more than a masterpiece when she introduced the character in Interview With a Vampire, she created a sexy and provocative vampire who captured our interest and hearts. Her books are more than just a well crafted interesting piece of literature; it was a world.
     A world where we learn why humans are not meant to live forever, and why immortality is no gift. Imagine if you were to live forever. What would you do to occupy your vast amount of nighttime hours? This is what Rice thinks about and gives us an answer to in her novels. We meet Marius who is a lover of humanity and the arts, Gabrielle who is a bed ridden young woman who gains a second chance at life, Armand the brat prince, and many others who cannot be forgotten. Each reader will gain their favorites while exploring the world of Anne Rice.
     Sometimes in our lives we find writers who truly do create a world all their own like J.K.Rowling, Tolkien, and Anne Rice. In the end though it is the characters themselves that imprint on us and change how we view our world. But most of all for a brief pause in time we are part of that world, immortal, and more powerful than we could ever be in real life. 

Lauren Oliver's Delirium Series

     Honestly I really enjoyed this book. We have seen quite a few dystopia novels in the last four or five years and sometimes I think its wrong to compare them. I mean the Hunger Games were amazing and now Divergent is popular but I think Delirium is a great novel in itself. My reasoning is this. In the Hunger Games we were shocked that the contests were doomed to die since they were children, that was what initially hooked us. I know when I read Divergent I was constantly thinking of clicks in high school and which group I would be in. Every book has to have a hook.
     I have heard a lot of people say that Delirium is just playing on the popularity of Dystopian novels. I disagree with that. Our ability to love is what separates us from animals. We are driven less by instinct and more by feelings. That is what makes us human. As a mother I cried when I realized what the procedure did. There are no words to describe the love I feel for my son and to think that there was a mandatory surgery to take away my feelings for him is horrible. That horror draws you into the novel.
     I have to say I identified with Annabel the most. I would do anything to retain my love for my husband and baby. She was such a strong character to me. Finding out how people loved each other as teens and then didn't care afterwards drove me crazy. To me Annabel was the start of the revolution.
     I must say Raven and Blue's endings haunted my sleep for a few weeks after reading about them. The final book was a bit bland in the ending, but perhaps, like a lot of other authors, Oliver will get an impulse to write one more. Never say never.
     This is a great series and I hate that it sometimes gets overlooked. It has what I deem necessary for a good series, which is a well thought out plot, few mistakes, and a strong woman in place of the old damsel in distress. So give it a shot and make sure to comment and keep reading.

The Fallen Series

     This series was given to me as an engagement gift from my husband (he bought it for me because we couldn't afford rings at the time). It turned out to be one of my favorite series ever. The beginning is striking and makes you turn the pages to find out what Luce did. Then comes in the hero with an attitude problem and Luce is transformed. Throughout the series you see a relationship come together, hurt, and finally a love conquers all ending. The only bad thing about these books is that there are only four plus one side story novel (Fallen in Love).
     Lauren Kate has a new book coming out called Teardrop and I hope it as well written and thought out as Fallen. She is truly a writer who is dedicated to her books and she has far fewer mistakes than some of the other bestselling  authors. That's what makes or breaks a novel to me, the way an author thinks about the book enough to make it sensible and as unflawed as possible.
     I recommend her books to anyone. They are books you can enjoy at any age. The way she recreates the Fall will leave you breathless. The angels, heaven, love...it is a series that will knock your socks off and leave you with your heart hammering for more. The kind of books that makes you cry for the characters.

My Opinion on Writing Rules

  Rules don't just exist in school or in the laws that govern us. No, now they are being thrust upon us by fellow writers. Certain conceited big shots think their ten rules are so clever. Well here's a news flash, I can find bestsellers to oppose every one of those silly rules. Some of the things they point out as don'ts are what readers love best about their favorite books. For example I recently read one of these ten rules and this person said that writing speech patterns like dialect wasn't a good idea. I believe there was also a remark about apostrophes. I know all of us LOVED HAGRID who spoke in a clipped sort of way. J.K.Rowling is quite possibly the best writer of our age. Before the next conceited writer who thinks he knows something and comes up with ten rules he needs to think about all the writers who use his DON'TS in their books and who he or she might offend! Oh look I just used an exclamation point someone call the literary police! Exclamation points are used to show emotion like when a character is yelling or upset. The length of the dialogue says how many you can have not the number of pages. Here are my ten rules:

1) Read if you want to write to get a feel for how a novel flows.
2) Watch and observe people who annoy you and the ones you couldn't live without to find qualities for villains and heroes.
3) Think about what would have made your least favorite novels better. This gives you an idea on how to come up with your own.
4) Think about your target audience and what is appropriate for that age level.
5) Write everyday. Keep a journal, write poems to broaden your sentence structure, or just jot things down about your surroundings.
6) Live, no good writer can write if they haven't experienced things that would come up in a novel.
7) Write your own style, do what sounds good to you.
8) Read your stuff aloud because how it falls on the ear is important to get the flow of your book.
9)  Don't be worried about criticism. It will come along with baskets of rejection letters. It only takes one yes in a sea of no's.
10) Don't listen to anyone about rules. Somewhere out there is a person who will love your work the way you wrote it. Just keep your spelling and grammar decent and pray your writing gels.

The Importance of Reading to Your Children!

Today I am going to talk about reading to your kids. When is the right time to start? What books to buy? How to make it fun? This will all be covered along with the benefits and reason WHY.

First off I think kids should be kids. They should play and while flash cards and teaching them words before they can walk seems best I hesitate to subject my child to that method of learning. Reading is no different than any other childhood skill they learn. When they walk you clap and shout. With reading it is no different. My son was six months old when I began to read to him. He LOVES dogs, it was even his first word. So my mom bought him the book Biscuit's Pet and Play Easter. He ran his chubby hands all over the fuzzy and scratchy parts while I read. Instead of saying woof woof I actually barked. And no I am not kidding. He laughed and realized when mommy reads she makes funny noises.
This brings us to the fun part. Babies respond to funny faces and noises. That's why we sing them to sleep, play peek a boo, and wrinkle our faces at them. Incorporate that into your reading. Make funny voices to go with your characters, try to make the moos and woofs sound like real critters, and above all be happy when you do it!
  Books books everywhere and not a one they like. My son does not like books with people in it. I have to keep him stocked up on books that have animals that he is familiar with. If your son or daughter watches your cat or dog with interest try The Biscuit Series or Clifford. If they like certain colors find a book that has them in the pictures. Also I might add the touch and feel books give them something to do while you read and retains their interest. When you find a character they like don't be afraid to order books in the series that aren't in the same age level. My son reads all the Biscuit books not just the ones intended for babies. In short buy what they like and expand by finding similar characters.
Finally the benefits and reasons why. The benefits are endless. Having a child who excels in school later, a child who is confident, and on and on. Reasons why are a bit different, yes you want your child to do well in everything, but lets face facts people are always going to be needed at McDonalds and checking people out at the register. In order to do this everyone has to know how to read and in order to be promoted in any field most of the times there are forms to fill out or tests to take. Also when my toddler is cranky from nap time a book is the perfect way to calm the crying and moodiness. Those books may even help you keep your sanity when there is nothing else to do to comfort a child. Set your child up for success. Read to them all the time. Use books as rewards and always say yes when your toddler wobbles in with a favorite.

Harlequin Romance

People who say they hate fantasy should try this brand of books. I have found a lot of them have real jobs like lawyers or ranch hands. They are also not huge books that take you a few weeks or in my case a few days to read. These books are also not expensive so a good set to purchase if you are a waitress making two dollar tips every hour or so. Intriguing and keeps you guessing who the bad guy is. In my opinion a great way to keep the realist's mind sharp and a way to serve you bookaholics a tasty read at a decent price. Don't overlook this series just because of other popular genres.

Busy Moms and Anthologies

As a mother I have to say my love for reading is sometimes encumbered by my son's schedule. Nap times are a good time to read but you can't fit a full length novel in two hours or so. I have found that Anthologies that have multiple good quality short stories are perfect for satisfying a woman's hunger for reading that leaves her free to focus on what's important, raising your child. I guess I should say it is a good resource for any primary care giver, man or woman. Also it supports writers who are just begging to blossom in the industry. I recommend getting at least one anthology a month. My favorite source is Woodland Press. I highly suggest reading some of their anthologies if you love dark fiction. They also have a softer anthology called Fed From the Blade that is fantastic. So before you give up reading because of a child's schedule look up some independent publishers with anthologies. There are many good reasons as to why and it will keep your literary mind sharp.

The Thirteenth Tale

Some new books are beginning to sound like modern day classics. Within the last year I read The Thirteenth Tale and I have to say I was impressed. The book was spun so well that a person couldn't even form a good guess as to what would happen. The writer is a goddess to her craft. This is a book that enthralls the reader and has that rare sense of timelessness that will allow it to endure throughout the ages. When I finished the novel I wondered if one of those classic writers like Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, or Sophocles had been re-incarnated. A dark haunting tale that I give Two Thumbs UP!  

My Review of Halo and Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

     Okay does it bother anyone else what garbage is getting published and put on shelves these days. I recently read Halo and Hades by Alexandra Adornetto. I was appalled at the utter and complete disregard of writing for a target audience. These books are aimed at teens and honestly they aren't suitable for anyone who isn't an adult. Putting things like angels who get drunk and think about having pre-marital sex in a book for teens whose hormones are already raging is just irresponsible!
      If you took out all the inappropriate matter you would be left with a dry uninteresting love triangle that has been done a million times. While the author does have a talent for the basic grammar and word usage she squanders it on material that is too mature in nature for her young adult audience. When she next writes a book I hope she does her research on what is proper for her audience. Honestly, this piece of possibly mentally harmful trash should have never seen light and I am disappointed that the publishers who turn decent books away, let this devil in their door! I'd be ashamed to have my name on any book in this trilogy. Next time get Lauren Kate and not a knock off. 
     

     I enjoy writing. Though I enjoy it I am trying to break into the publishing world. I have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and I am now trying to move on to fictional publishing.