Saturday, September 22, 2018

Greetings From Witness Protection

Greetings from Witness Protection!Greetings from Witness Protection! by Jake Burt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really think I bought this book based on the title and the cover, so good job on those. I judge books by their covers all the time, I can't help it.

The book started off okay, but the more I read, the more I was pulled into the story. By the time I was a few chapters from the end, I was sitting there thinking that someone was going to die, and having to force myself to put the book down to get other things done. By the end, I was really satisfied with how things had turned out, and happy with my purchase.

This is a great book for middle-grade readers on up. I enjoyed it immensely, and I can guarantee I am not part of the target demographic. It's a fun read that picks up the pace as it goes so you are sucked into the story.

Author: Jake Burt
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: October 3rd 2017

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The Worst Class Trip Ever

The Worst Class Trip Ever (The Worst, #1)The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really enjoyable read. I really thought I knew how everything was going to play out, or at least the general way things were going to play out, but I was wrong, I was very wrong. Being wrong is what made it fun. I like the fact that the ending surprised me and things happened that I was not expecting. It's books like this that make reading a fun activity.

Possibly the thing that makes this book great is the fact that the narrator is a middle school boy. He is at the age where he is not sure of what he is doing, but still wants to look confident and cool because he is trying to impress girls.

There were a lot of characters, but for the most part, I was able to keep them separate in my mind, which is something I struggle with. I will say, I believe the true hero of this book is the cab driver. The guy needs his own story. If there was ever a side character to look up to, it would be him.

Author: Dave Barry
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: May 5th 2015

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

Going Postal

Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) tobecombinedGoing Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) tobecombined by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book made me laugh, not only because it was funny, but because everyone that has issues with the word moist will find this book to be something of a struggle. I would like to apologize for laughing at your discomfort, but Terry Pratchett is the one who named his main character Moist. I'm just doing my duty and giving everyone fair warning.

The book is about Moist being asked to be the Postmaster for Ankh-Morpork, even though no one has actually sent anything in the mail in a very long time. Moist quickly wonders what he has gotten himself into, and takes on the daunting task of getting the mail delivered after it has been in the post office for so long that it is possible not everyone is still alive.

The characters are great, and include some villains that are maybe not the smarts people in Ankh-Morpork, but they try really hard.

A couple of my favorite lines to end the review.

"Gilt and Vetinari shared a look. It said: While I loathe you and every aspect of your personal philosophy to a depth unplummable by any line, I’ll credit you at least with not being Crispin Horsefry."

"ALWAYS REMEMBER that the crowd that applauds your coronation is the same crowd that will applaud your beheading. People like a show."

Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperTorch
Publication Date: 2004

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Jacky Ha-Ha

Jacky Ha-Ha (Jacky Ha-Ha, #1)Jacky Ha-Ha by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jacky Ha-Ha was a fun uplifting book that readers of all ages will enjoy. The illustrations added just the right amount of whimsical to make the story come alive.

The book deals with a lot of issues that face kids as they deal with school and home life. There were some moments where I was shaking my head wanting to stop Jacky from doing something that I could tell would not end well, but like any middle schooler, she has ideas of her own, and thinking things through before acting is not always what happens. There were other times when I thought she was completely justified in her actions, and was cheering her on. Basically, she acted like any kid her age, which made her someone kids can relate to.

The ending was good. It could have gone in a different way, and I'm glad that was not the case. All in all, it was a book I would recommend to anyone looking to read a light-hearted, feel-good, family story.

Author: James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Publisher: jimmy patterson
Publication Date: 2016

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The Mystery of Ireland's Eye

The Mystery of Ireland's Eye (Dylan Maples Adventures, #1)The Mystery of Ireland's Eye by Shane Peacock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book did not go the way I thought it would. It seemed like a great adventure story about going to Ireland's Eye and figuring out the mystery surrounding it. Clearly, my thoughts were heavily influenced by the title. I did not expect the suspense that was created when the island is seen through Dylan's eyes.

I will admit, even as an adult, I was kept on the edge of my seat wondering how everything would end.

I'm not sure if I will read the other books in the series, but this was a good read.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Shane Peacock
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: 1999

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Monday, September 17, 2018

Death By Cliche

Death by Cliché 2: The Wrath of ConDeath by Cliché 2: The Wrath of Con by Bob Defendi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As is still the case with my review of Death by Cliché, I still have never played a game like the one in the series, so there are some things that I do not understand, and yet, I find this series hilarious and keep reading. In other words, just because you have no clue what is going on when game references are mentioned, doesn't mean you won't enjoy the book. I especially like the chapter quotes, and feel that the book would not be the same without them.

The villain in this installment is the Weatherman, who has gained control of an artifact and crazy minions.

This book is filled with humor and great moments that will leave you ready for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Bob Defendi
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication Date: October 10th 2017

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Brooklyn's Most Wanted

Brooklyn's Most Wanted: The Top 100 Criminals, Crooks and Creeps from the County of the KingsBrooklyn's Most Wanted: The Top 100 Criminals, Crooks and Creeps from the County of the Kings by Craig McGuire
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book lists 100 criminals that have come out of Brooklyn. Since I don't follow the news coming out of there, and a lot of the people featured in this book had their hay day before I was born or when I was very young, I had never heard of most of them. There were some crazy stories that made me wonder how Brooklyn and the surrounding areas are not under some sort of martial law. Mobsters being gunned down at a local restaurant would make me think twice about going anywhere in the area.

In a way, I wanted a chart showing the relationships between some of the mobsters. There were a few that were connected, but with so many names and stories, it was hard for me to remember who was who and be able to get the full story of what happened straight in my head. Of course, with the way the connections were, I'm not really sure how a chart would have been created, so maybe it would have just made everything more confusing.

For me, the ranking seemed a little weird. There were people that I considered not as bad that were ranked pretty high up on the list, while ones that had done some horrible things were lower down. The number one person, earned his spot, and the thought of him may possibly give me nightmares for years to come.

All in all, it was an interesting read, and if you like non-fiction crime, this book is a great read. This is just one that I'm not sure I would read a second time.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Craig McGuire
Publisher: WildBlue Press
Publication Date: June 20th 2017

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Thursday, September 13, 2018

El Deafo

El DeafoEl Deafo by Cece Bell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

El Deafo is the story of Cece growing up with hearing loss and having to use a special hearing aid to hear at school. The book is written in the format of a comic, which helps to pull the reader in and help them really understand how each of the characters is feeling in a situation.

This book does a good job of showing children, and really adults, that differences are not something to be upset about or a reason to treat someone badly, they are what makes us who we are, and can bring us closer to others as they learn more about us.

The Sonic Ear creates a lot of funny moments in this book, but it also created problems when Cece tried to figure out how to fit in. I hope that children reading this book realize that just because you may not be outright laughing in someone's face, does not mean that you are actually treating them well. It's hard for most people to really figure out who is just acting nice, and who is being a true friend. Cece has the added difficulty of wondering if people will always treat her differently because of her hearing loss.

The whole story is something I feel everyone can relate to, even if you have no physical disability or limitation. We all just want to feel included and have someone understand us. Of course, we can't all be cool and have a superpower like El Deafo.

Author: Cece Bell
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: September 2nd 2014

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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

A Woman of Integrity

A Woman of IntegrityA Woman of Integrity by J. David Simons
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I feel you have to really be paying attention to as you read. I ended up being confused trying to remember who was who and what time period they were in. It was an interesting read and had its moments, I just kept getting confused by the characters relationships and places in history. A reader who is better at paying close attention will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: J. David Simons
Publisher: Freight Books
Publication Date: 16 Mar 2017

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Mother, Can You Not?

Mother, Can You Not?Mother, Can You Not? by Kate Friedman-Siegel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't even know what to say about this book. Read it, laugh, remember there is good in the world, follow her on twitter, wish your mother was this cool, laugh some more.

Author: Kate Friedman-Siegel
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Publication Date: April 5th 2016

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Sidekicked

Sidekicked (Sidekicked, #1)Sidekicked by John David Anderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sidekicked is a super hero story with a twist. Actually, multiple twists, which makes it an enjoyable read because you can't predict what is going to happen.

I really liked the concept, and the characters were great. For me, parts of the story line were confusing. I understand that it is fiction, and it does not have to follow reality, but sometimes it seemed too unrealistic.

For kids that like super heroes and dream of being one, this is a good read.

Author: John David Anderson
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Publication Date: June 25th 2013

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Nightmare at the Book Fair

Nightmare at the Book FairNightmare at the Book Fair by Dan Gutman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Usually, I read these types of books and think about how great they would be if I was ten, but at thirty, they just are not what I am looking for, this book is not like that. For me, I liked the thought that you could travel into many different types of books and really get a chance to live in them for a time. Let's be honest, how many of us have dreamed about being able to join our favorite literary heroes on their journeys?

Yes, this book is for elementary age children, and yes, it is probably best that way, but having a main character do something you've always wanted to do, makes it worth a read.

Author: Dan Gutman
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 29th 2008

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The Amulet of Samarkand

The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus, #1)The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book took the idea of the magician's apprentice and turned it on it's head just a bit. But, on top of changing the idea, what happens when the magician you are apprenticed to is mean and maybe not that bright? That is the problem that faces Nathaniel as he tries to show that he has what it takes to be great.

After reading the first book in this series, I'm trying to decide if I will read the rest of them. It's still up in the air at this moment in time.

Author: Jonathan Stroud
Publisher: Hyperion/Miramax
Publication Date: September 30th 2003

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The Rosie Project

The Rosie ProjectThe Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The characters in this story were well developed, which I appreciated greatly. There was a lot of humor throughout, but it was dry humor, which some people may not get, but others, like myself, find hilarious.

I'm glad this is a series so that I can watch the characters grow more.

Author: Graeme Simsion
Publisher: Simon Schuster
Publication Date: January 30th 2013

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The Landry News

The Landry NewsThe Landry News by Andrew Clements
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Landry News is a Andrew Clements great. Pretty much all of his books are great for elementary age kids who are reading chapter books. The only reason I gave it two stars is because this book really only fits for the age it is intended for, which is not a bad thing, it just means that I most likely will not be reading it again. Kids that are reading chapter books will probably enjoy this story immensely. Really, I would recommend any Andrew Clements book to kids that are wanting to find great chapter books.

Author: Andrew Clements
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 1999

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Witherwood Reform School

Witherwood Reform SchoolWitherwood Reform School by Obert Skye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not going to lie, this book is kind of creepy. What is with this school? I don't even know what to say about it. I kind of feel like I have to reserve a full review on this until I have read the whole series. So, on that note, full review to come.

Author: Obert Skye
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: 2015

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The Unusual Suspects

The Unusual Suspects (The Sisters Grimm, #2)The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Um...so I want the mirror. That guy knows everything and can get you pretty much anything. Okay, he can't get you a sports car, but all the cool stuff that we all really want, he can get.

This series is great for elementary age kids that are into chapter books, especially ones that have a little mystery in them. Most of the characters are ones that they already know about, with a little twist. I will say though, Puck got on my nerves like nothing else. I do want his room though, that room is cool.

As an adult reading this book, it was okay, but one that is suited more for its target audience.

Author: Michael Buckley
Publisher: ABRAMS
Publication Date: 2005

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What Really Happened in Peru

What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles, #1)What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I still don't know what happened in Peru. I tried to follow along with what was happening, but it just seemed like a bunch of thoughts thrown together with no real cohesive reason.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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The Runaway Queen

The Runaway Queen (The Bane Chronicles, #2)The Runaway Queen by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this except to say that it's not something I would read again. That's it, I've got nothing else.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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The Neverending Story

The Neverending StoryThe Neverending Story by Michael Ende
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I grew up loving the movies based on this book, and finally read it. Of course, like all books, it is different than the movie, so if you are hoping to read something that follows the movie, this is not that.

Bastian is really annoying in this book. Has he always been that way? I think some of the events that happen in the book that don't happen in the movie really make his immaturity shine through. These events show what happens when we get so obsessed with making ourselves look good for the world, that we forget to help others and keep the promise we may have made before we became something greater than we originally imagined.

Really, even though I love the movies, still do even after reading the book, I'm glad that they don't follow the story completely. I like being able to read something in the book and imagine in my head what it is like instead of having the movie's version of it already there. Being able to create your own images of what happens is what makes reading enjoyable.

Author: Michael Ende
Publisher: Doubleday & Company
Publication Date: 1979

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What to Buy the Shadowhunter who has Everything

What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (The Bane Chronicles, #8)What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Like most of this collection, I could have done without this one. If this information needed to be added, it could have been a conversation in the actual book and not its own story.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale (The Bane Chronicles, #3)Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

If you want to read about Magnus's crushes, read it, if not, don't. For the most part, The Bane Chronicles is a bunch of back story that I could do without.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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The Fall of the Hotel Dumort

The Fall of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #7)The Fall of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Having two stories about the Hotel Dumort in this collection was more than enough. There was way too much back story for me. I would rather have had an abridged version of this in actual books than have these short stories.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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The Midnight Heir

The Midnight Heir (The Bane Chronicles, #4)The Midnight Heir by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you have read any of my other reviews of short stories or The Bane Chronicles, you know that they are not my favorite, but, surprisingly, I'm okay with this one.

I think I like this one because of the characters involved. I like The Infernal Devices series, so the fact that those characters were part of this story helped make it something I wanted to read, especially since it continued the story. If this story was just adding backstory to the series, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it, but it was more of a continuation, showing what happened after.

I feel that you would have to have read The Infernal Devices series in order to fully appreciate this story. This one is the best of The Bane Chronicles.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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The Rise of the Hotel Dumort

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)The Rise of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This short story was just weird. It seemed unnecessary because it was. It really added nothing to the story, and is one that I feel can be skipped.

This is just my personal opinion, I'm not a big fan of authors providing all the back story.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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Saving Raphael Santiago

Saving Raphael Santiago (The Bane Chronicles, #6)Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This short story provided the back story for Raphael. It helped to fill in some of the blanks for some of his actions in other books, but seemed unnecessary. If you're someone who really wants to know the back stories for every character in a series, then this would be an enjoyable read. If you would rather use your imagination and fill in some of the blanks yourself, this is one I think it's okay to skip.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013

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This is a Whoopsie

This Is a Whoopsie!This Is a Whoopsie! by Andrew Cangelose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was adorable. Even as an adult, I found it an entertaining read. Whoopsie may not be as great as the other moose at showing you some things, but he has special characteristics that are all his own, showing you that no matter who you are, you have something to give this world.

If you are looking for cute books for little kids, or just want to read one, this is a great choice.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Andrew Cangelose
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Publication Date: 16 Oct 2018

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Monday, September 10, 2018

The Course of True Love and First Dates

The Course of True Love [and First Dates] (The Bane Chronicles, #10)The Course of True Love [and First Dates] by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This story was just as awkward as a first date. I could have done without this little side story.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2014

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The Last Stand of the New York Institute

The Last Stand of the New York Institute (The Bane Chronicles, #9)The Last Stand of the New York Institute by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Coming from someone who likes it when little pieces fit together, I enjoyed this story. The fact that the relationships between characters in both the first and second Shadowhunter series' was something I appreciated. After reading this, I have a greater appreciation for the interactions that happen in The Mortal Instruments. It brings things together nicely.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: December 17th 2013

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The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow PlaceThe Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was entertaining, but too all over the place for me. I had a hard time keeping all of the characters straight. It was fast paced but choppy, which led to me being confused about what was going on most of the time. A slow down would have helped the story line. Everything felt a little rushed to me.

The overall idea of the book was great, I just feel like it could have been made into a series and slowed down a little to make it a more enjoyable read.

Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: 2014

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The Joy Plan

The Joy Plan: How I Took 30 Days to Stop Worrying, Quit Complaining, and Find Ridiculous HappinessThe Joy Plan: How I Took 30 Days to Stop Worrying, Quit Complaining, and Find Ridiculous Happiness by Kaia Roman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There were many parts of this book that I read and thought, yeah, I can do that. At the same time, there were parts I read and thought I would only be able to do if I was married and had a second income coming in. The Joy Plan is of course not a step-by-step plan to follow, but just one person's journey. She admits that she was able to do things that might not always be feasible without the help of a good support system.

For me, the hardest thing about doing something like Kaia did, would be trying to change my habits. I try to change them all the time with little or no success, so really making that a goal to look at my life and see the things that need to be changed and work on changing them to make myself a happier person, seems in a way, overwhelming. Without being able to put my life on hold for this, I don't think I would be able to do it.

It's great to see how it worked for her, but I feel like the average person takes away more of the small lessons she learned than her huge revelations.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Kaia Roman
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 1 Jul 2017

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I Love My Computer Because My Friends Live In It

I Love My Computer Because My Friends Live in It: Stories from an Online LifeI Love My Computer Because My Friends Live in It: Stories from an Online Life by Jess Kimball Leslie
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

There were a lot of really funny and entertaining moments in this book. For me, the disconnect that made it hard to read was the fact that I have no first hand experience with the beginnings of the internet with chat rooms and dial-up. Yes, I was alive during that time, but I didn't get a computer with the internet until college in 2009. I feel that by missing out on that part of the early internet experience, I couldn't relate to the story, and ended up confused by some of the situations.

For those that do remember what it was like to navigate the internet when everything was new, this is a book that will bring back memories, whether good or bad I can't say.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Jess Kimball Leslie
Publisher: Running Press Adult
Publication Date: 25 Apr 2017

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The Goodbye Girls

The Goodbye GirlsThe Goodbye Girls by Lisa Harrington
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Goodbye Girls was one of those books where I was sure I knew how it would end from the beginning. When some things started happening, I just nodded to myself, having seen the signs from the beginning. If the whole book had been like that, I would have had a chard time finding any enjoyment out of reading it. As it stands, the biggest plot twist, I did not see coming at all. The characters were developed and complex enough that you didn't know right away what they were going to do.

I will say, my one major issue with this book is the fact that Lizzie is a little too self-centered, okay, a lot. Even the internal dialog she has going when something is happening makes it hard to like her as a character. I know she is a teenager, but she is on the extreme side. At least, coming from someone who is past the teenage years, that's how it seems to me. Teenagers will probably be able to relate to her more than I am able to.

Overall, I found this book an entertaining read and one that I feel teenagers would enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Lisa Harrington
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing
Publication Date: 26 Apr 2018

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Thursday, September 6, 2018

Class Dismissed

Class DismissedClass Dismissed by Allan Woodrow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that seems out there. How does an adult not notice things are going on? Kids can be sneaky, but not to the point of making a whole school believe that they still have a teacher. I know, I know, it's just a book and for fun, but it's a sore spot for me. I did like the fact that without the teacher there the students realized just how much she had done.

I also liked their solution for a substitute teacher. He was my favorite character in the book.

All in all, it was an enjoyable story, I just question the adults.

Author: Allan Woodrow
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: October 27th 2015

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The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow PlaceThe Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There was so much going on in this book that I don't even know what to write. There was nothing inherently wrong with the book, there was just too much going on for my liking. So many characters and little stories. It was hard for me to keep everyone and everything straight.

Even though it was funny to see how the girls managed to keep their secret, it was just too out there. Didn't anyone question what was going on to really look into it? It was a huge secret and they kept it for a while, even with everyone coming over and asking them questions.

Just too much for me.

Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: 2014

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The Mysterious Howling

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, #1)The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the delightful series. I haven't finished reading the whole series yet, but I am excited to do so.

The Incorrigible Children were found in the woods having been raised by wolves. They don't talk and have to learn how to act in the human world. Miss Penelope Lumley is called in to be their governess and teach them everything they need to know to become proper children. Along the way, questions are asked and answered. But the main question, where did the children come from, is not.

This is a great series for children.

Author: Maryrose Wood
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 2009

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Babar Visits Another Planet

Babar Visits Another PlanetBabar Visits Another Planet by Laurent de Brunhoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Babar book was really cute. When Babar and his family get a chance to visit creatures on another planet, things don't go to plan. The interactions between the two different beings. Babar's family shows throughout the book that you can find commonalities with others even in the strangest of circumstances. Highly recommended.

Author: Laurent de Brunhoff
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: 1972

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The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

The Gospel at 30,000 FeetThe Gospel at 30,000 Feet by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Gospel at 30,000 Feet uses plane analogies to explain spiritual messages. These analogies help make things a little easier to understand. I especially enjoyed the pictures. It's always fun to see the apostles in their younger years.

Author: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Publisher: Desert Book
Publication Date: 2017

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City of Glass

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3)City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one was pretty good. I liked the fact that everyone came together to fight an enemy that they realized was more important to deal with than their issues with each other. I feel like the series could have ended with this book and have been fine.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: March 24th 2009

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Man vs Baby

Man vs. Baby: The Chaos and Comedy of Real-Life ParentingMan vs. Baby: The Chaos and Comedy of Real-Life Parenting by Matt Coyne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There seem to be a lot of books out there anymore where someone has a blog that becomes a book. This means that the books is a bunch of random moments in time, and not really a cohesive piece. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of funny moments, I'm just kind of over the format by this point. If you haven't read a lot of books that are based off blog posts, and don't care about profanity, then you might like this book.

This book is a definite no-holds-bar approach to a man's view on his first child. He doesn't sugar coat anything that goes on, from the birth to diaper changes. It makes it interesting, but also at times, graphic. If you have a child, you might be able to relate to his writing.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: MattCoyne
Publisher: Scribner
Publication Date: April 17th 2018

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Babar Goes to School

Babar Goes to SchoolBabar Goes to School by Laurent de Brunhoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Honestly, I think that there are plenty of kids that would like to do what the kids to in this book. Trade places with their parents. I also think that parents would probably not want to go back to school. It is fun to read this book and see how Babar struggles with going back to school and following the rules that the kids have to follow every day.

I will always recommend a Babar book for little kids. I grew up on them, and they are still great.

Author: Laurent de Brunhoff
Publisher: ABRAMS
Publication Date: 2003

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The 766 Stupidest Things Ever Said

The 776 Stupidest Things Ever SaidThe 776 Stupidest Things Ever Said by Ross Petras
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Reading books like this is a good way to make you feel smarter. I have to say though, I feel like there could have been a lot more Dan Quayle quotes. He could have his own collection of quotes. All in all, enjoyable. It is one of those books that is hard to read over and over, because it is a book of quotes, and not a story.

Author: Ross Petras
Publisher: Main Street Books
Publication Date: 1993

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Dad Jokes? I Think You Mean Rad Jokes!

Dad Jokes? I Think You Mean Rad Jokes!Dad Jokes? I Think You Mean Rad Jokes! by Elias Hill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

You know those books of jokes they sell for kids? This is like that, but cheesier, because, dads. Great collection of possibly the best dad jokes ever. Something to give to really any male figure in your life for any occasion at all, or just because. Be warned, if you give this to someone, you may be drowning in dad jokes for a while.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Elias Hill
Publisher: Tiny Camel Books
Publication Date: February 2nd 2018

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Trolls in the Attic

Trolls in the Attic: and other tales of the supernaturalTrolls in the Attic: and other tales of the supernatural by Joanie K. Findle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Growing up, I never read any of the Goosebumps books or any scary stories. I think this one makes up for that. Trolls in the Attic is a collection of short stories that may be scary for small children. There were some that I found more suspenseful than scary, and some that I was glad I read during the day.

This book is one that I would recommend for kids that like Goosebumps and scary stories.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Joanie K. Findle
Publisher: Year of the Book
Publication Date: June 20th 2017

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Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Me and Earl and the Dying GirlMe and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that's funny and sad at the same time. Greg and Earl make movies, bad ones, ones that no one should ever see. Rachel is dying, and Greg is forced by his parents to spend time with her. Of course, teenage boy trying to figure out how to act when forced to spend time with a dying teenage girl creates tons of hilarious moments. Once Earl gets involved, all bets are off, and the movies come out.

This is a great book on friendship and finding out what kind of person you can really become.

Author: Jesse Andrews
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: March 1st 2012

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Island of Shipwrecks

Island of Shipwrecks (Unwanteds #5)Island of Shipwrecks by Lisa McMann
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was a little slow for me. It's hard for there to be a lot of action when have the characters are on an island that is dealing with storms for most of the day. I'm glad they got off the island and there were some great moments, but I'm ready for the next book.

Author: Lisa McMann
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: February 3rd 2015

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Skavenger's Hunt

Skavenger's HuntSkavenger's Hunt by Mike Rich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Skavenger's Hunt is an enjoyable adventure set back in the 1800s when Hunter S. Skavenger gives everyone the first clue to the largest scavenger hunt ever. There is one boy in the crowd that was magically transported there from the future, and while he wants to participate in the hunt, he also wants a chance to speak with Skavenger in hopes that he will be able to find a way back to his family.

There were times in the book where I wasn't sure if the kids that Henry Babbitt, the kid from the future, joins up with were going to be safe. There are nefarious villains wanting the prize for themselves, and the kids don't know what they might do to get what they want.

The ending for me was a shock. It wasn't too out there for me, but just out there enough that it wasn't something I had thought of while I was reading.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Mike Rich
Publisher: Inkshares
Publication Date: November 14th 2017

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The Light Fantastic

The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind #2)The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love Rincewind, and the fact that he seems indestructible. This guy was last seen falling of the edge of the world, and yet, he still survives. Plus, he has the best travelling companion ever, Luggage. Yes, I know Twoflower is with him as well, but let's face it, Luggage beats Twoflower every time.

To Rincewind and the other wizards, he always seems like the person you should rely on only if there is no other option in the entire world, and yet, he is the only one that is actually capable of saving them. He is the ultimate underdog.

Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperTorch
Publication Date: 1986

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The Day the Angels Fell

The Day the Angels FellThe Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is just...um...a lot. There is so much going on. There is a lot of time jumping, which sometimes makes it hard to follow. I feel like I need to read the second book in order to determine how I really feel.

It seemed like one huge metaphor for the story of the garden of Eden and the choice between good and evil. Sometimes, looking at it from that perspective, I thought moments were great, other times it made me a little uncomfortable.

This is one of those books that I feel everyone has to decide on for themselves. Read the synopsis for the book and make your decision.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Shawn Smucker
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Publication Date: 2014

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Mark of the Thief

Mark of the Thief (Mark of the Thief, #1)Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was expecting something with the same tone as The False Prince series, but this is completely different. I like it when an author's writing is different for each book or series. When they all have the same tone, it makes them all blend together, forming one big blob of story.

There was a lot going on in this book, and I was confused about some of the characters and the customs that they were dealing with. I think I will have to read the other books in the series to get a full understanding of everything.

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date:

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