206 Bones

Well, once again Kathy Reichs has produced a book that I could not put down. 206 Bones was another crime thriller masterpiece and I loved reading it. My favorite part of Reichs' style is that she really pulls the reader in and keeps their attention. I also enjoy Reichs because she keeps the suspense intermingled with Forensic Sciene and the occasional romance.

Reichs also recently wrote the newest episode of Bones (A Witch in the Wardrobe)and it was also really good. It may be one of the best episodes to date...

Well, if you haven't tried any of Reichs' books, you really should.

Until Next Time,

Sam

The Girls From Ames

I recently finished reading The Girls From Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow and I must say I really enjoyed that book. I'll admit my whole purpose for wanting to read this book is because Brett is from Ames and I thought it would be neat to read something about people from where he grew up.

This book was very good and it provided a history of Ames, Iowa that even Brett wasn't fully aware of. I also enjoyed this book because it triggered memories from my childhood and my friendship with Cailly. The book is about the bonds of friendship between eleven women who have been friends for almost their entire lives. I was able to relate to their experience because I have been friends with Cailly for almost 24 years.

The Girls From Ames highlights the importance of having at least one good friend, especially if you are female and how it can positively effect your life. I highly recommend this book. I will warn you though, there is a moment or two where you might want to make sure you have your kleenex. If you take the time to read it, let me know what you think.

Until Next Time,

Sam

The Last Song

I recently finished reading The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I could hardly put the book down and finished it in two days. Granted it, like Dear John was a classic Sparks book, but none the less it was very good. After finishing The Last Song I decided I would like to read the rest of Nicholas Sparks books.

I really didn't have any complaints with this book, it was very well written and brought the reader in on a level where it felt I was in the same room as the characters. I highly recommend this book if you like a heartwarming coming of age story about life and family.

Next up is The Notebook. I'll write a review soon.

Until Next Time~

Sam

"Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks

Well... I have finished reading Dear John and it only took me three days. I could not put this book down. Granted, being written by Nicholas Sparks, I knew what I was getting into but it was still a very good story.

This is the first Nicholas Sparks book I have read, but I have seen three of the movies based on his books and enjoyed those as well. Sparks does a good job keeping you interested and he also does a good job pulling you in. The book really was quite good and for me it brought back memories of my own youth and relationships.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming story about love, life, and growing into adulthood. Sparks makes you feel the way his characters feel and you want what they want. I truly love a book that I can't put down.

I wasn't sure I would like this book as I've never read a Sparks novel before. I was not dissappointed and I now understand why he is such a popular author. :o) If you've read it I'd love to hear your review.

Next up is The Last Song which is also a Sparks novel. I'll review it when I'm finished!

Until Next Time,

Sam

"Push" by Saphire

I recently read Push by Saphire and really enjoyed it. However my first statement is that this book is rated "M" for Mature! This book is also not for those people who perfer to remain naive and/or unaware of the traumas some children are forced to face.

There was a point while reading this book when I was reminded of The Bluest Eye. Only to find out that in the book a reference is made to The Color Purple, which is also similar to my own comparison.

This book is very good and only 176 pages long. It is written in the language of Precious, the main character and there were sentences I had to read more than once to understand what she was saying.

I highly recommend this book, and I'm hoping that the movie is as good as the book was. It took me three days to read this book, I couldn't put it down. I added it to my books on my desk because I found it relevant to my day job. If you haven't heard of Push but you've heard of the movie "Precious" than you've heard of this story. "Precious" is based on the book Push by Saphire.

I hope you pick it up and read it and I would welcome your review.

Next up, Dear John followed by The Last Song both by Nicholas Sparks. Also both movies this year. I will write reviews as a I finish them.

Until Next Time,

Sam

"The Lovely Bones"

I recently finished reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold and I find myself having mixed emotions. For the most part I didn't really enjoy this book. It was written very well and it was a creative way to tell a story, however for me it moved slowly and didn't really ever pull me all the way in to a point that I couldn't put it down. I don't know that I can pinpoint exactly why this book wasn't great for me. It took me a lot longer than usual to read this book, at least two weeks, and it shouldn't have taken that long. There were days I just didn't want to keep reading it, which is never a good sign for me.

I would however recommend it to anyone who thinks they will like it; I have heard people say they love it and I do think it is an either/or book. I don't think I would read it again but that's just me.

Next up, Push by Saphire which is the novel the movie "Precious" is based on. I chose to read both The Lovely Bones and Push because I want to see the movies and I prefer to read the book first when possible. I'll let you know what I think of Push when I finish it.

Until Next Time,

Sam

Adventure and British Authors

Growing up, my favorite authors were Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. They are both British and they both wrote awesome books that had adventure and made my imagination wander to places I could only dream about. I have my dad to thank for introducing me to Enid Blyton; I sure am glad he did!

Last night I finished The Valley of Adventure (Blyton) for the seventh or eighth time and came to a realization. I figured out that the reason I like Harry Potter so much (also by a British author) is because J.K. Rowling managed to find the level of adventure that Blyton and Dahl both had.

What can I say, it turns out I like British Authors who write about adventure and excitement. If you've never read an Enid Blyton book, do so. Same goes for Roald Dahl; even though I think most of us have read his work, which includes:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, BFG, James and the Giant Peach and many more....

I have decided I will be writing reviews of the books I read this year.
The reviews will include my opinion of the story line, ability to keep my attention, and whatever other summations the book brings about.

Until Next Time,

~S~