This is Why I Don't Review Publicly

I reviewed the book "Between Shades of Gray" on my Goodreads account, similar to what I had stated here previously.  I get a response to my personal review, that I probably meant "baltic" and not "balkan" region, right?  Then the commentor said "sorry".  It kind of pissed me off.  Sorry if I was wrong, sorry if I offended you, but you didn't even have the balls to leave your complete name.  I don't know why it angered me like this, but it did.  Guess I am not cut out to publicly review books, because I am sure that somewhere, someone in this big wide world would disagree with me.

Earthquake's Destruction

My last post mentioned a new site I was following, called Bookshelf Porn.  Funny name, but many of the pictures are ways to dream of an afternoon, enjoying being surrounded by books.  Here is a picture of what happens to a library when a major earthquake happens.  Just seeing this picture really made me feel sad.

Book Shelf Dreaming

A friend sent me a link on a new website that has me wishful thinking.  Wishing I was there looking through the stacks or sitting enjoying the scenery.  I laughed at the title: "Bookshelf Porn", and no, it's not dirty, but I did ask her what she was actually searching for when she came across it:)  Check it out!

I'm BAAACCCKK!!!

I know it had been awhile since my last post, and I'm sure you were overwhelmed with all of the book reviews.  I got a little behind, what can I say?  I meant to do some writing last weekend, but this spring cold has got me good, and I just read.  In fact, I've done nothing but reading. 

As you can tell, I had four books I just finished, and every single one of them only took me a few days because the plots were just that good.  So you know what that means.  I am scared to pick up a new book, because my chances are not good that the next one will be one I can't even finish.  I don't even have very many library books checked out, but there are some on the hold shelf I still have to pick up, so I am not sure what I am going to do.  Sounds like a terrible dilemma, huh?  I do have some that I own that I want to read, but not sure if that is the way to go either.  Decisions are not my strong point. 

Cross Fire

Yep, another Patterson, another Alex Cross.  **Spoiler Alert**  I know that most of my family who read this series already finished this installment so I know I am safe saying:

"YEAH Kyle Craig is FINALLY dead.  And WTH??? (didn't want WTF, just didn't seem right)  A detective named BOXER calls Alex at the end of the last chapter??  Are they actually going to meet soon???

Between Shades of Gray

I am so glad I follow some book blogs, or I would not have come across this new publication that is getting some great reviews.  When I read the plot summary, I knew it had to be something to read, and was so glad the library had it!

This historical fiction takes place in Lithuania in 1941.  A young girl and her family are arrested by the Russians, and transported to work camps.  This was a part of history I never knew about.  We learned about early Russia and heard about people being sent to Siberia, but never realized the fate of the people living in the Balkan region.  Many suffered just as the Jews did under Hitler's regime.  What is sad is that many of these people only had two choices, to suffer under Stalin or Hitler, and they had to choose the lesser of the two evils.

I always enjoy a great story where I can learn something about the world.  Glad I am getting some great ideas, especially about authors from different parts of the world.  If you have a chance, pick this one up, it's a great fast read.

Sing You Home

Glad to see another new one by a favorite author.  I had heard great things about this book, and that it included a music CD with lyrics written by the author that went with the story.  Unfortunately the library removed the CD.  I suppose it would have been very difficult to keep them together.

The good news is that the CD is not the focus of the book.  It is about a journey of a couple trying and failing to get pregent.  Picoult tells the story from both sides of the couple, later adding on a third perpective from a friend.

I always enjoy Picoult's books because the twists and turns she takes with plots that are currently in the headlines.  She has dealt with teen pregnancy pacts, Asberger's syndrome, school shootings, and organ donations, and will make you think of outside your norm.  In this book, we explore the fact that noone knows who you will fall in love with, and that labeling love is not the way to go. 

I agree with her viewpoint, but feel that the plot fell short.  I just didn't get the suprise ending I usually do, in fact I knew where the story would end up about half way through the book.  It was almost as if she was telling the story ending exactly as the public would want.  I remember hearing about the book "My Sister's Keeper" being made into a movie, and how that pressure got the ending changed from the book's final chapter.  I hate when that happens, I thought that the book ended the way it should have.  I really hope that this was just a fluke and she hasn't "sold out" to the masses.

Mercy Kill

Lori Armstrong does it again.  Mercy Gunderson's strong character and her jumps to conclusion make for a fun ride through a good story.  This time we find out a little about what makes Mercy act the way she does.  I can't wait to see more!

I always love when a South Dakota writer catches my attention and holds on to it.  Shows the world that even people in our state can write a good one!