"Through the Fog"

“Through the Fog” by Michael C. Grumley

Published by Thomas and Mercer
NetGalley copy – finished 1/29/15

3.5/5 stars

This is a short, quick moving story that I was able to read in one evening.  Granted, I was up until mid-night to finish it but it was still just one evening.  That in itself says a lot for me.  If a book can keep me awake that late on a weeknight, it has done a great job pulling me in and keeping my interest.  I probably would have given it 4 stars, however, there were a couple things that didn’t appeal to me.  I didn’t like the way the Roa character was introduced and then not revisited for a long time.  I think that expanding on that character and revisiting him more often could have added a lot to the story.  My other issue with the book was the ending – instead of continuing the storyline further for a smooth ending (and more of a full sized novel), I felt like the author just wrapped it up with a bow to put it away and be done with it.  I did enjoy the book, but felt there was potential to have it be even better so I just can’t give it a higher rating.    

"Inside the O'Briens"

"Inside the O'Briens" by Lisa Genova (love her!)
Published by Gallery Books
Advanced copy from NetGalley - finished 1/29/15


4/5 stars!

I truly enjoyed reading Lisa Genova’s other 3 books and as expected, I enjoyed this one as well.    Although she has a PhD in neuroscience, Ms. Genova has a way of educating you on a brain related issue without writing “above” you.  She weaves the information into her stories naturally, without any kind of text book feel to it.  It is truly an art.

With her latest upcoming novel, “Inside the O’Briens”, we are taken into the world of Huntington’s Disease- a genetic disease that creates mood swings and takes away muscle control, eventually leading to death.  As the O’Brien children (early 20s) hear of their father’s diagnosis, they are also told that each of them has a 50% chance of having it as well.  The story then follows the family’s lives for a year, watching the father’s symptoms grow, seeing how he and the entire family are dealing with his deterioration, and seeing how each child deals with the choices given to them as to whether or not to test for the gene and regardless, how to live their lives in the shadow of such a disease.  It truly makes you think – what would I do?

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.   

"The Girl on the Train"

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
Published by Riverhead (a member of Penguin Group)
I read the paperback ARC (borrowed from friend) - finished 1/24/15


4.5/5 stars


Worthy of all the praise it is receiving - consider it a must read!  I finished it in 2 days because I never wanted to put it down. 


This is a GREAT "who done it" novel told by 3 different narrators - an alcoholic that has missing and disjointed memories; a woman with a past that haunts her; and the woman who stole the alcoholic's husband.  All 3 are dysfunctional in their own way and draw you further into the story.  When one goes missing - is it foul play?  If so, who is to blame?  You will change your opinion multiple times throughout the book.  I can't tell you more without giving it away so you'll need to read it and figure it out on your own.  Just be ready for a roller-coaster ride when you do. 

"Hush (A Laveview Novel #1)"

“Hush” by Stacey R. Campbell

Green Darner Press

Net Galley book – finished 1/21/15

 Just 3/5 stars - nothing spectacular

I received a copy of this YA book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

It is the story of young man named Max who finds a picture and an address in his aunt’s desk which peaks his interests.  His research takes him to a boarding school in Canada where he meets Blakely, a young lady he believes to be a princess that was secretly given up for adoption at birth.  The story that follows is exactly as you would expect it to be – no surprises.  Although the main characters are 17 and 18 years old, the story is written more at the level of a 10-12 year old. 

"True Sisters"

"True Sisters" by Sandra Dallas
Published by St. Martin's Press
Read the hardcover - finished 1/17/15


I'll be nice and give it 2.5/5 stars but truly, not a book for me. 


It's historical fiction regarding the journey of recently converted Mormons to the Zion.  They travel to the US and walk from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, pushing handcarts of their limited possessions through the heat of the prairies and the snow of the mountains.  I believe the author's intension was to have a novel showing the strengths of the women in the story but truly, all the negativity within the story overshadowed it.  I am not Mormon (and neither is the author) but throughout the book, I found it to be quite insulting to their faith.  Granted, the novel takes place during the early years of the religion where there were many issues with it such as polygamy, but I didn't feel any of the positives of the religion were represented and I'm sure there were some even back then.  After all, the religion did survive and is quite a strong faith.


The other issue I found was that it seemed repetitive at times.  It needed the storylines to vary a little more or just cut some of it out.

"Eleanor & Park"

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
Published by St. Martin's Press
I read the hardcover edition - finished 1/13/15


4/5 stars

I truly enjoyed this YA novel - a love story between 2 teenagers finding their true inner-selves. It gave you a look into the lives of those being bullied, but not your typical "I will overcome it" kind of story. More of an acceptance of it and getting through life in spite of it. I wanted a different ending, but that just would have been sappy and so unlike Eleanor and Park. They are far from a sappy couple so I guess it ended how it should have.

"I Have People"

"I Have People" by Taylor Dean
Published by Create Space
Read on Nook - finished 1/9/15


Another 3/5 star read
A women wakes up after being in a coma for 8 months.  Is she remembering life correctly????  Will she ever remember just what kind of accident put her in the coma???  I think the intension was to keep you guessing as to just what happened and who is who throughout the book, but it was pretty easy to figure out.  That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it - there just weren't any real surprises.

"The Almost Moon"

"The Almost Moon" by Alice Seabold
Published by Little Brown and Company
Hardcover - finished 1/6/15


Just 3/5 stars for this one.
Although quite disturbing and difficult to read in places, this book held my interest. I wanted to keep reading to see how it ended (which I didn't like, but won't ruin for others).  I greatly enjoyed "Lovely Bones" by this author so I will definitely read other books she writes.

First book of 2015 - "A Storied Life of A. J. Fikry"

"A Storied Life of A. J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin
Published by Algonquin Books
Read on Nook - Finished 1/3/15


5/5 Stars for me!!!
This is a must read for all book lovers - you will love A.J Fikry and the characters surrounding him. It's a short, quick read (partially because you won't want to put it down) but well worth the time and effort.

A new way to share my love of reading

I love to read!  When I'm not working or carting my daughters off to their various activities, I have my nose in a book.  I like to consider it my hobby :)  Between my Nook (the original, no-frills kind) and what I like to call "tree books", I read about 60 a year.  This year I'm adding audio books into the mix to make my commute more enjoyable so I'm guessing I'll end up with a number closer to 75 for 2015.


I also love to discuss books and recommend great books to others.  I'm part of an in person book club and an online reading group via GoodReads.  If you aren't a member, you should be - you'll find your list of "books to read" will grow by leaps and bounds and you'll find yourself reading and enjoying books outside your comfort zone.  Anyway, now I thought I'd try my hand at a reading blog.  You've heard the saying, "I'm a lover, not a fighter".......well, I'm a reader, not a writer.....so, we'll see how this actually goes.  Normally, my reviews are pretty short and to the point but with this extra practice, maybe they'll improve with time.  That's my hope at least :)  Feel free to leave me feedback and/or let me know your opinion on a book I've reviewed here.


Stay tuned for more.
Lynn