"The Grownup" BOOK REVIEW

"The Grownup" by Gillian Flynn
Published by Crown
Finished 1/21/17  -  4/5 stars

Creepy - 55 pages of creepy! It starts out talking about giving hand jobs and I thought, um....what am I about to read? And it stays strange for a little bit but then the creepiness arrives and stays that way for the rest of the book. And then you finish the book and think, what in the world just happened and what is about to happen? But you won't know because it's OVER.

I will say, I'm glad I didn't buy this book. Anytime an author puts out a mini book like this and charges more than $5 for the actual book or more than $1.99 for the ebook, I won't take the bait and buy it. To me, that's just wrong and appears that they are writting simply for the money. But since it was free......I have no problem reading and enjoying it :)

"Always" BOOK REVIEW

“Always” by Sarah Jio

Published by Ballantine Books

Finished 1/21/17  -  3/5 stars

Kailey has moved back to Seattle, found a good job, met a nice guy, and fell in love.  They bought a house together and are busy planning their wedding when one evening she happens upon a homeless man when leaving a fancy restaurant in the city.  When their eyes meet, he doesn’t recognize her but she is sure she knows who he is – her first love from years ago.  He was young and successful when he just disappeared from her life, never to be heard from again.  What could have possibly happened for him to now be living on the streets and not even remember her?  Kailey is determined to find out, but at what cost.

I had heard great things about Sarah Jio’s books but this is the first one I’ve actually read.  Unfortunately, I have a feeling it’s not her best work.  I found this story to be low drama, low action, and fairly predictable.  With that being said, it was also just what the doctor ordered for me at this time because I had just finished the most depressing book I have ever read and needed something light with a happy ending.  It definitely served its purpose for me.  Because of the great things I’ve heard about this author, although this book was only a 3/5 for me, I will be trying another of her books.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

"A Little Life" BOOK REVIEW

“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara

Published by Doubleday

Finished 1/14/17  -  3/5 stars

Yes, you read that correctly.  I am only giving this book that everyone else has loved only 3 stars.  I liked the storyline and all the characters, however, it was just too long.  I know it covers many years, but it could have been condensed some and there were parts that seemed truly repetitive that I would find myself speed reading through.  Also, whereas I’m sure Jude was easily taken advantage of and/or abused because he came to simply expect the worst out of people, I find it somewhat hard to believe that around every corner of his early life there was someone doing just that. 

I would say my favorite part of this book was the bond between the men and their ability to help one another through difficult times.  Obviously, most of the support was for Jude but Willem got his fair share too.  They all wanted the best for one another and were there mentally and physically for whomever needed it at the time.  Those parts were heartwarming.

I also liked the way the story ended.  It was not what I expected in a number of aspects.  I won’t speak to why that is the case so you’ll have to read it yourself. 

If you haven’t read this book yet and are planning on doing so, please know that there are parts of this book that are violent and disturbing and the majority of the book is quite depressing.  It is definitely not an easy read with regards to the subject matter.