1st to Die

To be honest, I've always been skeptical of James Patterson.  I always find it odd when authors are able to produce new books frequently.  However, I was impressed with this book, the first in a series of books.  It reads like a Law and Order: SVU episode, and is a little gruesome at points, but overall it's a really interesting story.

The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance

This book is HILARIOUS!  Which, given the title, is somewhat expected.  What surprised me most about this book was the insightful, thoughtful undertone throughout the whole book.  It was a fast read and a fun read.  I highly recommend this book, especially as a "summer beach" read.

Water for Elephants

I can't remember if this book has already been posted about, but in case it hasn't I thought I would.  I just finished Water for Elephants last week, and I really enjoyed it.  It was unlike anything else I've ever read.  The story is well written, with interesting characters that you really grow to love.  The language is rich yet very understandable, and it is a fast read.  My only caveat is that there is some rather adult language and situations in this book, so read with caution.  I was able to overlook it and skip some rather off color scenes.  There isn't so much of it though that it ruined the book for me.

Read it and enjoy!!

SWAP!

Since we're on a roll with posting, I thought I might "enlighten" you all to my new latest craze.

SWAP.COM

As simple as it sounds, it has revolutionized my life.  Am I exaggerating?  NO.

For simply the cost of postage (at a media rate none the less), you can swap your old or unwanted books for new (or at least new to you) books!  Awesome, right?  Now I never have to worry about which book I want to purchase or if I'll really end up liking it.  I can just find it on swap and if I like it afterward, I can either keep it -- or simply swap it out again!

I feel like you people (although I don't know you) would really like this.  :)   If you end up joining - be sure to look me up = mmcbeath

Happy Swapping!

Great book and hopefully will be a great movie!

So a lot of you might have already read this one but I had to put it out there. I loved it and can not wait until the movie comes out.

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

Fun Reads

Ok so I dont know if we are still sticking to the format of read and post about what you read, but I am going for it :)

I love random chick lit books to break up some of the great but heavy reading books on my list. I found the Lucy Valentine series and they were perfect. The are great quick lighthearted reads mixing normal love story chick lit with mystery. Not sure any of you share my guilty pleasure of mindless but fun reading but if so you should try these out.

Truly Madly

Lucy Valentine is as smart as can be, as single as you can get, and so notqualified to run a matchmaking service. But when her parents temporarily step down from the family business, Valentine, Inc., it’s Lucy’s turn to step up and help out—in the name of love.

Plus, her rent is due.

Here’s the problem: Lucy doesn’t have the knack for matchmaking. According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read “auras” and pair up perfect couples. But not Lucy. Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world? You’d be surprised. In a city like Boston, everyone’s looking for something. So when Lucy locates a missing wedding ring—on a dead body—she asks the sexy private eye who lives upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime. And who knows? Maybe she’ll find the perfect love while she’s at it…

The Hunger Games Trilogy

I am woefully behind in writing on this blog; so if you follow consistently I am sorry.  Today I have 3 books to talk about that are all part of The Hunger Games trilogy.  Oh my goodness- these books are really good.  I wasn't sure about them at first, the topic was a little outside of what I generally gravitate towards, but I was so surprised by how much I loved them.  This trilogy is technically considered young adult, but I disagree with that.  Just because the main character is around age 17 doesn't mean that it's meant for young adults.  I think that while young adults definitely will enjoy this book, it isn't just for the teenage sect.

The books take place in Panem, which is North America after it has been destroyed.  The Capitol of Panem is in charge in a dictator type role.  Every year they force children from each district to compete in the Hunger Games.  As you can probably deduce, the main character, Katniss Everdeen, has to compete.  The story of these 3 books is very well written- you find yourself conflicted and confused just like Katniss.  You find yourself furious and angry just like Gale, her best friend.  And you find yourself contemplative like Peeta Mellark.

Read these books- you will love them.