I Crawl Through It by A.S. King

"Four teenagers are on the verge of exploding. The anxieties they face at every turn have nearly pushed them to the point of surrender: senseless high-stakes testing, the lingering damage of past trauma, the buried grief and guilt of tragic loss. They are desperate to cope, but no one is listening.

So they will lie. They will split in two. They will turn inside out. They will even build an invisible helicopter to fly themselves far away...but nothing releases the pressure. Because, as they discover, the only way to truly escape their world is to fly right into it.

The genius of acclaimed author A.S. King reaches new heights in this groundbreaking work of surrealist fiction; it will mesmerize readers with its deeply affecting exploration of how we crawl through traumatic experience-and find the way out."

Author, A.S. King

I started and finished I Crawl Through It by A.S. King within the span of a couple days. I found the characters all uniquely intriguing and I felt guilty every time I had to close the book to focus on something else (or sleep). The lives these characters lead every day are not contrived or redundant - I guarantee you've never met China before, the walking stomach who swallowed herself. But you'll love her - even when she's a walking tongue or rectum.

I Crawl Through It is sad, happy, weird and wonderful. And, of the three A.S. King books I've read, this is by far my favorite. I'd highly recommend this book to all for an entertaining read that'll leave you with that feeling of having made a new friend - or six.

I Crawl Through It by A.S. King on Amazon

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Please Ignore Vera Dietz was my second A.S. King novel. I had first read Everbody Sees the Ants and really appreciated the unique psychological element that came with the character's narration. Vera was no different. Though rather than having visions of ants here and there influencing your thoughts and actions, Vera saw Charlies. Thousands of Charlies. Charlie was (and is?) Vera's best friend. It had been that way for as long as either of them could remember. But with high school, drugs, alcohol and sex getting in the way they went different directions but maintained an unspoken dedication to one another.

Author, A.S. King

When Charlie dies and is blamed for arson, Vera is overwhelmed with guilt. Her major case of the coulda-woulda-shoulda's is silenced, however, by an upbringing that taught her to bottle it up and fly under the radar. No matter what she encounters she holds onto it which sometimes threatens her safety and causes her dad to further doubt her sense of responsibility.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a young adult novel that accurately portrays the struggles of friendship, community and loss. I felt the greatest lesson to be learned in the novel was to talk about things with those you love and trust and develop a sense of community. If you witness something bad, consider what would happen if you did nothing about it. Consider the lives that could be affected outside of your own. Just because you can walk or drive away from something safely doesn't mean the next person will be so lucky.

Read along and experience the story of Vera as she comes to terms with the past, the present and the future. Watch her develop a sense of responsibility and self-respect as she comes to terms with the loss of Charlie and begins to understand her dad better.

You can borrow Please Ignore Vera Dietz from your local library or purchase it from Amazon.

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick was an interesting, well-paced read. I listened to the audiobook while travelling and found the storyline to be engaging and intriguing.

The Silver Linings Playbook is written from the perspective of a mentally ill man named Pat Peoples. Pat is released from an institution and is living with his parents as long as he doesn't cause trouble. Unwilling to accept that he and his wife have been separated for several years, he holds onto the hope they'll reunite in the future - not even hope, though. He knows they'll reunite.

Author, Matthew Quick

In the meantime, he has some close calls with losing his temper. He sees a therapist who he bonds with over the love of Eagles football. He meets a strange girl, Tiffany, also scarred by loss and Pat struggles with his feelings toward her. Over time, she'll join him for runs, teach him to dance and become the closest person to him - or perhaps the most dangerous. Being unstable herself, will she set Pat off and be the cause of a return to a facility?

Tiffany was a fascinating character and I admired her intentions. When we first meet her, I was less than impressed and wished nothing more than to see her walk off stage right and fall down the steps. But I warmed up quickly to her dark yet charming character. And Pat, dangerously fragile, is also loving and adorable. His perception of the world around him and his eternal thoughtfulness kept me laughing, learning and thinking alongside him.

If there's one thing Quick knows how to do, it's create dynamic characters. By the end of the novel I felt like I had made new friends. I enjoyed them thoroughly and will carry them with me as a song in my heart.

I encourage you to check for The Silver Linings Playbook at your local library or purchase it from Amazon. You can also watch the film based on the novel on Netflix starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence or purchase it as well from Amazon. I have yet to see the film, but I've heard only positive reviews from those around me.

Wind/Pinball by Haruki Murakami

The debut short novels--nearly thirty years out of print-- by the internationally acclaimed writer, newly retranslated and in one English-language volume for the first time, with a new introduction by the author. 

These first major works of fiction by Haruki Murakami center on two young men--an unnamed narrator and his friend and former roommate, the Rat. Powerful, at times surreal, stories of loneliness, obsession, and eroticism, these novellas bear all the hallmarks of Murakami's later books, giving us a fascinating insight into a great writer's beginnings, and are remarkable works of fiction in their own right. Here too is an exclusive essay by Murakami in which he explores and explains his decision to become a writer. Prequels to the much-beloved classics A Wild Sheep Chase and Dance Dance Dance, these early works are essential reading for Murakami completists and contemporary fiction lovers alike. 

Goodreads.com description

Wind/Pinball is made up of the first two short novels Japanese author, Haruki Murakami wrote: Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball, 1973. No more than 125 pages each, both novels serve as a quick peek into the developmental stages of Murakami’s style. I’ve been a fan of Haruki Murakami ever since picking up the first novel I read by him, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, and I appreciated reading some of his earlier work.

In Hear the Wind Sing, an unnamed narrator is home from college on summer break. He spends a lot of his time at a local pub called J’s Bar, listening to music and drinking – sometimes to the verge of alcohol poisoning – with his wealthy friend, “The Rat.” The narrator also tells about the women he’s been with, including a woman with only nine fingers.

Pinball, 1973 switches between the unnamed narrator, now out of college and working as a translator, and The Rat. The narrator lives with a pair of twin girls who are indistinguishable outside of the sweaters they wear (one has 208 printed on it, the other 209). He becomes obsessed with tracking down a spaceship pinball machine he used to play in college. The Rat is depressed and on the verge of leaving town. He struggles to break the news to his only acquaintance, the bartender at J’s.

Both novels - or novellas - are less plot and more character and journey driven. They may have limited appeal to anyone unfamiliar with Murakami’s work, but I’d still recommend Wind/Pinball for a good quick read.

Tin Man by Lisa Henry and Heidi Belleau

Tin Man is a quick read (one sitting) by authors Lisa Henry and Heidi Belleau. It focuses on the stories of Ace, a petty thief, and Soren, a member of the Anti-Terrorist-Unit or ATU. When Soren chases down Ace for not providing proof of employment or residence, things get heated in more ways than one.

I found that throughout the book, the word fuck was used so often it distracted from the story and really made the characters seem ignorant as if they couldn't express wonder, excitement, disappointment, stress or fear in any other way. At one point the line was, and I quote, "Fuck, fuck, fuck." I don't have any problem with profanity, especially when it reveals more about a character. But every character in this novel was fond of it and it really hindered their development.

I also felt that the writing didn't match the pace of the story. Multiple pages would become victim to expressing every thought, even if redundant, about whatever was occurring. I'd be so far along in some character's processing of a scene that I'd have to turn back to see what event had occurred to ignite this trail of thought. So rather than feel the drama of a quick pace, I felt the agony of dry dialogue and internal processes stretched to their limit.

That being said, I feel Henry and Belleau could nurture a great skill of creating a sexy scene if they could just cut back on over-analyzing every move, every moment. But sexy scenes don't reach their full potential if we can't really understand the characters and see the intended chemistry. And if you're not into near-stranger sex with a dominating, degrading top who calls the surprisingly submissive bottom a whore, then you probably shouldn't start this book.

Tin Man seemed to be 70% sex and tension (and unrealistic at that), 20% plot (an uncomplicated three-step concept) and 10% character development (which is generous). Through reading the entire work, I didn't run across a single profound character, complex situation or memorable setting. It was the story of two static characters who had potential but instead were pre-programmed on a safe track to a happy ending.

If you would like to give Tin Man a chance through your own perspective, you can purchase it from Amazon. To the right appreciative audience, I'm sure it would be a worthwhile and entertaining endeavor.

Heartbreak Hotel by Deborah Moggach

Heartbreak Hotel is a recent work by Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, set to release in paperback in January of 2016. Heartbreak Hotel was my first experience of Deborah Moggach. I listened to the audiobook while interstate travelling and enjoyed the fragile characters and warm setting.

The story focuses on Buffy, a retired actor, who inherits a B&B in Wales and moves there to escape the noise of London. To get it up and running, he goes through minimal preparation hoping the shabby but chic look will appeal to potential residents. He then talks with his daughter who expresses a desire to fix her own car following a break-up in which she was reliant on her partner. This sparks the idea of turning the B&B into a "destination workshop series" of sorts. Recently divorced or separated persons who might have relied too heavily on the talents of their former partners could come and learn to cook, clean, garden, repair their car, etc. and be self-sufficient. These classes couldn't possibly all be taught by Buffy, but he gets some help along the way in leading them.

Basically, the residents then help Myrtle House look better through their work in the classes. For example, the jungle of a yard is tended to and made to look beautiful by the newly trained green thumbs. And by the end of the novel, Myrtle House has moved from divorcee retreat to become an executive retreat bringing money to the community. I found this ending transformation to be a bit of a stretch. Sure, executives might be searching for something a little less Marriott for their retreats, but they wouldn't likely choose an isolated house with a few leaky, drafty bedrooms for their location. But then again, in these retreats they're practicing hands-on skills and getting dirty - not polishing portfolios and sealing deals.

Author, Deborah Moggach

As far as the characters, I really appreciated Buffy's struggles. He's overwhelmed immediately upon moving into the B&B as any person his age (70's) and jumping into an adventure like this would be. He also works to reconnect with his children and to possibly explore a relationship. But when this relationship begins to blossom, I find it a bit unbelievable. The characters involved, Monica (botox-injecting woman who can find a bed partner, but not a life partner) and Buffy, become too neat and tidy. Monica takes the slightest offense at the smallest unintended arrangement of words and is intimidated by Buffy's younger days when he had multiple partners. Buffy wants desperately to alleviate her worries, but she runs away so, naturally, he abandons the B&B temporarily and chases after her. It all ends too tidily. I felt that the last third of the book was a rush to the finish. It tied up the loose ends, but I feel like the imperfect Buffy I met in the beginning became a polished character, dipped in gold, by the final chapter.

Perhaps one of the most interesting conflicts in the novel is the one between Voda and her ex-boyfriend Conner. She's in love with Buffy's daughter, India. He's a drug-influenced and alcoholic mess of a jail fly. When Conner, quite possibly abusive, is in trouble Voda still cares. When he bursts into Myrtle House and discovers her new relationship, she doesn't lose her mind. These two imperfect characters were the most interesting to me of the novel. Though Amy, a makeup artist for the stars, was interesting as well in watching her transform from childless and happy to longing for a relationship and child.

All in all the book is a pleasant read. Not too deep, but not too shallow either. A neutral read, you might say. And though I wasn't particularly moved by Heartbreak Hotel, Moggach's writing tone still kept me engaged. I will, in the future, seek another Moggach novel.

You can check for Heartbreak Hotel at a library near you or purchase it from Amazon.

Anything Could Happen by Will Walton

Tretch lives in a very small town where everybody's in everybody else's business. Which makes it hard for him to be in love with his straight best friend. For his part, Matt is completely oblivious to the way Tretch feels – and Tretch can’t tell whether that makes it better or worse.

The problem with living a lie is that the lie can slowly become your life. For Tretch, the problem isn’t just with Matt. His family has no idea who he really is and what he’s really thinking. The girl at the local bookstore has no clue how off-base her crush on him is. And the guy at school who’s a thorn in Tretch’s side doesn’t realize how close to the truth he’s hitting.

Tretch has spent a lot of time dancing alone in his room, but now he’s got to step outside his comfort zone and into the wider world. Because like love, a true self can rarely be contained. 

Summary from Goodreads.com

There’s much to appreciate about Will Walton’s debut novel, but a lot going on too. Anything could happen for Tretch Farm, and a lot certainly does during his winter break.

Tretch is in love with his straight best friend, Matt, who has two dads. His straight best friend is in love with a girl who may or may not like him back. Tretch tries to avoid a pretentious, yet clueless girl who works in book shop. He struggles with coming out. Then there’s the bully who called him out on his crush. And a grandparent dying of cancer. On top of all that, Tretch learns that his best friend is moving away, which causes him to attempt suicide, but not really. Oh, and a cow gives birth to a breached calf.

That’s only some of it. I appreciate that, underneath all that’s going on for Tretch, Walton’s novel is another coming of age coming out story. I like that he presents Matt’s dads as decent parents who raise a well-adjusted child. Tretch’s feelings for his best friend are honest and realistic. I felt, though, that his maturity was inconsistent. Tretch reads classics and has mature, sexual thoughts about his best friend, but then narrates about fearing and avoiding a black cat because of bad luck. 

I would still recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling with coming out. Walton shows that it’s okay to take that risk and that the results may not be as bad as you expect. Overall, I gave Anything Could Happen 3 out of 5 stars.

You can find Anything Could Happen at a local library by clicking here, or you can order it through Amazon here.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez

After their daughter Maribel suffers a near-fatal accident, the Riveras leave México and come to America. But upon settling at Redwood Apartments, a two-story cinderblock complex just off a highway in Delaware, they discover that Maribel's recovery--the piece of the American Dream on which they've pinned all their hopes--will not be easy. Every task seems to confront them with language, racial, and cultural obstacles.

At Redwood also lives Mayor Toro, a high school sophomore whose family arrived from Panamà fifteen years ago. Mayor sees in Maribel something others do not: that beyond her lovely face, and beneath the damage she's sustained, is a gentle, funny, and wise spirit. But as the two grow closer, violence casts a shadow over all their futures in America.

-Summary from Goodreads.com

The Book of Unknown Americans is a powerful, eye opening portrait of what it's like to be a Latino immigrant in the United States. Henríquez tells the story of the Riveras and the Toros, alternating between Maribel's mother Alma and Mayor. In between their chapters, short vignettes detail the experiences of a number of other Latino immigrants.

What I really liked about the book was how real the characters seemed to me. Alma is fiercely protective of Maribel, especially since she comes to blame herself for Maribel's accident and condition. Her husband, Arturo, devotes himself to keeping a job and staying out of trouble so they can stay in the United States so their daughter can receive the help she needs. Mayor is a freshman in high school who lives under the shadow of an athletically gifted older brother and can't quite live up to his father's expectations.

A neighborhood troublemaker, Garrett, is at the center of the events that lead to the climax of the story. He begins to stalk and pursue Maribel, and it's his interactions with both Mayor and Alma that lead the reader to fear for the girl's safety. What also concerned me, though, was how quickly Mayor's feelings for Maribel developed and how far he takes them. They talk a few times and suddenly he's in love with her and feeling her up.

Overall, though, the story was moving and heartbreaking. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a clearer picture of how hard some immigrants do work to get into this country and how dedicated they are to doing the right thing.

This review is also posted on BeyondtheBookend.com

Follow You Home by Mark Edwards

Follow You Home was a surprising find for me. I borrowed this Mark Edwards novel from Amazon as my book of the month. You can do the same with an Amazon Prime membership, or if you have a KindleUnlimited membership this title is included for free as well.

Typically when borrowing a KindleUnlimited title, I'm disappointed. But I really enjoyed the pace and mystery of Follow You Home. It all starts eerily with a traveling couple getting abandoned near a forest in Romania. We don't know exactly what happens in the forest, but upon exiting it they're never the same. We watch their relationship strain and suffer, their well-being crumble and their futures become cloudy all because of whatever happened in the Romanian woods.

Author, Mark Edwards

It becomes clear however that the horror in the woods is not the only threat to Laura and Daniel. Suddenly, back home in London, it feels like something followed them home. Bad luck, strange sights and experiences, etc. Will they maintain a grasp on reality while protecting themselves and those around them from whatever they "brought home?"

Follow You Home will be revealing secrets clear through the last page of the epilogue. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives but holds together, engrossing the reader in every minute, every breath of the story. Edwards writes in his letter that the onset of the novel was inspired by a similar experience of his own. And, quite rightly, he mentions Stephen King as an influencing style. The combination of keeping the story grounded but embellishing to make it interesting and suspenseful resulted in what will certainly be one of my recommendations for suspense novels in the future. I say keep writing, Mark Edwards. Whatever you're doing is working and I enjoyed every page.

You can borrow Follow You Home from your local library or purchase it from Amazon.

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

 After having read the prequel Mr. Mercedes, I had my doubts that a sequel could rival it. I was pleasantly surprised. Before reading any description, I assumed we'd pick up where we left Bill Hodges and Brady Hartsfield. Bill in quiet retirement, Brady bashed up and barely alive in the hospital. But instead we fall back decades to the murder of an iconic author by thugs interested mostly in his cash on hand. Morris Bellamy, the sharpest of the thugs and coincidentally a super-fan of Author John Rothstein, is interested in revenge though. He loved Rothstein's Jimmy Gold novel series - but he was enraged with the last installment's ending. After murdering Rothstein, he discovers additional manuscripts along with the cash in a safe. A series of events leads this discovery to a trunk hidden out of sight on a stream bank.

Author, Stephen King

We flash forward again to present day when a kid stumbles upon the cash and manuscripts Morris Bellamy stole and hid. Morris is in prison for rape (never found as murderer of Rothstein) but due to release soon and return to his treasure. The kid, Pete Saubers, will have to decide what to do with the manuscripts (he's also a big Jimmy Gold fan) and the cash but regardless, Morris is bound to be upset. And he's killed before but this time he's desperately thirsty to finally read what happens to Jimmy Gold. A kid in his way would prove a small obstacle.

Things get complicated with a parole officer, Bill Hodge's involvement in the case and Pete's family. Find out who ends up with what, how the cards fall for Morris and check back in briefly with Brady of Mr. Mercedes. You can find Finders Keepers at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

As a fan of Stephen King, I jumped right into Mr. Mercedes as soon as it was delivered to my doorstep. I wasn't disappointed whatsoever. In fact, I struggled finding a stopping point because I would become so engrossed in the story.

Mr. Mercedes is an exciting read as we jump back and forth between protagonist (retired cop Bill Hodges) and antagonist (Brady Hartsfield, mentally unstable and living with mom). Due to a number of factors, Brady's life was troubled from birth. His alcoholic mother offers no comfort, just additional stress. Brady's had enough and crashes - he crashes through a crowd of people with a stolen Mercedes. The thrill is medicinal, but he's seeking another.

Author, Stephen King

Here enters Bill Hodges, the retired cop who never found Brady (the Mercedes killer). Retirement is tough for him and he struggles with thoughts of suicide. Only when Brady starts playing with fire, teasing Bill anonymously, does he step up out of his gloom and into danger to solve the case once and for all.

My favorite part of Mr. Mercedes has to be the internal moments with Brady Hartsfield. I can't recall a character I've read about in the past which struck me so significantly. Brady is sick - really sick. His thoughts are twisted, his actions are questionable, his health is wavering and no one is safe. King paints a picture so raw yet real of this danger through the thoughts of Brady.

I encourage you to check for Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King at your local library. You can also purchase Mr. Mercedes on Amazon.

Zoo by James Patterson

Zoo was my first novel by James Patterson. I began reading it with high expectations due to the sheer volume of books he cranks out so frequently. I have to admit, though, I was disappointed in Zoo.

Patterson's Zoo has some really strong features. For those of us who sincerely appreciate easy stopping points, this book has 98 chapters and an epilogue. It's absolutely great for fitting in five minutes of reading here and there. However, some chapter breaks seemed unnecessary. One might end with an event of some sort, but nothing too suspenseful. Some chapters might have been more effective blended together.

Author, James Patterson

The plot of Zoo could be summed up to say the world is experiencing an animal apocalypse. Due to humans' lack of care with the environment and their stubborn nature of not wanting to believe warning signs, they've brought on a chemically/environmentally borne "smell" that affects all mammals. Suddenly dolphins, rats, squirrels, leopards, and hippos (oh my!) all have this wasp-like hatred of humans and, as hives, attack humans en masse.

This really could have been exciting. The plot blossomed from a great idea but wilted because of the characters. I felt the characters were dry and "regular" and I also didn't find myself sympathizing with the human experience hardly at all. It seemed no relationships were developed fully enough to care if the protagonist's wife and kids were eaten, for example. There wasn't one character introduced that really struck a line of familiarity with me.

That being said, I'd still recommend this book for a quick read. You could finish it in a couple dedicated nights (one if you're crazy). The fictional science and plot development is interesting. And it'll have you wondering about your own behavior in the environmentally fragile world in which we live and breathe. Just don't open the book expecting to have your heart shredded by an emotional tempest of suffering, courage and hope (like I did, clearly).

You can check Zoo out from your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

Time and Again by Jack Finney (Time Series, Book One)

Time and Again is the first of two books in Jack Finney's Time Series. I added it to my "To Read" list after finishing Stephen King's 11/22/63 and seeing his reference to this book as "THE great time-travel story." I struggled with the pace, but appreciated the vivid imagery that brought 19th century New York to life.

Author Jack Finney (1911-1995) was a wealth of information on history due, in large part, to the decades he experienced first hand. Being a millenial, I appreciated not only his fictional account of New York but the fact confirmed in his epilogue that he and his associates researched extensively to verify and write about late 19th century New York exactly as it actually was in the 19th century. He admits there were some intentionally adjusted dates to suit the purpose of an entertaining story but for the most part, by reading Time and Again, you're stepping back into 19th century New York as it very much were.

If you love New York and maybe even have a bumper sticker saying so on your car, you may really like Finney's excessively descriptive nature. But (maybe because I'm a millenial?) I found the story to lose its grasp on my attention multiple times when descriptions got too lengthy. Finney writes in depth about nearly everything our protagonist encounters. But it's also important to consider this book was published first in 1970 for a different era of reader and market.

Author, Jack Finney (1995)

That being said, the imagery from both the 20th and 19th centuries' New York was wonderful and clear even if in excess. You would have no issue visualizing the scenes Simon Morley (or Si as he's known by most) walks into. And it's fun reading along knowing that the arm of the statue of liberty actually did set near Madison separated and awaiting construction at another site until a later date. In the book, Si is able to climb just the arm and sit near the torch.

The story's action was intriguing. If I were to re-edit it for 2015, I would cut the majority of the first 50% of the book, leaving the bare essentials to describe the time travel method and project. I also wouldn't bother with too much depth into Si's career as he's soon to abandon it for the remainder anyway. And as far as the "complicated love situation" mentioned in the description between two women it falls rather flat. Si is primarily interested in one (I won't spoil which one, in case you're interested to find out for yourself) and I feel the other could be cut completely without the story losing any of its value.

My opinion on edits aside, the last half of the book carries along nicely. Glazing through the occasional slump of adjectives and scenery, I found myself wondering "How is he going to get out of this?" or "What would I do if I found myself in his situation?" and most often "How is this going to affect the present?" And it's interesting to consider all the ways 19th century civil workers (police, firemen, politicians, etc.) and citizens responded and reacted to crisis and crime. We certainly have better technology and resources today, but what about the character composition of our communities? Would we jump into danger to help a stranger (enjoyed the rhyme, did you?)? Or would we rely on diffusion of responsibility and perhaps even pretend we didn't see anything, absolving ourselves of the need to act?

Time and Again is a book that'll have you asking questions not only about yourself but about the world you live in today. It's worth a read if you have the time - and if you don't, crack the book open halfway in and fill the gaps in as best you can. We all need to experience a bit of time travelling and I can't think of a better, more engaging way than through historically-near-accurate fiction.

Check out Time and Again from your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

The First Bad Man by Miranda July

The First Bad Man by Miranda July is an emotional storm detailing Cheryl Glickman's experiences during a difficult and wonderful time in her life. Cheryl, never married and without children, is a baby-obsessed later-middle-aged woman and I absolutely loved her. Cheryl, in her forties, experiences internal lifetimes of love with Philip, a co-worker and board member at her workplace which aims to reduce domestic violence and teach women how to defend themselves. Cheryl harbors a fierce love of two things: babies (not any baby, but certain babies that seem to embody the soul of one in particular) and Phillip. But Phillip, in his sixties, harbors a fierce love not for Cheryl but for a teenage girl named Kirsten. This news shatters Cheryl, but she comes to believe Phillip is only texting her graphic tales of his endeavors as a sort of game - that, perhaps, Kirsten is imaginary.

Author, Miranda July

Phillip aside, Cheryl later meets Clee through an unexpected and unwelcome turn of events. Her bosses' daughter Clee is a beautiful blonde girl that has seemingly has no respect for herself or anyone or anything. Clee, more or less, invites herself to live with Cheryl and arrives with garbage bags of belongings. Her pepsi-guzzling, cheeto-crunching character is only accentuated by her sexual promiscuity and violent, threatening behavior. But Cheryl, after summoning the courage to stand up to Clee, begins to thirst for the violence and they begin to regularly act out self-defense scenarios which satisfies them both immensely. And then they fall in love.

When Cheryl finds out Clee is pregnant (from an unknown partner), she gets involved and loves the idea of sharing a baby. And where Clee was once a revolting character, I found myself cheering her on at times and wishing the both of them every happiness. But life isn't always so simple. And for this cast of characters it can be quite complex. Read the book and experience the birth of love and courage. Find out what happens to Cheryl and Phillip. But most of all, envelop yourself with the intricacies of the human spirit and mind.

This was the first book I experienced by Miranda July. Miranda writes with a unique voice and an important voice for youth and adults alike. If you're looking for something different, but something intimate and raw look no further. The First Bad Man will keep you turning pages, wishing fiercely, celebrating, sympathizing, laughing and fighting tears as you unwrap this tale of losing, gaining and loving.

Be sure to check out The First Bad Man by Miranda July from your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Stephen King is, without a doubt, one of my top five favorite authors (if not the very first!). So a review for 11/22/63 comes easily to me as I have no disappointment in it or the familiar writing style that encapsulates and engages my imagination for days on end.

Author, Stephen King

11/22/63 answers a question: "What could interfering with the past do the future?" It's tested through various adventures into the past changing first a small thing, then maybe a bigger thing later. But the most interesting and unique thing about 11/22/63 is that time travel happens by descending a particular "invisible staircase" in a closet. Each time you enter the past (always the exact same date and time) you reset all previous changes you made as if you'd never interfered. And even if you spend five years in the past, when you return to the present you've only been gone two minutes. Fascinating.

I encourage you to read this book and see what could happen if JFK's assassin was unsuccessful. I encourage you to put yourself in Jake Epping's shoes and experience the present and the past as he encounters complications in both. Where would you want to stay? What would you want to do? How would you handle the responsibility? Especially when you knew the past didn't want to be changed and would throw obstacles in your path if you tried - jeopardizing your life, even.

Be sure to check for 11/22/63 at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton is a new kind of novel for me. For me, it's not quite science fiction, it's not quite fantasy, it's not quite historical fiction and so on and so forth. It was a sorrowful, yet beautiful tale - the title is spot on.

Ava Lavender, in the time the story is written, is the most recent addition to a long line of sad ancestors. She's cursed or blessed with enormous, feathery wings. But the feathers are gray. Ava is holed up in her house growing up, unaware of all that's out in the world for her own protection. But with the assistance of some questionable friends she sneaks out a few times to explore the coastal town.

Nathaniel Sorrows, taking care of his mother, lives in town and sees Ava out and about with her wings. He mistakes her as an angel at once and speeds down a dangerously unhealthy slope of obsession. When the summer solstice celebration comes, Ava blends in well as most people wear costumes. The freedom is surely a relief but the dangerous man waiting for her to be alone doesn't cross her mind.

Author, Leslye Walton

Ava's story is sorrowful - and exciting. Her mother's story is sad - yet moving. Her grandmother's story is miserable - but wonderful. It continues, and continues but each relative experiences redeeming, beautiful and exciting events that keep us engaged and thrilled for their special break in the clouds.

Grab a handful of sorrow and wonder. You may feel it's slow at times but hang in there and allow yourself to open yourself to experience the story being told on an emotional level.

Be sure to check for The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman brings to mind the one curmudgeon I'm sure we all know in our families or communities. And thankfully it brings a different perspective to our understanding of those individuals. Ove, specifically, is dealing with an overwhelming amount of grief and feels he's stopped living - but he keeps going through the motions.

I found Ove to be an endearing character. I identified with his need for order and regularity. I appreciated his watchful eye in the neighborhood, putting himself in uncomfortable situations to stand up for those that wouldn't or couldn't stand up for themselves. Ove was also very handy and, albeit with a grumble, was willing to help anyone with about any project or task. And I really loved the cat he hated and how it came to be "his" (even though he would deny such).

He's a "softy." And toward the end of the book they find out his heart is too big - and that's both literally and figuratively. He's generous, thoughtful and kind. He's open-minded to "youth" of today and even opens his home to a young gay kid abandoned by his own father because of his sexuality.

Author, Fredrik Backman

I'll admit it started slowly. It's hard to identify with him at first - but consider meeting a curmudgeon in real life: it's not easy to warm up immediately either.

Perhaps my largest criticism of the writing style is all of the detailed metaphors used to describe various things. It seemed a bit too frequent that Backman described a sight, smell or feeling with an abstract metaphor. A few are great, an army of them become tiring.

Whether you're interested in the premise of A Man Called Ove or not, I think you'd be touched by reading it. We can all identify with at least one character in the community. Be sure to read the epilogue. And open your heart to Ove.

Be sure to check for A Man Called Ove at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

     The Hunger Games is the first novel of Suzanne Collins' futuristic, dystopian trilogy. America has fallen apart and taken new form as Panem under leadership of the Capitol. President Snow resides over twelve impoverished districts that are being punished for a previous uprising. The main punishment, the annual Hunger Games, is a last-child-standing fight to the death for 24 youth (a boy and a girl from each district) selected at random. The games are a reminder to each district that the Capitol is in control and is not to be questioned. The event is widely popular (in the Capitol) and televised all across Panem.

     Each district excels in different economical areas such as agriculture or coal mining and owes their various products to the Capitol. Those who try to take the product of their work are punishable by death. Peacemakers monitor each district to ensure cooperation and respect for the rules set up by the Capitol.

     This particular story centers on a character named Katniss Everdeen, an adventurous, strong young woman. She provides for her community and family by illegally leaving the "supposed-to-be-electrified" border of their district to hunt wild game in the woods. People survive in District 12 by trading primarily, but many die of starvation or illness because of limited access to money and adequate care while those residing in the Capitol are wealthy and well-versed in the luxuries of life.

      When the reaping (or the random selection of two Tributes from each district for The Hunger Games) takes place in District 12, Katniss' sister is called, but Katniss volunteers instead and is joined on stage by the baker's son, Peeta Mellark. From the reaping, the two District 12 tributes are taken to the Capitol to begin preparations for entering the Arena. Katniss and Peeta meet the only victor from District 12 in the previous 73 years of the Hunger Games, Haymitch, who is to guide them in preparing for their fast-approaching peril but his faith is lacking and his liquor is plentiful. It seems the only help the two will get will be from each other.

Author Suzanne Collins

     Things change in their team when Peeta and Katniss show themselves competitive and full of potential. A new fire is lit in the District 12 prep team...and possibly between Peeta and Katniss. This could-be romantic flame becomes the focus of the team in preparing the couple for the Hunger Games. This is the angle they can sell to the public to get sponsors (who can send vital life-sustaining supplies via air-drop throughout the games).

      Competing in this sadistic, less-than-human event but having to put up a cooperative, appreciative front to the Capitol just to get sponsors and keep the peace makes it difficult for Katniss to find motivation especially with her odds so low against Districts who raise their children specifically for the Hunger Games. If it weren't for her family back home, it might seem she'd given up before even making it to the Capitol.

     Once in the arena, numerous challenges present themselves to Katniss and Peeta. Gamemaker-produced forks are thrown in the road to make things "more exciting" and life becomes incredibly fragile what with surviving the elements as well as facing 23 other tributes set on winning the games for their own survival and District's benefit.

The Hunger Games Movie

Catching Fire Movie (11/22/13)

     Check out The Hunger Games to see what awaits Katniss in the arena and see what the Capitol (and rest of Panem) find of her behavior and decisions in the Games. The 74th Annual Hunger Games are unlike any other in history and are not to be missed. Check out a copy from your local library, buy it from Amazon for your kindle, as paperback, hardcover or audiobook. If you already know you'll love it, check out the entire trilogy or movie for the first book, The Hunger Games. The second movie, Catching Fire, will be released in theatres November 22, 2013.

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

     The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp is a coming-of-age story about a high school senior named Sutter. After his parents divorced and his sister moved out, it seemed Sutter lived alone even though residing with his disinterested mother (who sees too much of her ex-husband in her son) and step-father (more of a robot than a man, it seems). Sutter knows all the funny punchlines, is an expert story-teller, dares to be bold and is the life of every party...but he's starting to notice his friends are drifting away from the wild and wacky, spectacular "now" in search of their promising "nexts."

     Sutter couldn't be happier with his beautiful girlfriend Cassidy, a large, voluptuous goddess. His best friend, Ricky, is in need of a girlfriend and Sutter decides to take the role of matchmaker...and succeeds! But now it seems Ricky's lost interest in adventures, partying and living on the wild side with Sutter. Cassidy gives Sutter the ultimatum to consider her feelings "or else", but he fails while distracted with matchmaking for Ricky and finds himself kicked to the curb. Cassidy was ready for maturity and a little seriousness occasionally and Sutter couldn't commit. His longtime friend Ricky is now caught up in a happy relationship thanks to Sutter but now he's single...and alone with his flask.

     It would seem Sutter exists as much due to oxygen as whiskey. He gives no thought to time of day or location but just opens the flask, takes it straight or mixes with a big gas-station-cup of 7-UP. This leads to poor decisions, but a "fortified" mind, he claims, which gets the laughs and keeps the fun coming. Cassidy even tells her new boyfriend at one point that Sutter probably wouldn't drive half as well sober as drunk it had become such a crutch.

     One night, in a drunken adventure, Sutter ends up parked in one person's yard but passed out in someone else's yard a mile away. Aimee, a paper-delivering girl, stops to examine the corpse on the lawn in the small hours of the morning and discovers he's alive. Wondering where his vehicle is, she agrees to have him ride along, helping deliver papers, while searching for his vehicle. It seems Sutter's not quite finished with Aimee even after finding his car and his interest in helping her out of her shell grows quickly.

Author Tim Tharp

     Aimee goes from shy and reserved with a head full of dreams to drunken and bold in a matter of weeks. She's suddenly acting haphazardly and with no regard for the rules. Her grades drop, she's getting hurt and burning bridges...but she's happy being with Sutter. Has he really helped her at all? He thinks so. His friends think otherwise. This novel is a great reminder that what works for you and makes you happy may not be the best or safest for others.

     Sutter struggles with the concept of a concrete plan for the future in Tharp's novel, The Spectacular Now. He is so content with living moment to moment, carefree. With graduation fast approaching, however, he finds himself thrust into adulthood and caught in a confusing web of love, friends, family and the future. There's no laughing himself out of this one. It's time to grow up. But maybe the Spectacular "Next" isn't for everyone.

     Check out The Spectacular Now from your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Looking For Alaska by John Green

     Looking for Alaska by John Green is absolutely fantastic and splendid! If you've read the book, you might remember that a girl named Alaska would leap into those words (absolutely, splendid and fantastic). The depth to which Green goes into conveying the personality and spirit of each character in this book is wonderful to explore and makes it easy to conjure an image, then bring to life the story in your mind. Because of the well-developed characters and their respective spirits, you're sure to keep this book close to heart and soul.

     Because this "coming-of-age" story is split into two parts, "Before" and "After", around a central event, I cannot easily describe much of the book's wonder without spoiling what is sure to be a new favorite of prospective readers.

     Miles "Pudge" Halter is in search of the "Great Perhaps". Upon moving into Culver Creek, a boarding school, he is sure his chances of finding the Great Perhaps are more likely because of the friends he makes almost immediately. Life at the Creek is exciting, unpredictable and fun. He embarks on adventures rather frequently with his roommate "The Colonel" and their mutual friends Alaska and Takumi.

     Alaska is moody, fun, intelligent and broken. At times, Miles is unsure what Alaska's most recent issue with the world is, but he grows accustomed to her mood swings and finds himself head over heels for her anyway. Though Alaska is dating a guy named Jake, Miles can't stop the feelings he has for Alaska but keeps them safely tucked away for the sake of their friendship.

Author John Green

     Miles has found acceptance, love and adventure at the Creek and it seems things couldn't get any better on his journey to the Great Perhaps. Life has a way, however, of throwing a wrench in the motor of a smooth-running machine at times. Suddenly things are moving (and stumbling) at the speed of life and you, the reader, are along for the ride. Miles and his friends find themselves in a world turned topsy-turvy and gray where tough questions are left unanswered.

     You're certain to find yourself enveloped in the setting, the characters and the storyline. I would encourage you to read this novel to discover what exactly happens at the Creek that thrusts Miles & Co. into some of life's biggest issues no one can really expect or prepare for, especially at their age.

     You can find Looking For Alaska at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.