The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo

I don't know why I didn't expect to love this but I'm sure glad I was wrong. This book was awesome! I pretty much only know Amy Schumer from Trainwreck, I've never watched her show or her stand-ups so I didn't have any pre-conceived notions about her really. Which was kind of nice, it made her really down to earth even though she's clearly quite famous. In the same vein as Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, or Amy Poehler, this book virtually convinces the reader that you should be best friends with Amy, she's so relatable, funny, and real. Gah, I sound like such a fangirl. But really, I went from virtually no opinion on Amy to number one fan (except for my friend Moffett, no one can top that kind of crazy!). This book isn't a memoir it's more of a mishmash of stories, lists, photos, opinions, and comedy. It's got a little something for everyone. It can be downright hilarious hearing about her hook ups and shenanigans and then it can take a completely serious turn as she discusses her dad's MS or the shooting at one of her movie screenings. I loved all of it and I look forward to reading more of her stuff in the future.  

All Is Not Forgotten

If I could have given this a 4.5 star rating I would have. It was soo close to being a 5 star, it truly was! The suspense and writing style had me hooked at the very get go and I powered through determined to find out the ending. A teenage girl is brutally raped and as a result of drinking and repressive therapy she remembers none of the attack. She knows she was assaulted but she can't remember any specific details which everyone seems to think will help her out in the long term. Unfortunately, it has the opposite affect and she just wishes she could remember it so her brain would stop trying so hard to put the pieces together. Told through the perspective of her therapist, this harrowing story is his piecing together what happened to her and his dark role in uncovering and possibly altering the truth. Wonderful. Loved it, wished their was more to the ending. It came to fast, I needed more!!!

A Morbid Taste for Bones

The first book in the compelling Brother Cadfael series, this medieval murder mystery is sure to attract a wide variety of readers. Filled with monastic customs, medieval life, murder, and intrigue this mystery is a great introduction to the rest of the books in the series. Even though this one isn't my favorite (it takes place away from their monastery) it's still damn good and that speaks volumes about this series. Narrated brilliantly by Derek Jacobi who plays Brother Cadfael in the TV show, the audiobook is well worth a listen. I can't wait to work my way though this series!

My Best Friend's Exorcism

After reading Grady Hendrix's brilliantly ridiculous, Horrorstor, I knew I had to read whatever he came out with next. In the same ridiculous vein as his other works this tongue and cheek over the top 80's tribute was just what I was in the mood for. It's 1988 and everything is going great for Abby and her best friend Gretchen. High school is their playground and they just tried acid for the first time. The only problem is Gretchen isn't quite herself after taking it. She disappeared in the woods and came back a different person. Is it just the drugs affecting her or is something really wrong? Surprisingly dark at times, this book had a lot of great moments and the 80's nostalgia was awesome. A fun fast read.

Everlasting Lies

Lies tie and bind this ill fated couple together in early twentieth century Britain. Charles Vernon, a spoiled surly boy insistent on making his own way in the world falls for the charms of his friend's younger sister and together they fall deeply in love and lust. In no time at all young Edina becomes pregnant and Charles is aghast, he's too young to tie down, he wants nothing to do with his first love anymore. Content to roam the whorehouses he leaves her behind only to decide that the best way to seek vengeance on his friend's family is to take on Edina as his bride and move her far away. Demanding and rude he treats his bride as a servant and when the Great War breaks out in Europe she falls for another man. He sees nothing wrong with him taking lovers but the thought of her with another man changes things. Told over the course of decade this sordid love affair tells of romance, broken trust, affairs, and reconciliation. Artfully told, this tale will captivate readers and immerse them in the era.

I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased review.

A Raisin in the Sun

Yet again another classic that I have never read or even seen. This one is pretty shameful, I've heard nothing but praise for this play and after reading it I can certainly see why. I definitely need to see it as well now. This play brings to life a young black husband and his family as they try to improve their living situation. It's honest, humanizing, and soulful; it explores the trials and tribulations of a black family in Chicago. Even though this play came out over five decades ago it's still holds true and remains relatable. The human dream of improving one's life is the American story and this play beautifully captures that. A wonderful read.

The Dark Side of Me

This novella explores the dark side of an insecure young woman just trying to find her place in the world. Unhappy with her weight, her boyfriend, her annoying friends, and her job; G takes solace in food and yo yo dieting. After a while this takes a toll on her and she can't even recognize the face staring back at her in the mirror. A dark, bitter, vengeful side emerges from the depths of her unhappiness and her life takes a sudden horrifying turn. Will she be able to live with herself? What makes her happiest? This short story quickly builds up into a dark suspenseful tale that will leave readers wanting more.

I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased review.

Prudence

Admittedly, I've only read one other steampunk novel, but I think this may not be the genre for me. The writing was great, the characters fleshed out, and the plot intricate, but overall I was not a fan. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but maybe it's just a little too out there for more. I didn't love this for the same reason that I don't love Alice in Wonderland. It's just too over the top for me. The most redeeming thing about this audiobook for me is the narrator's telling of it. She had an amazing British accent and her ability to differentiate between character's voices was amazing. I loved all her little accents and sing song voices! If you like futuristic historical intrigue novels mixed with supernatural elements like vampires and werewolves then you would most likely enjoy this book. If not, pass it on by.

Photographs From The Edge

Art Wolfe's stunning photography will make a welcome addition to any coffee table. Utterly amazing and engrossing these photos beg to be looked at more than once. Included along with each picture is a summary, photo tips, and the nature of the photo. Included are amazing nature photos, portraits, city views, and animals from all over the globe. The quality of these photos is beyond compare and can be likened to looking at the "best of" National Geographic photos. I found myself captivated by nature scenes, there is a wonderful photo of a seal swimming up to Art and I would love to have that framed, really though, any of these photographs would be a welcome addition to any home. Beautifully bound with no dust jacket, this book isn't too large to be bulky, but it is still large enough to allow the reader to see high resolution photos. Before reading this I had never heard of this photographer but I will definitely be keeping an eye on his work from now on. A must read!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

The Handmaid's Tale

This is one of those classics that I'm embarrassed to admit that I hadn't read. Blasphemous, I know. Twenty seven years on this earth and I'm JUST NOW getting to this sensationally, classic, and groundbreaking work?!?! I feel like my librarian card would have been revoked had I not gotten to it when I did. I read this book from start to finish in less than 24 hours, so it was good to know that all the hype was true. This book is hard to put down. I was riveted from the get go. This dystopian novel of gender inequality and sex and politics, remains as relevant today as when it was first published three decades ago. I won't do justice summarizing the book. Trust me, just dive right in. You won't regret it. It's timeless and will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Truly Madly Guilty

In the same vein as her previous novel, Big Little Lies, this fast paced novel will have readers screaming "What Happened!" the entire time. Alternating chapters show what happened after "the barbecue" and what happened the day of. Although the day of chapters start at the beginning of the day so it's not clear until the end of the novel what actually went down at the ill fated bbq. We see the characters all trying to go about their lives after some "disastrous" event took place, but the suspense is built up and keeps the readers trying to puzzle together what in the world went down. Just when you think you may have an inkling of what happened Liane Moriarity flips it around and you're back at square one. She is truly a master of suspense and in the most light hearted way possible, it's such a fun read and the characters are very well developed. An excellent new book from her. I can't wait for more!

Weeia on My Mind

Although Weeia on My Mind is the second in the Marshal series (Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia being the first), it reads incredibly easy and would most likely be easy to follow along with even if you hadn't read the first. This second installment follows Marshal Danni Metreaux as she continues to police Paris and keep the peace among the Weeia. With no help fro her superior (or her lazy secretary) she has her hands full trying to keep the peace and stay on top of the paperwork. Just when she thinks things can't get anymore complicated an attractive young trainee shows up and she has to help show him the ropes. At first Danni is annoyed but her new trainee proves useful on her cases and she finds that she is starting to stay on top of work for once (plus he's good eye candy). With some extra time on her hands she rekindles a romance with an old flame and she couldn't be happier; that is until one of her cases starts to get more complicated with no leads in sight. What's a girl to do? Another great installment in the Weeia world, readers will relate to Danni as she tries to stay true to herself and prove everyone wrong in the process. The descriptions of Paris, the food, and the fashion are out of the world and really help immerse the reader into this cosmopolitan urban fantasy. I can't wait for the next one!

I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased review.

The Geek's Guide to Dating

I didn't read beyond the cover, so I was unsure as to what to expect. For some reason I thought this would be a fictional book, but to my surprise (because I clearly don't read descriptions!) it truly was a dating guide. It was definitely fun to listen to the audiobook version because the narrator had great inflection and helped make it more fun. This guide is actually filled with pretty solid advice (it is geared solely to males, but you can get a general idea on most sections as to what applies to the ladies) and is very punny. Eric Smith has it loaded with references from every fandom, video game, and pop culture hamlet you can think of. He often uses common scenarios found in pop culture to illustrate certain points or to point out what is super unrealistic in what to expect in a relationship. Very funny and creative way to frame a dating book.

Absalom's Daughters

A quirky and heartfelt journey that will intrigue readers from the beginning. From an early age Cassie and Judith knew they were sisters. Even though Cassie was black and living with her mother and grandmother above a laundry shop and Judith was a white girl living with her redneck family, they knew they were sisters, and so did the whole town. Grandmother was obsessed with getting the family lighter and lighter because living in the Jim Crow south during the 50s was no cake walk for colored folks. In order to whiten the family line, grandmother would push her offspring to get knocked up by white men, hoping that in a few generations, no one would be none the wiser. When their father ran off (although he was certainly no father to poor Cassie and ignored her very existence) and left Judith's mom and siblings up shit creek, Judith has decided that she's had enough and she's going to make her own way in the world. She convinces Cassie to join her and together they dig an old car out of the woods and start a road trip across the south that they'll never forget. A wonderful read that has elements of folklore, mysticism, family, friendship, and heartbreak.