Thursday, July 31, 2014

SVU Billie's Secret by Laurie John, 230 pages

Another Sweet Valley University book, I'm pretty sure I know Billie's secret.

Fire & Ash by Jonathan Maberry, 537 pages

The final book in this teen zombie series. I've loved them all, these weren't light and fluffy books, and each one had moments that had me angry and/or heartbroken but still kept me eagerly reading. While they may be in the teen section, these are still an outstanding read.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Traveling Death and Resurrection Show by Ariel Gore, 234 pages

I'd seen this reviewed on another site (unshelved.com???) and thought it looked interesting. It features a troupe of performers made up a bearded lady, a fire breather and a stigmata performer along with others. This book explored our search for a relationship for God and family. A solid read, all in all.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Superman/Wonder Woman Volume 1 by Charles Soule & Tony Daniel, 193 pages

The new 52 is the revamping of the comic book world and Wonder Woman and Superman are hooking up. When you're two of the most powerful people on Earth, you're not allowed to have a normal relationship. This was GREAT! I'm now collecting this series along with my regular Wonder Woman subscription.

Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson, 272 pages

Something I came across and picked up. Wasn't a bad read. Didn't see the ending coming.

The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore, 389 pages

A look at the history of the creator of Wonder Woman, his alternative lifestyle, and the early days of Wonder Woman. As a Wonder Woman fan, this is an absolute must read.

Vixens, Vamps & Vipers by Mike Madrid, 254 pages

A great look at the bad girls who filled the comic books during the heyday of the Golden Age of comics.

The Adventure of the Plated Spoon and Other Tales of Sherlock Holmes edited by Loren Estleman, 272 pages

I love Sherlock and there isn't anything better than a short story collection featuring new pastiches by good authors.

The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson, 384 pages

A murder mystery set in 1727 London's debtor prison. This was fascinating and I'm glad I got to review it for NightOwl Reviews.

Cloudsplitter by Russell Banks, 758 pages

Our book for book club this month. It is the story of Owen Brown, one of John Brown's, of Harper's Ferry fame, sons.
A little dry at times and not always an easy read. It took me 6 days to finish this because it just didn't really grab me.

Jefferson City At War 1916-1975 by Jeremy Amick, 127 pages

My brother wrote this book and it's a collection featuring people from Jefferson City who went to war.

Runaways: The Good Die Young, 152 pages

I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to see where they're taking it next.

Happy Birthday, Babymouse by Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm, 95 pages

These are the height of fine literature, but seeing a new one on the shelf makes me happy and I always have to fight off my 18- and 12-year-old daughters when I bring one home. How many books can you say that about?

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Runaways by Brian Vaughan, 144 pages

Meghan had reviewed this book and really liked it so I thought I'd give it a go. Of course, I then had to wait for both of my kids to read it before I got a chance. Imagine being a teenager and finding out your parents wear costumes and meet with other costumed people. You'd think they were superheroes, but wait, what if it turned out they were actually super villains?

The House of Death by Laurie John, 283 pages

While Sweet Valley books would never get awards for their realism, this was one of the most out there ones yet, and that's after reading the thrillers with the vampire.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy, 516 pages

I love anything fairytale based, and this series has been a lot of fun. What happens when the Prince Charmings of our stories are actually as suave, dashing and great as the tales make them out to be? The Princes are tired of having their characters maligned and names forgotten, and they'll continue to try to be heroes until it kills them. This is a really fun series.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem, 79 pages

I've read about the golem before, supposedly it's a creature created by a rabbi to help protect the Jews during a purge. I've never seen it used against the Germans before. This was a great take on an old folktale.

Sailor Twain by Mark Siegel, 399 pages

A very odd graphic novel I came across out in the stacks. I'm still not real sure what it was about after reading it.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

In The After by Demitria Lunetta, 455 pages

A great zombie??? book with an interesting twist. I especially enjoyed how the author showcased the emotional toll a zombie apocalypse would take on people, with an emphasis on children and teens. Now I just have to wait until I can get the next book.

Alfred Hitchcock & the Three Investigators in The Mystery of the Green Ghost by Robert Arthur, 181 pages

I'd read most of these books as a kid and always enjoy going back. Even as an elementary student I was hooked on mysteries.

Aunt Dimity & the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton, 278 pages

I really enjoy this mystery series. It's light and fun, and just a good read every time.

Dead End Gene Pool by Wendy Burden, 280 pages

Boy, the problems rich people have.

The One by Kiera Cass, 336 pages

The final book in a great trilogy. The end was OMG!!! I'm hoping the author writes more.

The Elite by Kiera Cass, 352 pages

The second book in a totally addictive series.

The Selection Stories, The Prince and the Guard by Kiera Cass, 227 pages

I blame Chelsey for getting me hooked on this series. Very much Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Wonder Woman Showcase Vol. 3 by Robert Kanigher, 528 pages

This covered all the Wonder Woman comics 138-156 for May 1963 through August 1965. It was interesting to see how much she has changed since then.

GI Brides by Duncan Barrett, 275 pages

I love anything history based, especially if it has an English bent. This was a perfect fit that was really well done. It was interesting to read about the English girls who fell for American soldiers and their lives after coming to America as war brides. I hadn't realized there was such a backlash against the women at the time. While many didn't have a happily ever after, I was glad the author showed some that did. A great fit for history buffs.

People I want to Punch in the Throat by Jenn Mann, 164 pages

This was one of the funniest books I'd read recently. Covering life in the suburbs of Kansas, this author covered playdates, mommy wars, pajamas in the school pickup lane, husbands, and neighbors perfectly. I love her snarky attitude and her honesty about about not helping with homework because she'd rather watch her DVR. I will be reading everything this author writes because she is the voice I hear inside my head. I would go to one of her book signings, except I'm too lazy to get dressed on my day off and I'm pretty sure she's too lazy to hold one.

I Work at a Public Library by Gina Sheridan, 162 pages

As a fellow library worker, this book was FUNNY and spot on. Most people think that a library is a quiet placed filled with patrons who love to read, but sometimes that is the farthest thing from the truth. The library is more a baby sitter, video store and computer lab than a place with books for many people. Plus, the poop and sex can get a little old. Plus, the fact that the stories were filled under Dewey label added to the enjoyment. I will be adding this book to my personal collection. This book should be mandatory reading for all library patrons and new employees.

Catnapped by Elaine Viets, 276 pages

I always like this series because it's fun, well-written, and a great peek into some low-end jobs that don't usually get the respect they deserve.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Chilling Tales of Horror by Pedro Rodriguez, 96 pages

Retelling of some horror tales with darkly, creepy graphics. Lots of fun.

The Selection by Kiera Cass, 327 pages

Chelsey had reviewed this earlier and it sounded so interesting that I placed a hold for the e-book. Then, lo and behold, a copy showed up on the sales shelf. Before I could read it though, my youngest read it, become hooked and ended up borrowing the next two books from a friend. Then, my oldest snagged it and I had to spend a 3 hour car trip listening to them rave about the book with me telling them to stop telling plot details. I finally got a chance to read it and I could see what the fuss was about. Basically, this is Hunger Games meets the Bachelor. I'm definitely going to read the next book, because I need to know who she ends up with.