A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson

Synopsis:

Holly and Caleb had been best friends as children, growing up on the same street, but as teenagers they couldn't be further apart. When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead. 
A young adult romantic comedy, from Stella Wilkinson, acclaimed author of The Flirting Games Series. 

A Christmas Gift is a "clean" romance, suitable for ALL ages

Rating:★★★½

Review:

This was really cute but also really cheesy, but I guess that's to be expected when this is a holiday love story. I felt like this took me on a trip back to high school, just seeing all of the drama unfolding and seeing Holly struggle between wanting to remain herself and wanting to be accepted.

There was one thing I didn't agree with and I felt was just the worst thing you could ever tell a 16 year old or a person period and that was the advice from Holly's mother to Holly. She told her she should changer her appearance to be more acceptable for a boy. You should never teach a girl that it is okay to change the way you look just for the acceptance a boy or for anyone for that matter. I feel like that's teaching girls not to be comfortable in their own skin or with themselves.

Besides that I think this was a cute but predictably cheesy short story.

The Pocahontas-John Smith Story by: Pocahontas Wight Edmunds

Synopsis:

The Pocahontas-John Smith Story tells the story of the famous romance, written by a descendant of Pocahontas.

Rating:★

Review:

I'm sad to say that I am very disappointed in this book since I am one that is very interested in the real, non-Disney version, of Pocahontas. First, I think the introductory is completely unnecessary because it's only author explaining how she is a decedent of Pocahontas and where Pocahontas's final resting place may or may not be. I personally did not need to know all of that and it didn't contribute to the book at all.

The main reason I'm disappointed is because the book, in my opinion, is not at all about Pocahontas and John Smith's relationship with each other, give or take a couple pages. It's basically about how England came over and then quickly took over. 

The first half of the book is mostly about John Smith alone and how he was trying to rise up the chain of command even thought he was not very well liked among the other Englishmen, but he was tolerated because he had a way with the Indians that no one else could quite understand. I feel cheated because the only meeting we have with him and Pocahontas is when they first met and how she and other women put on a show for him and his men, which only lasted maybe 4 pages all together. One good thing I got out of this was that I did come to understand that John looked at Pocahontas as a little sister more than a love interest but she seemed to have a crush on him. So I got to define the relationship that Disney completely ransacked.

Then the second half is about this John Rolfe person and Pocahontas and how the got married and had children, which I knew nothing about.

The sentence structure is really bad and I usually don't pay attention to stuff like that, especially since I think this was converted from someone's actual journal, but it was just really hard to ignore here. And this reads almost exactly like someone's journal, copied and pasted, except a few things are changed around so it wouldn't be a complete train wreck but it's still pretty bad to read. I just wish it would have been edited better because if you don't pay close attention it will start to sound like gibberish.   

I think it goes without saying that I DO NOT recommend this to anyone, not even my worst enemy.

An Absent Mind by: Eric Rill

Synopsis:

An Absent Mind, a riveting new novel from Eric Rill, author of Pinnacle of Deceit and The Innocent Traitor, is about a race against time. The ticking time bomb is Saul Reimer's sanity. His Alzheimer's is going to be the catalyst that will either bring his family together or tear it apart. Although An Absent Mind depicts Saul's arduous struggle with Alzheimer's, it is equally a story about his relationship with his loved ones and their shared journey. 

Seventy-one, and a man used to controlling those around him, Saul finds himself helplessly slipping into the abyss in what he describes as his slow dance with death. As we listen in on his ramblings, humor, emotions, lucid moments, and confusion, we are also privy to the thoughts and feelings his family share with us-his wife, Monique, conflicted and depressed; caring, yet angry; his daughter, Florence, compassionate, worried about her father's health, yet proper and reserved; his son, Joey, self-centered and narcissistic, seemingly distant from his family's challenges. And Dr. Tremblay, Saul's Alzheimer's specialist, who provides the reader with facts and observations about this dreaded disease that imprisons more than 35 million people worldwide. 

We know from the beginning how it has to end for Saul, because no one has ever outsmarted Alzheimer's. But how will he navigate the meandering road that will eventually destroy his health and result in his death? And how will it affect those around him as they live with strain and guilt, while at the same time being forced to face their own demons? These questions are answered expertly by the author as he explores the conflicts that rise to the surface as the family deals with Saul's dementia. 

Eric Rill's novel is reminiscent of Lisa Genova's Still Alice, Nicholas Sparks The Notebook, and Alice Munro's Away From Her. Although a beautiful work of literary fiction, An Absent Mind will expose the reader to the reality of Alzheimer's.

Rating:★★★★

Review:

This novel really knows how to draw you in and it just captivates you. An Absent Mind is broken into 3 parts; The Discovery, Coping, & The Final Stop, which I really think helps make the plot seem faster paced. It is also told from multiple perspective of the family members involved, so you get the chance to see how Alzheimer's affects everyone involved and not just the patient. 

I felt really compassionate towards Saul in the beginning watching him go through all of his test and seeing how everyone changed their interactions with him. I felt like he was a part of my family and it hit home watching all of his mood swings and confused moments. But then we got to the one part that I absolutely hated which was the fact that I felt like we were supposed to ignore the fact that Saul was abusive towards Monique, his wife, way before the Alzheimer's. She literally said he pretty much bought her and she kind of learned to love him over time. He belittles her, he alienated her from her french speaking friends just because HE couldn't understand what they were saying, and he was overbearing and controlling. Plus he's a bit sexist in my opinion because he refused to allow her to get a college degree but has the nerve to treat her like she's stupid (mental & emotional abuse as clear as day). I went from being compassionate of Saul to hating him as a person because of how little he thought about his wife. I understand the disease is making him paranoid, angry, and confused but he didn't have to disrespect her the way he did. I'm wondering why did she stay married to him as long as she did, and as a matter of fact if he was like this in the beginning, why did she marry him at all?

I really liked how Eric Rill took the time to explain to his readers, that may not know exactly what Alzheimer's is, it's effects in a non-textbook way. I loved that the plot was fast paced and didn't drag on, even though it's not a long book anyways(276pgs). It made me feel like I was reading through this book super fast which really helped my reading-self-esteem.

I REALLY REALLY!!! recommend that people read this because this truly is an amazing book.

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women By: Lisa Charleyboy and Marybeth Leatherdale

Synopsis:

Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. In the same style as the best-selling Dreaming in Indian, #NotYourPrincess presents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible.

Rating:★★★★★

Review:

I honestly did not plan on reading this in one sitting but shit happens. I wanted to read Dreaming In Indian but I'm having trouble finding it at my library which is how I bumped into this beauty. This was such a beautiful book and I don't mean just the words that I read. There were so many beautiful pictures and often whole pages that were designed with such talent, I was in awe. 

I feel like I learned so much and got the chance to know so many different people from reading this and that goes to show you just how personalized this book was. I loved that this was made from so many different formats. There was poetry, interview articles, personal background retellings, and some pages that even looked like comic strips.

 I just absolutely loved this 😍😍😍 and I recommend this for everyone to read because I think this was a really powerful read.

Senior Season by Tom Perrotta

Synopsis:

A glimpse into parallel lives in a suburban town Tom Perrotta has made recognizably his in novels like ELECTION, LITTLE CHILDREN and this fall’s THE LEFTOVERS.  Clay wouldn’t have said his life was defined by his place on the high school football team’s roster, but when he’s sidelined by injury, everything, including his sense of self, seems different.  And it’s not just that his concussion was bad enough to cause his parents and doctors to worry, to make him have trouble concentrating.  It’s that he’s seeing the previously familiar people in his world—from his girlfriend Megan to his geriatric neighbor Mrs. Scotto—from a new perspective.  Perrotta’s warmth and ability to describe the dramatic moments in the average lives of characters of every age are perfectly presented in “Senior Season”, a story that will add a layer to fans’ pleasure in this author’s themes and concerns. This e-book also includes an excerpt of THE LEFTOVERS.

Rating:★★★★★

Review:

For some odd reason, that I can't put my finger on, I've been really craving short stories or anthologies lately and this has put a real dent in my hunger. I honestly could not think of reason to give this book anything less than 5 stars. 

In my opinion, this did everything a short story was supposed to do. It gave the right amount of insight into the current situation, it had the right amount of drama and character relatability, and it ended off leaving you with just the right amount of wonder, but not confusion that some short stories leave you hanging onto. Long story short, it just had the right amount of everything!

I also really loved the excerpt of The Leftovers! It really makes you think deeper into the rapture, what it may mean, and who it will include; Or if the rapture didn't happen in this town, what really happened to all of the people that just vanished into thin air?

It goes without question that I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a quick, light read or to anyone in general. I just loved this book all around and I'm excited to read the full version of The Leftovers. 

October 3-in-1

The topic for October's 3-in-1 is Haunted House: your favorite paranormal, horror, or scary books. The 3 in 1 series was started in a Goodreads group called Booktubers from around the world created by Cherrie Walker.


Booktubers From Around The World ⇨ https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/195015-booktubers-from-around-the-world

1. Wytches by Scott Snyder


   Wytches is an amazing horror graphic novel that I had the pleasure of reading for my very first graphic novel. For those that may not be into large novels, a comic or a graphic novel is usually the best way to go and this one will knock your socks off. The graphics are amazing and the story line is actually really good which I did not expect for a graphic novel, and the plot twist blew me away. 

2. The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe


   Every Halloween season I usually read a poem or a story from Edgar Allen Poe every day because they are spectacularly spooky. It's something quick and simple to read if you don't have much time to read and you can't really go wrong with Poe.

3. Tales from the Graveyard: The complete collection by Susan Shultz


   I read this two years ago and I loved every second of it! This a collection of four very grossly gruesome stories that all tie in together. This is perfect for Halloween in every way especially if you want some creepy bloody tales this season.

Dead Pool Vol. 1: Secret Invasion by: Daniel Way, Steve Dillon, Paco Medina

Synopsis:

Collects DEADPOOL (2008) #1-5.The Skrulls are here and everything’s gone topsy-turvy but, in Deadpool’s world, that just means it’s Monday! Like it or not, Deadpool may be the only person on the planet who can save us…but who’s to say he wants to?

Rating:★★★★

Review:

This was so enjoyable! The graphics were really good, it had it's giggle moments, and it had so many different scenarios for Dead Pool to take part in, it was just amazing. My favorite part of this graphic novel had to be the Zombie scenario because let's be honest, we all think about how the zombie apocalypse could come about.

I love that Dead Pool lives the "payback-is-a-bitch" way of life, which is when most of the giggle moments happened. He's just one of those relatable heroes the doesn't ignore the fact that he still has to do things the way of the world, like pay bills, even though he has superhuman abilities.


 I felt so much more relaxed and laid back reading this versus other superhero comics. It just wasn't as intense and serious following Dead Pool unlike other heroes which is what makes this particular hero more enjoyable to follow on a day-to-day basis. READ IT!

Strangers at a Funeral by: P.T. Phronk

Synopsis:

Brandon notices them at his grandpa’s funeral first: a pair of men in sunglasses who nobody seems to know. They’re not family, they're not friends, they’re just … there. No big deal, until they show up again at the next funeral. Drawn into a world of funeral selfies and burial crashers, Brandon needs to know what these strangers want from the dead. 

Only problem is, nobody gives a crap except him, and his school frowns upon skipping classes to watch people get buried. His sanity can’t take many more funerals, and those bulges under the strangers’ coats probably aren’t concealing anything pleasant.

Rating:★★

Review:

For a short story it actually had a nice plot tempo going on throughout the book but I don't know if maybe I shouldn't have read this while I was tired but I think the ending completely went over my head. This definitely makes me want to scan the crowd at any funerals I go to now but I'm just not sure what was going on at the end. I feel like the ending got really shaken up and so much was going on I don't feel like I got a clear enough explanation for what was really happening. Of course I can always make my own speculations but they may be far from what the author was trying to say. 

So to wrap this up, I wouldn't put this in the horror category but it does tingle your paranoia, the ending definitely needs some cleaning up in my opinion, and I wouldn't recommend this because it can get pretty confusing since the conclusion is unclear.

Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol 1: Vader by Kieron Gillen

Synopsis:

The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader's first on-screen appearance, he has become one of pop-culture's most popular villains. Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own solo adventures — showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! But when a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor's secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don't want him to learn the truths he seeks! Guest-starring Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett and more!

Rating:★★★★

Review:

First of all, I was never one to jump aboard the Star Wars wagon so I only know what I've heard other's say about it and of course the infamous Family Guy interpretation. Long story short, I only know the just and the basic concept of the story.

Oddly enough the first thought that came to my mind when I opened this comic was just that the graphics were absolutely awesome and matched up perfectly with the theme of the story. We are taught as humans to, without a shadow of a doubt, hate the villains of any story so for an author to have me seriously rooting for a villain, Darth freaking Vader to be exact, is just mind blowing all by itself and it really speaks on the capability of Kieron Gillen as an author to deliver a story.

The only thing that I can think of that really bothered me in this volume was how repetitive the mini prefaces or summaries at the beginning of each individual comic were. It was almost like copying and pasting the exact same thing over and over, just adding an extra sentence or two at the end and I find repetitiveness very irritating which is why I only gave this 4 stars instead of 5.

On my recommendation scale I absolutely recommend this to everyone 😁 because this was a really nice read to see things from a villain's point of view. It definitely leveled the playing field of good and bad motives.

A Justified Bitch(A Las Vegs Mystery #1) by: H.G. McKinnis

Synopsis:

It takes a guilty bastard to make a justified bitch.

When a severed finger shows up on her doorstep in a seedy section of Las Vegas, Helen Taylor does not freak out. She’s already crazy, as evidenced by her junk-stuffed house and its ever-growing population of cats. There’s also Bobby, her long-dead husband. Helen talks to him regularly, and Bobby talks back.

The finger and the brutal murder it reveals are more than a hoarding cat lady with a phantom husband can ignore. Helen’s a suspect, and she ends up in jail. Summoned by the detective on the case, Helen’s sister Pat arrives from Phoenix with two teen-age boys in tow.

While Helen is AWOL from a mental facility, another gruesome murder is discovered. Pat, the boys, and the detective struggle to separate fact from insanity, but it takes power beyond the ordinary to bring the truth to light.

Publishing Co.: Imbrifex Books

Release Date: August 8, 2017

Rating: ★★★★

Description:

I received this book from Netgalley and Imbrifex Books in exchange for my honest review. I'm also a tad bit late posting my review for this book so bare with me. I thought this was a really good adult murder mystery and it was handled very well.

I really liked the whole drama on top of drama role this book took on because not only are we focusing on finding this killer but we are also dealing with all of the family craziness going on. With that being said that really took this murder mystery and turned it into so much more for me. There was always something grabbing for my attention so I didn't really have the opportunity to get bored.

Character wise I think H. G. McKinnis did a great job of giving her characters roles and keeping them playing their OWN roles. Unfortunately, I didn't really feel connected with the characters, even though I knew all about them, something was still missing that made me lack sympathy for them.   

On the predictability scale I don't think it was easy to guess who the killer was but when you find out who it actually is you're left kicking yourself because you feel like you should have known all along. Because I honestly thought I knew who the killer was but the joke was on me. 

I absolutely loved the gruesome descriptions of the two murder scenes! It was something that really made me wince and cringe even though I wasn't literally seeing anything. Reading this was honestly like watching criminal minds and it was greatly appreciated. 

I think this book is great for those YA addicts looking to test the waters in the adult genre, especially those in love with mystery novels. I'm not quite sure how the rest of the series is supposed to work out but I'm excited and I'm definitely looking forward to it.

A Castle In England by: Jamie Rhodes; Briony May Smith; Isabel Greenberg; Issac Lenkiewicz; Will Exley

Synopsis:

A collaboration between writer Jamie Rhodes and the National Trust, A Castle in England is a unique and fascinating graphic fiction project inspired by Scotney Castle in Kent.

Using the rich history of this fourteenth-century castle as a starting point, Rhodes has created five short stories that take place over different eras in the castle's past: The Labourer(Medieval), The Priest (Elizabethan), The Smuggler (Georgian), The Widow (Victorian), and The Hunter (Edwardian). Each of these stories has been illustrated by experienced comic and graphic novel artists Isaac Lenkiewicz, Briony May Smith, William Exley, Becky Palmer, and Isabel Greenberg, creating a visually striking graphic collection that is steeped in historical context.

Publishing Co.: Nobrow Press

Release Date: May 1, 2017

Rating: ★

Review:

     I received this book from Nobrow Press in exchange for my honest review. I did like and appreciate that this is split up into 5 different short stories in 5 different time eras all in the same castle. 

     But from the beginning I did not like the time taken to do a family tree for ever story, I honestly just think it was a waste a space and it hurt the book. I understand this is a Historical Fiction Graphic Novel but I was not expecting a whole history lesson. As in I did not think there would be actual factual information sections after each story. The graphics were very underwhelming and lacking an abundance of color. 

     I tried to keep myself interested in the story but this book did not capture my attention like I thought it would. I found my self skimming through the rest of the book after the second story. This is sadly not a book that I would recommend because it is a good concept of mixing a collection of short stories with a graphic novel but it's utterly a disappointment in too many ways to turn a blind eye.

What Does Consent Really Mean by: Pete Wallis & Thalia Wallis; Art by Joseph Wilkins

Synopsis:

"Consent is not the absence of 'NO', it is an enthusiastic YES!!"

While seemingly straightforward, Tia and Bryony hadn't considered this subject too seriously until it comes up in conversation with their friends and they realise just how important it is.

Following the sexual assault of a classmate, a group of teenage girls find themselves discussing the term consent, what it actually means for them in their current relationships, and how they act and make decisions with peer influence. Joined by their male friends who offer another perspective, this rich graphic novel uncovers the need for more informed conversations with young people around consent and healthy relationships. Accompanying the graphics are sexual health resources for students and teachers, which make this a perfect tool for broaching the subject with teens.

Publishing Co.: Singing Dragon 
Release Date: Nov. 21, 2017
Rating:★★★★

Review:

     I received this book form Singing Dragon and Edleweiss in exchange for my review. I was so disgusted for about the first 5 or 6 pages of this graphic novel. This is obviously to cure the younger audience's curiosity about consent because the naiveness of the characters were just baffling to me. Even though the beginning was disgusting to me I do think this is a good teaching tool for younger tweens and teens because these are huge but common misconceptions about sex and consent that goes on through the mind of younger audiences. This was informative and I think it answers a lot of questions that kids may have about sexual activities and feelings. I recommend this for people that have kids or maybe know kids that are of the age to be curious about sex.

Garbage Night (Vacancy #2) by: Jen Lee

Synopsis:

In a barren and ransacked backyard, a dog named Simon lives with his two best friends: a raccoon and a deer. The unlikely gang spends their days looting the desolate supermarket and waiting for the return of the hallowed ‘garbage night’ – but week after week, the bins remain empty. While scavenging one day, the trio meet Barnaby – another abandoned dog who tells them about the ‘other town’ where humans are still rumored to live. Spurred on by hunger and the promise of food, the trio joins up with Barnaby and set off into the unknown…

With echoes of post-war, derelict places, Garbage Night explores how animals may internalize their changing environment and express their thoughts, fears and hopes.

Publishing Co.: Nobrow Press
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Rating: ★★

Review:

     I received this book from Edelweiss and Nobrow Press in exchange for my review. Honestly, I didn't enjoy the story line for this one as much as did for Vacancy but I did like the graphics better in Garbage Night versus the graphics in Vacancy. I felt as if the story line need to go through more development, action wise, in order to really capture me. I also wish that I knew a little more about the character's previous lives since we are on book #2 and we still don't know them from a bag of rocks, just that Simon was abandoned and this is as far as background information goes with these characters.

     The art was really cutesy and had kind of a laid back effect on me. If only the story line would have been more interesting and worth my wild this would have definitely gotten a higher rating from me. Because I feel like the story line is not up to par I do not recommend this graphic novel only for the graphics.    

Vacancy by: Jen Lee

Synopsis:

In a disheveled and ransacked backyard, a dog named Simon has been forgotten by his owners. Simon breaks free and partners with a raccoon and a deer who take him into the woods. But Simon realizes he is not quite ready to live in the wild. And in the abandoned areas of the town strange things begin to happen. . . .

Vacancy explores the ways that animals think; how they internalize their changing environment and express their thoughts, fears, or excitement.

Publishing Co.: Nobrow Press
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Rating:★★★

Review:

     I received this book from Edelweiss and Nobrow press in exchange for my review. I really liked the story line of this comic but the graphics did fall short for me. I liked the sort of ominous meeting of the characters but I do want to know more about them before I can get emotionally invested with them. Something is lacking in this story for me and it's very frustrating because I can't exactly put my finger on what it is.

     Overall, this is a cut-throat, cutesy, graphic novel that I think is worthy of a quick read. I don't believe it will have you giving a standing ovation but I do think that it's something that is quick and interesting to read when you want something different yet short.

A Place Called No Homeland by: Kai Cheng Thom

Synopsis: 

This powerful poetry collection seeks to map the emotional and spiritual territory of diaspora, violence, abuse, and exile. Kai Cheng incorporates autobiographical details from her own childhood and adult life with the rhythms of the oral storytelling tradition and fairytale motifs, poignantly depicting the plight of trans women of color.

Publishing Company: Arsenal Pulp Press 
Release Date: April 17, 2017
Rating: ★★★

Review:

     I received this book from Eldeweiss and Arsenal Pulp Press. This was the first book I've ever read that is centered around the struggles of trans culture and I really enjoyed it. I just loved the poetic rawness and non existence of a filter in this book. I could clearly see that the author was filled with so much emotion and hurt just reminiscing on all her hard times. My favorite poems were In Your Mouth, What the Moon Saw, and Dear White Gay Men. 

     At some points throughout the book I did feel a little disengaged and distant which why I only gave this collection 3 out of 5 stars. But I was always replunged back into the the realness of this book. 

     I would still recommend this book even though I only gave it 3 stars but I would like to warn readers there are TRIGGERS for RAPE VIOLENCE and there is major foul language. So if you have a problem with PROFANITY this is NOT the book for you.      

August 3-in-1

The topic for August's 3-in-1 is books that made you lose track of time, which is pretty self explanatory. The 3 in 1 series was started in a Goodreads group called Booktubers from around the world created by Cherrie Walker.

Booktubers From Around The World ⇨ https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/195015-booktubers-from-around-the-world

1. Cinder by Marissa Meyers

     Seeing that I absolutely hated the original Cinderella because she was a push over and I don't think she is a good role model for anyone, I didn't think I was going to like this because it is a Cinderella retelling, but I was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious wrong. I ran through this faster than I thought and I fell in love with Cinder as a character. Strong and persistent is exactly the words to describe this amazing girl/cyborg. 

2. Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyers

     I am shamelessly and unapologetically a total twi-heart! This series jump started me back into reading in my early teen years and I absolutely devoured these books in a 1 book a day ratio. I don't understand what all the hate is about surrounding this series because I will forever be on #TeamEdward!

3. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

     This book was very hyped up and let me tell you this book deserved every bit of it. I read this in 2015 for a book club and I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. I honestly thought it was going to be about someone literally stealing books, please don't ask me why. I enjoyed that it was so different from other WWII historical fiction novels as in the point of views we get to see things from. We got to see things from a German girl's eyes and not a Jew's for a change. We also got to hear things from our lovely narrator, Death himself, which made things very interesting. I got so drawn into this book I could sit there and read and not pay attention to the amount of time passing by.

Black Panther Vol. 1: Who is the Black Panther? By: Reginald Hudlin, Illustrated By: John Romita Jr.

Synopsis:

Collects Black Panther (2005) #1-6. Deep in the heart of Africa is Wakanda, a technologically advanced civilization of great power and mystery. It's warrior-king is T'Challa, the latest in a famed family line, and the great hero known worldwide as the Black Panther. Despite the futile defeats of the past, outsiders are once more assembling to invade Wakanda and plunder its riches. Leading this brutal assault is Klaw, a deadly assassin with the blood of T'Challa's murdered father on his hands. Klaw brings with him a powerful army of super-powered mercenaries, all hell-bent on raining death and destruction on this pristine land. Even with Wakanda's might and his own superhuman skills, can the Black Panther prevail against such a massive invading force?

Rating: ★★★★

Review:

     I feel kind of embarrassed to say this but this is the first time I have read anything about the Black Panther. I've always heard his name being bought up in the super hero circle but I'm glad that I can finally say I actually know something about him.

     For some odd reason I loved seeing all the blood being shed over the course of history. I enjoyed watching the villains plans come together then fall apart and the ending of this volume was left on pretty good cliff hanger as well. I really appreciate Black Panther more than other proclaimed super heroes simply because he doesn't have any special powers, he just knows how to use his two fist and two feet to kick ass.

     I 100% want to continue to read more of the Black Panther comics in the near future and I seriously can't believe it took me so long to jump on the Black Panther train. CHOO-CHOOO!!!

Bad Girl Gone By: Temple Mathews

Synopsis:

Sixteen year-old Echo Stone awakens in a cold sweat in a dark room, having no idea where she is or how she got there. But she soon finds out she s in Middle House, an orphanage filled with mysteriously troubled kids.

There s just one problem: she s not an orphan. Her parents are very much alive.

She explains this to everyone, but no one will listen. After befriending a sympathetic (and handsome) boy, Echo is able to escape Middle House and rush home, only to discover it sealed off by crime scene tape and covered in the evidence of a terrible and violent crime. As Echo grapples with this world-shattering information, she spots her parents driving by and rushes to flag them down. Standing in the middle of street, waving her arms to get their attention, her parents car drives right through her.

She was right. Her parents are alive but she s not.

She s a ghost, just like all the other denizens of Middle House. Desperate to somehow get her life back and reconnect with her still-alive boyfriend, Echo embarks on a quest to solve her own murder. As the list of suspects grows, the quest evolves into a journey of self-discovery in which she learns she wasn t quite the girl she thought she was. In a twist of fate, she s presented with one last chance to reclaim her life and must make a decision which will either haunt her or bless her forever."

Release Date: Aug. 8, 2017
Publishing Co.: A Thomas Dunne Book for St. Martin's Griffin
Rating: ★★★★

Review:

First of all, I received this book from Netgalley and A Thomas Dunne Book/St. Martin's Griffin Press, as well as a physical copy from a Goodreads giveaway, all in exchange for my honest review.

I just absolutely loved the overall concept of this book. This was my first time reading a book from ghost perspectives and let me tell you that "ghost justice" can be an amazing thing and I loved how Temple Mathews molded it in this book. Just the whole idea of you getting your revenge and still going to heaven is enough to make you scream. I just thought this point of view was so cool and it has me geeked out over this whole book. 

This most definitely started out with the creepy vibe and as you all should know, the scariest stories are the ones with creepy ass dolls, or in this case, creepy ass children. I enjoyed helping the characters figure out how they died. It really made me feel involved in the story and part of the pack.

Echo as a person was tap dancing on my last nerve with her "I have to get my life back" rants even though she knows 100% and have so-called 100% accepted the fact that she is dead. She was just so selfish and I didn't get off to a good start with her. 

Which brings me to the subject of character development. I think Temple Mathews did a great job at developing Echo's character. Echo really grew as the story went on and as she found out some things about herself, which made her look at herself in a different light. This by itself changed her as a person, or as a ghost I should say, and it made her really accept her situation for what it is. 

I just can't help but wonder if the story would have been even better had Echo being a ghost not been included in the synopsis. Maybe if we would have found out about her being dead at the exact same time as she did, it would have been a plus 1 for the book. Altogether, I really loved this book and I recommend to everyone especially during Halloween time if you're looking for something a little creepy but not terrifying.   

A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge By: Josh Neufeld

Synopsis:

A stunning graphic novel that makes plain the undeniable horrors and humanity triggered by Hurricane Katrina in the true stories of six New Orleanians who survived the storm.

A.D. follows each of the six from the hours before Katrina struck to its horrific aftermath. Here is Denise, a sixth-generation New Orleanian who will experience the chaos of the Superdome; the Doctor, whose unscathed French Quarter home becomes a refuge for those not so lucky; Abbas and his friend Mansell, who face the storm from the roof of Abbas’s family-run market; Kwame, a pastor’s son whose young life will remain wildly unsettled well into the future; and Leo, a comic-book fan, and his girlfriend, Michelle, who will lose everything but each other. We watch as they make the wrenching decision between staying and evacuating. And we see them coping not only with the outcome of their own decisions but also with those made by politicians, police, and others like themselves--decisions that drastically affect their lives, but over which they have no control.

Overwhelming demand has propelled A.D. from its widely-read early Internet installments to this complete hardcover edition. Scheduled for publication on the fourth anniversary of the hurricane, it shines an uncanny light on the devastating truths and human triumphs of New Orleans after the deluge.

Rating:★★★★★

Review:

     This book hit really close to home for me because I am a Louisianian. I was 9 years old when Katrina hit and even though I didn't live in New Orleans to experience the flood waters I still had to experience the before, during, and after effects of the storm. 

     I think this book did an amazing job at representing so many different point of views from so many different people about their experiences because depending on where you were during the storm you experienced things differently. Even including the big conspiracy theory that has been going around for years surrounding what really happened to the levees was represented in this book. I started to tear up on the death scene, not because I did not know that this happened, but because it bought up memories of seeing all of the news reports being played over and over, constantly, with all of the death tolls from the storm.

     I believe this can really give people that are not from Louisiana some insight on what Katrina was like for those who experienced it. I always here people ask or say, "why didn't they listen and evacuate?", "If they just would have left like the mayor told them too, none of this would have happened.", and my favorite "That's what happens when people are being hard headed". I think people need to understand that many people didn't evacuate because they did not have the money or transportation to leave, especially the sick and elderly, and also the mandatory evacuation was issued only hours before Katrina hit. Also, in Louisiana hurricanes are a normal occurrence, no one usually bats an eyelash when one makes landfall so many of us never leave for hurricanes thus a lot of people just figured it was going to be another little hurricane leaving behind some wind damages and power outages for a few days. No one new it was going to be as bad as it was and we were not even a little prepared.


     I recommend this to everyone because everyone needs to see exactly what New Orleans went through, before, during, and especially after Katrina hit. The city, to this day, is still not 100% rebuilt. It's almost as if the rest of the city were forgotten about. 

Glass By: Ellen Hopkins

Synopsis:

Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal. Whatever you call it, it's all the same: a monster. And once it's got hold of you, this monster will never let you go.

Kristina thinks she can control it. Now with a baby to care for, she's determined to be the one deciding when and how much, the one calling the shots. But the monster is too strong, and before she knows it, Kristina is back in its grips. She needs the monster to keep going, to face the pressures of day-to-day life. She needs it to feel alive.

Once again the monster takes over Kristina's life and she will do anything for it, including giving up the one person who gives her the unconditional love she craves -- her baby.

The sequel to Crank, this is the continuing story of Kristina and her descent back to hell. Told in verse, it's a harrowing and disturbing look at addiction and the damage that it inflicts.

Rating:★★★★

Review:

*This is more of a rant than an actual review per say*

     Obviously seeing that this is the second book in a series there's not really too much I can say in fear of spoiling anything in case you have not read the first book. Reading Crank I was more sympathetic towards Kristina but reading Glass I am very pissed of with her. Don't get me wrong I loved the book but she, as a character, pissed me off to the highest level of 'piss-tivity'. Her disgusting attitude towards others, her abandonment actions toward her family, not to mention her own child, and just her all around not-giving-a-fuck attitude she had about her own self. But I can't be too mad about that because I know that is how people with addictions of this level are in real life but I am still highly upset. I felt like she just gave up on herself but at the same time she was begging for help that no one gave her. 

     Which brings me to the point of her being too dependent upon others, especially on the male species. Kristina pictured and wanted a prince charming to step in and make everything okay and normal for her life again but she was not doing the work the needed to do for her own life. She was too focused on finding "love" in all the wrong places.

"If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?"

Lumberjanes Vol.2 By: Noelle Stevenson

Synopsis:

What a mystery!

Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max includes issues 5-8 and the first fourteen pages of Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison.

Rating:★★★

Review:

     I actually feel 'meh' about the plot of this volume. It was okay in a, good-way-to-explain-all-the-drama, kind of way but it ultimately fell flat for me. I didn't feel immersed into the story like I did in the first volume and this was actually a little boring to me. The sad part about this is the only thing that saved this from being a 2 star rating for me was the cover gallery at the end. Those graphics were very beautiful and just all around amazing. 

     I guess I would recommend this if you just want to finish the series off and get some kind of explanation but I absolutely believe this could have been done a whole lot better than what it was. 

And I Darken By: Kiersten White

Synopsis:

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

Rating:★★★★

Review:

     I absolutely loved this book! This is the first book in The Conquer's Saga and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. This book was very character driven for me so majority of what I will be commenting on will be based on the characters personalities and actions. First I want to start off by saying I went into this completely blind, being that this was a title I randomly picked out of my Ravenclaw Recommended Reads Jar. So, I had no idea that this was supposed to be a retelling of Vlad the Impaler in gender reversal, who I knew nothing about anyway.

     I was a little skeptical at first because I was afraid when I saw the words "dracul' because I thought I had been tricked into a vampire story and I was not in a vampire mood but that confusion was quickly washed away. Lada's whole family made an insane first impression as in if they were in modern times 90%, with the exception of Radu, would be institutionalized. Vlad, Lada's and Radu's father, is the definition of abusive to everyone including his children. Lada, Vlad's and Vasilissa's Daughter, is a psychopath and my opinions did not change of her by the end of the book. Vasilissa, Lada and Radu's mother, in my eyes are suicidal and depressed as clear as day. Radu, Vlad's and Vasilissa's, son, is just damaged goods from having a traumatizing childhood resulting from witnessing all of the craziness from his family.

     Lada wasn't my favorite character in the whole wide world at first but I did enjoy the gender reversals. Lada was more tough and unforgiving like a boy, while Radu was more sensitive and delicate like a girl. I very much appreciated Lada more after I got to know her and see why she was why she was. She is the epitome of  a "bad bitch".

     I was not expecting at all some of the scenes in this book, and if you have read this book you know exactly what I mean, but I feel like they were done very nicely. The drama and the action in this book was awesome, filled with a lot of "bad and boujee" women, but I did feel at some points the plot got a little dry and I wanted to skip through some pages to get to the next climax in the story.

     This book is way more than recommendation worthy!!!

Brown Girl Dreaming By: Jacqueline Woodson

Synopsis:

Jacqueline Woodson, one of today's finest writers, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.

Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become. 

Rating: ★★★★

Review:

"But on paper, things can live forever. On paper, a butterfly never dies."

     I really enjoyed reading this autobiography in the format that this is written in. Being written in verse really made this book go by faster than what a normal biography or autobiography would. I loved the fact that I after reading this I feel like I know Jacqueline personally and like I've know her and her family all my life. I thought it was awesome to have the family photos at the end, which made it so much more personal than any other autobiography that I've read. 

     Jacqueline really opened the door and let all of her readers into her world, her histories, and her memories. I recommend this to everyone because it really shows you from a child's point of view, how the world worked and how the world affected a whole society during this huge time of change in America.