One Among Us By Paige Dearth
5/5
I'm reviewing this for NetGalley
Possible minor spoilers.
This book was a bit different than her previous two that I read. A young girl named Maggie wasn't abused by her parents at all. Her parents loved her,but she was taken. Taken from a shopping mall one day after wanted to prove she could do something by herself. It would turn every parents worst nightmare come true. (I myself am not a parent yet,but I can only imagine what loosing a child would be like.) Maggie was forced into a van and taken far away. Forced into human trafficking. It was sad reading,I kept wondering how long would she be missing for. I was praying it would only be a few days. Days turned to weeks,weeks then turned to months.Months to years,it never ended. With tragedy striking here and there you can only hope. I won't say anymore because you just have to read to find out for yourself. I will say it had a bittersweet ending, similar to 'Believe like a Child'. If you want to read any of Ms. Dearth's books,but aren't sure due to the graphic content and subject matter I would start with this one. I would say it's the tamest of them all. I read them in reverse order,but they are not a series. They all have similar locations,and some reoccurring characters,and some may overlap,but it doesn't effect the stories. I am looking forward to more of what Ms. Dearth has in store for us next.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
A Darker Shade of Magic (preview) by V.E. Schwab (review)
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
4.5/5
This is a review for NetGalley
This is the first novel by V.E. Schwab that I have read. Although NetGalley only gave my a preview of it. I was really excited. Although I don't read a lot of fantasy novels, I am very excited to read the full length novel.
What more could you ask for? Magic,Coats,Kings,Queens,London and more,,I'm very interested in how it all plays out,plus I loved Kell from the start. I also want to say the cover is brilliant.
I will add more to my review once the full novel is published and I get to reading it. :D
Believe Like a Child by Paige Dearth (review)
Believe Like a Child
5/5 Stars
I read this for review on Netgalley
This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.
First I want to say I enjoyed this one more than her first book I read.
I have been reading her books out of order,but the order doesn't matter. This story revolves around Alessa. A child who was raped by her uncle starting at age seven,it went on for years. She finally got away.
This was not really a happier story than 'When Smiles Fade', but it did have a happier story as it progressed. I feel she got more help than Emma. (Alessa and Emma's story lines overlap very slightly). I don't want to give away too much of her story. Again, I did wish more people tried to help Alessa,and once she escaped her "home" she did find help,and I understand the fear she had.
The ending was happy,and sad at the same time. I am currently reading the final book Paige has out right now,and I have a feeling it will also be a quick read. These are quick reads for me as well at the real-life memoirs I believe because I want to see them get the help,and out of the mess of their lives. It is also nice to read about the people who do help the children in need.
Like in my previous review tread with ease with this book. Although I didn't think it was as violent as 'When Smiles Fade' it still was a harsh read. If you have a weak stomach,or do not like violence. Remember although this is a fictional story, the violence portrayed in these novels can and is very real to some people.
5/5 Stars
I read this for review on Netgalley
This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.
I have been reading her books out of order,but the order doesn't matter. This story revolves around Alessa. A child who was raped by her uncle starting at age seven,it went on for years. She finally got away.
This was not really a happier story than 'When Smiles Fade', but it did have a happier story as it progressed. I feel she got more help than Emma. (Alessa and Emma's story lines overlap very slightly). I don't want to give away too much of her story. Again, I did wish more people tried to help Alessa,and once she escaped her "home" she did find help,and I understand the fear she had.
The ending was happy,and sad at the same time. I am currently reading the final book Paige has out right now,and I have a feeling it will also be a quick read. These are quick reads for me as well at the real-life memoirs I believe because I want to see them get the help,and out of the mess of their lives. It is also nice to read about the people who do help the children in need.
Like in my previous review tread with ease with this book. Although I didn't think it was as violent as 'When Smiles Fade' it still was a harsh read. If you have a weak stomach,or do not like violence. Remember although this is a fictional story, the violence portrayed in these novels can and is very real to some people.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
When Smiles Face by Paige Dearth (Review)
When Smiles Fade by Paige Dearth
3.5 Stars
Dates Read: Feb 12-Feb14
I read this for a review on NetGalley
This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.
I liked this story,and I didn't like this story. I normally read the true memoirs of child abuse,and not the fiction of it. This started out really well. I was scared for the girls (Emma and Gracie) The abuse started right away in the book. The abuse by the hand of their father happened for no reason or for the smallest things set him off.
'When Smiles Fade' had me glued,but after the girls left I felt it went downhill. Emma the main protagonist I feel made a lot of bad choices. The abuse may of been part of the cause,but I kept wondering why didn't she go to the authorities? I thought she was putting herself and her sister in the same situations she was in when she was a child. Sure she grew up with it,but she didn't really do much to change. A character in the book tried to help them,but tragic struck. I just was wondering why teachers never noticed or other neighbors? In the memoirs I read teachers surly noticed. I understand the author was a victim of child abuse herself, and she did a wonderful job with the fiction story,and I will read the others. I guess I just feel torn between feelings for the characters. I feel sad, but I also feel angry at them. The end left me wondering. I don't want to give too much away,but to me it felt like just Emma getting revenge on everyone. I know she wanted justice,but surely their could of been another way.
Let me say this book is not for everyone. It is very violent and disturbing. Although it is a work of fiction, I know abuse like this can be very real.So please tread with caution. If you have a weak stomach,or violence is not for you then you will want to pass on this book.
3.5 Stars
Dates Read: Feb 12-Feb14
I read this for a review on NetGalley
This review contains possible light spoilers,also this is a very violent book. More on that is at the end of this review.
I liked this story,and I didn't like this story. I normally read the true memoirs of child abuse,and not the fiction of it. This started out really well. I was scared for the girls (Emma and Gracie) The abuse started right away in the book. The abuse by the hand of their father happened for no reason or for the smallest things set him off.
'When Smiles Fade' had me glued,but after the girls left I felt it went downhill. Emma the main protagonist I feel made a lot of bad choices. The abuse may of been part of the cause,but I kept wondering why didn't she go to the authorities? I thought she was putting herself and her sister in the same situations she was in when she was a child. Sure she grew up with it,but she didn't really do much to change. A character in the book tried to help them,but tragic struck. I just was wondering why teachers never noticed or other neighbors? In the memoirs I read teachers surly noticed. I understand the author was a victim of child abuse herself, and she did a wonderful job with the fiction story,and I will read the others. I guess I just feel torn between feelings for the characters. I feel sad, but I also feel angry at them. The end left me wondering. I don't want to give too much away,but to me it felt like just Emma getting revenge on everyone. I know she wanted justice,but surely their could of been another way.
Let me say this book is not for everyone. It is very violent and disturbing. Although it is a work of fiction, I know abuse like this can be very real.So please tread with caution. If you have a weak stomach,or violence is not for you then you will want to pass on this book.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford (review)
Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford
5/5 Stars Dates read: 2/8/15- 2/10/15
I'm reading this for review from Netgalley.
The title caught my eye right away. I remember when I was younger reading a book with a similar title, and really thinking about it I think this is the same book I had read, but lost. I hadn't recognized the cover. I figured a new publication,and still trying to reach out to readers. I also remember reading about a young girl named Alex with Cystic Fibrosis. But it doesn't matter if it is the same book, or maybe more stories about her life.I enjoyed the book even though it was sad.
This tells the story of the life of Alexandra Deford. She was a young girl who battled with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) I think what had caught my attention to this story to begin with was not really the fact that I might of read it before or that we share the first same name, but the fact she has a rare genetic disorder as do I. I don't have CF, nor do I personally know anyone who does. I do however have NF. Neurofibromatosis. I have type 1. But I'm not about to go into a story on my life. Lets focus on Ms.Deford's.
All throughout the book I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry. At times I wanted to feel her pain, and take it away. I could tell from the way her father wrote she was one of the sweetest persons you'd want to meet. She cared about people, and she lived life to the fullest. On her short time on earth she probably learned and taught more people in those 8 years, than some people do in a full lifetime.
Although I don't know the struggles of CF, NF does have it's own struggles, I'm not saying mine are worse. My mom,and brothers also have NF. One of my brothers was hospitalized for a while off and on for years. So I guess that's how I relate to the boring,long waits at the hospital. I hope Alex found comfort. Although not mentioned in the book I wonder if they got help from the Ronald McDonald House. I know they helped us through our journey.
I know this review is between about her life, and my life even though we don't share the same condition. I just feel I can relate to her in a way,and feel the need to share it. I think Alex Deford's story can help anyone struggling with any disorder. She had so much hope and laughter.
I would like to know more about her life,maybe even more about CF.
5/5 Stars Dates read: 2/8/15- 2/10/15
I'm reading this for review from Netgalley.
The title caught my eye right away. I remember when I was younger reading a book with a similar title, and really thinking about it I think this is the same book I had read, but lost. I hadn't recognized the cover. I figured a new publication,and still trying to reach out to readers. I also remember reading about a young girl named Alex with Cystic Fibrosis. But it doesn't matter if it is the same book, or maybe more stories about her life.I enjoyed the book even though it was sad.
This tells the story of the life of Alexandra Deford. She was a young girl who battled with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) I think what had caught my attention to this story to begin with was not really the fact that I might of read it before or that we share the first same name, but the fact she has a rare genetic disorder as do I. I don't have CF, nor do I personally know anyone who does. I do however have NF. Neurofibromatosis. I have type 1. But I'm not about to go into a story on my life. Lets focus on Ms.Deford's.
All throughout the book I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry. At times I wanted to feel her pain, and take it away. I could tell from the way her father wrote she was one of the sweetest persons you'd want to meet. She cared about people, and she lived life to the fullest. On her short time on earth she probably learned and taught more people in those 8 years, than some people do in a full lifetime.
Although I don't know the struggles of CF, NF does have it's own struggles, I'm not saying mine are worse. My mom,and brothers also have NF. One of my brothers was hospitalized for a while off and on for years. So I guess that's how I relate to the boring,long waits at the hospital. I hope Alex found comfort. Although not mentioned in the book I wonder if they got help from the Ronald McDonald House. I know they helped us through our journey.
I know this review is between about her life, and my life even though we don't share the same condition. I just feel I can relate to her in a way,and feel the need to share it. I think Alex Deford's story can help anyone struggling with any disorder. She had so much hope and laughter.
I would like to know more about her life,maybe even more about CF.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen (review)
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen
3/5 Stars
Dates read approx Jan. 26th - Feb. 1st
3/5 Stars
Dates read approx Jan. 26th - Feb. 1st
First I got this as a surprise from St. Martians Press -Thomas Dunne for review.
I haven't read a lot of Scandinavian fiction,but I do have a bit of it on my shelves..mostly in my to-read pile so I'm not too familiar with them, but do enjoy what I've read. I did enjoy this book, and with one the cover having a review relating it to 'Twin Peaks' I was excited to dig into this,but at times I did find it hard to pick up.
I haven't read a lot of Scandinavian fiction,but I do have a bit of it on my shelves..mostly in my to-read pile so I'm not too familiar with them, but do enjoy what I've read. I did enjoy this book, and with one the cover having a review relating it to 'Twin Peaks' I was excited to dig into this,but at times I did find it hard to pick up.
A special group of writers,weird things happening to books and a game that makes you spill secrets. Ella is a new tenth member of the society and she starts digging in places where she shouldn't be. The book is filled with magic and mystery.
Some contents of the book were hard for me to read, when it went into way too much detail. I also thought it had some language in some unnecessary places. That being said this is for more mature readers.
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