Rainy Day Ramblings

Partials (Partials #1) by Dan Wells

Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out. When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask. Combining the fast-paced action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Battlestar Galactica, Partials is a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question--one where our sense of humanity is both our greatest liability, and our only hope for survival.
Hardcover, 1st Edition, 472 pages
Published February 28th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

 

1/2

Four and a half stars! A gripping book that blends dystopian with sci-fi.  You want to read this one! 

The year is 2076.  Humanity's population is reduced to mere thousands.  A war fought with the Partials, a human creation of man and machinery, was catastrophic.  Then a virulent plague known as RM, nearly decimates the remaining population.  What is left of the human population can be found on Long Island.  The humans are hemmed in by the destruction and their wariness of the remaining Partials, even though they have not been seen in eleven years.  Those who inexplicably survived the crippling plague because of their rare genetic immunities, find themselves on the verge of extinction.  A healthy, human baby has not survived in eleven years.  In a desperate attempt to save the population, the ruling Senate passes The Hope Act.  A decree that requires every woman, eighteen and over, to continually be pregnant, in the hopes that eventually a baby will be born who can live more than a few days.  Kira, a sixteen year old medic, finds herself fighting against the system.  Whispers of lowering the pregnancy age to sixteen reach her ears, just as she learns her adoptive sister is pregnant.  Kira is sick and tired of watching babies succumb to the deadly plague.  Imagine being forced to constantly endure pregnancy and childbirth, only to watch your helpless infant die.  Unwillingly to witness anymore babies' deaths, Kira hatches a daring plan to find a cure.  To achieve her goal she must sneak out through the farming territories, avoiding the rebel insurgents, known as The Voice, and head into the unknown civilization of The Partials.  She intends to capture and bring back a Partial to study.  Can Kira achieve her dangerous mission and find a cure before it is too late? 

What I Liked:

• This book is a compelling and thrilling page turner.  Once you delve into Kira's world, you will be caught in her story.  This book is an amazing read.  It has the dangerous concepts you enjoy in a good dystopian: apocalyptic environment, deadly insurgents, domineering rulers, plague and danger.  Add in the sci-fi elements, the deadly cyborg Partials and the unique viral disease and you have the basis for an excellent novel.  If you are a fan of either genre, you will enjoy Partials. 
• A good dystopian book for me, has to have excellent world building.  Mr. Wells does a great job in depicting a post apocalyptic Long Island, New York and the surrounding areas.  Imagine visiting these once highly populated areas, to find them decaying and abandoned.  It was a surreal scene to say the least.  
• I admired the main character Kira.  Despite her young age, she is determined and resourceful.  She is willing to think outside the current parameters on the plague and society and seek new answers.  Her persistence to find a cure is admirable.  Kira is a courageous, young heroine that will inspire you, despite the fact that everywhere she turns it is fraught with danger.  Will the Voice attack and destroy the city, or are the rebels under the Senate's control, in order for them to scare the population into servility?  Are the Partials the menacing creatures they thought they were?  These are just a few of the tough issues that face Kira, along with her frantic research to uncover a cure. 
• The overall plot is intense. There are so many exciting developments and thought provoking ideas to ponder during this read. I found myself continually contemplating the forced pregnancy.  How far would I be willing to go to save humanity?  Could I endure pregnancy after pregnancy on the slim hope of producing a child who can survive?  Can you imagine the difficulties?  As if the destruction of humanity by disease isn't enough, throw in some danger.  For all the dystopian junkies there are plenty of heart pounding scenes, especially when you cross through the deserted city.  As the book reaches the climax, there is a big revelation that absolutely stunned me.  It was definitely an, I didn't see that one coming moment.  If you are looking for an exciting read, this is it! 
• Finally, this book does a great job in tying off many of the story lines, but Mr. Wells carefully lays down some interesting and promising new leads for book two.  I was thrilled not to find a dramatic cliff hanger.  This is a series that I am eagerly anticipating the next release. 

And The Not So Much:

• One part of the book that I was disappointed in, was the lack of explanation on The Partials.  There is so little information supplied on their overall makeup, creation and species in general.  I was frustrated with the weak descriptions.  I had so many questions on the Partials, I hope that book two will better clarify the Partial population.
• The other group that was poorly covered was The Voice.  Why did this group splinter away?  How did the survive away from the main populace?  How were they organized?  How long ago did they split away from the group in Long Island? 
• While the overall world building was exceptional, I craved a bit more knowledge on what led to the destruction of the world as we know it.  A war with China is briefly mentioned, along with the Partial uprising and the plague outbreak.  I felt that just a bit more detail on the catastrophic events that brought about this new dystopian society would enrich the experience.

Partials is a book that is sure to please a wide audience.  Anyone who loves sci-fi, dystopian and danger will love all this book has to offer.  This is a story that is full of astounding surprises.  If you are in a reading funk, and looking for something exciting, then I suggest you grab a copy of this awesome book.  Prepare for an extraordinary and thrilling adventure.  I am excited to see where this series goes, if book two is anything like Partials, I won't be disappointed.  

Favorite Quotations:

"I am stronger than my trials."

"One short sleep and then we wake eternally, and death shall be no more."

"Out in the wilderness there were thieves and the Voice and the dying carcass of an entire world."

"You want to be happy......."That's what everybody wants.  You just don't know what will make you happy."

"Happiness is the most natural thing in the world when you have it, and the slowest, strangest, most impossible thing when you don't."

"I was born to be a mother--it's in my genes, it's right here in the center of who I am."

"The Earth was flat and wide and brown, a field of dirt as barren as the moon, a single road stretching into the endless distance.  The last to fall were the buildings, distant and solemn, the gravestones for an entire world.  Then they disappeared, and there was nothing left but nothing."

"The old world had been consumed with the search for More Stuff."

"We're talking about the government taking full control over your body--what it's for, what you do with it, and what other people can do to it."

"If you can't know the truth,....live the most awesome lie you can think of."

"It's the most basic instinct of life---to outlive yourself.  To build another generation that's going to see tomorrow."

"It was like trying to drink from a waterfall."

"Even a paranoid clock is being followed twice a day."

"If we want a brighter tomorrow, we must tear down the shadows of yesterday."

A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by  Balzer + Bray, courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Rainy Day Ramblings Winner

And the book goes to.....Pragya S! Congratulations! Pragya is the lucky winner of an ebook copy of  In My Dreams by Cameo Renae.  Thanks to all of you, who stopped by and entered.  Watch for more fun giveaways.  A big one is scheduled for mid March! You won't want to miss it.  See you then.  Happy Reading Everyone! Have a great day.

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Here we are another week and it is Tuesday. It is time for a Rainy Day Ramblings favorite: Tell Me Something Tuesday, hosted by Cambria Hebert. Every week a new question to answer on the blog. As always, anyone can join in. Just post the answer on your blog and add your link to the list on Cambria's blog. While you are there, grab next week's question.  Check out some of the other participants and compare your answers. 

This weeks question: 

If you could go into any book and visit the setting and characters which book would it be and why?

This one required a bit of thought.  I can tell you especially as of late, there are many books that I have recently read that I would not care to visit the setting.  All the dystopian books with their post apocalyptic scenery such as: Enclave, Partials, Divergent, to name a few.  The book I would least like to visit right now is Pure.  This book takes place after a nuclear bombing.  The world is dark and perverse, filled with people who are fused to anything and everything.  A truly, horrible place. 

Now, for a place I would like to visit.  A couple came to mind.  As far as a fantasy world goes, I would like to delve into the pages of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey world.  In her books, Ms. Kagawa creates the Nevernever, the faery world with such breathtaking and stunning detail, that I would love to see her vision in person.  Granted, there are many areas of the Nevernever that are cruel and cold, but I would still like to take a peek.  I wouldn't set foot in this world though, without a
couple of expert tour guides.  I would need Puck and the wise cat
Grimalkin to lead me through their world.  Besides, with these two, the commentary alone would be worth the trip.  If you have yet to read Julie Kagawa's books I promise you, the setting is worth the read! 

Next up, I would love to visit Paris.  Stephanie Perkin's Anna and the French Kiss, takes you on a tour of Paris.  The decadent food, the historic sights and of course the the romance. Wouldn't it be great to meet Anna, Etienne and the rest of the gang for coffee and french pastries? Who can resist a trip to the city of love?  Paris is on my list of places to visit someday.

After reading The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, I came away desperately wanting to visit Prague.  She describes this old city in such rich detail, that you feel like you are there, walking the cobbled streets, staring at the statues and the crumbling, old cemeteries and gargoyles.  How I would love to fly above the winding river and glance down at the twinkling lights with Karou. The food sounds wonderful as well. I would gladly dine at the Poison Kitchen with Karou and Zusanna.  Until I read this book, I never considered Prague as a place to visit, now I can't wait to someday tour this old, historic city, maybe I will even dye my hair blue for the trip.

Finally, since it is still winter and I am at my breaking point (this means that I am slowly going crazy with all the rainy days and trying not to climb the walls), I would be pleased to go anywhere sunny with a nice beach.  I read a wonderful book in December called The Bungalow by Sarah Jio. Jio takes  you back in time to World War II, to the sun drenched beaches of Bora Bora. I would love to sneak into Westry's and Anne's hidden bungalow on the beach, settle in a hammock nestled between two palm trees and read by the calming ocean waves. That sounds like paradise.  Is summer ever going to get here?  Right now, I will take a nice sunny day in the woods behind my house.  This is what it looks like at my house on a foggy day. It is gorgeous when the sun hits all the green plants.

So that's it, my picks both real and fictional of places I would like to visit. What about you, where would you like to go?  Tell Me!

Oh and in case you all were wondering, the adorable cat posing as Grimalkin, is really my cat Smokey Joe.

 

 

 

The Traitor In The Tunnel (The Agency #3) by Y.S. Lee

Get steeped in suspense, romance, and high Victorian intrigue as Mary goes undercover at Buckingham Palace - and learns a startling secret at the Tower of London. Queen Victoria has a little problem: there's a petty thief at work in Buckingham Palace. Charged with discretion, the Agency puts quickwitted Mary Quinn on the case, where she must pose as a domestic while fending off the attentions of a feckless Prince of Wales. But when the prince witnesses the murder of one of his friends in an opium den, the potential for scandal looms large. And Mary faces an even more unsettling possibility: the accused killer, a Chinese sailor imprisoned in the Tower of London, shares a name with her long-lost father. Meanwhile, engineer James Easton, Mary's onetime paramour, is at work shoring up the sewers beneath the palace, where an unexpected tunnel seems to be very much in use. Can Mary and James trust each other (and put their simmering feelings aside) long enough to solve the mystery and protect the Royal Family? Hoist on your waders for Mary's most personal case yet, where the stakes couldn't be higher - and she has everything to lose.
Hardcover, 373 pages
Expected publication: February 28th 2012 by Candlewick Press

1/2

Three and a half stars: A book with a little something for everyone: mystery, romance, history and thrills. 

Mary Quinn is working undercover on her first real assignment.  She is posing as a parlor maid in Buckingham Palace.  Mary in actuality is a secret agent working for an agency that employs all women spies/ detectives.  Mary is sent to the palace to try and track down a thief.  Someone is stealing small artifacts from the palace.  While performing her daily duties, Mary unwittingly stumbles across the sticky circumstances surrounding the Prince of Wales elicit nighttime activities.  During a Saturday night foray with a friend, he stumbles into an opium den in London's underbelly.  An altercation breaks out and his prestigious friend is stabbed to death by an opium addicted, Chinese sailor.  Mary, while eavesdropping, learns the name of the murderer.  Is it possible that her absent, Chinese father, who was supposedly lost at sea, is the perpetrator?  While Mary is busy investigating the thefts and now the possibility of her father being involved in the killing, she receives a summons from the agency to abandon her post.  She learns from the head mistresses of the agency she is being recalled due to the fact that the sewers running under Buckingham Palace are set to be renovated by a company that employs none other than, James Easton.  Could the plot thicken anymore? Yes, in fact it can.  Head to nineteenth century London and follow Mary as she unravels the case. 

What I Liked:

• I enjoyed Mary's character.  In an era where women are still struggling to overcome prejudice, Mary strides on scene, unafraid to tackle a tough case.  During her investigation there are numerous occasions where Mary shines.  She has backbone and is unafraid to do what it takes to get the job done.  She sneaks out of the Palace under the watchful eyes of the guards,  investigates the sewers in the middle of the night and takes a stand to help those dealt an unjust hand.  Mary is an admirable character. 
• I loved the historical setting of nineteenth century London.  This book takes you into the heart of London, Buckingham Palace is the main setting.  As an American, who is not well read on the history of Great Britain, I enjoyed taking a trip back in time and learning more about London during the period when the U.S. was caught in the Civil War.  The author does a great job in depicting London and some of its famous landmarks. 
• The plot is rich and complex.  This book has several plot lines to follow from the initial case of solving the thefts, to tracking down her father, discovering who the traitor in the tunnel is, determining the role of the Prince in the murder and finally rectifying her feelings for James.  Ms. Lee skillfully weaves all these divergent story threads into a cohesive plot. 
• I enjoyed the depiction of Queen Victoria.  She comes across as a capable, strong and fair ruler.  I especially loved her appearance at the end of the book.  She shows no fear.  My one regret was again, that I am not well informed on the British monarchy, so I don't know how accurate the portrayal is of the Queen. 
• I was happy that all the threads tied off neatly at the end.  No dreaded cliffhanger, but the author presents some intriguing snippets to follow in upcoming books.

And The Not So Much:

• One of the biggest problems during my read was my fault, I have not read the preceding books in this series.  I usually don't start a series in the middle, this is a rare exception.  While I was perfectly fine reading this book without having read the others, there were numerous references to events that occurred in past.  If I had read the other two books, I am sure I would have enjoyed this read even more.  I was especially handicapped in not knowing the complete history between Mary and James.
• I was not completely satisfied with the final explanation of the lady in waiting's involvement in the plot.  Why was she trying to seduce the prince? Why did she have such a devotion to her step father?  I felt this point needed a bit more clarification. 
• I was unclear of the role of Octavius Jones, what exactly was he after? I am still unsure of his intentions.

The Traitor in the Tunnel is a book for those who seek a book that is different.  This book has plenty of aspects to keep readers engaged.  It has thick plot with mystery, romance, twists and turns, danger and history all rolled into one.  This is an enjoyable stand alone novel, however, it would be enhanced by reading the two preceding books in the series.  Nevertheless, this was an exciting and fun read.  

A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher Candlewick Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 Favorite Quotations:

“Trouble snapped at her heels from all directions.”

“Memory was an unreliable guide.”

“And the eyes themselves--Mary repressed a shudder.  They were defeat made human, a world of pain entire.”

“In an opium dream, there is no reason.”

--”why wouldn’t I like a woman who ranks me higher than God?”

“That man also used to say that is character is destiny.”

“Together, they were a world entire, and instead of being terrified, she found the thought exhilarating.”

“She lost herself in a haze of textures, of flesh against flesh, of silk on skin, of breath caressing lips and lashes.”

Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror #1) by Karina Halle

Time for another bargain find! Today a scary ghost story that takes place on the coast of Oregon. A good read for a buck! 

Darkhouse(Experiment in Terror #1) by Karina Halle

 
Enter the world of the highly-acclaimed Experiment in Terror Series by visiting...the Darkhouse: There’s always been something a bit off about Perry Palomino. Though she’s been dealing with a quarter-life crisis and post-college syndrome like any other twenty-something, she’s still not what you would call “ordinary.” For one thing, there’s her past which she likes to pretend never happened, and then there’s the fact that she sees ghosts. Luckily for her, that all comes in handy when she stumbles across Dex Foray, an eccentric producer for an upcoming webcast on ghost hunters. Even though the show’s budget is non-existent and Dex himself is a maddening enigma, Perry is instantly drawn into a world that both threatens her life and seduces her with a sense of importance. Her uncle’s haunted lighthouse provides the perfect catalyst and backdrop for a mystery that unravels the threads of Perry’s fragile sanity and causes her to fall for a man, who, like the most dangerous of ghosts, may not be all that he seems.
Kindle Edition
Published (first published May 1st 2011)

1/2

 Three and a half stars: A book with plenty of thrills and chills! 

Perry is a twenty two year old stuck living at home and in a dead end reception job that she hates.  As much as she detests her job she is grateful to be working and happy to have both feet on the ground after a rocky past.  When her parents decide to head to the coast for a weekend stay at Uncle Al's, Perry joins them along with her fifteen year old sister, Ada.  For some inexplicable reason she is drawn to the dark, boarded up lighthouse on the edge of her uncle's property.  Going against her better judgement, she breaks into the light house, armed only with the weak light from her iphone.  Is she crazy to be prowling around a deserted creepy lighthouse at night?  During her hasty explorations, she hears banging overhead.  Terrified she fears she has wandered into the lair of a crazed rapist.  She tears out of there, but finds her escape route barred; she collides with a figure in the dark and nearly dies of fright! The man in the shadows turns out to be a guy named Dex, who is not a rapist, but a cameraman investigating the rumors of the lighthouse haunting.  A few days later, Perry returns to her boring job, but things aren't quite right.  In the lobby she sees a strange, clownish looking old lady.  Is she going crazy?  At home, Ada is ill with the swine flu.  She begs Perry to post to her fashion blog.  The fashion inept Perry writes up a post on her ghostly lighthouse encounter.  The blog goes crazy! Perry receives an unexpected call from Dex, the mysterious man in the lighthouse.  He offers her the chance to go back to the lighthouse to do some filming to hopefully launch a ghost hunting show.  Will their escapades into the old, abandoned lighthouse uncover ghosts or something more sinister? 

What I Liked:

• Perry is a well written and developed character.  I liked that she is portrayed as an average girl.  She has overcome some difficulties in her past: weight issues, drug abuse, numerous cycles of career choices and a history of seeing ghosts.  I found myself eagerly cheering for Perry.  She is shy and awkward, a bit sassy and a totally believable character. 
• I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dex and Perry.  This book does not have the hated love triangle or an insta-love relationship.  Instead the author takes the time to create a hesitant friendship that grows into a shaky trust.  Part of the beauty of the involvement of the two is watching Perry struggle with and often deny her steadily growing attraction to Dex.  I liked that Perry was insecure in her feelings.
• This book has plenty of scary, chilling scenes but nothing too over the top.  I especially enjoyed the appearance of the creepy, clownish old lady.  She gave me the heebie jeebies! 
• I loved the Oregon scenery.  Living in Portland I could totally relate to the setting of the story. Ms. Halle manages to capture perfectly the essence of Oregon at the end of summer moving into fall.  

And The Not So Much:

• While I loved Perry, my opinion of Dex vacillated throughout the novel.  Is he a good guy or a bit shady? What are his intentions toward Perry?  What was the deal with the medications? Where did he keep vanishing to? I wish I had a clearer understanding of him, I really want to like him.
• One aspect that annoyed me, was that every time they visited the lighthouse they were ill prepared.  I found it a little hard to believe that they would venture into a supposedly haunted lighthouse without adequate lighting. 
• I wasn't terrified by the Old Roddy character.  I think part of the problem was he needed more development, revelation into his lurid history and details as to his motives for haunting the lighthouse would have made him more terrifying.
• This book starts out slow.  Granted the beginning chapters are focused on developing characters, which is one of the highlights.  However, I found the pace dragging a bit, thankfully it picks up and gets more exciting as the book moves on. 
• I was disappointed in the resolution.  This book does not have a cliffhanger, but there were so many unanswered questions, that were left hanging.

Darkhouse, is an entertaining read.  There are some good, fun creepy scenes that will hold you hostage.  The best part of this book is a realistic and like able protagonist.  If you are looking for a scary read, give Darkhouse a try. This book is available on Amazon for $.99.  For a buck you can delve into the darkened lighthouse on the Oregon coast in search of ghosts or perhaps something evil hidden inside.  The adventure continues for Perry and Dex in the sequel, Red Fox, available on Amazon for $2.99.

A big thanks to Karina Halle for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite Quotations:

"I walked over to the mirror and searched my face for blazing signs of craziness. I looked like crap but often did in the morning before my five cups of coffee kicked in."

"The night sky was still clear with millions of stars sprinkled across the smooth slate above, though off in the distance the hazy, grey mass of mist could be seen. "

"Fall had arrived overnight. The sunshine was gone. The wind hurled itself at our car and tore green leaves off of the trees, scattering them in the air."

"Answering phones and barely able to concentrate on doing so. I could only think about the blog all morning. How many people visited in the last hour? How did they find me? What did they think? How many comments were there now?"

"Today the ocean was a stranger. Cold, rough, and ready to take me out. As the waves sucked back, they grasped the wet sand like desperate fingers, reaching for me."

"He was staring at my ass. At least that's what it looked like. I guess when it's the biggest thing in the room, it must be hard not to stare at it."

"Man, if looks could kill then I was trying to commit a triple homicide with mine."

"The moon was in a permanent grave somewhere in that tumultuous sky, and the only light we had was from the lightning as it moved further north of us and inland."

"Because I find life to be scarier than death.”

"The blackness and unknown nipped at my heels."

Friday Forecast

Yeah! The weekend is almost here. How is the weather where you are? I keep hoping for a glimmer of spring, but so far it is not happening here in Oregon! It is time for a preview of next week's new releases.  There is an absolute flood of books coming out in the next week.  I picked some of the ones that looked the most enticing.  What are you looking foward to reading and how is the weather in your neck of the woods? 

There you have it!  A bunch of great new releases.  On the blog next week I will have The Traitor in the Tunnel, Partials and Me Earl and the Dying Girl.

Portland Oregon weather forecast:

Saturday:  Rain High 45  Low 39                         Sunday: Chance of Snow 43 Low 30  

Spring is definitely not here! See you next week!

Winner of Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and entered the Valentine's Day Giveaway for a copy of Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine.  The winner is: Christina K.  Watch for more great giveaways and don't miss out on your chance to enter to win a copy of In My Dreams by Cameo Renae.  Enter here.  Thanks and Happy Reading! 

Letters from a Bipolar Mother Review and Guest Post

In "Letters From A Bipolar Mother", Alyssa Reyans tells the story she's never been able to tell her children: of how she lost them in a battle with her own mental illness. she shares with them - and the world - what the mind of a woman suffering bipolar depression looks like, how the darkness she battled on a daily basis almost won, and how, years later, she found the courage to claw her way out of the abyss. Covering a span of five years, Alyssa Reyans shares both her pain and strength in a struggle against an incurable illness that many women today also share.
ebook, 86 pages
Published February 18th 2012 by Alyreyans Press

 

Now before you run away thinking, "Why on earth would I want to read a book like that?" I am going to tell you, because it has an important message.  I thought the same thing when I was approached by a fellow blogger and asked to host Alyssa.  She told me this was a difficult book and that I didn't have to read it, but curiousity won and I read the whole thing in about an hour.  Yes, this is a difficult topic, but if you know anyone, friend or family member that battles with depression, then you will want to check this out.  If you now someone caught in the dark struggle of bipolar disorder, at the very least refer them to Alyssa's site.  As a sufferer she can impart some wisdom to someone finding their way in the dark.  Now here is my review:

Four Stars: A book that tackles a tough, misunderstood topic.

I admit, I was hesitant to read this book because, well let's face it, reading books with weighty subject matter can often be difficult.  I wasn't going to read this one, but then my inner psychologist was itching to take a peek.  I ended up reading it in one sitting.  This book is an emotional roller coaster.  Alyssa takes you through the highs and lows of  living with bipolar disorder.  No, it isn't pleasant and it is hard to understand what a person suffering from depression goes through, but Alyssa manages to take your hand and lead you into the belly of the beast.  Her life is full of heartbreak and tragedy.  Starting at a young age when she was molested by her own father.  At a time when abuse and depression were just beginning to come to light. Unfortunately, she lived through it when it was still okay to sweep it under the rug and ignore it.  Consequently, Alyssa was forced to deal with the fall out of the abuse on top of battling an illness she didn't know she had.  Two suicide attempts later and she is still reeling, trying to secure her footing.  Then as a teenager she finds herself as the mother of two young children, trying to be a good mother while doing her best to keep her world from spiraling out of control.  Little did she know that soon she would make the decision to leave her children with their father for a short time, never realizing it would be the last time she saw them.  Now years later, Alyssa properly diagnosed, has finally come to terms with her illness.  She accepts responsibility for her actions and avoids placing blame on her mental illness.  A truly courageous and remarkable step. She continually fights a daily battle, like anyone who suffers from depression can tell you, there are good days and bad.  It is a constant struggle to keep the beast at bay.  Separated by time and distance across an ocean of misunderstanding, Alyssa wrote this novella to reach out to her children and let them know that despite the painful past she has always loved them and always will.  Not knowing if her words will ever reach them, she hopes that in sharing her story she can climb a little further out of the belly of the beast, known as depression.  Hopefully, by sharing her story she can help others struggling with this debilitating illness.  If you suffer from, or know someone with depression, then you will understand how this beast ravages and destroys families.  I hope that her words will help others and that there will be continued strides made toward curing and spreading awareness on depression.  Alyssa is braver than she gives herself credit.  I truly wish her continued success in her valiant fight. I pray that her words will find her children.  Good luck Alyssa, thanks for being courageous enough to share your story.

Favorite Quotations:

"If for one second, you release control or look away, the monster takes control of your life, and it could be days, weeks, months or even years, before you realize you have fallen back into the abyss and once again have to dig your way out."

"I want you to know if this illness ever touches your life, there is someone who understands."

"Except you cannot outrun insanity, anymore than you can outrun your own shadow."

"My sanity succumbed to the internal chaos, and I floated through life.  I was a mere passenger in the shell of my body.  I did not control it.  It controlled me."

Now some words from the author Alyssa Reyes:

Thanks to Heidi for having me here today. It’s still weird to see myself counted amongst “writers”. Yes I am self publishing my memoir, but when I look around at all of the talented authors out there, it’s hard to apply that label to myself.  I call myself a word doodler instead. I think that seems more appropriate. I doodle words upon the page. By being a word doodler I don’t feel the heavy burden of having to carry around the title of “writer”. It allows me to continue jotting down my story, which is not always an easy thing to do. Writing is difficult. Doodling is easy. Maybe it’s a trick of the mind or a play on words, but it helps me to always push through those moments when the words seem to have dried up. During those moments I just keep doodling and eventually the whole picture becomes clear. The words take on a life of their own and I just join them for the ride. Allowing them to take me wherever they want to go. Not forcing or trying, just doodling. I use to think someday I might be a writer, but for now I’m having too much fun doodling. I think I may just remain a word doodler. There’s less pressure and more chocolate. And really who wouldn’t want a job that involves chocolate?

I’m also having a giveaway. There will be 3 ecopies of my book, Letters from A Bipolar Mother, given away. You can enter via rafflecopter. The giveaway will end on 23rd and you can enter here through Heidi’s blog or at my website.  Also if you’d like to join my mailing list, all members who join prior to the launch of the second book in the series, Chronicles of A Fractured Life, will automatically receive a free ecopy of Book Two. 

Thanks Alyssa for sharing your story! Alyssa is offering copies of her book if you wish to enter here is the link. 

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published February 14th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published August 1st 2010)

 

Five Stars: A book with enticing and captivating writing! You want this one on your shelf! 

 

Lucy is celebrating her last day of high school.  A night out on the town with her girlfriends is a perfect way to end the day.  She is at the crossroads of life.  Lucy is leaving her childhood behind, ready to step into the adult world.  Tonight, she wants more than anything to find the enigmatic Shadow, a graffiti artist.  His works adorn the sides of many buildings, they are swirls of colors in dreary places.  A splash of vision in the city streets.  Lucy is certain that a boy who can paint such visionary pieces of art is the one for her.  She is inexplicably drawn to his work, she must find the one called, Shadow. 

Ed, also known as Shadow, is also at an intersection in his life.  He dropped out of school in the tenth grade.  He was lucky enough to find employment at a paint store, taken in by a kindly, elderly gentleman named, Bert.  Working at the paint store gave him purpose and access to paint.  With a can of paint in hand, the world is his canvas.  He sprays the thoughts that swirl in his head and brings them to life.  Now, with the death of his boss, he is out of a job, unemployed and unsure what to do with his life.  Chance brings Ed and Lucy together for one magical night.  Lucy insists on hunting for Shadow, not knowing that he is standing next to her, but she doesn't even consider him as a candidate.  She and Ed have a rocky history, once he made her heart zing, then a date between the two ended catastrophically with an arse grabbing and a broken nose.  Can Ed make Lucy see the boy behind the Shadow?  Can a girl who loves art, glass blowing and drawing wishes in the air find love with a boy who spray paints the night?

What I Loved:

• First and foremost the writing.  Cath Crowley is one of those authors you won't forget. She is a word artist extraordinaire.  From the opening  paragraph, I was under her spell.  She takes the simplest words and paints them into sentences filled with magical beauty.  Her phrases will captivate and enchant you.  If you appreciate literary art, this is a book you must read.
• The characters, Lucy, Ed and Leo.  I liked that they were teenagers with their feet hesitantly stepping into adulthood.  Yet, they wavered, unsure of the correct path, and a little reluctant to leave the past behind.  For Ed he is struggling with losing Bert and his job, unable to find employment, he lacks confidence and self worth.  Leo, is trying to restore his broken heart and find an acceptable outlet for the snippets of poetry that flow in his head.  Lucy, longs to see her parents reunite.  She worries her parents will divorce after her dad has spent months living in the backyard shed.  She wishes for a chance at love, with someone who loves art as she does.  The best part about Lucy is she isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself, despite the sticky consequences.  Lucy can throw a mean punch!  These characters are awkward, shy and unsure of their futures, that is what makes them so realistic and easy to relate to.  
• Leo, a.k.a. Poet, his chapters are little splices of poetry that are simplistic, and yet they speak volumes.  I loved his poems! 
• As an American, I enjoyed immersing into the Aussie culture.  I liked learning little tidbits and sayings pertinent to Australia.  So much fun.
• I thoroughly loved that Ms. Crowley was able to take me back to my teenage days.  Lucy reminded me of what it was like to find a boy that sends thrilling tingles through your body.  Lucy still dreams, makes wishes, hopes for love and happy endings.  As adults sometimes we forget those shy, hesitant moments of first loves, it was fun to live vicariously through Lucy and remember the magic of youth.  
• I loved the art and the descriptions of Shadow's graffiti. I wished the book was illustrated, so I could see the works.  Yet, I think the pictures couldn't compare to the vivid, rich and detailed descriptions that Ms. Crowley colors with her words.  Her words are magic! 

And The Not So Much:

• There is not too much to complain about with this outstanding novel.  My only consideration was that the book is too short, I wanted more and the story is rather simplistic.  The entire book revolves around a one night adventure, so there is not much room for extensive plot development.
• This book has three points of view.  Lucy, Ed and Leo.  Leo's chapters were easy to detect because they were verses of poetry.  For some reason, and it may just be me, there were a couple of times in the book where I was confused on who was narrating. This was a minor problem though.

Graffiti Moon is one of those reads that will leave an indelible mark in your head.  This simple story of chasing shadows through the night will make you smile.  This book is a captivating literary work of art that you don't want to miss.  Set aside some time and dive into this memorable book.  You will come away happy that you read such an astounding work!  Go get your copy now! 

Favorite Quotations:

"I liked that he had hair that was growing without a plan.  A grin that came out of nowhere and left the same way."

"Paint sails and the things that kick in my head scream from the can to the brick.  See this, see this, see this.  See me emptied onto a wall."

"Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that's the moment of truth."

"I stayed there till the sun blurred the dark."

"The light coming over the buildings was burning back the night."

"The water was lower than it had been for a while because rain was starting to feel like a story people told."

"We'll meet and click and sit up all night and everything will tip out of me and into him and the other way around and while we're tipping the night will fade and the world will get pink and in that pinkness he'll kiss me."

"The definition of crazy is doing something close to the same thing twice and expecting a different end."

"You ever notice how the night changes shape?" ..."It starts out thick with people and sound and then gets thinner till in the middle there's almost nothing in it but you."

"My dad was a magician too.  Got in his car and disappeared."

"Dad says a boy needs a good sense of humor to get through his love life."

"Guys find snorting girls who run over them with bikes very sexy."

"Everything's hard to see when you've got your eyes closed."

"He works his way back to my mouth and my blood is hot glass, caramel and shiny, moving with his breath."

See what I mean about the writing..I could go on and on with favorite quotes! 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

It is Tuesday! Time for another rousing edition of the meme hosted by Cambria Hebert.

Every week a new question to answer on your blog. Add your link to Cambria's site and then check out the other responses. I love this meme. If you want to participate (you really should) head over to Cambria's blog and grab next week's question. 

Now this week's question: 

How do you feel about love triangles?

 

If you read my reviews you will know that I am not a big fan of love triangles.  In fact, it has gotten to the point where the prevalence of this sticky, three sided love affair has become so trite and worn out, that I find myself loathing them. Unless they are well written, I usually will lower my rating.  

Now, in the beginning I didn't mind the occurrence of a love issue involving three parties.  I was interested to see how they would resolve.  I think one issue I have with the triangle is that I am always rooting for the underdog, for instance: Twilight, I am in Jacob's corner the entire way...Iron Fey: Puck, how can you not love Puck! These are just two examples, but inevitably I am always drawn to the guy who ends up getting his heart ripped out. Perhaps, that is why I have developed such an intense distaste for love triangles. 

The biggest reason I disdain them, stems from the complete saturation of the Young Adult genre with the love interests that have a girl and two boys involved in an emotional tug a war. It has gotten to the point where they are so overdone, that I actually look for books with a simple boy meets girl and they fall in love relationship. I don't buy into the whole I am team A or B trend. I know I am in the minority but I just need a break from the three sided disease that infects books today. The only two exceptions I have are The Infernal Device series by Cassandra Clare and Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand.  Both of these ladies write love angles that are so well developed and believable that I actually am interested to see how they develop. Furthermore, the relationships are each so good, that I am remiss to pick who I want to get the lady. 

I guess I am exhausted to the point that I am beyond enjoying the whole love triangle scene until someone finds a way to breath some fresh life into an old idea.  How about a book with two girls and a boy caught in the three sided tangle for a change? 

There you have it! My ramblings on love triangles. How do you feel about them? Tell Me!  Please check out the guest post and giveaway from author Cameo Renae.