Day 24 of 30 Day Book Challenge – A Book That I Wish More People Would’ve Read

Photograph by Michael Melford, National Geographic

Day 24 – A Book That I Wish More People Would’ve Read

Ashfall, by Mike Mullin

For close to two years I have been badgering all my bookish friends to read Ashfall, by Mike Mullin  A book about the event most geologists and Discovery channel enthusiasts dread.  While many dystopic stories are captivating, Ashfall is that horrific event that ultimately will happen. Mike Mullin bases his nail biting trilogy upon the inevitable eruption of the Yellowstone super volcano.

Essentially we have two stories, a journey of a young man, Alex who finds his maturity; and that of the obvious loss of life due to a massive volcanic eruption in the central United States.  Alex's journey spans between Cedar Falls, Iowa to Warren, Illinois.  Starting with his house being split in two by what can only be assumed as a ricocheting crater and the continuous assault of falling ash, Alex sets off with a pair of cross country skis to find his way back to his family.

On his travels Alex  finds himself faced with immense ugliness in humanity, striving to survive with whatever means necessary.  Along with that ugliness and desperation, he also finds generosity, ingenuity and unexpected companionship.  Ashfall, has a flavor reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's The Road, but with a more developed plot and character dimension. It is a novel that will make you want to fill your cupboards with canned goods, water and survivalist gear. I have tremendously enjoyed this series so far and eagerly await the third installment. I am also immensely relieved that I have three sets of cross-country skis in my closet, but hopefully Oregon is out of the potential red zone.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/08/yellowstone/achenbach-text

Days 20 - 22 on 30 day Book Challenge

Day 20 - Favorite Romance Book

Voyager (Outlander Book 3), Diana Gabaldon

I am and have been for many years on the bandwagon of Claire and Jamie Fraser.  This is my personal favorite of the series because we have two individuals who have been separated by time and years, but still find there way back to each other.  In their maturity, they have found themselves individually, but they are undeniably each other's soul mate.  Add in adventure, pirates and history and Gabaldon hooks her readers even deeper.  

Day 21 - First Novel I Remember Reading

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary

In the second grade, Mr. Moore lead us through the fabulous story of Ralph and his motorcycle.  I believe there were other vehicles to follow.  After we finished the story our class had a big party, watched some low budget movie with various sodas mixed together, which we called a graveyard, to celebrate the momentous occasion.  

Day 22 - A Book that Makes Me Cry

The Subtle Knife, Philip Pullman

Years ago, my husband and I were hanging out on the couch.  He was watching TV, while I was intensely engrossed in the second novel of His Dark Materials.  Lyra B has met up with her new friend Will, and along with Pan's help they are trying to save the universe.  Never have I felt such wretched sadness, until this novel.  My husband actually was concerned over my tears and sobbing,  while helplessly trying to help.  No way will I spoil why I was crying, but if anyone has read this novel, it will be blatantly obvious.  If not, it may be a good push to pick up one of the best fantasy trilogies of our times.  Tears are optional. 

Day 19 - Favorite Book Turned into a Movie:

Atonement, Ian McEwan

There are many adaptations that I have enjoyed, and many of those were predictable massive trilogy blockbusters.  Since those are blatantly obvious on what I would pick, I chose to go with the less assuming story.  Atonement's first half of the movie was incredible.  The movie was able to capture a sultry day on an estate where passions ran high, an attraction was undeniable and a young sibling made an unforgivable mistake.  The moments in this movie with the typewriter clicking in the background gave me chills.

30 Day Book Challenge (Days 14 to 18)

Day 14 – Book turned Movie and completely desecrated

Season Two of True Blood, HBO aka Sookie Stackhouse

I have obviously cheated, because this is a television show. True Blood stepped completely off the reservation in season two. There are so many things bizarre and completely off the plot in this season, I don’t know where to begin. I’ll just sum it up in one word – 

Maryann

Was that even necessary?

Granted, the Sookie Stackhouse books are not exactly Pulitzer worthy, so I’m not entirely offended by the HBO series. We can at least be entertained by their mouth-watering casting (*ahem*Eric Northman*cough*).

Day 15 – Favorite Male Character

James Alexander Malcolm Fraser Outlander Series, By Diana Gabaldon

A highlander rebel and fugitive with the passion for one woman that last decades.  A loyal soldier, nobleman with the ability to fit in with any crowd.  Dry sense of humor, linguistically inclined, can brew his own whisky, build his own house and love his wife like no man ever has.  He is every middle-aged woman's fantasy, and Starz is going to get an insane boost to their ratings this next year when Sam Heughan attempts to portray Jamie Fraser.  He has his work cut out for him. 

Day 16 – Favorite Female Character

Lyra Belacqua, His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman

Ironically, I was torn on putting The Golden Compass under number 14, books to movies that stunk to high heaven.  But, I"ll admit, it has been a really long time since I watched the movie and coulnd't really provide the needed oomph of negativity.  What I can say is that while watching the movie, I thought, what a fabulous idea for a book.  Low and behold, It was, and then days later I was gorging myself on a facinating story of a young girl trying to make her way to the North with her side-kick, ever changing daemon

Pantalaimon.  I would like to note, I'm fairly confident my daemon would be of the lynx species.  Since Pan is not just Lyra's sidekick, but spiritual essence, he should also be figured into the favorite character equation.  Their fearless tenacity, stubborn drive to make things right and juvenile joy that comes of youth was so lovable, that I had to list them as my favorite "female" character.

Day 17 – Favorite Quote From My Favorite Book

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” 

– J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Day 18 - A Book That Disappointed Me:

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4), Cassandra Clare

Originally I thought it was surprising that there was another book after City of Glass.  A great segue for a spin-off for Simon, but not to create more drama for Jace and Clary. After reading this I still feel that way. The ending was pretty ridiculous. Obviously I have to commit to reading the next book, but I wasn't thrilled about where Clare was taking the series. 

30 Day Book Challenge - Days 11 - 13 (I promise I'm not always this negative)

Day 11 - A Book You Hated:  

Undeniable, Madeline Sheehan

I've held off reviewing this book for over six months, but this 30 day book challenge has made me face the demons. Undeniably a disgusting portrayal of woman in the motorcycling world.  I cannot recall any specific problems with the editing of this novel, however as a woman this book is wrong.  What I typically enjoy in a romance story line is that moment when the hero/heroine come to that moment of possession, mutual love and respect.  Here is a story with incredibly disturbing progression of an unhealthy relationship of woman who continues to leave her fate up to men who have no respect for women whatsoever.  Bleh. Bleh all around.  

Day 12 - Book I Love, But Hate at the Same Time:

Echo In The Bone, Diana Gabaldon

I love the Outlander series.  

For the length of each novel, and the fact that I have read, and re-read these stories speaks for itself.  

Gabaldon has created the most epic love story of a historical romance series of my age.  

For the past decade, I have eagerly gobbled up and listened to the lovely Davina Porter weave the story of the Claire and Jamie Fraser.  But, my entertainment screeched to a halt after reading the last fourth of Echo In The Bone.  I was belligerently angry when I finished book 7 of the Outlander series due to spoilery comments I won't relay.  Hopefully #8 adds a balm to my romantic soul.  

Day 13 - My Favorite Writer: C.S Lewis

When I was a young catholic student in the fourth grade, my imagination exploded.   It started one day, when I was introduced to a religious interpretation of a man's story of Christ's crucifixion.  As a young child, I understood the parallel, and yet in my own back-yard I found myself dreaming of being one of the many few children who were gifted with that sudden jolt into another world.  Each Narnian story delved into a realm of paranormal that I had yet to even consider.  What I wouldn't give to sit and have tea or a pint with Tolkein and Lewis at their favorite pub.  

30 Day Book Challenge (Day 5 through 10)

Five more condensed days of our lovely book challenge.

Day 5 - A Book That Makes Me Happy:

Anne of the Island, Lucy Maud Montgomery

In which my chidhood book BFF realizes her love of my childhood book boyfriend.  It has been many years, but in mapping out this 30 day challenge, I'll have to revisit our young heroine's enjoyable time at college.  

Day Six - A Book That Makes Me Sad:  

Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

It has been many years since I have read this novel, but I still recall the frustration I felt for the father of this family.  Such loss in this story, and such blind determination.  

Day Seven - A Book That Makes Me Laugh

Tangled, by Emma Chase

I started to read this on a family vacation on my kindle, and it was surprisingly the funniest book I have read in a very long time.  Being inside this successful players head was not only insanely funny, but a refreshing take the high-power romance novels out there.  The problem with laughing out loud with this book, is you have to explain that you are reading a tawdry romance novel if you do.  

Day Eight - Most Overrated Book

Dune, By Frank Hebert

I'm just going to pronounce, that I am not a 15 year old dice roll playing gamer, so I think that may be the biggest obstacle in why I couldn't relate.   I did however, feel it my duty as a lover of the fantasy and all things paranormal to read this novel.  Now I understand what my friend was muttering about his mind being a mentat, but I still don't care.  

Day Nine - 

A Book I Thought I Wouldn't Like But Ended Up Loving:

A Hunger like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2), Kresley Cole

First off, look at this cover, and for that matter, the covers of the remaining books in the series.  They look ridiculous.  I feel like professor lupin is standing next to me, and I am trying to get rid of a bogart.  I'm not necessarily referring to the book itself, but rather the series.  I absolutely love this series.  Here's the clincher - Kresley Cole can write!  

Unlike most romance novels that trades perspectives between the male and female characters, she actually doesn't mess it up.    There are many levels to this paranormal romance series that have kept me entertained for years.  Ignore the covers, you may actually enjoy them.  

Day 10 - A Book That Reminds Me of Home

How Six Found Chrismas, by Trina Schart Hyman

My mother has had this book sitting out on a side table or coffee table around the holidays, ever since I can remember.  It is the sweetest story about how six unlikely companions find something special and deem it is Christmas.  This last year, my mother actually sat me down and read it to my 34 year old self.  We both cried, of course.  I have yet to see this book for sale as an adult, but if I did see it, I would surely be reminded of home.  

30-Day Book Challenge

Admittedly a wee bit late to the party being that it is the 11th of the month, but I think I can catch up within a post or two!!

Day One - Best book I read in 2012:

Easy. Hands down, easy.  Mira Grant or whatever you call yourself, you are one beautifully paranoid viral master.  Never has the zombie paranoia reached such a plateau.  

Day Two - Book read more than three times:

The River Why, David James Duncan

This book was a family favorite, and first read to me in my tweens by my mother, snippets at a time. This is a story of a young man, desperate for silence in a quickly developing world, his hilariously dysfunctional family and how he found peace with his fishing rod on a Oregon coastal range river.  It is a book I have purchased, loaned out and purchased again.  

Day Three - My Favorite Series:

Harry Potter

Not only do I truly love the mastery of JK Rowling's HP, but I the worlds best narrator Jim Dale created the most enjoyable audio listening experience, ever.  Any of one books three through seven could have counted for a book I have read more than three times as well.  

Day Four - Favorite Book in Favorite Series

Harry Pottery and the Deathly Hallows

I really and truly went into a book depression after finishing this series.  Deathly Hallows was an insanely wondrous completion of a series that affected me on many levels.  I'm still not quite over it and I uphold it as ultimate culmination of character development, story and world building. 

You're My Girl, Blue!

A Different Blue

By Amy Harmon

Read April 9, 2013

4.5 Stars

Blue, Abandoned at age two by her mother, left with a gentle Native-American man to be raised until he disappears at age ten.  With major answers if her life un-known, she’s forced into self-reliance, and in turn into a tough as nails bad-ass, seeking affection in the typical way a beautiful wayward woman would.  I was completely caught off guard with this beautiful story of Blue Echohawk from unknown author Amy Harmon. 

What I appreciated the most about this story was that it was about a journey of a woman, but only part of it was the romance, not a novel centered on romance.  She learns to live in her own skin, love herself and in turn is able to love others.  Her devoted friend says it best -

"I keep wishing that you had had a better life . . . a different life.  But a different life would have made you a different Blue."

A Different Blue is tricky to review, without revealing too much.  So, I’ll just say that there were several moments I found my heart squeezing in my chest.  My tears don’t flow easily, but I found myself clutching my kindle, face crumpled and the tears start to flow.  Blue, gutted me, over and over.  I will concede that aspects of the story felt a bit hokey and the final revelations a smidge too full-circle. But, the emotions that it pulled from me erased those over-done aspects.  I am eager to see where Amy Harmon takes us next. 

Amazon has this for a steal too: http://amzn.com/B00C2GEJT8

Easy, By Tammara Weber
Mature YA/New Adult
4.5 Stars


This new sub-genre of romance has sprung up over the last decade for the college-bound young woman, ready to break out and feel the world without parental supervision.  I am constantly being aggrevated by this genre with the portrayal of extremely unhealthy decisions and then glorifying them.  Easy, by Tammara Weber was such a breath of fresh air.  Not only was the main subject of this book a very real threat to young women today, but the healthy relationships should be an inspiration to every young woman heading off to college.

In Easy, we are taken on a journey of a young woman Jacqueline, fresh from a devastating break-up from her long-term high school boyfriend in her Sophomore year of college.  Faced with being a God Damned Independent or as I fondly referred to my own self as a "GDI", Jacqueline is found at a frat party looking out for her greek BFF and roommate, Erin.  Grief puts herself in a vulnerable moment and in pursuit of a sick bastard and rapist.

Date rape and rape at the college level is a very real threat.  Over a decade ago, date rape was a new concept, and the girls that found themselves in those situations were asking for it.  They knew the guy, they were a "dick tease", a slut or whatever the excuse you would hear.  This little novel says loud and clear, IT IS RAPE.  No.  Means.  No.  I wish I and all the girls that I knew back in college received this book as a handout during freshman orientation.

**wink wink Penguin**

There were several moments that followed the typical temperamental drama and I did feel the predictable moments coming as they were happening. But because the underlying currents were so poignant I'll give the author an impasse.

When I started hearing stories from my close friends in college, and so many of them had stories to tell, it shocked the hell of out me.  Te fundamental reason I became involved during my junior year of college in student government was to set up measures for women to feel safe on campus.   Giving power back to woman in hopes of preventing assault should be the entirely community's responsibility.

While there is ugliness in this book, I will say the majority of it was lovely.  The romance between Jacqueline and her savior was buoyant.   Her roommate, Erin was a tribute to those gutsy females striving to stop the violence.   I was reminded of my girls younger days and hoped that I was just as much a support as Erin was to Jacqueline.

Days of Blood & Starlight went BOOM!

Days of Blood & Starlight

By, Laini Taylor

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil held a wishbone between them.

And it snap split the world in two.”

With those simple words, I was sucker-punched into the second installment for Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy.  Last year when I picked up The Daughter of Smoke and Bone I enjoyed the beauty of Prague and Marrakesh, was fascinated by this strange girl with blue hair and these monsters she called her family, but I didn’t close the pages and say “boom.”   I said many things at the end of the Days of Blood and Starlight, starting with "Oh good there's a map", and ending with quite a bit of gasping and heavy breathing.

I realized that 75% of the way through it would be a 5 star for me.  I’m still trying to process the final decisions made by Karou our epic heroine.  Plot twist seems a bit mild to express what happens as a result to her decisions at the end of this devastating book.

It seems a common reaction for me with the first installments of fantasy world to feel the intrigue and enjoy the novel, but the sequel holds the guts to the story. It’s not like you visit a friends now home and tell them, “My! Your foundation is really spectacular!”   Foundations are tedious things, and essential, but it really is just that, but what people enjoy in an aesthetic sense is the architecture.  I can officially say, I’m in love with this series and may even re-think my original rating on the first.  I’m proud of fellow Portlandian Laini Taylor, and I’ll keep my eye out for her pink hair in Powell’s. Not to stalk, but just to do a smidge of fan-girl gushing. 

As always with a new series I tear through, the next installment seems immensely far away. 

Jellicoe Road

By Melina Marchetta

My first foray into the world created by Australian author Melina Marchetta did not disappoint.  This story sneaks up on you and then when it has your attention snakes a vice grip on your emotions and won't let up until you have all your questions answered.  

In Jellicoe Road, we are thrown into a rural Australian town, where three factions of kids rival for territories and our reluctant leader Taylor Markham ask all the right questions.  Throughout her voyage of self-discovery she finds her true family in the most likely of places.  It has been a while since a book has brought me to tears, but this little one did.  

I concur all around on the praise of this special little book.   And, may I say that this little library binding is such a quaintly perfect size and fits ever so nicely in my hands.  

Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1), Jay Kristoff

Lately I've felt apprehension when reading the first book in the series, especially when I know it will be epic and ages before the next one comes out.  Such a trial, I know, yet it happens more and more lately.  Kristoff has created a immensely polluted steam-punk world of Japanese beauty, samurai warriors and one soulfully fierce girl who tries to save it all.   Stormdancer did not disappoint in the least.

I can admit googling quite a few words towards the beginning and found most of them owning to a Japanese blade of some sort.  Which only foreshadows gruesome fight-scenes that I have grown to expect from the many video games played in my time.  I had a slightly weary time in the first part of this new world of Shima, but once our heroine found her footing, the pace and plot were quite enjoyable.

The dialogue between our heroine, Yukiko and Buruu, the thunder-tiger was hilarious and I cannot wait to read what they have in store for us next.

I kept having this random thought that I would love to see Buruu and Iorek Bryninson meet.

I can't imagine what they would talk about. Or what Lyra would have to say to Yukiko, but I bet it would be mind blowing...and bloody.

So now, I guess I'll just wait until...Gods save us...there isn't a release date yet? This is exactly what I mean...

Kresley Cole's First Stab at YA

Kresley Cole
Poison Princess

3.5 Stars.  Oh Kresley - I truly wanted to give you five on it, but I have to say I eeked out that ½ star because I love you.  The beginning and the end were what saved you.  The middle, I just found lacking and a bit sluggish. This book seems to be quite polarizing on the star votes on Goodreads, but I felt overall it was enjoyable and a nice new paranormal spin on the end of days!

I have seriously read everything Kresley Cole has written.  As a big fan of YA, I thought to myself - Kresley - check, Apocalypse - check, Tarot themed story - Why the heck not?  With the unique Arcania plot, it is all there, but I just felt the middle dragged a bit.  For the characters, Jackson was pretty awesome.  I loved Jackson with his swaggery cajuness.  Is that a word?  As one of the last few women on earth, who wouldn't want some roguish, handsome swamp boy to save your day?  Mais Yea, I’d say toute les femmes! (view spoiler)[But Evie! Put your big girl pants on and go evil empress already!! (hide spoiler)]

I will definitely be checking out the next installment, which I’m sure I’ll have to wait an entire year or more for, but hopefully by then Empress Evie will rock the poison and snag her Cajun!  But hopefully, she does that in the reverse order.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/392549-molly">View all my reviews

Necromancing the Stone has no Joan Wilder in it.

Necromancing the Stone
by Lish McBride

Throughout the entire time I enjoyed this book, I kept thinking -
"There should be more books with gnomes."



I'll be blunt. This book was incredibly random, funny as all get-out and I loved every minute of it.  I chortled so often, my husband made a comment that it couldn't really be that funny.  But it was! One moment this book takes us to an attractive sasquatch UPS deliveryman, soliciting the help of our reluctant necromancer to a Canadian minotaur taking bets on a home-front gnome wrestling match.  I've always been partial to dry-whit but this, Ms. McBride, just raised the bar another level.

All randomness aside, what I enjoyed the most was our protagonist's friends development. In Hold Me Closer Necromancer, we are introduced to Ramon, Frank and Brooke; slacker fast food employees extraodinaire.  Ramon is quite possibly the root cause of my public outbursts of laughter; but the situations in which Frank finds himself in are priceless. Both Ramon and Frank find themselves at the mercy of their new paranormal lives, however, both thrive and are able to support our awkward necromancer Sam find his way.

 I eagerly await the next installment, and of course, more tall tales of how a gnome can earn his cap.

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life is all about perspective. You can see the world is so many different ways depending on who's lens from which you view. Such is the tale of Tiger Lily. This small YA book caught me by such a surprise. All the same players are there - Pan, Smee, Hook, and of course Tink and Tiger Lily. However, everyone is re-created into this new story woven for us by the ever misunderstood Tinker Bell, from a slice of Neverland never heard before.

I had no idea I would grow to love and ache the character of Tiger Lily as much as I did. I want to personally thank Tinker Bell (and the fabulous Jodi Lynn Anderson) for giving her the opportunity to share her tale of woe. This fierce un-aging native Neverland tomboy, unveiled a story of Neverland's Sky-Eater tribe and with a slew of interesting new characters. Not only is this about Tiger Lily, but this is a tale of Tinker Bell as well. Her vanity and shallowness are disproven as she shows be the most faithful, loyal and loving being in Tiger Lily's existence. This sly little pixie, *gasp* is not Peter's side-kick at all, but Tiger Lily's!

For any lover of the tales of Neverland, I suggest you give this one a go. It may be that Mr. Barry had it all wrong from the start, or quite possibly the wrong side of the story.



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