The Adoration of Jenna Fox

by Mary E. Pearson
6 sound discs (7 hrs and 30 mins)

Who really is Jenna Fox?

Part of the fun of this book is trying to figure out the mystery, so I don't want to give too much away. Here is what goodreads had to say:

In the not-too-distant future, when biotechnological advances have made synthetic bodies and brains possible but illegal, a seventeen-year-old girl, recovering from a serious accident and suffering from memory lapses, learns a startling secret about her existence.

This is a book is about scientific advancements, the pros and the cons. We know how far science has come in just the last 50 years, but how much further can it go? There are moral questions that go along with this, how far should it go? Yet, there is more to The Adoration of Jenna Fox than science, this is also a story about love, forgiveness, family, and starting over.

The audio book had a great bonus interview with the author. This would make a wonderful pick for a book discussion and the commentary by the author really adds to that. She said the inspiration for the book came when her own teenage daughter was diagnosed with cancer. The idea of how far would a parent go to save their child became the jumping off point.

Pearson is a really wonderful author and hope to read more by her soon. She has such an eloquent way of describing Jenna's thoughts and feelings. It gave the reader a real sense of what it would be like to be in Jenna's place. I never expected a biotechnology book to be so well written, but Pearson really proved me wrong.

The verdict is: Original and thought provoking.

Here is the best book trailer I could find, its not bad and it will give you more of a feel for the book

Along for the Ride

Changing your life is as easy as riding a bike

Auden is your typical overachiever. She gets the best grades, she is going to a great college, she is super responsible and has always acted like an adult. There is nothing wrong with this, except that while she has been busy working her butt off she hasn't made time to do the typical adolescent things, like play kick ball, go to prom, or even learn how to ride a bike. As her parents were going through a divorce, Auden attempted to be perfect as a way of keeping them together. In the end her attempts did not make a difference and only caused Auden to become an insomniac.

All this changes when Auden decides to spend her last summer before college in the small beach side town where her father, stepmother and new baby sister live. Here Auden is forced to experience new things, like what it is like to have real girlfriends. With the help of another insomniac named Eli(who is also working through some problems of his own), Auden will go on a quest to accomplish all the things she missed out on growing up. Soon she will discover that people can change including herself.

I have always been a huge Sarah Dessen fan, but it has been several years since I have read one of her books, that is going to change. Many of her stories share similar themes, but it is her characters and style of writing that really make her books special. With Along for the Ride, she has crafted a wonderful story about realizing you can change. She doesn't try to underplay or overdo the teenage experience. The characters aren't out of control, but they also aren't straight-laced. This is what makes them feel so real to the reader. Teens will be able to relate to the little details Dessen includes, like a girl dance parties but also to the bigger themes such as loneliness.

This was such a simple story, but it will really stick with you. If you can wait read it in the summer, preferably on the beach.

The verdict is: One darn good book!

Liar

by Justine Larbalestier
348 pages

Telling the truth has never been so hard

***Spoiler Alert***

From Goodreads:

Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean, Liar is a bone-chilling thriller that will have readers see-sawing between truths and lies right up to the end. Honestly.

I was really hooked on this book for the first part, and then things got a little strange. I purposely gave you the goodreads synopsis so that you can see nowhere in there dose it indicate that there is also a little fantasy in this book, well the truth is Micah is actually a werewolf. Yep, that is her big secret and the author expects you to guess that? The only clue was that she was born with a condition that gave her thick hair all over her body.

I hate when books exclude huge aspects of the plot from the book jacket. No little hints or secret meanings, the cover art didn't give any clues, and no subject headings saying "werewolf fiction". The least a book could do is be upfront. I went into this expecting something totally different than what it was. And the worst part is I enjoyed the part without all the silly werewolf stuff. Now I did like the book overall, but I just really didn't think there needed to be werewolves. The story was so well developed without that. Now I am a huge fantasy fan and normally I wouldn't mind this, but I was just a little peeved that I was reading this book under false pretenses.

Don't get me wrong, even if I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much I did still like it. I thought it was well written, original and well developed. The way the book was written with "before" "after" and "family history" sections make it a unique read and added to the overall effect. I loved the realistic look at the problems facing a mixed race teen in New York City. Even though Micah is a compulsive liar (as the narrator she is constantly lying to the reader) she is likable and most importantly relatable. It is easy to understand some times why she lies. Micah is a different kind of free spirit.

The ending was another part of the book I haven't made up my mind about. In one way we do see Micah accomplishing the things she always wanted and the chance to be honest about who she really is, but other than that the story is completely unresolved. There are many questions left unanswered, but for me that was OK, because who knows if we are even supposed to believe any of the end is true or not.

The verdict is: Don't miss this one, really interesting and different although you will most likely love or hate it.

ALA 2010 Amazing Audiobooks

The Titles

Nonfiction

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson, read by Dion Graham, Brilliance Audio, 2009, 1 hour, 55 minutes, 3 discs (includes bonus disc), ISBN: 978-1-4233-7537-1, $42.97.

Bluesy harmonica music introduces Dion Graham’s smooth baritone voice, eloquently returning listeners to the era of Negro League baseball in Kadir Nelson’s award-winning book.
Fiction

After Tupac and D Foster, by Jacqueline Woodson, read by Susan Spain. Brilliance Audio, 2009, 3 hours 13 minutes, 3 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-9805-9, $39.97

D Foster walks into the neighborhood where the narrator and her best friend Neeka live and opens up a whole new world to them, with Tupac’s musical influence as a background. Susan Spain's narration brings the girls' intertwined stories to life as she conveys the emotional turmoil that is part of growing up.

Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen, read by Rachel Botchan. Recorded Books, 2009, 12 hours 45 minutes, 11 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4407-3027-6, $108.75

On a whim, Auden decides to spend the summer with her father and his family. Despite her desire to remain emotionally distant from the drama that is in the house, Auden finds herself lending her stepmother a reluctant hand. Rachel Botchan brings Auden to life. It is as if Auden herself is sharing the story of her summer over a cup of coffee in a late night diner.

Boys are Dogs, by Leslie Margolis, read by Ellen Grafton. Brilliance Audio, 2008, 5 hours, 4 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-7729-0, $48.97

Annabelle doesn't like surprises OR change, but as she starts her first year of middle school she must cope with both. Ellen Grafton creates an authentic voice for Annabelle moving from childhood into adolescence, with all the dilemmas, wit, moodiness and confusion of that age.

Carter Finally Gets It, by Brent Crawford, read by Nick Podehl. Brilliance Audio, 2009, 8 hours 27 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-9181-4, $87.97

A year in the life of Carter begins with a party, and ends with him realizing where his true interests and talents lie in this hilarious picture of a 14-year-old boy's life. Nick Podehl reads Carter with the perfect blend of humor, irony, and innocence, while narrating a true-to-life glimpse into the mind of a teenage boy.

The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams, read by Jenna Lamia. Macmillan Audio, 2009, 5 hours 30 minutes, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4272-0706-7, $24.99

Kyra is being forced to marry her sixty-year-old uncle who is an elder in their religious group "The Chosen Ones." As Kyra grapples with her emerging independence, she encounters dangerous and life-threatening situations. Jenna Lamia brings the perfect tone and emotions to thirteen-year-old Kyra and enables the listeners to hear her sadness, anger, and love for her family.

Identical, by Ellen Hopkins, read by Laura Flanagan. High Bridge Audiobooks, 2008, 8 hours 45 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-59887-735-9, $29.95

Identical twins with seemingly perfect parents are living an illusion. Laura Flanagan does a fabulous job at giving the twins unique voices, differentiating the intonation and attitude in the written word for both.

If I Stay, by Gayle Forman, read by Kirsten Potter. Listening Library, 2009, 4 hours 48 minutes, 4 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-8084-0, $45.00

Mia is a talented musician, with a great boyfriend and family. It all gets taken away when the rest of her family is killed in a car crash that leaves her clinging to life. This highly emotional story is captured wonderfully by Kirsten Potters' genuine tone for Mia's struggle between life and death.

The Indigo Notebook, by Laura Resau, read by Justine Eyre. Listening Library, 2009, 8 hours 25 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-0-3075-7981-2, $55.00

Zeeta and her mother Layla's nomadic life has brought them to Otavalo in Ecuador where they help a friend to find his birth father, uncover a smuggling ring, and learn to appreciate the life they have. Justine Eyre brings excellent Spanish accents and the right voice for each character, while enhancing a fascinating story.

In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber, by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren, Listen and Live Audio, 2009, 15 hours,13 discs, ISBN 978-1-59316-142-2, $29.95.

Jacky Faber returns to the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls to hide out after learning she is wanted for piracy. While on a school outing, the entire class is kidnapped, taken aboard the slave ship Bloodhound, and held for ransom. Katherine Kellgren keeps the listeners on the edge of their seats as Jacky uses her wits, the crew, the prisoners and every opportunity available to save herself and the girls.

The Killer's Cousin, by Nancy Werlin, read by Nick Podehl. Brilliance Audio, 2008, 6 hours, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-8078-8, $54.97

The jury found David innocent when tried for the murder of his girlfriend, but his name will always be associated with her death. Nick Podehl convincingly voices the self-doubt, fear and suspicion that build in this tautly-crafted mystery.

Living Dead Girl, by Elizabeth Scott, read by Kate Reinders, Brilliance Audio, 2009, 2 hours 54 minutes, 3 discs, ISBN 978-1-4233-9751-9, $49.97

Kidnapped five years ago while on a school field trip, fifteen-year-old “Alice” has grown too old to hold the interest of her abductor. When Ray orders her to find him a new little girl, Alice sees her chance for freedom. Kate Reinder's portrayal is disturbing and riveting.

Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork, read by Lincoln Hoppe. Listening Library, 2009, 10 hours 8 minutes, 8 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7991-2, $40.00

To finish his senior year at the high school of his choice, Marcelo accepts his father's condition that he spend the summer working at his law firm. Lincoln Hoppe becomes Marcelo in this remarkable performance that takes the listener right into the heart of his struggles to make sense of the world.

The Monstrumologist, by Rick Yancey, read by Stephen Boyer. Recorded Books, 2009, 11 hours 45 minutes, 10 discs, ISBN 978-1-4407-3564-6, $108.75

Will Henry is the assistant to the Monstrumologist, Dr. Warthrop. Together they encounter the Anthropophagi, horrible human eating creatures. Set in the 1800's, this richly descriptive horror tale is vivid and imaginative. Stephen Boyer paints a frightening yet intriguing picture of Will Henry’s world.

My Bonny Light Horseman: Being the Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War, by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren. Listen and Live Audio, 2009, 12 hours, 10 discs, ISBN: 978-1-59316-446-1, $29.95

Jacky Faber is being forced by the British to spy against the French and although she hates it, she performs splendidly and even meets Napoleon. There is no one who could “be” Jacky Faber any better than Katherine Kellgren as she switches from British to French to American accents in the same sentence, as well as singing beautifully.

Newes from the Dead, by Mary Hooper, read by Rosalyn Landor and Michael Page. Brilliance Audio, 2009, 7 hours 27 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-9230-9, $87.97

Anne Green regains consciousness at the beginning of her autopsy after being hanged for infanticide. Rosalyn Landor and Michael Page’s expert narrations capture this unusual and historically based story.
Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson, read by Dion Graham, Brilliance Audio, 2009, 2 hours, 7 minutes, 2 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-9799-1, $39.97.

Through Dion Graham's heartfelt performance, Lonnie Collins shares hopes for peace in letters to his beloved sister, heightening the lyrical narrative of Jacqueline Woodson's story.

Slumdog Millionaire, by Vikas Swarup, read by Christopher Simpson. BBC Audiobooks America, 2009, 10 hours 47 minutes, 9 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7927-6162-4, $89.95

Ram Mohammad Thomas has his own reasons for wanting to win a billion rupees on an Indian quiz show. For each question he was asked listeners learn how he came to know the answer through the events of his life. Christopher Simpson embodies each character through his splendid accents while showing emotion unique to each person and situation.

Solace of the Road, by Siobhan Dowd, read by Sile Bermingham. Listening Library, 2009, 7 hours 5 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-8591-3, $50.00

Fourteen-year-old Holly Hogan ‘s life is not going the way she wants until she finds “the wig”. When Holly puts on the blonde wig, she transforms into Solace. Sile Bermingham’s lightly accented soft voice is dead on for this multifaceted teen.

The Spectacular Now, by Tim Tharp, read by MacLeod Andrews. Brilliance Audio, 2009, 8 hours 19 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-9963-6, $87.97

Perpetually drunk and high on life, Sutter Keely struggles to maintain his “live in the now” mantra despite the changes that threaten his relaxed existence. Macleod Andrews’s drawl injects the reading with the happy go lucky, laid back charm that makes Sutter the guy everyone wants to hang with.

Tree Girl: A Novel, by Ben Mikaelsen, read by Amber Sealey. Listening Library, 2009, 4 hours 37 minutes, 4 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7265-4, $30.00

Gabi has survived the brutal massacre of her Guatemalan village by hiding in trees. Her harrowing journey to Mexico to build a new life is compellingly portrayed by Amber Sealey’s distant but emotionally charged narration. Based on a true story, the novel depicts the atrocities of genocide.

Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier, read by Kim Mai Guest. Listening Library, 2008, 12 hours 54 minutes, 11 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7940-0, $50.00

Five sisters enter an enchanted forest each full moon to dance the night away with their magical friends. When the mysterious Night People arrive, their way of life is threatened. Kim Mai Guest's light and lilting voice brings the fantasy and enchantment to life.

Zen and the Art of Faking It, by Jordan Sonnenblick, read by Mike Chamberlain. Listening Library, 2008, 5 hours 35 minutes, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7155-8, $29.00

San has spent most of his life moving from school to school. He's ready to blend in with the background, but then Zen kicks in. Mike Chamberlain’s appropriately wry tone delivers San from clueless to self-aware.

Fallen

by Lauren Kate
452 pages

As fantasy novels go Fallen falls short

After a mysterious accident Luce is sent from her prestigious northeastern boarding school. She ends up at a rough and tumble school for troubled teens back in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. Here she is immediately an outsider and for more reasons than she knows. After her first day she is known as "Meatloaf", not the best of starts for poor Luce, but don't worry things will get better.

Even though Luce has been sent to a reform school there might be a glimmer of light, there are two super cute guys. The first one, Cam, buys her pretty things and can't get enough of her, the second, Daniel, flipped her off the first time he saw her, guess which one Luce goes for. Yep, it is Daniel she can't get enough of. For some reason Luce is drawn to him like moth to a flame. And he is just so darn familiar almost like she knew him in another life?

As Luce tries to get closer to Daniel she also has to deal with some issues of her own. Ever since Luce was a child she has seen these strange dark shadows, but now the shadows seem to be getting stronger. Luce will have to juggle new friends, two potential boyfriends and a whole bunch of mysteries.

This one was really really hard for me to get through. I am a pretty quick reader, but it took me almost 3 weeks to read Fallen. I kept picking up other books and then trying to come back to it. I can't say what exactly what it was that made this one so difficult for me, but I just felt that it was, for lack of a better word, stupid.

It wasn't the fallen angels that I disliked, although that also didn't live up to what I had expected, it was more that there was too much going on at once. Way too many supernatural aspect going on in one story. And Luce, oh gosh, no personality and frankly annoying. She was so needy and pathetic. I kept asking myself why do these guys like her and by the end I was finding myself siding with the bad guys. This one just didn't come together for me. I know I am being a little harsh, but I just can't stand when the lead female is the stereotypical weak helpless woman.

I thought the cover was cool and I always love books set in Savannah. The second book in the series is always in the works, so maybe Lauren Kate can redeem herself, but make your own opinion, for you fantasy/supernatural lovers I'm sure you will read this one regardless.

The verdict is: I wouldn't waste my time unless you just read everything.

Academy 7

by Anne Osterlund
259 pages

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...", well not really, but if you are a fan of Star Wars Academy 7 is right up your ally.

Summary:
With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin—son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance— consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship—and romance—begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

This was an interesting YA sci-fi. I enjoyed it. While it wasn't one of my favorites it held my attention. I am a huge Star Wars fan, so this one had an in from the beginning. I actually would have liked this one to be a little longer. I felt there was a lot that still needed answered. The story was exciting and I think it would appeal to boys as well as girls. I could see this one becoming a series because the plot is interesting and the setting is very cool, but I don't know if the two main characters could carry another book. They were OK, but not fabulous.

Some of the things I disliked: As I just mentioned the characters could have been a lot more interesting. I didn't think they had much depth. They were likable, but I felt they were both missing that something that makes them realistic. The cover really bothered me, I don't think it fit with the book at all. Romance was not the focus of this book, but from the cover that is what one would assume. I actually thought I would like it better if Aerin and Dane stayed just friends. My favorite part about YA romance is the build up, and while this did have it, it just didn't feel right. It was like one minute they are friends and then the next they are more. I don't know, it just didn't sit right with me.

That is really it for the complaints, on a whole I liked it. It was a fun adventure story that I believe will appeal to a variety of readers. What stuck with me was the imaginative world that Osterlund created. I look forward to reading more of her work.

The verdict is: A pretty good book, but not earth shattering.

Books To Movies

A look at some of the books that will be hitting the big screen in January and February. The one I am looking forward to the most, Percy Jackson.

Youth In Revolt

Youth In Revolt
Based on the book Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp by C.D. Payne.
Movie Released: January 8th, 2010
As a teenage fan of Albert Camus and Jean-Luc Godard, Nick Twisp is most definitely out of his element when his mother and her boyfriend move the family to a trailer park. When a pretty neighbor named Sheeni plays records by French crooners, it's love at first sight for frustrated virgin Nick. Upon learning that Sheeni is already dating someone, Nick launches a hilarious quest to find his way into Sheeni's heart, and bed.



The Last Station

Based on the book THE LAST STATION: A Novel of Tolstoy's Final Year by Jay Parini
Release date: January 15
A fictionalized account of the last year of the Russian author Leo Tolstoy's life and the people around him.




Creation

Based on the book DARWIN, HIS DAUGHTER & HUMAN EVOLUTION by Randal Keynes
Release date: January 22 (limited)
Draws on previously unseen material to trace the personal life of Charles Darwin, focusing on his relationship with his daughter Annie, who died when she was only ten years old.




Dear John

Based on the book Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.
Release Date:February 5th
A soldier home on leave falls for a conservative college girl. Instead of returning home to her, he reenlists after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Time and distance begin to take a toll on the young lovers.



Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Based on the book of the same title by Rick Riordan.
Release date: February 12th
After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Fat Kid Rules the World

By K.L. Going
Narrated by Matthew Lillard

Seventeen-year-old Troy weighs almost three hundred pounds. He is depressed and suicidal, but with the help of a new friend, Troy soon discovers that a fat kid can rule the world.

When we first me Troy he is about to throw himself in front of an oncoming subway. While working up the nerve he is saved by the skinniest kid he has ever seen. Curt is a a semi-homeless guitar legend and dropout from Troy's high school. For saving Troy's life Curt requests lunch and soon an unlikely friendship is formed and Curt decides Troy would make the perfect drummer of his two man band Rage Tectonic.

Before Troy can explain to Curt that he can't actually play the drums he is swept into the crazy world that is Curt. These two opposites make a strange pair, but turn out to be just the thing each of them needed.

Troys voice is hysterical and real. He is so honest about what it is like to be over-weight and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will relate to him. All of the characters in the story are well developed from Troys ex-marine father to Curt's punk rock band friends. Each makes the story more believable and more sentimental.

Going does a wonderful job of describing Troy as he first experiences something new, like the rush of going to a concert for the first time. There are also lots of real issues dealt with in Fat Kid Rules the World, such as drug abuse, parental neglect and death, but they are underlying to the friendship and growth we see in both the main characters.

This was another audio selection for me and I think the perfect choice. Matthew Lillard was the perfect narrator for this one. His voice animated and did the different characters perfectly.

The verdict is: Read or listen to it, a great story!

Alphas

by Lisi Harrison
272 pages

Why would anyone want to be an Alpha?

I am really trying to think of a better way to put this, but I just can't. Alphas is the type of book that gives all YA books a bad name. I know there are a huge following for Lisi Harrison books and others like them, and I have tried to find some redeeming factors, but there are none.

Alpha is this super prestigious private school for girls. It was created by the Oprah type Aussie who is the most powerful woman on the planet. Only 100 girls are selected and if they don't live up to Alpha standards they are given the boot.

The book focuses on three bunk mates during their first few days at Alpha Academy. Each has their own back story and their own secrets. The girls each try to find their place at the new school while discovering all the amazing things it has to offer as well as all the things Alpha can take from you.

The book does move quickly and I was disappointed that it ended on such a cliffhanger but only because I don't want to read the next one. I hated the way it ended and I do hope that the only decent character comes out on top in the next installment.

I somewhat liked one character, but hated all the others. They are catty and mean. I know that is supposed to be the point of the school, but how can you read a book when you hate everyone? I think it sends the wrong message to young women. The focus is on boys, cloths, beauty and being the best even if it means hurting others. Sorry, I just don't get the appeal.

The verdict is: Leave this one on the shelf.

Fade

by Lisa McMann
248 pages

Fade is the exciting sequel to Wake. Just as fast-paced as the first and still leaves you wanting more.

From the authors site:

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

YA books seem to just be growing in length. If you can find one under 400 pages I feel lucky, but these books are short and sweet. As a librarian I think this is great. There are so many kinds out there that are intimidated by these huge books and won't even give them a chance. I am happy to find a good series, with a different voice that is readable.

This one is more for the older young adults, but it is not to graphic or racy. McMann's style of writing is different, but in my opinion in a good way. I think it really works for the story. At times a little far-fetched, but really, what fantasy series isn't?

The verdict is: If you liked the first one you won't be disappointed.

Update

I didn't intend to take off for the holiday's, but I guess it seems that way. Right before Christmas was very hectic, but I did get a lot of reading in. I am going to try and first catch up with reviews of the books I read in December and then try to start on some of the new ones.

I am even more behind because I just got my tonsils out on the 30th. I went to the library and got about 20 books, but haven't got through any! The meds that have me own make me a little dizzy so that basically means reading is out. I tried listening to one on CD, but I passes out within five minutes.

To make matters worse my laptop is not cooperating. So instead of laying in my cozy bed and typing this I am in the cold office. As soon as I am aloud to drive I am going to have it looked at.

I think I will be back on track within a few days, and in the mean time I will attempt to put up a post or two in my lucid state. For those of you just dying to read my blog (if there are any of you out there) just sit tight for another week.

Thanks,

Manda