Currently Reading

Wow! What a week!

These past seven days have been jam-packed with all kinds of things going on that I'm surprised to have finished any books! Firstly, my Marine Corp kiddo returned home from Japan. He'll be here for another week or so before he goes back. It's been over a year since I've laid eyes on him and I'm very grateful to have him around.

Secondly, the Brown-Brooks Project finished their first every handmade gift project last Friday. We were able to collect 63 hat/scarf sets to pass out to the children of our local behavioral center. I'm so glad to be a part of that project and am really looking forward to next year's collection project!

Lastly, preparations for my family's annual Halloween Remembrance dinner and NaNoWriMo always coincide. Each year my family has a dinner where we take time to remember those who have left us while we give thanks for the harvest of the year. Kind of like an early Thanksgiving, in a way. After all the food's put away and the door's locked up tight, my work on NaNo begins at the stroke of midnight. I was able to complete the challenge last year. I'm hoping to repeat this year.


To vanquish from the TBR pile;
Pandemic by Scott Sigler
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Mama Rose's Turn by Carolyn Quinn


Conquered these titles:
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere


Hope that whatever you do on Halloween, you have a safe and wonderful time. I look forward to sharing my NaNoWriMo updates with you and hope to see some from you out there as well.

Until next time,
Kay

Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante

Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A fast-paced, gripping memoir, Buck: A Memoir shows us the life of M.K. Asante as he knew it. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, he struggled to break free from the box in which his actions and society had put him. The young Malo faces adversity head on with determination and gusto but often finds himself on the wrong side of the deal.

Events push Malo and his loved ones to the breaking point and drive him to make the decision whether to accept the place society holds for him or to become his own man, free of mind and spirit. As he begins to put his plan into action, the results come in waves for both him and those around him.

Review:
I am so glad that I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. It's real, honest, brutal and at the same time, it's heart-warming and endearing. This memoir was much more than just a retelling of M.K. Asante's formative years. It read like an action-packed, urban thriller with the unnerving reality that it held the truth of his life between the lines.

From the very start, the reader is sucked into his world. The reader is given everything they need to feel the experiences alongside Malo and his family, the good and the bad. With its honest portrayal of the people in the neighborhood, one can almost see the words come to life. This allows the reader to become invested in the person's outcome within the book.

As I mentioned before, the memoir reads like a frantic, action-packed thriller in parts because of the things the author experienced. There were some truly authentic and touching moments that slowed the story and delved into the deeper meanings behind some of his actions, thoughts or worries. I think the author did a wonderful job of relaying his world and laying bare his own faults and flaws instead of making himself to be something he wasn't. Very refreshing to see that he doesn't run away from the mistakes he made.

Overall, I have to say that I could not put this book down once I began reading. Each free moment I had was spent reading this book. Very open, honest and a great read for those who want to know more about cultures or people outside their own. If you're looking for all the above and more, I would definitely pick up this book.

Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante is now available at several retailers in Kindle, hardback and audio-book editions. It can be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham

Release Date: August 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jason and Isaac Tanner knew how the outside world worked even though they were kept away from it for a large part of their lives. Due to their father's secretive work on technology that helped create a virtual world, Jason was a natural with computers and took it upon himself to guard his father's creation with a high degree of seriousness.

When their father fails to come home from a weekend away, the boys learn not only of his death but their father was thought to be a serial killer the police had been tracking for months. Jason Tanner does the only thing he can think of when the outside world invades their home. He goes on the run after destroying the invention in the hopes of saving himself and the ones he loves.

Review:
Not being well versed in computer or technology lingo, I was a little worried when I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. Once I began reading, I felt relieved. There is a lot of discussion around the computer programs, viruses and other areas of technology. Yet, the author does a great job of blending the information with the story so that it flows as one. I was able to enjoy the book while learning new things without feeling overwhelmed.

Each of the characters had their own voice throughout the book. It would be easy for a supporting character to get lost within as much action as the author packed within the pages. For this book, they added to the story when necessary while fading into the background in order for the main characters to do what needed to be done and helped move the story forward. I truly think the reactions of the characters were realistic given the circumstances which surrounded them.

Action propelled the story from the very beginning. it barely eased up as the story neared its conclusion. I lost track of the number of times that I thought I had things figured out and the story proved me wrong. Several twists and turns kept my attention, my hands turning the pages to find out what happened. I was not prepared for all that happened in the final chapters. Definitely glad the author plans on a sequel!

Overall, I found the story to be engaging and very entertaining. The layers of intelligence - virtual and cerebral - add dimensions to the novel that keep you guessing. If you are looking for a good introduction into techno-thrillers with a YA twist, I would recommend this book.

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham can be purchased from many online retailers including Amazon.com and comes in both paperback and Kindle forms. Clicking the link below will take you to Amazon where you can purchase a copy.
DiSemblance by Shanae Branham

Currently Reading

Apparently the region in which I live has forgotten that there's another season between Summer and Winter! The weather was still summery a little over a week ago. The forecast for today includes icy rain and possible flurries. It's been such a long time since we've had snow on the ground around Halloween-time. Made for a weird trick-or-treat night but I don't want to repeat it.

So much is happening in my little corner of the world! The deadline for the community project is Friday. It's crazy to think so much time has passed since I began the work on it. All the created is finished except for one hat. Next comes finishing or as I call it - "the sewing of the tails." Each of the hats and scarves will be washed and packaged for the kids at the Behavioral center so that they can use them right away. With the weather currently, there's no doubt that they'll need them!

I'm super excited for the start of next week! From October 28th until November 6th, France Book Tours will be provided a book blog tour for Bernard Besson's novel, The Greenland Breach. I will be a part of the tour and my review will be posted on November 6th. Each day, a different blog will be giving their review and a few will even be hosting a giveaway! So be sure to visit http://francebooktours.com/2013/07/15/bernard-besson-on-tour-the-greenland-breach/  for more information!

On the word front, I've put off writing until the start of NaNoWriMo on November 1st. Yes, it's making me antsy because I write a little something every chance I get, but I need to focus on getting some more reading/reviewing time in with the holidays coming up. There are two possible novels in my brain and I taking notes though I'm not writing at the moment.


On the reading list this week are;
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
Pandemic by Scott Sigler
DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere
Night Film by Marisha Pessl


I've finished the following;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson
Drone by Mike Maden


With the looming holidays coming up, how often do you get to fit in some reading time?

Until next time,
Kay

A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman

Release Date: October 1, 2007
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Series: Tomorrow's Promise Collection

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When an accident claims the lives of two boys, the town of Santa Barbara is split down the middle as each side rallies one of the mothers. Andi has it all when her son is taken too soon - money, prestige and all the luxuries afforded to the wealthy class. Melanie has always been hardworking and doing what she could to make ends meet while raising her children.

In the aftermath of the fatal accident, both women saw their lives transformed and yet they couldn't see the pain in each other. When their decisions begin impacting the world around them, both women have a choice to make. Can each of the women find solace only in the anger and frustration bubbling beneath the surface? Will the town survive the rippling effect that the actions of one has on the other?

Review:
While I have mixed feelings about this book, I have to say that the story touches the heart of the reader in many ways. I purchased the book from Amazon because I could relate to the feeling of losing someone special in my life. The characters in the story seemed real to me and their reactions were those I have either experienced or seen someone close go through in their own grieving process.

Though the cast of characters is large, the author does a great job of keeping the focus on the main characters and allowing their struggles, thoughts and feelings come across with honesty. The supporting characters do add to the story in helpful ways that keep the story moving. I admit that there were more than a few times that I felt a connection with both mothers, the sister and even the kids in the youth group.

Even though the issue of faith and Christianity is present throughout the book, it doesn't seem to be forced in any way. The role it plays in the characters' lives is realistic and shows how deeply it affects the person and in the various ways. The message of forgiveness runs throughout the story in a positive manner which I think makes the story better and more real. Having been to similar churches, I could identify with the various members.

The only drawback that kept me from truly enjoying the story was the pacing in various chapters. There were parts that seemed long to me. I felt that I had already heard the same thing at a different part of the chapter and repeating the issue was merely keeping the story from moving without adding anything else to the plot.

Overall, I did enjoy the story because of the realness of the characters. Their anger, hurt and finally being able to see through those issues made it a very worthwhile read. If you are looking for a good story about faith, love and family, then I would give this book a definite chance.

A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman is available in various forms including Kindle, hardback or paperback. You can find more information at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman

Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Release Date: June 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Wise beyond her years, Angie spends many of her days being the adult she wished her mother would be. In the years following her father's death, their family faced obstacles and challenges that would have broken many others. For a short while, all seems to be going well until they're forced to move with their Aunt Vi. But that doesn't last long, thanks in large part to her little sister's Autism-like disorder which causes the little girl to shriek. 

The only thing to keep her quiet for more than a few minutes just happens to be the dog next door. When the neighbor decides to move, all hell breaks loose. Angie's mother is forced to make an irrational decision to save their sanity without putting Sophie, the little girl, into a facility - they follow the neighbor. Will the decision be a good one? What ultimately happens when the neighbor finds out?

Review:
Without much fanfare or introduction, the reader is thrust into Angie's world, one filled with chaos and uncertainty that should be left in the adult world. The constant shrieking and overwhelming despair would be enough to crumble anyone, much less a fourteen year-old girl. Being familiar with having a chronically ill sibling, I could relate to many of the things Angie expressed in the book and how she dealt with the people around her. My heart went out to her and to her family because I've seen some of the heart-wrenching decision making situations first hand.

The characters were very much distinct and brought with them a different and yet similar set of flaws. It truly made them seem more real that they could see the flaw in the other and then recognize it within themselves. A lot of truths were spoken or discovered by the character taking time to reflect on the conversations, making the reader feel a part of the process as well. I really liked the level of honesty between two of the characters because it was a reminder that we don't have to go through life closed off from others.

Made of three parts, the story flowed at a pretty steady pace with plenty of monotony-breaking moments courtesy of Sophie. Each of the three parts had their own surprises for the reader which also helped to keep me turning the pages. It struck me near the middle of the book that a lot of the story was about the connections we make with one another and how when a connection is broken, the people were once connected had to find a way to deal with that loss of connection. They had to find their own way of reestablishing the connection. That's also something that I know all too well and the story made me do a lot of thinking about my own connections.

Overall, I really liked this story. It definitely had those moments where you wanted to smack someone for being stupid. But it also had the moments that were heartfelt and touching. Having gone through similar situations, the story make me feel like someone out there who actually understood - even if it was a fictional character much younger than myself. If you love coming-of-age stories with an enduring twist or just want an uplifting read, you should definitely check this one out.

Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde is available for purchase in either paperback or e-book format. To purchase from Amazon.com, please click the link below.
 Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Currently Reading

Hello and happy readings to everyone! Things here are still a little on the whacky side. I can't believe I forgot to do a first of the month post. I truly want to be consistent with this blog and it makes me sad when I forget these things. Not to worry. I will be better at this soon - I hope!

Thankfully I have managed to keep reading throughout all of the goings on here. Though it's only a couple of books a week, it's still progress in the TBR pile. I'm hoping that I can squeeze a few more books in between now and the end of the month because November is going to be packed. Well, the last week of this month is going to be packed as well but I will make sure to have my ducks in a row here.

Happy to report a couple of accomplishments this week. One, I finished reading and reviewing the book for the blog tour during the last week of October/first week of November. It will be a special review post on November 6th. Be sure to look for it! Two, I am nearing my reading goal for the year! Currently I have read 87 books and counting! 13 more to go and I hit my goal of 100!


First up on the to-be-read list;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson 
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
Drone by Mike Maden


The following books are read;
What Precision, Such Restraint by Phil Jourdan
The Greenland Breach by Bernard Besson


Do you set a reading goal for yourself? If you do, does it help to keep you motivated with your reading? If you don't have one, do you keep track of the books you have read?

Until next time,
Kay