Mama Rose's Turn: The True Story of America's Notorious Stage Mother by Carolyn Quinn

Release Date: November 1, 2013
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Sometimes in life, truth is much stranger than fiction. After biographies from both her daughters, the life of Rose Thompson is distorted, mixed with fiction and the truth is hard to uncover from any single source. This book serves to set the record straight and provide an accurate telling of her life's story as possible through a variety of sources.

Despite having aspects of her life immortalized in film, Rose was never destined to do much upon the stage herself. Through documents saved by family members, newspaper accounts and other supporting works, the author weaves a life filled with ups and downs that is more fascinating that what Hollywood could have written.

Review:
I love reading nonfiction, especially biographies and memoirs, so I was excited to see this listed on NetGalley. This book reads like fiction but has enough supporting data to prove much of the events written within. I had seen the movie, Gypsy, as a young girl. I knew the bare bones of the story surrounding the famous women but this book was a more in-depth view, allowing for a better understanding of their actions.

Needless to say, the book starts before Rose's birth and examines the world in which she will be living. It's plain to see that Rose was never going to be a conventional lady given the things her family found agreeable. Despite breaking societal taboos, many of her family members maintained a sense of resilience that proved to be valuable time and again within Rose's own life and the lives of her daughters, June and Louise.

The reader is treated to the delights of living the vaudevillian lifestyle through the various accounts presented in the novel. Both the rise and the fall of vaudeville is featured in the story of Rose as well as the effects that it has upon her life, her daughters and many of the well-known actors of the day. There is a section of photographs within the book which allows the reader to put faces to the names within and see some of their ordinary, everyday world.

I was glad to see that the author was able to maintain a balance in putting together the pieces of Rose Thompson's life puzzle. There didn't seem to be a bias one way or the other in regards to the decisions or actions that were taken. The author was able to present plausible reasons as to why things may have turned out the way they did or what may have been going through Rose's head at the time of some rash decisions. The tone of the novel was very much sympathetic yet realistic in its approach.

The only complaint I have with the novel is the presence of unfinished sentences in some of the chapters. There are only a handful that seem to be lacking a word, but it threw me off while I was reading. It left me wondering what was trying to be said at that moment. Other than that, I think the novel is a solid piece of work.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this glimpse into the lives of Rose, June, Gypsy and their extended family members. It was an informative work and read like a letter between friends at times. Fascinating to see the down-to-earth, human side of those we deem as celebrities. If you are looking for a well-written biography or enjoy reading behind-the-scenes accounts of famous people, this is definitely one that you should put on your TBR list.

Mama Rose's Turn: The True Story of America's Notorious Stage Mother by Carolyn Quinn is currently available in either hardback or Kindle formats. It can be bought at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Mama Rose's Turn: The True Story of America's Notorious Stage Mother by Carolyn Quinn

Currently Reading

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for those of us living in the US. It's a day to gather our families together and be thankful for the good things we've had over the last year. For many with broken families due to a number of reasons, it's one of the hardest times of the year to get through. This is true of both my family and my husband’s family. It’s hard to get through these holidays without thinking of those gone from us, willingly or not.

With all the emotional ups and downs of the past week, I was still able to get a few books crossed off the TBR pile. Fortunately I haven't added to the pile either. So for me, that's a positive. I have a lot of books to get through but so many keep coming out that it's a cycle with no end. Can't say I don't love it. I do. The only downfall to all of this was my failure to finish NaNoWriMo this year. Last year was so easy. The story just slid out through my fingers. This year it seems I had more than one wanting equal time and neither progressed enough to count. Not even combining them reached the end goal.


On the short list this week are:
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 2: The Rebirth of Innocents (Children of Sophista #2) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
In Broad Daylight by Seth Harwood


I've finished the following:
Dying for Murder: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery by Suzanne F. Kingsmill
Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn


I wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Even if you don't celebrate the day for whatever reason, I hope that you're able to have a great day nonetheless. Be safe, warm and enjoy the good things. It's what gets me through.

Until next time,
Kay

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Random House

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Ashley Cordova, daughter of the iconic movie director, Stanislas Cordova, is found dead at the bottom of an elevator shaft, Scott McGrath can't seem to shake the feeling that something isn't quite what it seems with the formal story. As a former investigative reporter, Scott is used to chasing after impossible to find clues and getting the full truth of the matter out in the open. But when he begins poking through the world of both Cordovas, he finds himself at a crossroads.

After losing his career and seeing his marriage crumble, Scott pushes himself to the extreme and follows every lead, large or small, until he is spent. He's unaware of the cost until he faced with a decision. Press on with the investigation and lose the little he has left or leave it all alone to play out however it will.

Review:
One of my fellow word addicts won this book in a giveaway and graciously let me borrow it. I had to put off reading this book due to other obligations because I knew that once I opened the cover, I would not want to put it down. Not only did the synopsis grab me, but the hints my friend dropped about the story had me intrigued from the beginning. With high expectation and anticipation, I finally started to read this book. It became apparent quite early on that I would not be let down.

Not only is the story continually intriguing, the author's level of commitment to creating Cordova's world is impressive. Marisha Pessl gives the readers history lessons within the lines of the book but also adds another dimension to the experience by creating webpages, message boards, photographs and other bits of evidence/information to tantalize the reader. For me, it definitely took longer to devour the story whenever I stumbled across the webpages or the darkened pages of message board postings. I wanted to read, to know every detail and sought out the clues just as the lead character, Scott, was doing.

Since the reader experiences the events through Scott's point of view, it's little wonder that I became so connected to the character that I could almost feel the emotions or react in a similar fashion as that which was written. Each of the characters in this book were so lifelike that it's easy to imagine one or more of them walking down the streets of NYC this very moment. Even the animals featured in the book had their own personalities. Besides making it easy to keep the characters straight, the differences kept the story interesting.

Let me tell you, the twists within this book keep you guessing. I am a longtime lover and reader of mysteries and suspense stories, so I can usually guess what's about to happen in a large percentage of the books. Not with this book! The moment that I snagged a clue or was given a large amount of information to process, I thought I knew where the story was going to lead. Right up to the very last page, the last sentence, I was proven wrong and shown another facet to the diamond that is this book.

Overall, the reader needs to suspend his/her beliefs in order to really enjoy the book. Dwelling on one area too long will throw the reader from the ride that story is taking him or her on. Clearly, I really liked this book. I will be buying a copy of my own very soon. It's very understandable why it took so long for the author to finish this book with all the history and background she provided as well as the various website and evidence pages. If you are looking for an exciting, thrilling ride with some dark depths to plumb, this book is one that I'd highly recommend. Most definitely, this book is one of my favorites.

Night Film by Marisha Pessl is currently available at many stores and major online retailers. It's currently available in both hardback and Kindle forms. Clicking the link below will allow you to visit the book's page at Amazon.
Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Pandemic: A Novel (Infected #3) by Scott Sigler

Expected Release Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Series: Infected #3

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After the world began to fall prey to an alien virus, drastic measures were taken to ensure the safety and survival of the human race. Dr. Margaret Montoya was among those on the front lines and found a way to detect the hidden disease before it was too late. The alien craft was defeated, blown to bits by the military. Or so everyone thought.

A new, more dangerous threat emerges years later and wrecks havoc on the human population. With millions infected and the world dissolving into chaos, all eyes turn toward those who already saved the world once. Can this small group of people put aside differences in order to save humanity? Will the alien virus consume the planet?

Review:
I must confess something. I've been a fan of Scott Sigler since listening to the first two books in this series, Infected and Contagious, when they were only available in podcast form. So when I saw that this book was available at Netgalley for review, I quickly submitted my offer to read and review it in exchange for an honest and fair review. With that being said, you don't have to be completely familiar with Scott Sigler's work in order to enjoy this book. It's a great read either way.

At the beginning there is a bit of a rundown of what took place in the previous two books. There was a lot but everything the reader needed to know was shown in a way that felt laid back and didn't overwhelm the reader. I would recommend reading the previous two books in the series because they are as entertaining and action-packed as Pandemic, but the author weaves enough of the history within the current storyline that the book could stand alone if need be.

Because I remember the podcast versions, I honestly read this book in the voice of Scott Sigler. The returning characters stayed true to form (although there were some surprises that even I didn't see coming toward the end of the book) and newer ones filled their positions efficiently and realistically. Even though some of the characters were from scientific or military backgrounds, they spoke with a level of intelligence and authority that one would expect from them. However, they didn't act or speak in a way that went over the reader's head. It was easy to follow along and comprehend even some of the most sciency of parts.

When the virus begins to take hold of a person in the book, there's a clear distinction between what they would do as a regular human being and what the virus thinks a human should do. It helps to convey the idea that the alien virus wants humanity to die out. I almost got the feeling in several places that the aliens were afraid of what we might become and thus wanted to prevent us from advancing. Because the book takes place in the not so distant future, one can wonder if this could truly happen with all of the objects that pass by Earth today.

There's plenty of action within the book to keep things moving and interesting. When things begin to go south, the reader's strapped in and unable to look away. No place to hide, everything is laid out for the reader to endure. I truly felt sorry for some of the characters as their own moral and ethical limits were tested in ways I wouldn't want to contemplate. In all honesty, I doubt that I'd last a minute in the book's world.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be purchasing a copy when it becomes available in 2014. It was a page-turner that I had difficulty putting down. Truthfully, I stayed up many nights to sneak in a few more pages before sleep. If you are looking for a rollercoaster thrill ride with an all too real kind of feel, this book is one you should definitely look into. Heck, get the whole series. It's worth it.

Pandemic: A Novel (Infected #3) by Scott Sigler will be available at many online retailers upon its release in January 2014. It will be available for purchase in either hardback or Kindle format. You can pre-order a copy from Amazon by using the link below.
Pandemic: A Novel (Infected #3) by Scott Sigler

Currently Reading

I'm so glad to report that progress has been made on a number of items on my to-do list. First and foremost, all the hats and scarves for the Brown-Brooks Project have been delivered. They were given to the Behavioral Center representative on Monday afternoon. Seeings how they have a full house and the weather's about to turn below freezing, the items are most definitely needed. It makes my heart happy to know the children will have something good and warm to last for a while. Well done, BBP'ers!

My poor fingers are readjusting to their previous routine that included a lot less crocheting. I have been able to work my way through enough books to accomplish my reading goal for the year. 100 books! I can't believe that I've actually made it. This has been my goal for a while now. To finally hit it feels so awesome! Since there are still a few weeks to go in the year, I've set another short goal of 5 more to make the total 105 for the year. With everything on my plate and TBR piles, I'm sure it won't take long!


These are the books I'm working through this week;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 2: The Rebirth of Innocents (Children of Sophista #2) by Rusty Biesele
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks
Dying for Murder: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery by Suzanne F. Kingsmill


In the past week, I've read the following;
Musings of a 20-Something Mom, and the Perils of being a Mommy Blogger by Jenny Schoberl
The Art of Falling by Kathryn Craft
What's Left Behind - Poetry Collection by Michal Mahgerefteh
Coldwater by Diana Gould


As far as my writing is concerned, I've been doing work on my NaNo project whenever I can get a couple of minutes. I've been channeling the dark feelings surrounding me as of late into some poetry to keep from going off the rails in the NaNo. Last bit of news and it's some awesome stuff! The Off the Kuf anthology: Volume 2 will be featuring my short story. It is set to be released in the next few weeks. The first volume is full of wonderful short stories and poems by a wide variety of authors. Volume 2 will be similar and it's got mine in it! I will have a direct link when it's available so please keep watching the blog!!

Keep chasing your dreams, one small step at a time. You'll get there!

Until next time,
Kay

DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere

Release Date: March 30, 2011
Publisher: Rejean Giguere

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
How far would you go to find the someone you loved the most? That's the question Zeke asked himself a thousand times before setting out on a journey to find his lost sister, Jane. Having been reported missing from the school in Southeast Asia, Jane's nowhere to be found and time's running out.

Zeke fears the worst as he plans both a rescue and a recovery effort. Taking it upon himself, he gets no further than her last known location when a mysterious offer to help comes his way. He must now answer the question again, maybe for the last time. How far will he go to get Jane back?

Review:
Touching on a subject that anyone with an ounce of compassion could relate to is what makes this story draw the reader in right away. In the beginning, Zeke has already begun the hard task of tracking down his sister after attempts by proper authorities have failed. He attempts to move Heaven and Earth himself in order to find the last bit of family left and is sent back home without so much as a clue to her whereabouts.

Both the reader and Zeke are swept up in a very emotional adventure because Zeke's honest sibling love and desperation are not hidden from the reader's view. When he finally decides to answer the mysterious offer of help, it's readily apparent that he feels as though he has no other alternative. That resolve and love for his sister carry him through some of the grueling trials to deem him worthy of assistance.

The story itself is a quick read as we are presented the background facts in the beginning and follow Zeke as he makes up his mind without a lot of thought on the matter. For him, the answer of what he must do is clear. There's quite a lot of action in a short span of time. With the areas Zeke must delve into, the mystical element is always present. Sometimes it's waiting on the outside of a scene but the reader can feel it there.

In the end, I liked this story because it posed a question that anyone could relate to. The characters were easy for the reader to identify with once the story was underway and the action was well-crafted and not over-the-top in regard to the overall story. Definitely a great read. I'm hoping there's a sequel out there or will be soon. If you like a touch of horror with your emotional journeys, most definitely get this book.

DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere is available at most online retailers in either paperback or Kindle forms. It can be purchased at Amazon by clicking the link below.
DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere

Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones

Release Date: June 11, 2013
Publisher: Pauline Baird Jones
Series: The Big Uneasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After running down the would-be carjacker, Nell Whitby finds herself in a world of trouble not even she could have ever imagined. She moved to New Orleans a couple of years earlier to start a new life for herself. What she finds is a lot more than she anticipated.

Alex Baker, homicide detective and near victim of a carjacker, knows a thing or two about connections. One of several cops in his family line, he trusts his gut when it tells him something's wrong. And with Nell, there's a whole lot wrong. Going up against some of the most well-connected people in New Orleans places both Nell and Alex in the path of harm. Can they keep from becoming a ghost in a city full of them?

Review:
I won this book through a free giveaway at Goodreads.com. By the number of pages in the book, you think it's going to take a long while to read, but it doesn't. The story is really engaging and keeps you wanting to know more than the characters are willing to tell or investigate. I found myself coming back to the book time and again to snatch a few more pages whenever I had a free moment.

The first in a series, Jones sets the groundwork in this book. I was concerned that it would be a simple information dump with some romance sprinkled here or there. In all honesty, it was a really well-woven story that gave just enough information as necessary at the appropriate time. Not all the answers are given by the end of the book - hence the series. But it does give a satisfying conclusion to many of the questions we, the readers, have at the beginning.

Though there is some romantic moments in the story, they add to the story and not overwhelm it. There is a progression of emotions and feelings by those involved that does lend a realistic feeling to the characters. I couldn't help but chuckle as one or more of the characters were increasingly frustrated by events beyond their control. Not entirely in the romance department either. Each character had his or her own life within the pages and it made for an enjoyable read.

Despite taking a step out of my reading comfort zone, I really enjoyed the blend of romance and mystery/suspense within this book. I want to know more about the power struggle within the city - on both sides of the law - as well as what happens to some of the characters I grew to like. If you're looking for an exciting and quirky ride through New Orleans, pick up this book!

Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones is currently available for purchase in paperback, audio-book and Kindle/e-book formats. You can buy a copy through Amazon at the link provided below.
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones