Reading Report: April 2014

What I read in 

April 2014

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Historical Fiction

Lina, a young Lithuanian girl is taken by Soviet officers along with her brother and mother and stuck on dirty train car (full of other Lithuanians) to travel to Siberia. There they are forced to work under Stalin's orders and fight to stay alive in the harsh conditions. 

A little different spin on most of the World War II stories I've read before, this book deals with some of the displaced Europeans.  This book was harsh and hard and dark but also deep and tender.

Melissa Explains It All by Melissa Joan Hart

Non Fiction, Memoir

The star of Clarissa explains it all and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa writes about how she grew up, got into acting and shares a few stories from set life.

It feels a bit too much like she's out to prove she's the All American Girl (what we mostly saw) but also has that wild dirty dangerous side (which she's trying to convince us of). I was thrown off right at the beginning when she starts the book with something like, I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but let me assure you I'm on the right side, in an expensive house. While I liked hearing some of the stories on set and about her growing up and family life now as a mom I could have done without the 'let me tell you allllll my wild stories' part. Or maybe just fewer of those parts.

Revel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Fantasy, Young Adult

The popular girl at school, in a long line of Homecoming queens before her, doesn't make it to her own crowning. Instead she's finding out she's now a Paladin.  To make it worse, she's charged to keep David safe (possibly her least favorite person). 

I've read a few of Hawkins books before (Hex Hall series) and really loved them. This one was just ok for me. It was a cute book but not as fun as the first series I read of hers.

Rogue Island by Bruce Desilva

Thriller, Mystery

Set in Providence Rhode Island where Liam knows everyone from Priest to Prostitute this newspaper man has found some funny business going on and it's starting to get dangerous. The Police aren't finding it quick enough and he thinks he might have some answers but now they're after him.

Everything I'd expect from a thriller. Dirty business, not sure who to trust, someone wants to set it right. 

The Inventors Secret by Chad Morris

Middle Grade, Fantasy

Cragbridge Hall is an impressive school where the students learn a little differently a little more hands on. History is happening around you, learning about animals involves controlling an avatar and gym class includes virtual mountains. The founder of the school goes missing and his grandkids must figure out the secrets to solve the case.

Read this with my 11 year old. I liked it fine, a fun idea and good story telling. She loved it and is reading it again.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Classic, Fantasty, Romance

As You Wish.

A reread for me. I love it every time.

Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

Mystery

In an 11-1 vote Juror 8 doesn't believe this case is as cut and dry as the rest of the jury. 

I listened to this one on audio book which was fun because each character was voiced by someone different (a few noteworthy actors if you're interested).

Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

Young Adult, Fantasy

The second book in The Lynburn Legacy series. Rob Lynburn is gathering sorcerers to rule the town and Kami is trying to devise a plan that will both save her town and the keep the ones she loves alive.

I love the characters Brennan has created. Snarky, witty, rough, and tough. Can't wait for the 3rd book!

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Zombies, Romance, YA, Fantasy

R, like most Zombies doesnt have memories of his life before. However, R is a bit different and dreams. While out hunting for food, aka humans, he finds Julie, and decides to save her instead. And the world starts getting brighter.

I'm not really a zombie fan in general but I have a lot of friends that are so I picked this one up. While I most likely still won't see the movie the book was fine. 

What's So Funny by Tim Conway

Memoir, Humor


In the life of Time Conway. He shares stories of growing up, getting his gigs, some of his best pranks and his family.

If you're a fan of Tim Conway you'll enjoy the book. Got this one on audiobook (I love getting memoirs on audio because they're read by them!).