Friday, May 25, 2018

CommonGuy.Com by Don Miller


   "Cleve is struggling to maintain respect for his life's work. He is disillusioned with politics in America; it's driven by special interest groups and self-interested politicians, every action boiling down to money in somebody's pocket. Midway through Pritchard's first term, Cleve is made aware that Pritchard and Scapeli are manipulating, deceitful, power mongers - a far cry from being patriots. Daryl and Cleve have had enough and resolve to reopen their editorial partnership using the internet. They launched Commonguy.com with Daryl taking the lead advocating patriotism, ethics, and competency in government."
   Like his other two books this book was obviously skillfully written. It was well thought out and we'll put together. It carries Intrigue throughout the entire story.
   However one thing that I've noticed is that the back cover of the book has a fairly long description of the plot. So long so that it seems to do the book an injustice by giving away too much. It's almost like a movie preview that shows all the good parts of the movie before you get to see it.
   Other than that the book was enjoyable to read. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in political intrigue.

The Night the Jack O'Lantern Went Out by Alexander S. Brown


   Watch out! This book may give you the creeps! Reader beware!!!
   A scary story come to life, a ghost that tells her side of the story, a Halloween seance, a witch who will steal your soul, a scarecrow that comes to life and craves blood, and other deliciously scary tales.
   Reminiscent of the scary stories series by Alvin Schwartz, this was a delightful little read. Unlike Schwartz however the author was able to change his writing style slightly from story to story. It was very refreshing for an anthology book. Most of the stories center around Halloween making this a perfect read for October. 
   I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who likes scary anthologies.

Black Beauty by Anne Sewell


   A fascinating look into human behavior both good and bad.
   "Through the eyes of Black Beauty, we observe the actions of human beings. The gallant horse is sold to many types of people. Some are good masters who treat Beauty with compassion and tenderness. Others are bad masters, who do not care if Beauty has enough food to eat or if he is too tired to be ridden."
   You know, this is one of my all-time favorite stories. When I was very young I had a cartoon version of this story that I watched constantly. I now own the live-action film. I know the story like the back of my had. But I'd never read the book... til now!
   Both utterly sad and depressing as well as joyous and triumphant, this book has an amazing story to tell. This is definitely one that pulls on your heart strings.
   Perfect for teens and young adult readers as well as adults. I highly recommend this classic tale to everyone who loves animals of any kind.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

The Lion and the Bride by Mika Sakurano


   Oh wow! What a love triangle! 
   Yua is a high school girl in a secret relationship with her teacher. But one day her grandmother, her last surviving family member, passes away and leaves her all alone in the world. And then, her beloved Sensei, supporting her again as he always has, asks her to marry him. She’s convinced that she’s about to begin a happy newlywed life, but it turns out Sensei has a huge secret...?! Sensei's son happens to be the boy at school that Yua despises... or is he her crush? Sensei is afraid that a boy her age will steal Yua away from him. But does he suspect his own son to be the culprit?
   Dripping with drama and romance, this graphic novel really turns the heat up. Skillfully written and story boarded. Easy to follow dialogs. Beautifully drawn illustrations.
   The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger that will make you curse out loud LOL 😉

The Measurements of Decay by K. K. Edin


   "In a distant future, Tikan Solstafir lives in self-imposed exile. The star systems close to Earth have been colonized but, rather than embracing the adventure, people have chosen to withdraw into their own hallucinations. Meanwhile, in the 21st century, a disillusioned philosopher sets out on a quest to save humanity from itself and a young time-traveling girl called Sielle may hold the key to everything... especially after a mysterious enemy attacks Tikan's starship, and Tikan strikes back to end the tyranny and sever the dream-state that has enslaved humanity."
   I read this book because it sounded interesting. While it is exactly that, I also found it very difficult to read and follow. The 2 stories are told simultaneously and honestly, I think it takes away from both stories to be told in this manner. I think they should have been written separately.
   Although this book had a very entertaining premise, I have to admit that it gave me the heeby jeebies in reading the slow and VOLUNTARY decline of the human race. Seeing/reading things like this always weird me out. Perhaps that's because its just too realistic... it's genuinely scary!
   All-in-all this was an intriguing read. Definitely a good Sci-fi novel. I would certainly recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction and dystopian genres.

Highland Velvet by Jude Deveraux


   Lady Bronwyn McArran is a Scottish Laird captured by the hated English and forced to marry one of theirs. Stephen Montgomery came to Scotland to conquer, but is he strong enough to conquer Bronwyn? As he falls hopelessly in love with this fiery Scot he tries with every fiber of his being to win her respect, and her love.
   Very well written as usual for Jude Deveraux. She is a fantastic writer that takes the reader on delightful romantic journeys through her literary works.
   This was a very fun read. Sensual and entertaining with a good handful of humor as the two pros constantly butt heads. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who likes a bit of romance.

Red Sky At Night by Elly MacKay


   "Long ago, here and far away, people looked for clues in nature to predict the weather. They learn from experience by watching the shapes of clouds or noticing the behavior of animals. This wisdom was passed down through sayings like the ones in this book."
   Poetic, entertaining and GORGEOUSLY illustrated, this book will definitely become a favorite for me and my children. This book is perfect for young readers. And the fact that it has old folklore mixed with Mother Goose like rhymes is perfect for readers just starting out to love books.
   I can't describe how absolutely gorgeous both the cover and the inside illustrations are. This book was very well put together and well-thought-out. Very well done. Bravo! I highly recommend this book to anyone with children!

My May 2018 TBR Stack

My May 2018 TBR Stack

Check Out These #LitsyHappenings

Check Out These #LitsyHappenings