Review: The Gilrs

Poor girls. The world fattens them on the promise of love. How badly they need it,and how little most of them will ever get it. Evie's an introvert. Her parents divorce and mom's constant search for a lover, keeps Evie absent from home. It feels like fate when she meets Suzanne, a nineteen year old girl who loves her willingly for who she is. But being close to Suzanne means staying with Russell,a self-proclaimed genius, and his community of followers. How far will Evie go for love? Cults have always fascinated me. Although, to be fair, I didn't see the appeal any of them had in Russell. His speeches were kept short. And the girls pasts, particularly Suzanne's, were hidden from the reader. Unfortunately this stops us from caring for the girls the way Evie does, making us mostly fear for her, rather than sharing her enthusiasm. I hope the author had left that decision up to us.

Review: Walk two moons

Sal is an only child, living with her single dad. Her mom left them without saying a word. After a few days, her dad determined that she wasn't going to return. So when her best friend's Phoebe's own mother vanishes (she left a letter saying she needs a few days to sort some things out) Sal warns her ''She might not come back.'' But Phoebe insists that her mom wouldn't leave her, that she must have been abducted. And hence begins both girls investigation as Phoebe tries to figure out if certain notes can lead to her mom, and Sal tries to make peace with the incident that made her mom go away. 

To be honest, I did not feel inclined to read this book -- the premise seemed a bit confusing at first -- but I have to say I'm glad I did. The author made sure to give us sympathetic characters with well written backgrounds that make it easy to understand why they act certain ways. Mothers are often seen as the glue that holds families together, but they are also human beings with their ups and downs, and need time for themselves too.

Review: Anything you want

What would happen if Napoleon Dynamite had a child?

Dingus, life just ain't fair for Taco. Ever since his mom died from cancer, his dad took off leaving him in the care of his older brother Darius, who is an alcoholic. But before you think that this is a sad story -- I must warn you -- Taco is an extremely positive person. He has problems with the law, works nights, volunteers on the weekend, goes to school and is dealing with a pregnancy (he had no idea she could get pregnant unless they did it with that intention at heart) Can all these responsibilities turn Taco from teen to adult before the baby comes?

My first impression was to criticize Taco, I mean, which 17 year-old doesn't know about sex ed these days? But then I found that many underprivileged or religious towns don't teach it. Taco doesn't act like he's computer savvy, his innocence and naivety shines through the pages, his family is absent -- it makes perfect sense that he didn't know. 

All in all, I just wish the author hadn't thrown problem after problem on Taco. It would have allowed the story to breathe, and for his girlfriend's character to be more developed. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Give thanks

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR

Thanksgiving is on its way for my fellow Americans. I've been to a few American gatherings here in Montreal and must say that I love the turkey, ham and pumpkin pie menu. 

This year has been great. I'm thankful for family, health and friends. My boyfriend, for whom, I sacrifice reading time because he is 100% worth it. And in book related matters, I can't think of a better way to close on 2016, than with a new Hogwarts movie. Thank you.  

What are you thankful for this year?

Graphic Monday: Locke & Key

Keys that open magic realms -- how far would anyone go to get their hands on them? Set in Lovecraft Massachusetts, we meet the Locke family at their worst. The father was just murdered (crazy gory illustrated images) and they have no other choice but to move to an old mansion filled with special locked doors. Little Bode is the first one to discover the house's mysteries. But there is a reason Mr. Locke kept this whole house a secret... too bad they have to figure it out the hard way. Filled with impacting graphics, a compelling story and brave characters -- I've got nothing but great things to say about this comic. Looking forward to reading next issues!

Feature Follow Friday : Fear the ripper

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: What is your favorite scary story?

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Sheperd



After all this time!! I try reading horror as often as I can. Heck I even wrote and published a horror. Yet I must admit, that this story managed to keep my romance and thrilling needs meet. It even contained a love triangle.

Sadly, I couldn't get into the sequel.

What is your favorite scary story?

Review: The One that got Away

After a nasty fall, Abbey's dream of riches comes true. She wakes up married to Alex Van Holt, a congressman who once approached her for a date, with her ''real'' children (the ones she had before the fall) by her side. This paranormal universe lasts for days, and pretty soon Abbey stars moving on as Alex's wife, forgetting Jimmy her ''real'' husband and adapting to nannies, fake friends and picking up dry cleaning. But when she realizes how many problems being rich brings (bratty children for one) Abbey begins to miss home. Himes did a good job at demonstrating the dark side of living with money. Abbey's family in law is not easy to bare, her husband is either never home or constantly tired, plus other women chase him because of his status. If that isn't enough to worry about, her daughter slaps her in front of a class filled with children. Although it's sad to see Abbey stuck in a life she no longer wants, she needs the life lesson desperately so she can stop daydreaming so much about 600$ purses and understand the real treasures in life.

Review: The King Slayer

''There are different kinds of strength. The kind that wields swords and slays monsters but there's another kind too; one that comes in quiet but in the end is stronger and harder and more powerful. The kind that comes from within.'' While trying to save her love, John, Liz transfers to him the one thing that makes her a powerful witch: her stigma. But now that Blackwell has claimed the throne of Anglia, the consequences of that action haunt her. Is she willing to sacrifice her own life to stop him? I felt like this book was written in two parts, the preparation and the war itself. There was no character growth and the interesting love quadrangle had to stay on pause due to the pressing political matters (this is why I dislike politics). Having said that, Boecker still gave us the one thing that we desire when we open an action book, that's right, trills. The story was packed with revenants, jealous bickering, gruesome fight moves and the motivation to remind us that sometimes we have to do what is right despite, of who gets hurt in the process.

Review: Future Chefs

This cook book, featuring teen chefs (mostly bloggers aged 10-15), took me by surprised. With shows like Master Chef Kids on the television, it shouldn't be a shock that young people can cook. But I was still surprised by the healthy variety that these chefs offered. Even the desserts were gluten free. 

I considered the short biographies a plus, as it was interesting to note their different background and how they started down this path. But my novice self would have loved more how-to illustrations.

Graphic Monday: Fairest vol.2

Rapunzel fights dirt. In a boxing ring, my money is on her. Once again, the series changed the Disney image I had of a princess. This time Rapunzel isn't only a survivor, but an entrepreneur who sells hair extensions for a living. But behind that peaceful exterior, Rapunzel suffers. Her newborn babies were stolen from her and she cannot miss an opportunity to find them, even if it means risky her life. The action was fast-paced, introducing a change of scenery as we traveled with her to Japan. What I found less attractive, was the seductive covers on both sides. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with erotica, but it makes it very hard to read on a subway near children or seniors. Sadly, my hair isn't as long as Rapunzel to hide the covers and read in peace.