Review: The Sound of Gravel

Summary: A riveting, deeply affecting true story of one girl’s coming-of-age in a polygamist family.

Ruth Wariner was the thirty-ninth of her father’s forty-two children. Growing up on a farm in rural Mexico, where authorities turn a blind eye to the practices of her community, Ruth lives in a ramshackle house without indoor plumbing or electricity. At church, preachers teach that God will punish the wicked by destroying the world and that women can only ascend to Heaven by entering into polygamous marriages and giving birth to as many children as possible. After Ruth’s father—the man who had been the founding prophet of the colony—is brutally murdered by his brother in a bid for church power, her mother remarries, becoming the second wife of another faithful congregant.

In need of government assistance and supplemental income, Ruth and her siblings are carted back and forth between Mexico and the United States, where Ruth’s mother collects welfare and her stepfather works a variety of odd jobs. Ruth comes to love the time she spends in the States, realizing that perhaps the community into which she was born is not the right one for her. As she begins to doubt her family’s beliefs and question her mother’s choices, she struggles to balance her fierce love for her siblings with her determination to forge a better life for herself.

Recounted from the innocent and hopeful perspective of a child, The Sound of Gravel is the remarkable memoir of one girl’s fight for peace and love. This is an intimate, gripping tale of triumph, courage, and resilience. -- Flatiron Books

Publishers Weekly said the following about THE SOUND OF GRAVEL by Ruth Wariner in its starred review, "Intense... hard to put down and hard to forget." And I couldn't agree more! I read the entire book in one day! One day! That's positively unheard of for me lately especially given that my kids were home for Spring Break.

For those of you who know me, you probably already know that I love coming-of-age stories. Truth be told, I tend to appreciate fiction ones the best; however, Ruth Wariner's coming-of-age story in THE SOUND OF GRAVEL is incredible! It just darn near broke my heart reading about Ruth's trials as the daughter of a polygamist, and yet, it was a also a beautiful story about strength and perseverance. This book, Ruth's story, is unfathomable to me. It truly is a testament to her courage that she survived her childhood. And to think she actually thrived and found happiness as an adult is just so incredibly special.

Ruth grew up on a farm in a polygamist community in Mexico. Her father was the founding prophet of the community; however, he was killed by his brother in a power play for leadership. When her mother remarried a man who already had one wife, she thought she was marrying a dedicated servant to the congregation. Unfortunately, he wasn't exactly a hard worker... and that's just about the best thing I can say about him.

Ruth's mother takes her children back and forth to the United States and Mexico depending on her financial and marital situation. Ruth loves the time she spends in the US, visiting her grandparents after school each day; however, her mother decides to go back to her husband... over and over again. Naturally, Ruth is confused by her mother's behavior and actually begins to question why she can't just protect her children and stay away from her husband, their dilapidated home, and the polygamist community.

I don't want to give too much away about Ruth's story because I think the shock value of what happens to her and her family is shocking and deserves to be experienced without any spoilers. I can honestly say that every time I didn't think it could get any worth for Ruth, it would. There were times when I wanted to cry and other times when I wanted to throw up. I honestly have no idea how Ruth survived -- both physically and mentally.

Suffice it to say that Ruth eventually does "leave" the compound in a very courageous manner. She ends up taking care of her younger siblings (even though she was only fifteen years old!). I was blown away not only by her dedication and hard work, but also by her ability to be so selfless. Her story is not only amazing but also very inspirational, and I'm so very glad that she decided to share it with others.

I was thrilled to find that Ruth has a section on her website for book clubs. She has listed some questions that readers have asked her. They aren't exactly a reading guide, but believe me when I say that you don't really need one -- you want to talk about this book because there is so much to process! I will warn you that these questions do contain a few spoilers so you might not want to read them prior to finishing the book.

I am still in awe of Ruth's story in THE SOUND OF GRAVEL. Highly recommended to fans of memoirs and coming-of-age stories!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl

Summary: Growing up in the suburban hell of Misery Saga (a.k.a. Mississauga), Lizzie has never liked the way she looks—even though her best friend Mel says she’s the pretty one. She starts dating guys online, but she’s afraid to send pictures, even when her skinny friend China does her makeup: she knows no one would want her if they could really see her. So she starts to lose. With punishing drive, she counts almonds consumed, miles logged, pounds dropped. She fights her way into coveted dresses. She grows up and gets thin, navigating double-edged validation from her mother, her friends, her husband, her reflection in the mirror. But no matter how much she loses, will she ever see herself as anything other than a fat girl? 

In her brilliant, hilarious, and at times shocking debut, Mona Awad simultaneously skewers the body image-obsessed culture that tells women they have no value outside their physical appearance, and delivers a tender and moving depiction of a lovably difficult young woman whose life is hijacked by her struggle to conform. As caustically funny as it is heartbreaking, 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl introduces a vital new voice in fiction. -- Penguin

I don't make it a habit of picking up books that I don't think I will enjoy, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I liked 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL by Mona Awad. This novel is a collection of thirteen vignettes that look at Lizzie March and the issues she has with being a "fat girl"... even when she is no longer fat! This is the debut novel by author Awad, and she has definitely proven herself as one very talented writer.

13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL begins when Lizzie March is just a teenager and follows her life as she meets guys, makes new friends, gets married, and loses lots of weight. Each chapter is almost a short story which gives insight into how Lizzie as she evolves/changes into a new person. She actually even chooses to go by Elizabeth when she begins losing weight! The novel is both extremely funny and touching, and Lizzie is such a real character. I guarantee you won't be able to get Lizzie and her insecurities out of your mind.

As is the case with any collection of stories, there are some that I appreciated more than others; however, I can honestly say that all of them have merit and contribute to the development of Lizzie's character. My heart broke for her in one story when she spent hours trying to get a flattering picture of herself to send to an on-line boyfriend. Similarly, I thought the story about the relationship with her mother was especially powerful... and really well done. What I found interesting is that even as Lizzie/Elizabeth lost more and more weight (and fought to maintain it!), she still struggled with self-acceptance issues. She really wasn't able to have "normal" relationships because she was such a victim of the image she had of her body.

When I look back at 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL, I realize that so much of the story was truly sad. Over and over again, Lizzie just made me sick with how much she hated herself. What's even more upsetting is that she's not just a fictional character who has issues. There are many women just like Lizzie who can't embrace life or themselves because of their negative self-image. I think 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL is an extremely important book, and I think it will generate a lot of thought when it comes to girls, women, and society's expectations of appearances.

Having said that, I don't want you to think that 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL is totally depressing. It's actually a very funny novel. Ms. Awad's prose is extremely smart and witty, and there are many moments in these stories when you will laugh out load. I take my hat off to the author for being able to create such a memorable (and real) character while at the same time addressing some important issues, and at the same time, making me laugh!

13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL would make a great book club pick especially for a group of women. I wasn't able to find a formal discussion guide, but I don't think one is necessary. There is a great deal to discuss about Lizzie's behavior. Some of the themes you might want to explore include self-acceptance, changes, marriage, mother/daughter relationships, society's expectations, personal expectations, pressure, body image, and food!

13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL is an excellent debut by a very talented author. I look forward to more from Ms. Awad in the future!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Making Nice

Summary: Meet Alby, the heartbroken antihero at the center of Matt Sumell’s ferocious, funny, and wrenching debut Making Nice. Fueled by heartache, fury, and the occasional pain pill from his mother’s leftover stash, Alby is flailing wildly as he tries (and mostly fails) to cope with his mother’s death. From his hometown on the Great South Bay to a sailboat in a Los Angeles marina, he stalks the perimeters of calamity: he punches his sister; gets drunk; picks fights; and spews insults at children, slow drivers, old ladies, and every single surviving member of his family. But it’s in the rare moments of connection—training an abandoned bird up for combat, commiserating with a toddler in a breakfast joint, spoon-feeding his grandmother gelatinized milk—that Alby begins to see a way to survive his pain. With unforgettable style and force and an “ingenuous humanity that makes every page feel new” (The Guardian), Matt Sumell’s blistering debut blurs the line between fighting for and fighting with the only family you’ve got. -- Henry Holt

I actually debated writing this review for the novel MAKING NICE by Matt Sumell. I read this book quite awhile ago and never got around to reviewing it. I remember enjoying this book and being rather impressed with the author, but I fully admit that I don't recall a lot of specifics about the stories.  It's probably a disservice to write a review at this point in time, but I'll give it a shot.

MAKING NICE tells the story of Alby, a man (not a very mature one by any means) who is just angry at pretty much everything in his life. I guess you could say he has some anger issues. Alby is just trying to get through life after his mother's death. The book follows Alby as he attempts to "make nice" with his family, strangers, and even himself. MAKING NICE is both hilarious and tragic, but most of all, it's very entertaining!

I was very impressed with MAKING NICE. It received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and Entertainment Weekly even raved about it! MAKING NICE is the debut novel by Matt Sumell, and I definitely think he's going to be an author to be reckoned with. He created a memorable character in Alby and his prose was both smart and eloquent.

While MAKING NICE was a novel of Alby's life after his mother's death, it was presented in a unique format. The novel was actually a collection of stories, each chapter was almost like a separate short story, that together made up Alby's life. Some of the stories were a little odd, while others were extremely funny. Overall, they were a pretty profound statement on loss and sadness... and anger.

Alby truly in a one-of-a-kind character. I don't think I've ever encountered someone quite like him in all of my reading. On one hand, he's horrible. He punches his sister, drinks too much, fights with strangers, and insults just about everyone he meets. However, on the other hand, he does exhibit signs of tenderness and compassion -- just when you begin to think he's incorrigible. Needless to say, he's a fascinating character given his behavior and his insights.

MAKING NICE is an entertaining collection of stories that will make you laugh and think. I promise you Alby is one of those characters that you won't be able to forget. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: Journey to Munich

Summary: Working with the British Secret Service on an undercover mission, Maisie Dobbs is sent to Hitler’s Germany in this thrilling tale of danger and intrigue—the twelfth novel in Jacqueline Winspear’s New York Times bestselling “series that seems to get better with each entry” (Wall Street Journal).

It’s early 1938, and Maisie Dobbs is back in England. On a fine yet chilly morning, as she walks towards Fitzroy Square—a place of many memories—she is intercepted by Brian Huntley and Robert MacFarlane of the Secret Service. The German government has agreed to release a British subject from prison, but only if he is handed over to a family member. Because the man’s wife is bedridden and his daughter has been killed in an accident, the Secret Service wants Maisie—who bears a striking resemblance to the daughter—to retrieve the man from Dachau, on the outskirts of Munich.

The British government is not alone in its interest in Maisie’s travel plans. Her nemesis—the man she holds responsible for her husband’s death—has learned of her journey, and is also desperate for her help.

Traveling into the heart of Nazi Germany, Maisie encounters unexpected dangers—and finds herself questioning whether it’s time to return to the work she loved. But the Secret Service may have other ideas. . -- Harper

Note: The second paragraph of the book summary from the publisher's website isn't quite accurate. The British subject's wife is dead and his daughter is seriously ill.

It seems like it's been way too long since a Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear has been released, but I'm excited to say that the latest, JOURNEY TO MUNICH, comes out tomorrow! I am a huge fan of the Maisie Dobbs books, and I'm proud to say that I've read every single one. I think these books are outstanding from the characters, to the setting, to the mysteries.

JOURNEY TO MUNICH is the twelfth book in the series, and I thought it was fantastic. In this novel, Maisie gets to work with the British Secret Service on an undercover job. It's 1938 and she has recently returned to England after spending some time as a nurse in Spain. She needed some time to compose herself after the loss of her husband and baby.

Maisie is living with her best friend Priscilla and doesn't really have any plans for her future. That is... until members of the Secret Service ask her to assume an undercover role in Hitler's Germany. The German government has captured Leon Donat, a successful British businessman and publisher, and placed him in Dachau. They have agreed to release him but only to a family member. The Secret Service is asking Maisie to pretend she is Donat's daughter.

As if this task isn't dangerous enough, Maisie is asked by the man she blames for her husband's death to try to find his daughter, Elaine Otterburn, in Berlin. She has disappeared and left her husband and young child behind; and her family wants Maisie to bring her home. Maisie learns that Elaine might be involved in more than just partying with the Fuhrer's men!

As Maisie attempts to pull off both of these tasks, she finds herself smack dab in the middle of Hitler's rise to power and his intimidating SS men. Can she bring home Donat and Otterburn without her identity being compromised?

I loved JOURNEY TO MUNICH! Every time I read one of the Maisie Dobb's books, I forget just how much I enjoy them... and just how well done they are. For many years, I have appreciated how the books explored WWI and its aftermath; and now I'm thrilled to follow them to the brink of Hitler's regime and WWII. It was interesting to see Berlin and Hitler's rise to power. Hitler even made a brief appearance in the book!

Another aspect I liked about JOURNEY TO MUNICH (and really every Maisie Dobb's book) is how Maisie evolved throughout the book. Maisie is at a pretty dark place when this book begins, and she desperately need to find a sense of purpose. Thankfully her "friends" at the Secret Service needed her for a mission. It was fun to see Maisie use her smarts as an uncover agent, and I even liked how she made a few mishaps along the way.

I especially appreciated the ending of the story. Things were wrapped up pretty neatly and I'm so happy! I don't want to give too much away, but I can't wait for the next installment in this series. Suffice it to say that long time Maisie Dobbs' fans are going to be very excited about the future of these books.

There was a few mysteries in JOURNEY TO MUNICH and it was intriguing to see how Maisie figured things out. I thought elements of both stories (Donat's and Otterburn's) had some secrets/mysteries that were pretty well thought out. In addition, I thought the pacing of the stories was excellent. JOURNEY TO MUNICH was a quick read for me mainly because I couldn't put the book down!

Many years ago, my book club read the first Maisie Dobbs book and discussed it. It was an excellent choice and I've always thought these books lend themselves nicely to book clubs. There is a reading guide available with sixteen questions. Some of the themes you can explore include Hitler's rise in Germany, grief, serving others, self awareness, spirituality, intuition, the role of women in society, evil, and forgiveness.

I adored JOURNEY TO MUNICH! Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction and/or mysteries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Twenty Yawns & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book by an award winning author and illustrator!

Summary: From Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley and Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo.

As her mom reads a bedtime story, Lucy drifts off. But later, she awakens in a dark, still room, and everything looks mysterious. How will she ever get back to sleep?

Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley’s first picture book, illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, evokes the splashy fun of the beach and the quietude of a moonlit night, with twenty yawns sprinkled in for children to discover and count. -- Two Lions

It will probably come as no surprise that new picture book by TWENTY YAWNS by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jane Smiley and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo is garnering a lot of praise. It's received starred reviews from Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal!

TWENTY YAWNS begins with Lucy and her family having fun at the beach. Lucy digs a big hole in the sand that her dad can fit in and she even covers him with the sand. She and her parents also play in the waves, take a long walk on the beach, and even roll down the dunes. Needless to say, Lucy had a fun filled day at the beach, and her mom suggested an early bedtime.

Lucy's mom reads her a bedtime story and she struggles to stay awake. She falls asleep before her mom finishes the book, but she doesn't stay asleep for long. She is soon wide awake and her dark room is a little scary! She ventures out to the living room looking for her bear Molasses. She finds him but her other stuffed animals seem a little lonely so she brings all of them back to her bed. Once she gets settled, she yawns and then "everyone" else yawns; and she finally falls fast asleep.

TWENTY YAWNS is just adorable from the story, to the character of Lucy, to the illustrations. It truly is the perfect bedtime story, and I loved it! It's not wonder that it's receiving such great reviews! The story is sweet and the illustrations are the perfect complement to it! I can see this book becoming a classic bedtime story!

An extra-fun thing about TWENTY YAWNS is that there are actually twenty yawns in the story that little ones can count. It's been a long time since my kids read picture books, but I know they would have loved to discover all of the yawns!

Check out this cute book trailer to get a better idea of how special this book is:



Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of TWENTY YAWNS and an adorable door hanger (one side for quiet time, one side for play) to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before April 8th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!



If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Be Frank With Me

Summary: A sparkling talent makes her fiction debut with this infectious novel that combines the charming pluck of Eloise, the poignant psychological quirks of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the page-turning spirit of Where’d You Go, Bernadette.

Reclusive literary legend M. M. “Mimi” Banning has been holed up in her Bel Air mansion for years. But after falling prey to a Bernie Madoff-style ponzi scheme, she’s flat broke. Now Mimi must write a new book for the first time in decades, and to ensure the timely delivery of her manuscript, her New York publisher sends an assistant to monitor her progress. The prickly Mimi reluctantly complies—with a few stipulations: No Ivy-Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.

When Alice Whitley arrives at the Banning mansion, she’s put to work right away—as a full-time companion to Frank, the writer’s eccentric nine-year-old, a boy with the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and very little in common with his fellow fourth-graders.

As she slowly gets to know Frank, Alice becomes consumed with finding out who Frank’s father is, how his gorgeous “piano teacher and itinerant male role model” Xander fits into the Banning family equation—and whether Mimi will ever finish that book.

Full of heart and countless “only-in-Hollywood” moments, Be Frank with Me is a captivating and unconventional story of an unusual mother and son, and the intrepid young woman who finds herself irresistibly pulled into their unforgettable world. -- William Morrow

My book club is part of the Book Club Girls Book Club which means that we not only get books for our group for an entire year, but we also occasionally get surprises! One of those surprise treats was the novel BE FRANK WITH ME by Julia Claiborne Johnson. I thought BE FRANK WITH ME was a unique story that I found very entertaining. I would probably say the best word to sum up BE FRANK WITH ME is "quirky."

BE FRANK WITH ME  centers around Mimi Banning, a reclusive author (and former Pulitzer prize winner) who must write a new novel (her first in decades) because she desperately needs the money. Her New York publisher decides to send a young assistant, Alice Whitley, to her Los Angeles home to keep an eye on her... and her seven year old son Frank.

Alice isn't quite sure what to expect when she meets this famous author, and it's safe to say that everything is a bit of a surprise. Mimi is a piece of work. She's difficult and not exactly easy to get close to... and that's probably an understatement. Her son Frank, on the other hand, is a bit of an odd duck. He's rather eccentric, dressing like a movie star from the golden era; and he seems to have some issues with relating to other children. And he also doesn't want his things or even his own self to be touched!

While Mimi secretly works behind closed doors on her next novel, Alice gradually gets closer to Frank. However, this relationship also causes Alice to have many questions about this unique family. She begins to wonder who Frank's father is and she also questions about the role Xander, Frank's piano teacher and resident handyman, plays in their lives (including her own!)

I thought BE FRANK WITH ME was absolutely charming. When I started reading this book, I was immediately hit with just how different this book was. I loved the author's writing style, and the characters, especially Frank, were fantastic! That I was smiling and even laughing out loud as I read the book added to my enjoyment. In fact, I couldn't wait to get back to the story ever time I had to put it down.

I also really enjoyed that the story was told through the eyes of Alice. Alice was a fairly young woman from Nebraska who had moved to New York and was scooped up by a publishing executive to work as his assistant. I thought Alice was a great character, and she was the perfect person to "take care" of Mimi and Frank. I loved her relationship with Frank and how she eventually gained his trust. It was a special bond and quite touching!

In addition, I enjoyed that this book was also about Alice and her feelings while living with Mimi and Frank. I don't think I'm giving too much away to say that Alice finds that she is attracted to Xander, and there's a bit of a romance along the way. Alice had absolutely no idea what she was getting herself into when she arrived in Los Angeles, and I thought her frustrations and doubts were interesting to say the least.

It's not secret to the reader that something big is brewing in Alice's story -- there are more than a few hints along the way. The story does get rather unbelievable, albeit still entertaining if you choose to suspend reality; however, I will admit that I enjoyed the first half of this novel more than the second. I loved the parts of the story that focused on Alice and Frank's relationship, so when things started branching out and getting a little crazy, the book lost a little of its novelty to me. That being said, I really did like this book.

BE FRANK WITH ME would make for an interesting book club selection. There is a reading guide with twelve questions that should help stimulate discussion. Some of the themes you  might want to explore include privacy, fame, second chances, autism, labels, curiosity, parent/child relationships, coping mechanisms, and more.

I still find it hard to believe that BE FRANK WITH ME is Ms. Johnson's debut novel -- it's such a different story. The characters were quirky and the story was entertaining. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Nest

Summary: A warm, funny and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives. Every family has its problems. But even among the most troubled, the Plumb family stands out as spectacularly dysfunctional. Years of simmering tensions finally reach a breaking point on an unseasonably cold afternoon in New York City as Melody, Beatrice, and Jack Plumb gather to confront their charismatic and reckless older brother, Leo, freshly released from rehab. Months earlier, an inebriated Leo got behind the wheel of a car with a nineteen-year-old waitress as his passenger. The ensuing accident has endangered the Plumbs' joint trust fund, “The Nest,” which they are months away from finally receiving. Meant by their deceased father to be a modest mid-life supplement, the Plumb siblings have watched The Nest’s value soar along with the stock market and have been counting on the money to solve a number of self-inflicted problems.

Melody, a wife and mother in an upscale suburb, has an unwieldy mortgage and looming college tuition for her twin teenage daughters. Jack, an antiques dealer, has secretly borrowed against the beach cottage he shares with his husband, Walker, to keep his store open. And Bea, a once-promising short-story writer, just can’t seem to finish her overdue novel. Can Leo rescue his siblings and, by extension, the people they love? Or will everyone need to reimagine the futures they’ve envisioned? Brought together as never before, Leo, Melody, Jack, and Beatrice must grapple with old resentments, present-day truths, and the significant emotional and financial toll of the accident, as well as finally acknowledge the choices they have made in their own lives. This is a story about the power of family, the possibilities of friendship, the ways we depend upon one another and the ways we let one another down. In this tender, entertaining, and deftly written debut, Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney brings a remarkable cast of characters to life to illuminate what money does to relationships, what happens to our ambitions over the course of time, and the fraught yet unbreakable ties we share with those we love. -- Ecco

THE NEST by Cynthia D'Prix Sweeney came out yesterday and I honestly think it's one of the most-buzzed about books this year. The reviews have been pretty fantastic and there are blurbs from some pretty influential people including Amy Poehler and Elizabeth Gilbert. My go-to place for book recommendations, Entertainment Weekly, also featured it in this week's issue. Needless to say, I needed to see for myself what all the fuss was about!

I have to say that all of the pre-pub hype was true. I adored THE NEST. It's a fun read with some pretty terrific characters; and for those of you like me who enjoy books about dysfunctional families, it's a definite must-read. The story is entertaining but it's the insight into family dynamics that makes it so special.

THE NEST is about the Plumb family -- specially four adult siblings who are supposed to receive their inheritance or "the nest" as they refer to it when the youngest, Melody, turns forty. Upon learning that "the nest" is just about gone, she, her sister Bea and brother Jack set up a meeting to confront their brother Leo who has been recently released from rehab. Leo entered rehab after he was responsible for a horrible car accident that seriously injured a nineteen year old waitress who was his passenger. Do I even need to tell you where "the nest" went?

All four of the Plumb children are facing major issues (albeit brought upon their own selves). Melody needs to money to pay for her house and twin daughters' college educations. Meanwhile, her brother Jack who is an antiques dealer has overextended his finances and he's been keeping everything a secret from his husband Walker. Bea, a once successful author, isn't nearly as desperate for money as her brother and sister, but she's frustrated that she can no longer write anything of substance. And Leo... well Leo is a plain mess. He's fresh out of rehab with no job, a pending divorce, and a hefty settlement after the accident.

The charismatic Leo convinces his siblings that he will have their money -- he just needs time. They all believe that Leo will be their salvation despite his slick ways. Melody, Bea, and Jack are forced to face that they might never get the money they are due and that they might have to tell their loved ones the truth.

I loved THE NEST. It's smart and funny and extremely insightful; and I fear that my summary is way too simple because this book is complex! It's hard to believe that it's Ms. Sweeney's debut novel. The writing and character development are fantastic, but what I loved the most was the social commentary on families, relationships, and expectations.

I am a sucker for books about crazy families, and I have to say the Plumb siblings are crazy with a capital C. They all have secrets and are selfish in their own way; and frankly, they are all a bit of a mess. I absolutely adored how Ms. Sweeney portrayed each of them and especially the relationships between them. There are countless funny encounters that will leave you laughing and shaking your head at the same time. In addition, I loved how she portrayed the other relationships in their lives with their spouses, lovers, friends, co-workers, and children!

Another terrific thing about THE NEST was the way the author brought New York City to life. It was a great setting for this novel and really became another character in the story. I loved her descriptions of the city and even some of the restaurants and neighborhoods; and they definitely added to my appreciation of the story.

Finally, I enjoyed that THE NEST made me think... and feel. And isn't that a testament to a great novel? I think THE NEST would make wonderful book club selection because who doesn't like to talk about dysfunctional families and relationships? The characters and their actions are complex and certain to provide some fodder for discussion. Plus so many of the themes in the book are universal. Some of the things might want to explore include family dynamics, sibling rivalry, marriage, trust, secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, relationships, ambitions, expectations, and money!

Overall, THE NEST will probably go down as one of my favorite reads of 2016. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Somewhere Out There

Summary: What happens when two sisters who were torn apart when their young mother abandoned them—and grew up in tragically different circumstances—reunite thirty-five years later to find her? For readers who love Jodi Picoult, acclaimed author Amy Hatvany fearlessly explores complex family issues in her gripping, provocative new novel.

Natalie Clark knew never to ask her sensitive adoptive mother questions about her past. She doesn’t even know her birth mother’s name—only that the young woman signed parental rights over to the state when Natalie was a baby. Now Natalie’s own daughter must complete a family tree project for school, and Natalie is determined to unearth the truth about her roots.

Brooke Walker doesn’t have a family. At least, that’s what she tells herself after being separated from her mother and her little sister at age four. Having grown up in a state facility and countless foster homes, Brooke survives the only way she knows how, by relying on herself. So when she discovers she’s pregnant, Brooke faces a heart-wrenching decision: give up her baby or raise the child completely on her own. Scared and confused, she feels lost until a surprise encounter gives her hope for the future.

How do our early experiences—the subtle and the traumatic—define us as adults? How do we build relationships when we’ve been deprived of real connection? Critically acclaimed author Amy Hatvany considers controversial and complicated questions about childhood through the lens of her finely crafted characters in this astute novel about mending wounds by diving into the truth of what first tore us apart. -- Washington Square Press

I make it a point to read every novel that Amy Hatvany writes. I enjoy her character development and I like the challenges that her characters face. She just seems to "get it"... if that makes sense. She's done it again with her latest novel SOMEWHERE OUT THERE. This novel had some terrific characters and provided some food for thought about childhood, family, and parent/child relationships (or lack thereof!)

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE features two sisters who grew up in different worlds only to meet 35 years later. Natalie Clark grew up with loving parents. She knew that she was adopted but had no idea who her birth mother was. When her daughter comes home from school with a family tree assignment, it causes Natalie to re-examine everything she thought she knew about her childhood.

Brooke Walker is pretty much all on her own, but she is a survivor. She was a bit older when her mother turned them over to the state, and she grew up in various foster homes and finally a state facility. Her life was far from ideal and she learned that life wasn't fair and only to trust herself. When Brooke finds herself alone and pregnant, she is forced to confront her past while making a decision for her child's future.

When Natalie's parents finally tell her the truth... that she has an older sister, Natalie is determined to find her. She discovers that they grew up near to each other but in very different circumstances. While Natalie is desperate to meet her sister (and even her birth mother), Brooke is more guarded. Can these two women heal their past wounds and finally have a relationship after 35 years?

I really liked SOMEWHERE OUT THERE. It was a quick read for me and that's a testament to Ms. Hatvany. I quickly became caught up in Natalie's and Brooke's lives, and I was able to feel their pain and then their hope. I don't want to give too much away, but I was very satisfied with the ending. It would have been very easy to wrap everything up with a nice big bow, but Ms. Hatvany kept things real for the reader.

There were quite a few things that impressed me about SOMEWHERE OUT THERE. While I did appreciate how well developed the characters of Natalie and Brooke were, I really liked how Ms. Hatvany told this story. There were chapters about each woman which gave me insight into their lives and their insecurities; however, there were also chapters about their mother Jennifer. I found Jennifer's story to be especially interesting -- to see why a mother would turn over her children to the state and how she lived with that for the rest of her life. I think Ms. Hatvany did a terrific job with making Jennifer real and complex.

I also really enjoyed how much this story made me think and feel. There are a lot of issues covered in the pages of this story, and many are controversial... or at least thought-provoking. As a result, SOMEWHERE OUT THERE would make an excellent book club selection. I wasn't able to find a formal discussion guide, but trust me when I say that you will have no problem finding topics to discuss. Some of the themes you might want to explore include parent/child relationships, childhood, motherhood, sacrifice, guilt, loss, second chances, and more.

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE will definitely appeal to fans of women's fiction. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel.

Review: Double Switch

Summary: Johnny Adcock, the aging major-league relief pitcher who moonlights as a private investigator, returns in the thrilling follow-up to The Setup Man.

Johnny Adcock doesn’t have an office; he has the bullpen. That’s where he’s sitting shelling sunflower seeds after a game, when up walks Tiff Tate, the enigmatic, career-making PR/stylist behind the most highly marketable looks in baseball. Tiff needs Adcock’s special brand of expertise. Her new client is Yonel Ruiz, the rookie phenom who courageously risked life and limb in shark-infested waters to flee his native Cuba for fame, fortune, and freedom in Major League Baseball. Now that Ruiz has signed a record-setting contract, the Venezuelan cartel that smuggled him out is squeezing him for a bigger slice of the action and they’ve unleashed a ruthless assassin, known only as La Loba, to collect. Adcock takes the case, even though the front office wants to shut down his side job and has sent its no-nonsense corporate fixer and “director of security” to keep a close eye on him. Adcock is immediately swept up in a high-pressure game full of surprising twists, double crosses, and deadly gambits that will leave him fighting for his life and in danger of losing more than the heat off his fastball or a spot in the playoffs.

Critics raved about The Setup Man: “A sexy mystery with a rakish lead” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), “This rookie thriller writer has homered his first time at bat” (The Free Lance-Star), and “Teems with sex, violence—and baseball . . . Monday deserves promotion to the starting rotation of thriller writers” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Double Switch proves that Johnny Adcock is one of the genre’s most entertaining detectives in years, and gives readers a welcome return to the sexy, action-packed, and thrilling world where high-stakes professional sports and life-or-death action collide. -- Doubleday

I can credit my love of baseball to my father and grandfather. They were loyal Pittsburgh Pirate fans for decades... even when it was pretty hard to stand by those teams. Maybe that's the reason that the novel DOUBLE SWITCH by T.T. Monday appealed to me. It combined two things I enjoy -- baseball and a mystery!

DOUBLE SWITCH features Johnny Adcock, a major-league relief pitches who is nearing the end of his career. While he loves baseball, he also enjoys spending his free time as an investigator. He's helped fellow players discover their cheating wives, and he's getting quite the reputation as someone who can solve crimes too.

And that's how Tiff Tate, a PR/stylist for baseball players, enters the picture. Tiff seeked out Adcock to help her with her new client Yonel Ruiz, a phenom hitter who escaped his homeland of Cuba by swimming in shark-infested waters. Ruiz has just signed a HUGE contract and the Venezuelan cartel who helped smuggle him out of Cuba wants what they consider their fair share! They have even made it clear that their assassin, La Loba, wants to collect.

Adcock can't say no... and frankly, he loves the thrill of the case! Unfortunately, the head of security for Major League Baseball doesn't want him involved in this and ends up following his actions pretty closely. Can Adcock help Tiff and Ruiz while also balancing a fine act with his higher-ups? Can Adcock solve the mystery before his life and career are in jeopardy?

I really enjoyed DOUBLE SWITCH. It was a quick read and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. I liked Johnny Adcock's character and the mystery had quite a few twists and turns. I also appreciated getting an inside look at baseball. Overall, it was an entertaining mystery!

Adcock is an interesting character. He's a bit of a rogue and definitely has some of the stereotypes that I associate with professional ball players. He's quite the lady's man and some of his actions might offend a few readers; however, I really liked him. He's funny and smart, and I love the idea that a professional ball-player moonlights as a detective.

I was also pretty impressed with the mystery aspect of the novel. It was well-planned and was even a little more complex that I thought it would be. There were quite a few surprises along the way, and there were even a few suspenseful scenes. All in all, a well-constructed mystery!

I only had one issue with DOUBLE SWITCH, and it's not really a knock on the book. DOUBLE SWITCH is the second novel in a series and I had no idea until I started reading the book. It's not that I never pick up a series halfway through -- I've gotten past that; however, when there is only one book (which introduces the character and the series), I would have liked to start with it. That's not to say that DOUBLE SWITCH didn't work as a stand-alone, because it did. I would have just liked to start at the beginning.

Johnny Adcock is a great detective character and DOUBLE SWITCH was a well-written novel. I look forward to more from this series! Definitely recommended to mystery and baseball fans.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: National Geographic Science Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two fun and educational books from National Geographic Kids.

Summary: Time to exercise your noggin and have a blast doing it! Brain Games is a super fun, super educational compliation of challenges, myths, fun facts, science and games based on the hit National Geographic Channel's TV show of the same name! Kids will spend hours puzzling, laughing, sharing, and learning with this mindboggling book of brain power.

Every wonder what makes you YOU? It's all in the brain! So, fire up your neurons, hang on to your hippocamus, and join us on a rockin' ride through the twists and turns of the cerebral superhighway to discover how this amazing organ—that's about the size of a grapefruit and looks like a grey sponge—works! -- National Geographic

BRAIN GAMES: THE MIND-BLOWING SCIENCE OF YOUR AMAZING BRAIN by Jennifer Swanson is a great book based on the National Geographic Channel's television show called Brain Games. I am not familiar with this show, but based on how great the information in this book is, I just might have to check it out.

BRAIN GAMES is a book about... wait for it -- the power of the brain. It is chock full of interesting tidbits on the science of the brain. Through games, challenges, fun facts, and science, readers can learn all about this amazing organ that weighs only three pounds!

I loved BRAIN GAMES! There is no doubt that our brains are truly incredible and this book makes learning about brain functions fun. For example, there are chapters that teach explain how your brain turns your senses into thoughts, how your brain makes memories, how your brain deals with emotion, how your brain makes decisions, and more. There are colorful graphics, charts, and photographs that help to teach the concepts, and there are even a variety of games that help make the points.

BRAIN GAMES is a terrific way to learn about the brain. Highly recommended for budding scientists.

Summary: Grab a beaker, pick up your whisk, and get ready to cook up some solid science. Using food as our tools (or ingredients!) curious kids become saucy scientists that measure, weigh, combine, and craft their way through the kitchen. Discover dozens of thoroughly-tested, fun, edible experiments, sprinkled with helpful photos, diagrams, scientific facts, sub-experiments, and more. And the best news is when all the mad-science is done, you're invited to grab a spoon and take a bite—and share your results with friends and family. -- National Geographic

EDIBLE SCIENCE: EXPERIMENTS YOU CAN EAT by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen and Carol Tennant is another fun book that also teaches kids through experiments that you can eat. This book explains science terms through hands on experiments in the kitchen. What a great idea!

EDIBLE SCIENCE is divided into the following chapters: Mixing and Unmixing, Solids Liquids, and Yum!, It's a Gas, Actions and Reactions, and Biology in Your Kitchen. Within each chapter there are a variety of experiment/recipes that teach kids about common science principles including mixtures, molecules, ph balance, and reactions to name just a few.

I want to give you a few ideas of the types of experiments in this book because they are so darn creative. There is a recipe for banana bread that shows what happens when you mix an acid with a base. There is also a recipe for beef jerky that demonstrates osmosis or moving water out of food for those of you who don't remember jr. high science class. Finally, there are fun experiments that shows how to made odors, how to trick your senses, and how bacteria can actually help your food!

What I most appreciated about EDIBLE SCIENCE is what a great job is does in explaining science. There are step-by-step instructions for the recipes (including difficulty levels), but there are also sections which explain the "science scoop." So for every recipe (and there are over 40!), there is a brief explanation of the science behind it. I actually found these sections to be extremely interesting, and I'm not embarrassed to admit that I learned a thing or two!

Overall, I think EDIBLE SCIENCE is an amazing book for kids who are interested in science and/or cooking.

Thanks to Media Masters Publicity for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Reasons to Stay Alive

Summary: One of Entertainment Weekly‘s 25 most anticipated books of 2016—Matt Haig’s accessible and life-affirming memoir of his struggle with depression, and how his triumph over the illness taught him to live

Like nearly one in five people, Matt Haig suffers from depression. Reasons to Stay Alive is Matt’s inspiring account of how, minute by minute and day by day, he overcame the disease with the help of reading, writing, and the love of his parents and his girlfriend (and now-wife), Andrea. And eventually, he learned to appreciate life all the more for it.

Everyone’s lives are touched by mental illness: if we do not suffer from it ourselves, then we have a friend or loved one who does. Matt’s frankness about his experiences is both inspiring to those who feel daunted by depression and illuminating to those who are mystified by it. Above all, his humor and encouragement never let us lose sight of hope. Speaking as his present self to his former self in the depths of depression, Matt is adamant that the oldest cliché is the truest—there is light at the end of the tunnel. He teaches us to celebrate the small joys and moments of peace that life brings, and reminds us that there are always reasons to stay alive. -- Penguin

Over five years ago, I reviewed THE RADLEYS by Matt Haig. It was a story about a "typical" family who just happened to be vampires. I thought it was very well done and I loved that the Radley's, despite being vampires, had so much in common with "normal" families. It was a rather memorable book.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when my Entertainment Weekly magazine arrived. I have claimed for many years that EW is one of my go-to places for book recommendations. They were raving about Mr. Haig's new memoir REASONS TO STAY ALIVE, and even picked it as one of their 25 most anticipated books of 2016. This book tells the story of Mr. Haig's struggle with depression and how he has managed to get his life back on track... and even find happiness.

I'll be honest. I have never suffered from depression. I may have days or weeks where I am a little cranky or don't feel like being very social, but it is nothing even close to depression. I don't claim to even understand it, and that's one of the reasons that REASONS TO STAY ALIVE was so interesting to me. Holy moly! Mr. Haig does a remarkable job of bringing this terrible illness to life and truly explaining just how devastating it is. I had no idea the depth of desperation that someone suffering from depression experiences.

And that's just one of the reasons why I appreciated REASONS TO STAY ALIVE so much. I now have a better understanding of how horrible depression is, and for that reason alone, I think this book is extremely valuable to society.  The author was able to put into words his battle and I can only guess how many people he is speaking for.

However, REASONS TO STAY ALIVE was so much more than just a book about Mr. Haig's depression. It was a survival story and a pretty amazing one at that. With honesty, humor, and insight, Mr. Haig showed how he overcame depression and is living a productive life as a writer, father, and husband.

Overall, REASONS TO STAY LIVE is a wonderful story about hope! There is enough humor and wisdom in this story to make it an entertaining read, but there is also enough information about depression to make it a must-read book. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: Under the Influence

Summary: The New York Times bestselling author of Labor Day and After Her returns with a poignant story about the true meaning—and the true price—of friendship. Drinking cost Helen her marriage and custody of her seven-year-old son, Ollie. Once an aspiring art photographer, she now makes ends meet taking portraits of school children and working for a caterer. Recovering from her addiction, she spends lonely evenings checking out profiles on an online dating site. Weekend visits with her son are awkward. He’s drifting away from her, fast. When she meets Ava and Swift Havilland, the vulnerable Helen is instantly enchanted. Wealthy, connected philanthropists, they have their own charity devoted to rescuing dogs. Their home is filled with fabulous friends, edgy art, and dazzling parties.

Then Helen meets Elliott, a kind, quiet accountant who offers loyalty and love with none of her newfound friends’ fireworks. To Swift and Ava, he’s boring. But even worse than that, he’s unimpressed by them.

As Helen increasingly falls under the Havillands’ influence—running errands, doing random chores, questioning her relationship with Elliott—Ava and Swift hold out the most seductive gift: their influence and help to regain custody of her son. But the debt Helen owes them is about to come due.

Ollie witnesses an accident involving Swift, his grown son, and the daughter of the Havillands’ housekeeper. With her young son’s future in the balance, Helen must choose between the truth and the friends who have given her everything. -- William Morrow

It's been a few years now since I first discovered Joyce Maynard. She is a beautiful storyteller and I love how she creates such vivid and memorable characters. Needless to say, I was very excited when I received a copy of her latest novel UNDER THE INFLUENCE. This novel is classic Maynard -- it has a compelling story with a great deal to think about!

UNDER THE INFLUENCE tells the story of Helen, a woman who is trying to get her life back on track. A recovering alcoholic, Helen has already destroyed her marriage and she's even lost custody of her seven year old son Ollie. She no longer can follow her dreams of being an art photographer. Instead she takes school pictures and works part-time for a caterer. Helen is very lonely and her relationship with her son is quickly disintegrating.

And then Ava and Swift Havilland enter the picture... and they are exactly what Helen needs (or thinks she needs!) They are extremely wealthy -- Ava is a major contributor to charities and she's even created her own charity which supports rescue dogs. Helen immediately is drawn to these two and she loves spending a great deal of time with them.

Helen feels like she is finally finding her way. She even hits it off with a nice accountant named Elliott. Of course, Elliott isn't exciting enough for Ava and Swift; and they aren't exactly encouraging of the relationship. That goes both ways, though. Elliott sees through them and isn't a fan of Helen's relationship with them either!

When Helen allows Ollie to spend the day with Swift, Ollie ends up seeing a horrifying accident. Swift's true nature is revealed to Helen and she is forced to decide what's more important to her -- her friendship with Ava and Swift or protecting her son!

I loved UNDER THE INFLUENCE! It was a terrific story with fascinating characters, and I loved how it delved into some complex questions about truth, friendship, and finding one's self. I think I read the book in a little over a day, and that's really saying something considering how crazy my life has been over the past few weeks!

What stood out most for me about UNDER THE INFLUENCE were the characters. I found them all to be so interesting... namely Helen. I honestly have to say that for much of the novel, I was annoyed by how impressed she was with Ava and Swift. That's not to say I didn't understand the reasons why she behaved like she did. I just wanted her to be less insecure and trust her instincts a little more. So in a way, I guess you could say that I was rooting for her!

As far as Ava and Swift go, I couldn't stand them. Like Elliott, I immediately saw through them... only I didn't realize just how awful they were! And that brings me to Elliott -- I adored him. He was a great guy and exactly what Helen needed. I had high hopes for his relationship with Helen, but I seriously didn't think she had the ability to put him ahead of her friendship with the Havillands.

I also really appreciated some of the themes of this novel. Friendship was a huge theme, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing both the good and bad aspects of friendship. Helen was forced to decide between her relationship with the Havillands, the people that she truly credited with saving her, and the truth about the accident. It might not sound that difficult, but given Helen's weaknesses, it was huge for her. She honestly felt as if she owed them -- believe it or not!

I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that UNDER THE INFLUENCE would make a great book club selection. I think all of Ms. Maynard's novel are! There is a reading guide with fourteen thought-provoking questions that will help stimulate discussion. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include friendship, addiction, parent/child relationships, truth, appearances, and second chances. It would also be interesting to discuss the Havillands and the way they deal with not only Helen but they way they deal with each other and others.

Overall, I loved UNDER THE INFLUENCE! Highly recommended to fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Opposite of Everyone

Summary: A fiercely independent divorce lawyer learns the power of family and connection when she receives a cryptic message from her estranged mother in this bittersweet, witty novel from the nationally bestselling author of Someone Else’s Love Story and gods in Alabama—an emotionally resonant tale about the endurance of love and the power of stories to shape and transform our lives. 

Born in Alabama, Paula Vauss spent the first decade of her life on the road with her free-spirited young mother, Kai, an itinerant storyteller who blended Hindu mythology with southern oral tradition to re-invent their history as they roved. But everything, including Paula’s birth name Kali Jai, changed when she told a story of her own—one that landed Kai in prison and Paula in foster care. Separated, each holding secrets of her own, the intense bond they once shared was fractured.

These days, Paula has reincarnated herself as a tough-as-nails divorce attorney with a successful practice in Atlanta. While she hasn’t seen Kai in fifteen years, she’s still making payments on that Karmic debt—until the day her last check is returned in the mail, along with a mysterious note: “I am going on a journey, Kali. I am going back to my beginning; death is not the end. You will be the end. We will meet again, and there will be new stories. You know how Karma works.”

Then Kai’s most treasured secret literally lands on Paula’s doorstep, throwing her life into chaos and transforming her from only child to older sister. Desperate to find her mother before it’s too late, Paula sets off on a journey of discovery that will take her back to the past and into the deepest recesses of her heart. With the help of her ex-lover Birdwine, an intrepid and emotionally volatile private eye who still carries a torch for her, this brilliant woman, an expert at wrecking families, now has to figure out how to put one back together—her own.

The Opposite of Everyone is a story about story itself, how the tales we tell connect us, break us, and define us, and how the endings and beginnings we choose can destroy us . . . and make us whole. Laced with sharp humor and poignant insight, it is beloved New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson at her very best. -- William Morrow

My book club read THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE by Joshilyn Jackson for March. Last week, I gave a brief summary of how our group felt about the book, and I promised to share my thoughts in the near future!

THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE tells the story of Paula, a high-powered attorney who is still dealing with some baggage from her past. As a child, Paula, formerly known as Kali Jai, traveled around from place to place with her free-spirited mother Kai. Kai used to tell Paula stories that she made up using Hindu mythology; however, she eventually ended up in prison and Paula was left to navigate the foster care system for many years until she reached the age of eighteen.

The reader doesn't really know the entire story, but Paula feels a great deal of guilt when it comes to her mother and their relationship... or lack thereof. They haven't seen each other for fifteen years, but Paula sends a regular check to her mother. And then one day, the check is returned with a mysterious note about karma, death, the end, and new beginnings!

Paula is forced to examine her childhood and things get very interesting when a major secret appears at her door! Paula learns that she has a half-brother and his arrival causes Paula to experience even more guilty feelings. As Paula learns more about her mother and her life over the past fifteen years, she realizes that there is another HUGE secret that her mother kept from her. Paula and her brother set out to solve a mystery of sorts; and in the process, Paula realizes the importance of family and healing!

I really enjoyed THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE -- and that wasn't the case for everyone in our book club. I am a big fan of Ms. Jackson's and I was glad to see that this novel demonstrated her terrific writing style and her ability to weave a special story. I didn't love her last book, so I was happy that she was back (at least as far as I'm concerned) with THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE!

There were quite a few things that I appreciated about THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE. First and foremost, I liked the characters... especially Paula. Paula was one tough cookie who really did have some pretty major issues from her childhood. She had overcome a great deal in her professional life, but her personal life was still a bit of a mess. I found her to be a realistic and likable character, and I really enjoyed seeing her back-and-forth relationship with her private eye Birdwine. (It reminded me a bit of the relationship on the 1980s television show Moonlighting.)

One thing that I thought was very well done in this novel was Paula's struggle with her identity. She never knew her father, and she "lost" her mother at a pretty young and impressionable age. She grew up in the foster care system and really didn't have a family. In addition, she was of mixed race and didn't even know what race or races! I thought Ms. Jackson did a fantastic job of showing the inner workings of her mind and how she tried to cope with these issues.

Another interesting thing about this book was the author's use of Hindu mythology. There is no doubt that Paula's mom was a unique character! She and Paula moved around quite a bit and she also had her fair share of boyfriends. I wasn't a big fan of hers, but I did like that the author softened her by making her a wonderful storyteller. She used characters and stories from Hindu mythology to entertain Paula but also to share life lessons and messages with her. I thought Ms. Jackson did an excellent job of weaving these stories into the greater plot of THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE.

Finally, I found the messages in this novel to be very uplifting! There were times when the stories were pretty sad, especially as they related to Paula's life in foster care. However, I loved how Paula grew throughout the novel. At the beginning, she had a solid wall around herself out of self-preservation and survival; however, as the story progressed and she learned more about her past, she definitely softened and realized what's important. The overall messages about family and forgiveness are wonderful!

I do think THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE would make a great book club pick! We had a good time discussing Paula and all the dysfunctional surrounding her. There is a reading guide available with eleven questions that might help stimulate discussion. Some of the themes you might want to explore are stories, family, forgiveness, parent/child relationships, acceptance, guilt, an

THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYONE is an entertaining book that also touches upon some very serious issues. Highly recommended to fans of Ms. Jackson's and readers who enjoy stories about dysfunctional families.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Where It Hurts

Summary: Gus Murphy thought he had the world all figured out. A retired Suffolk County cop, Gus had everything a man could want: a great marriage, two kids, a nice house, and the rest of his life ahead of him. But when tragedy strikes, his life is thrown into complete disarray. In the course of a single deadly moment, his family is blown apart and he is transformed from a man who believes he understands everything into a man who understands nothing.

Divorced and working as a courtesy van driver for the run-down hotel in which he has a room, Gus has settled into a mindless, soulless routine that barely keeps his grief at arm’s length. But Gus’s comfortable waking trance comes to an end when ex-con Tommy Delcamino asks him for help. Four months earlier, Tommy’s son T.J.’s battered body was discovered in a wooded lot, yet the Suffolk County PD doesn’t seem interested in pursuing the killers. In desperation, Tommy seeks out the only cop he ever trusted—Gus Murphy.

Gus reluctantly agrees to see what he can uncover. As he begins to sweep away the layers of dust that have collected over the case during the intervening months, Gus finds that Tommy was telling the truth. It seems that everyone involved with the late T.J Delcamino—from his best friend, to a gang enforcer, to a mafia capo, and even the police—has something to hide, and all are willing to go to extreme lengths to keep it hidden. It’s a dangerous favor Gus has taken on as he claws his way back to take a place among the living, while searching through the sewers for a killer. -- Putnam

I am always excited to discover a new-to-me author! In this case, it's Reed Farrel Coleman author of the novel WHERE IT HURTS. It's not that Mr. Coleman is a new author. He has written many books, including Robert B. Parker's THE DEVIL WINS; and he has won numerous awards including the Shamus, the Barry and the Anthony awards. In addition, he is a three-time Edgar nominee. In fact, I'm a little embarrassed to say that I haven't read one of his novels before.

WHERE IT HURTS tells the story of Gus Murphy, a retired cop who really couldn't ask for much more out of life. He had a solid marriage, two kids, and a nice home... that is until a horrible tragedy occurs. After the death of his son, Gus finds that his world has fallen apart. His family life dissolves and Gus ends up working as a courtesy van driver for a hotel near the airport.

When Tommy Delcamino, an ex con, asks Gus for help, Gus discovers that he finally has interest in something. Tommy's son TJ was brutally murdered and found in a wooded lot. The case was never solved... namely because the Suffolk County PD didn't really investigate it. Tommy decides to ask Gus for help because Gus always treated him fairly. He gives Gus his entire savings of $3000; and once Gus accepts, Tommy is soon found murdered too!

After some investigating, Gus learns that Tommy was telling the truth about his son's murder. Everyone involved in TJ's life seems to be hiding something, and many of his associates weren't exactly upstanding citizens. As Gus digs deeper into TJ's past, he finds that he is slowly coming back to the land of the living!

I thoroughly enjoyed WHERE IT HURTS. It was a great story with even better characters and writing! I appreciated how complex Gus's character was, and I especially enjoyed how well the setting of a seedy Long Island was brought to life. Overall, it was a great example of everything I've come to know and love about literary crime novels.

This novel was good on so many levels. The story was really, really intriguing. It was very smart and had some surprising twists. I was definitely impressed where the story went, but also in how the author had Gus navigate his way through this interesting cast of characters. So well done!

Having said that, I think Gus really made this novel work for me. At the beginning of the novel, he truly was a pitiful character. He was pretty depressed and barely functioning, and I was a little concerned for his future. I absolutely loved how complex he was and how much he "grew" throughout the story. It was interesting to see him come back to life through his devotion to solving TJ's murder.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention what an incredible writer Mr. Coleman is. He can seriously write! His prose was excellent, as were his storytelling skills; and the way he brought Long Island to life made it another great character in this story. The pacing was virtually perfect and I think I might need to revisit some of his older books.

I was excited to learn that WHERE IT HURTS is the first in a series of Gus Murphy novels. I adored Gus, baggage and all, and can't wait to see him involved in more crime-solving! Highly recommended to fans of literary crime novels!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Free Verse

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a newly published middle grade book that is just fantastic!

Summary: When her brother dies in a fire, Sasha Harless has no one left, and nowhere to turn. After her father died in the mines and her mother ran off, he was her last caretaker. They’d always dreamed of leaving Caboose, West Virginia together someday, but instead she’s in foster care, feeling more stuck and broken than ever.

But then Sasha discovers family she didn’t know she had, and she finally has something to hold onto, especially sweet little Mikey, who’s just as broken as she is. Sasha even makes her first friend at school, and is slowly learning to cope with her brother’s death through writing poetry, finding a new way to express herself when spoken words just won’t do. But when tragedy strikes the mine her cousin works in, Sasha fears the worst and takes Mikey and runs, with no plans to return. In this sensitive and poignant portrayal, Sarah Dooley shows us that life, like poetry, doesn’t always take the form you intend. -- Putnam

FREE VERSE by Sarah Dooley is one special book! It has received starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal; and the blurbs from famous authors are pretty darn impressive too. I couldn't agree more with everything that is being said about this novel. I'm not sure I can add much more to what's already been said, but I'll try!

FREE VERSE tells the story of Sasha Harless, a 12 year old girl who has lost everything. Her mother left went she was younger, her father died in a coal mining accident, and her brother Mike died while fighting a fire. She's in foster care with a kind woman, but Sasha is having a hard time dealing with things. There are triggers, like a song her mother used to sing, that cause Sasha to lash out and even become violent; and Sasha has problems remembering what happens when these fits occur.

Sasha and her brother Michael always dreamed about leaving Caboose, the small coal-mining town in West Virginia where they make their home; however, Sasha feels almost as if there is no hope for her future without Michael. And then, she learns that she does have family... in the form of a distant cousin and his family. She feels a special affinity with her cousin's son Mikey, who appears to be almost as troubled as Sasha.

Sasha and Mikey become friends and this relationship helps Sasha begin to heal. As Sasha begins to adapt to her new life, she makes a friend at school and also discovers her talent for writing different types of poetry. This new creative outlet opens doors for her at school and also allow her to better express her feelings through the written word!

When Sasha hears about a mining accident and her cousin goes missing, her worst fears come to life -- she will lose another person she cares for! She and Michael run away with no real plan for how to survive, and Sasha finds herself facing yet another personal loss.

I loved FREE VERSE!!! Everything about this novel is just so well done -- from the writing, to the character development, to the poetry, to the themes of the story. It's a powerful novel that is guaranteed to touch your heart and make you think.

Sasha is an amazing character. The poor thing has experienced a lifetime of loss in her twelve short years, and her feelings of desperation are so real. My heart went out to this child and I loved her story. FREE VERSE was written in Sasha's voice, and it was just the perfect way to tell her story. Her thoughts and feelings were so authentic, and that's a huge testament to the author!

Sasha is such an inspirational character too. Her struggles were very real, yet there was a survival aspect to her character that was just admirable. I absolutely loved that she found her some confidence through poetry -- and that she was able to also find her voice.

And the poetry in the book was wonderful. I think there are about 60 pages of the book that are written in different styles of poetry including haiku, cinquain, tanka, and more. The method of storytelling was unique and also provided much insight into Sasha's character. I'm not a huge fan of poetry (namely because I don't understand it), but I absolutely loved how the author used it to show Sasha growth and maturity!

I could go on and on about FREE VERSE and, truly, this review only touched the surface of this powerful middle grade novel. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!