Speak Book Review

Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: Square Fish

 

Book Description

 

Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute...

 

My Thoughts

 

This book was so phenomenal. The writing in it was so unique.  I loved that it was written from the main characters point of view, it added so much more depth to the story because when authors write from a specific perspective I find you get much more details that are actually vital to the story than when it is written in third person.

 

‘Speak’ touches on a very sensitive subject, rape; however I am very glad that this book was written. I think it can and has helped a lot of people. A lot of people that go through traumatic experiences like rape don’t know how to feel after. Or they just lock everything up inside, everyone handles it differently but one thing is for sure they all feel cut off from the world. I definitely think this book was done brilliantly, it told the story of a girl who was practically mute because of what had happened to her and no one ever knew why.

I loved the writing, I loved Melinda, and she represents so many lost souls out there and gives them the guidance on how to get back to life. This book teaches you to overcome the tough things in life and live through them. I give it a phenomenal and mind blowing rating that I can’t even properly put into words.

* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions are my own. I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven Book Review

Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven
Erica Orloff
Publishing Date: October 1, 2005
Publisher: Red Dress Ink
ISBN: 978-0373895359

 

 

Book Description

 

I'm Lily, a New York newspaper columnist, mother of two, divorcee of one and partner in crime to Michael, English professor, novelist and best friend extraordinaire. We've been friends forever -- well, since I nearly burned down our apartment building while trying to cook. Michael and I have weathered disco, bad fashion, bad perms, bad boyfriends -- for both of us -- my failed marriage, parenthood and writer's block. Laughter has helped -- and so have the martinis.

But now we face our biggest challenge: the C word. And if I have my way, Michael will be giving up his freewheeling bachelor ways and settling down once and for all. Because I have some very specific wishes for who should take over parental duty when I'm gone. Of course, I refuse to take this lying down -- even when the doctors tell me to lie down and shut up. Because although I'm sick, I'm determined to wear my high heels and lipstick. I'm gonna look good or die trying, dammit.

 

My Thoughts

 

Talk about a good book, wow ‘Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven’ was such an amazing story. After the past few years I have had, watching my mother who is also my best friend go through cancer treatment and going through the fear of losing her and everything else that goes with stage four ovarian cancer that had spread to her cervix, stomach, uterus, and bladder, I can definitely say this book touched me on a personal level.

 

There were plenty of tears shed while reading this book. She writes such an amazing, inspirational character in Lily, she never ever gave up. She lived her life to the fullest and that is really inspirational. I really enjoyed reading this book and think that everyone no matter what their personal situation is should take the time to read this book there are a lot of life lessons in it. It was beautifully written, emotionally touching, motivational book. I would definitely highly recommend it to anyone.

* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Extremely Hot Book Review

Extremely Hot
Jennifer Apodaca
Publisher: Brava
Publishing date: November 4, 2007

 

 

 

Book Description

 

The rules according to Ivy York: never trust a bad boy; never make decisions with your libido; and, disregard rules no. 1 and 2.Ivy York became an accountant because numbers don't lie and cheat. Too bad the same can't be said of the men she's met. Now, as the wildly successful host of the radio show, "The Economic Sex Hex," she advises women to take control of their money and to spot the bad boys before they get too close. And the ultimate bad boy Sex Hex is the Urban Legend, a man known for lovin' women (exquisitely) and leavin' while chasing down stolen property for a hefty fee. No one knows who he really is...but every woman he's ever pleasured would happily take him back for more...Luke Sterling likes being the Urban Legend almost as much as he likes bringing thieves to justice. And right now, he's on the trail of two stolen figurines famous for conferring sexual prowess - and the trail leads straight to Ivy. Posing as her personal assistant should be a piece of cake, but Luke didn't count on Ivy's own brand of Sex Hex. That good girl game coupled with fierce smarts wrapped around one luscious, curvy body is making him want to prove to Ivy that the Urban Legend more than lives up to his top billing. Suddenly, the hottest show in town isn't on the air - it's between the sheets...

 

My Thoughts

‘Extremely Hot’ was a very intriguing story. No matter what Jennifer always seems to capture my heart and my attention. This story was one I couldn’t put down although I would have liked to see Ivy resist the Urban Legend just a tad bit more considering his reputation but then again at first she didn’t really know of it. I really liked how her talk show was about everything she was against and everything she was against turned out to be the man she fell in love with. It was a truly amazing story.

 

The murder mystery plot really twisted the story up so much that it had me on edge for the whole book! I was just sucked into the book. I had to know who was doing it. Everyone was a suspect in this plot with the way Jennifer wrote it. It was a killer story, pun intended, and I loved it. I would highly recommend it. Frankly at this point I would highly recommend any of Jennifer’s book’s!

 

* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.

 

Colorado Mandala Book Review

Colorado Mandala
Brian Francis Heffron
Little House Books
ISBN: 978-0615760407

 

 

Book Description

With refreshing depth, distinct literary merit, and highly original poetic phrasings that spill from the pages like paint, Colorado Mandala is poet Brian Heffron's debut work of literary fiction. It mines the complex landscape of post-Vietnam America to unearth the deep connections that bind individuals together, and also ferociously rip them asunder. Illustrative, luscious, seductive, and engaging, this rare piece of craftsmanship will stir the senses of any one who thirsts for artistic expression, or who longs for an era in our country now utterly, irretrievably gone.

 

In the heady, hippie backdrop of Pike's Peak, Colorado, in the tumultuous 1970s, three souls swirl together in an explosive supernova. Michael is the flinty-eyed, volatile former Green Beret, whose tour in Vietnam has left unbridgeable chasms in his psyche and secrets that can never find light. Sarah is his fair-haired paramour, the ethereal Earth Mother widow of a fallen soldier and single mother to a ten-year-old son Stuart. Paul is a young wanderer, who is drawn in by Michael and soon bears the mantle of both minister and scourge. As they are drawn together, and torn apart, each is changed forever. And our hearts race along with them, through the rocky, raw Colorado terrain amidst the blood sport of man and beast.

 

Laying bare the loss and acceptance of a pioneering age, Colorado Mandala shines revelatory light on the crazy, glorious, and romantic notion that each generation conceives anew: that love can be a spiritual gift shared openly rather than coveted, or hidden, or hoarded. If you wish to go barefoot again and climb an unspoiled Colorado trail, look no further. If you long for something to wake you up in simple, clean language, a shimmering story awaits. Awaken to what you have always known: simple truths show you the way home. With his gripping and unforgettable Colorado Mandala, it is clear that Brian Heffron knows the way. 

*Portion of proceeds to benefit clients of PTSD charitable organizations.

 

My Thoughts

 

‘Colorado Mandala’ was a beautifully written book. I thought Brian’s descriptions of the Colorado landscape was done perfectly. Colorado came alive before my eyes. Brian’s also captured the emotions of these three friends so well. The characters were so different and yet he captured them so beautifully.

 

I definitely think his background as a poet really helped him in writing this very descriptive novel. The way the words flowed right off the page with such artistic talent, you can tell this man has some serious writing talents.

 

I also really enjoyed the fact that Brian addressed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you have read some of my other reviews you already know how I feel about soldiers and the sacrifice they make for us. PTSD is one major drawback of that sacrifice. I think it is always honorable and courageous when an author addresses issues such as PTSD head on, when a lot of others shy away from such daunting topics.

 

Brian’s characters paint a realistic portrait of how their lives go on after war has damaged them forever.

It is a truly moving, touching, beautiful story that was written perfectly in my opinion. I would recommend this book to everyone.

 

* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.