November Books

Juliet by Anne Fortier (November 1, 2010)
While I was not crazy about the flashback chapters to the 1300s, I found this book to be very enjoyable in present time.  I would have enjoyed this book more if Fortier had stuck to a modern-day retelling without the back story!  I did enjoy the twists and turns throughout the book, and was eager to find out the big mystery!  I thought it was a pretty solid debut novel though.


The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan (November 5, 2010)
I loved this book!  It was a nice, different story, especially when there are so many werewolves and vampires running around.  I enjoyed the mermaid aspect of this story and have never read any other mermaid tales.  It was definitely a great book and I hope there is a sequel!


Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee (November 7, 2010)
I really related to this book and felt like I could be Rosie.  I loved when Kyle said, "when you see a person's eyes and smile, you don't see how much they weigh" (totally paraphrasing that).  What a beautiful sentiment and I wish more people today could be that way.  I loved Rosie's relationship with Kay Kay, she really needed a friend all along and he needed one that wouldn't judge.  I also loved that Kyle loved her for who she is and not what she weighed.  Also, I hated her Aunt Mary - ugh!  This is a great book for teens who struggle with self-image, and even adults (raising my hand here).  I highly recommend this book!


Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane (November 11, 2010)
This follow-up to Gone, Baby, Gone had me on the edge of my seat throughout the first 2/3 of the book, however, I was unimpressed the conclusion.  I wanted more for Amanda.  She had a great life ready for her to live, good grades and great work ethic got her a full scholarship to a great school and she had her choice of colleges.  However, she got mixed up in something that theoretically she should not have chosen if she were so determined to succeed.  So, the first part was good but I hated the ending.   


Lucky by Alice Sebold (11/12/10)
I love this book, even though it's graphic.  The first chapter makes me cry and cringe at the same time, every time I read it!  Alice was such a strong woman and unfortunately not a lot of rape victims go through with the trial.  This book is a great account of everything she went through.  The best part is that the library was taking it off the shelf because it's so rough, so they gave it to me!  


Room by Emma Donoghue (11/12/10)
This book was so good, that I sat on my bed reading straight through and stayed up until midnight.  I planned to only read the first 50 pages, but I couldn't put it down.  The language between Jack and Ma in the Room was so interesting to read, as was the way they coped after getting out.  I would love to read a sequel to this book in a couple of years, just so I could check in with them.  Great book!


Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway (11/13/10)
What a fun book!  I know I'm late on the bandwagon, but I just loved this book.  Audrey was such a fun character, I wish I could hang out with her.  This would make a great movie.


Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks (11/25/10)
Definitely not his best book.  I did not cry at all, which makes me mad!  I specifically read N. Sparks when I need a good cry!  Maybe I'm just getting sick of people falling in love after 10 minutes and it's all so predictable.


The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud (11/26/10)
I really enjoyed this book.  I had a sneaking suspicion of the twist that was coming, but was still satisfied with it.  I was on the edge of my seat and definitely cried.  However, I made the mistake of watching the movie immediately after finishing the book and I have to say that the book is a million times better than the movie.


Night Road by Kristin Hannah (11/27/10)
*Provided by LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program:  Wow! The minute I picked up this book, I was hooked. I loved Firefly Lane, so I was eager to read Night Road and Kristin Hannah did not let me down. 

I was hanging on to every detail about Lexi, Zach and Mia and was so happy that Lexi's life turned out good despite having a poor role model in her mother. She had friends, family and was happy until it all changed. I knew it was coming, but I didn't know what the details would be. I thought it was a great representation of teen drinking nowadays and how even people who have just one drink think they are okay to drive. I liked how Jude talked to her kids about calling for help and they wouldn't get in trouble, but I kind of cringed when they did get in trouble.

My only complaint is that this book wasn't long enough. I wanted more details on what happened after Lexi got back. Other than that, this was an amazing book that had me in tears throughout a good majority of it!