If you're new here, you might want to subscribe to my RSS feed, follow via e-mail (box on the sidebar), or add me to your Google+ Circles. Thanks for visiting!
Summary: Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
My Thoughts: Breaking Beautiful is very good. The story reminded me a little bit of Bitter End by Jennifer Brown, but I think that was just because of the abusive nature of Allie’s relationship with Trip. The whole story is not even remotely similar. I think, though, the abuse was handled as well as Brown handled it in her book. It’s shown very briefly in flashbacks, and it’s not overly dramatized. It’s very realistic, and it shows the patterns in abusive relationships: isolation (Trip doesn’t allow Allie to hang with anyone but himself – and even isolates her from her family), control, manipulation, mood swings. And then the violence. And the apologies and gifts. And the cycle continues.
Allie is someone who clearly has been through a lot. There were brief moments during which I wanted to shake her – stop telling lies, already. Why are you trying to protect Trip? But, I get it. She was with him for almost two years, and he’d done a very, very good job of getting into her head. And that also shows an aspect of violent relationships that might be less known – the ability of the abuser to get inside the victim’s head and stay there. Even once they’re gone, the words that are said don’t disappear. He’s dead. But she cannot find her confidence, her worth, her beauty. Again, it’s all very well handled.
Blake. Love him. And I didn’t doubt him for a minute. (And I hope I didn’t just say too much!) He’s so sweet and tender – exactly what Allie needs.
The story itself is very interesting and compelling. It kept me engaged from the outset. I found myself wondering what exactly is going on – as well as what exactly happened the night Trip died. And I gotta tell you, there were surprising twists and turns. And plenty of things I didn’t expect. The final explanation – in both cases – is wow. And the ending: perfect.
Source: Received through The {Teen} Book Scene for review. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)
Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
Summary: My wish
is to fall
cranium over Converse
in dizzy, daydream-worthy
love.
When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.
By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this “vacation” has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you’ve watched your parents’ affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you’ve lost it?
My Thoughts:Love & Leftovers is a quick read that I found I enjoyed more than I’d expected. To be honest, what compelled me to give it a shot was the whole novel-in-verse thing. I have somewhat recently fallen in love with novels in verse, and nowadays that’s almost a guarantee that I’ll give a book a shot. As with before, I’m amazed at the ability of the author to write a complete story using verse. As much is accomplished through the use of poetry as can be through prose, if not more. Amazing.
I gotta say that, aside from the verse, one of my favorite things was the way the author wrote out the New England accent. Marcie’s from Idaho. She speaks normally. Being transplanted into New England is like being in a different country – well, almost. Her name becomes “Mahcie.” I love the way Tregay does that with a lot of the New England characters’ talking.
“What, Mahcie?
I said I pahked the cah
down at Bah Hahbah.” ~ page 296 (ARC)
Hee hee. Cracked me up – still does. I usually have a tough time with “hearing” accents while reading had NO TROUBLE with this book!
I felt for Marcie, especially when things go sour with Linus and her friends (the Leftovers – love that!) take his side. Even her BFF, Katie. (Some BFF!) I get why she did what she did. I get why things were the way they were while she was away. Everyone calls her (and I’m quoting) “a selfish bitch,” but I see them as being just as selfish – if not more so. They weren’t the ones who were torn away from home, brought across the country, made to attend a different school for the first half of the year, and practically abandoned by all. Yes, they kept in touch, but it’s not the same thing as in-person interaction. They still had each other. She was ALONE. Poor thing. I think, given the situation, she did OK.
My one problem with Marcie is that she’s so focused on sex. She doubts Linus because he respects her and doesn’t try to rush her along physically. In that way, she is being selfish. And she’s almost obsessed with it. I get that when you’re all along and it drags on you’re hungry for human contact. But it’s not quite the same. Plus, she wants to know what it’s like to fall in love – and seems to equate love with sex. I don’t really like that. I think it’s not the best message for other teenage girls.
But, I know this is a story, not a sermon. And it’s a very well-written story. Once again, I have to sing the praises of novels in verse, and the authors who do it so very well! In this case, of course, it’d be Sarah Tregay.
Favorite Quote: There were actually a few that struck a chord with me, but I’m only sharing one. Read the book for the rest!
“You know that feeling –
the one that says, ‘I want sex’?
Passion is more than that.
Love, conversation, understanding,
and the physical stuff–
all stirred together.” ~ page 304 (ARC)
I really like that definition of passion.
Source: Received through The {Teen} Book Scene for review. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)
Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
Summary: Tavi of Calderon, now recognized as Princeps Gaius Octavian and heir to the crown, has achieved a fragile alliance with Alera’s oldest foes, the savage Canim. But when Tavi and his legions guide the Canim safely to their lands, his worst fears are realized. The dreaded Vord – the enemy of Aleran and Cane alike – have spent the last three years laying waste to the Canim homeland. And when the Alerans are cut off from their ships, they find themselves with no choice but to fight shoulder to shoulder if they are to survive. For a thousand years, Alera and her furies have withstood every enemy, and survived every foe. Are the thousand years over?
My Thoughts: I found myself reading more slowly than usual. I think it’s because I know the story is coming to an end soon. This is the second-to-last book in the Codex Alera series, and I’m not so sure I want to see it end! I think my reading more slowly was just me trying to prolong the inevitable – the time when I have to say good-bye to Tavi, Amara, Isana, Bernard, Max, and so many others. But, I am not there yet, so I’ll focus on this book.
In short: I loved it. Part of it is that I just love Butcher’s writing style. But also, the action, the events – all of it kept me wanting to see what was happening next. When I finished, I wanted to start right in on the next one because I wanted to see how things play out. (I couldn’t, unfortunately, due to reviews that need to be done.) I’m really not going to say anything all that specific, because I don’t want to ruin anything from the series. I highly recommend this series to fantasy fans.
Source: My local library.
Read It: Get your own copy HERE.(This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
Summary:So You Want to Start Running…AGAIN! is Jeff Stevenson’s first venture into the realm of authoring a book. Jeff says that he has many passions, but with the exception of his family, he has not experienced one thing that he is truly passionate about until he started running again. “I am not an expert but I liked running in High School, after I graduated and got, what I called domestic, I stopped running all together. Running was one thing that I was naturally good at in the athletic arena.” In January 2011, Jeff began running again, something he had not done since he was in high school, 25 years ago. At the age of 45, he is not alone in his quest to get back into shape. So You Want to Start Running…AGAIN! is packed full of running tips that will inspire and motivate, many of the tips Jeff used to start him on his journey. This booklet is designed to jumpstart a persons desire to be more physically fit in their lives. As you read about Jeff’s personal experiences you will find extremely helpful tips and be inspired to start or restart running… AGAIN! Enjoy Jeff’s journey from tired to 10K.
My Thoughts: I read this book because I had started running several months ago (and found I actually like it) and suffered an ankle injury that still occasionally causes discomfort. I was hoping to have a book in my hands that would help give me pointers on how to find my motivation again, how best to proceed without re-injuring my ankle, how to get started again after having been sidelined for any reason at all – not just injury.
Honestly, I wasn’t too impressed. Firstly, there are tons and tons of errors: missing words, sentences that don’t make sense, poor grammar/punctuation. Given the length of this book (52 pages), the editor in me thinks it should’ve been much, much better in that regard. Secondly, this obviously was an e-book first, as there often are references to links embedded in text – and, well, you can’t do anything with that in a physical, printed book. Those links should have been added separately for the print version so readers can enter the URL into their browser and continue reading. Or, use QR codes, as I’ve seen in other books (Four Letter Wordscomes to mind). Finally, it reads more like So You Want to Start Running – period. Not much Again in there. Anyone who’s done much running prior to reading this will know a lot of the information supplied in here. I expected more of a pep talk for those of us who had been running, suffered an injury, and now are trying to find the motivation to get running again. There really wasn’t any of that in there. That was the biggest disappointment.
Still, I did learn a couple of new things, so I suppose it wasn’t a complete loss. And it’s a super-fast read, even with the errors throughout.
Source: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on Media Guests. Find more tour stops on the page HERE.
About the Author: Jeff lives with his family in Boise, Idaho. He has a beautiful wife and 3 wonderful kids. After a long term layoff from running, Jeff recommitted himself to getting healthy and rekindled his love for running.
In high school, Jeff ran track for Carterville High School in Carterville, IL. It really was the only sport he felt like he was built for. At 64 inches tall, Jeff had very strong legs and when he ran not too many could keep up with him. During high school, he only ran sprints and for the longest time he believed he wasn’t built to run distance or anything beyond a quarter mile.
At age 30, when Jeff entered the Army he was required to run 2 miles in under 15 minutes. After 14 weeks of training, he ran 2 miles in 14:04 – a personal best. Today Jeff runs 6 miles in just over 1 hour. Roughly, 10 sustained minutes per mile. This may not be very fast for some, but for Jeff it is an unbelievable personal achievement.
Jeff continues to run and log his success on runnerslog.com. He inspires and motivates others to get moving. “Do this for yourself and only yourself. You’ll feel good about any progress you make!” ~*~
Summary: Best-selling mystery novelist Trevor Hughes has no idea that attending his twentieth reunion at Harvard will forever change his life.
Persuaded to go by his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Dr. Julia Magnusson, he meets up with three old friends: Solly Rubens, a self-made Wall Street millionaire; Ken Faust, a successful software entrepreneur; and Harlan Astor, New York real estate tycoon and the glue that holds their circle together.
That afternoon, over drinks at the Harvard Club, Harlan drops his bombshell: He is doing what James Cameron did not — he is rebuilding the Titanic, and sailing the ship on the hundredth anniversary to honor those who died, including his great-grandfather, John Jacob Astor IV. Only Trevor is intrigued by Harlan’s audacity. Touched by his friend’s interest and concern, Harlan invites him on the maiden voyage to serve as the official chronicler.
On April 10, 2012, Trevor journeys to Southampton and, along with the hundreds of handpicked passengers, boards the Titanic. He is awed by the immensity of the ship and the feelings that well up in him. His friend has made his grand dream a reality.
During the journey, armed with his iPod Touch and a miniature wireless camera hidden in his glasses, Trevor interviews both passengers and crew, eager to learn the reasons why they chose to sail on the reborn ship.
Nearly every one of them claims to have been profoundly affected by Cameron’s film, wanting to recapture the magic for themselves. And some of them are dying — their last wish to be on the maiden voyage of the new Titanic.
Trevor is touched that his friend has allowed these people to come aboard, and is unprepared when he meets Madeleine Regehr, a beautiful, free-spirited woman who resists his entreaties to be interviewed, intriguing Trevor all the more. Slowly, and inexorably, Maddy draws him out of his shell, allowing him to love deeply and completely, for the very first time in his life.
But Trevor soon discovers a darker purpose for the voyage, a purpose that threatens to destroy him and the woman he loves. In a race against time that pits friend against friend, Trevor must stop the unstoppable or risk a horrific replay of history…
Take a Peek: Here is an excerpt from the book for you to get a glimpse inside.
Chapter One
The furor in the media had just died down when Solly’s call came that rainy midweek day. I’d been hiding from the wolves of the fourth estate for nearly three weeks, holed up in my book-filled condo/prison in Charlestown, unable even to slip outside for a breath of fresh air without some cookie-cutter reporter, with a paint-by-numbers smile, sticking a microphone in my face and asking me the same tired question: “What was it like?”
As if the whole of my experience could be quantified in a sound bite.
Truth was I was avoiding everyone, even Julia and her earnest attempts to help me sort through the miasma of doubt and pain.
Sweet Julia.
We’ve been on-and-off again for the last five years. And I hadn’t seen her for the better part of a year. I guess she thought now was as good a time as any to mend fences. Christ, if she only knew….
And what was worse, the book I’d promised my publisher, the one that was supposed to chronicle all I’d been through, lay like a beached whale on the shore of my imagination. I was standing at the bay window overlooking the harbor, watching the rain sluice down the glass, wondering if I would ever have the courage to write again, when my gaze shifted to the pile of DVDs lying in a scattered heap on the teakwood coffee table.
My eyes filled with tears yet again.
“I’m so sorry, Maddy,” I groaned, knocking my forehead against the cool glass. “I’m so goddamned sorry.”
“You have a call,” the computer intoned in a quiet contralto, making me wince. Even the goddamned computer’s voice reminded me of Madeleine.
“Who is it?” I asked, expecting to hear it was yet another call from the Globe. Hometown reporters were the worst, the most ravenous.
And then I remembered I’d instructed the computer to screen all calls, allowing access to only a select few.
“The caller has an Identity Block in place. Shall I take a message?”
I sighed.
To hell with it. I had to rejoin the human race at some point, even if I felt as if I no longer belonged in it.
“Put it through,” I said, making my way over to the sleek MacBook Pro sitting atop my writing desk. The screen came to life and Solly Rubens’ round face filled the screen. His saturnine looks were etched with concern, an expression that somehow looked ominous on him.
“Hey, Hughes, you okay? How are you holding up?”
The tiny “picture-in-picture” in the upper left-hand corner of the screen showed me what Solly was seeing, rendering his question moot.
I looked as if I’d taken the cook’s tour of Hell: blue eyes–red-rimmed and puffy–surrounded by dark circles, sandy hair greasy and disheveled, three-day growth of a patchy red-flecked beard, and the same clothes I’d worn since Monday. I looked sixty-two, instead of forty-two. All in all, I presented a picture about as far as one could get from what Boston magazine had called: “The World’s Most Eligible Author.”
“How the hell do you think I’m holding up?” I said, staring back at Solly. His eyes blinked rapidly and I debated whether or not to instruct the MAC to disconnect, when he spoke again.
“Aw, man, I’m sorry. I really put my foot in it, didn’t I?” he said, trying to appear contrite. “Listen, I know we’ve never been the best of pals, but we had some good times back in school, didn’t we? I mean, Christ, we’ve been through a hell of a lot since Harvard. You a hotshot writer. Me hittin’ the big time. I still can’t believe it’s been a year–”
“What do you want, Solly?”
His porcine eyes darted somewhere off-screen, then riveted onto mine.
“Ken and I thought you should get out of the house, maybe meet us at the Harvard Club. What do you say?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You gotta talk about it sometime,” he said, his Brooklyn tenor rising in pitch. “You’ve been avoiding us for weeks, you look like crap, and everybody–and I mean everybody’s–been trying to find out what the hell happened out there. And what about Julia? You shutting her out? You treatin’ her like dirt, too?”
I resented him bringing her name up, only because I knew he was using her as leverage, and not out of any real concern for her feelings.
Not that I was any better.
“She’s none of your business, Solly. Leave her out of this.”
“All right, I’m sorry. But you know I’m right. You gotta get on with your life, for Christ’s sake. If you’re not gonna do it for yourself, do it for Harlan.”
I leaned forward, my nose practically touching the screen. “Where were you when Harlan needed the three of us? Huh? Where the hell were you when the chips were down? Taking Karen to another Broadway show?”
Solly’s lips compressed into a thin angry line. “Okay, I deserved that. But Ken and I have a right to know what happened.”
So, that was it. Like everyone else, they wanted to know the truth about Harlan’s death–wanted to know all the gory details. Christ, they were no better than the goddamned muckrakers slinking around my front door. And why was it so important to Ken and Solly, anyway?
Would it bring Harlan back? Would it bring any of them back? Why the hell couldn’t they just leave me alone?
And then, all at once, the anger passed, as if someone had thrown a switch inside me. Suddenly, I wanted very badly to tell someone–anyone. And perhaps it was more than fitting to do it where it all began.
“All right,” I said. “I’ll meet you guys at the club, Friday night at six.”
Solly cracked a grin, revealing crooked yellow teeth. “It’ll do you good, Hughes, you’ll see.”
“Maybe…. But drinks and dinner are on you.”
He chuckled.
“My pleasure. See you there.”
The screen went dark, and I sat there for a long moment, wondering if I shouldn’t blow them off. And then I realized Harlan would want me to go. I doubted very much, however, once they heard the whole story, it would be any pleasure for any of us….
My Thoughts: What to say. Ever since James Cameron’s Titanic was released, it seems almost everyone has interest in the ill-fated ship’s story – some people more than others, as is the case here. This book almost seems to be homage to the movie, as it’s often referenced. There were moments it felt like overkill, but overall it did make it easier to visualize things while reading.
The book itself is quite interesting, although I thought the “darker purpose” was, um, interesting? Somewhat of a letdown, honestly.
The book as a whole held my interest from start to finish. And despite the less-than-light subject matter, it ended up being a pretty quick read. I think that’s partially because it’s well-written. The story of Trevor and Maddy is bittersweet – kinda like the whole aforementioned Titanic movie. I suppose it’s fitting. And the very end of the book is perfect.
Would I recommend this? Sure. Especially if you ever got caught up in Titanic fever. Will I read it again? Maybe. If you’re a fan of Titanic, especially the movie, you’re likely to enjoy this book.
Source: Received through Partners in Crime Tours for review. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)
Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
About the Author: A graduate of Emerson College’s prestigious film school, Bill wrote and directed his first feature film, Pawn, while still a student. After graduation, he co-founded Newbury Filmworks, Inc., an award-winning production company renowned for making high-quality corporate films and commercials.
In 1990, Bill relocated to Los Angeles, and began a freelance story analysis career for various studios and independent production companies, while devoting his spare time to the writing of novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is also a highly-respected graphic designer, specializing in book and dust jacket design. He has worked on books by such luminaries as: Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. In addition, Bill is a member of the Authors Guild.
He has won awards for his screenwriting, his two short story collections for Mid-Graders, Five-Minute Frights and Five-Minute Chillers, are perennial Halloween favorites, and his first novel, Titanic 2012 was enthusiastically received by readers. His second novel, Camp Stalag was released in 2001. Bill lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Jeffrey and Brian.
About: When I was approached about the WondaWedge, my first thought was the what? LOL As I perused their Web site, it became clear what it is. It’s an inflatable pillow for lounging. I agreed to review it when I saw that it was touted as something to lean on while reading in bed. Many nights I read in bed, and thought that perhaps this is exactly what I need. My pillows aren’t very supportive, and I often end up with a bit of a crick in my neck. I figured it’s worth a try – can’t get much worse than those saggy, smooshy, not-very-supportive pillows.
Before I get to my thoughts on it, though, I thought I’d give you more information on what the WondaWedge is and its many uses. As stated above, it’s an inflatable pillow designed by physiotherapists to be great ergonomically and offer excellent back support, making it better for one’s posture than many alternatives. There’s an attached mat that I have found helps to anchor it (no worries about it blowing away), as well as provides a barrier between my blanket/towel (if outside) and the ground. That’s especially nice if the ground’s not bone dry – no worries about soiling your blanket/towel, or even your clothes if you just sit on the mat. The material is a sueded vinyl, which is surprisingly soft and touchable. It’s waterproof, and claims to be even comfy in heat. (I can’t attest to that yet – ask me again in a few months, once it’s actually hot around here!) It’s very light-weight, which makes bringing it along to various places, such as the beach or on a picnic, easy.
Some uses of the WandaWedge:
Reading in bed
Gaming/TV floor seat
Dorm accessory
Pregnancy
Beach lounger
Sleep aid for GERD, acid reflux, respiratory problems, etc.
Back support during recuperation after release from the hospital.
There are many more uses, which can be found on their site.
My Thoughts: I will admit, I was somewhat skeptical. I figured it’s worth a shot, but my expectations were kinda low. And then I tried it. The WondaWedge is amazingly comfortable and supportive. I was very much surprised. The attached mat was something I was a bit wary of, but it’s great. It keeps the WondaWedge from slipping as you lean on it. And outside, it serves as an anchor – the wedge is attached, so it won’t be blowing away. And, as I mentioned above, it’s a great barrier between yourself (or your blanket/towel) and the ground. Given that it’s filled with air, it’s very light – which means bringing it along to the beach, an outdoor concert, or wherever else is easy. It folds small enough that it’ll fit in a backpack, diaper bag, tote, or even a larger purse.
In short, the WondaWedge is an excellent product. I love how much more comfortable I am reading in bed with this behind me. I would highly recommend it – and my kids would, too. All three of them love using it for TV watching and playing on the Wii. My oldest even brings down a blanket to snuggle on it.
Source: Sent in exchange for an honest review.
More Information: To learn more about the WondaWedge, or to order one for yourself (they are reasonably priced at $24 at the time of this post), visit their Web site HERE.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*****GIVEAWAY*****
I am able to offer one lucky reader a BookWedge, which is a product by the same company that works for more than just books. You can read hardbacks or paperbacks comfortably with it, or use it as a stand for your iPad, Kindle, Nook, or other tablet/e-reader. It’s designed to help reduce strain on your neck muscles, which Lord knows avid readers like myself are prone to suffer!
To Enter:
Unfortunately, this is only open to those in the U.S. Sorry to my international readers.
Leave a comment telling me why you want a BookWedge. (Mandatory)
Like BookWedge on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
Friend WondaWedge on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
Follow BookWedge on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
Follow WondaWedge on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
Like Proud Book Nerd on Facebook. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your FB info)
Follow Proud Book Nerd on Twitter. (1 extra entry; leave separate comment with your Twitter name)
The Fine Print: Giveaway runs until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012. Giveaway is open to those in the U.S. You must be 13 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen with the help of the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is … and notified via e-mail. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours of sending the e-mail, a new winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for prizes that are lost, stolen, or damaged en route to you.
Summary:What if you forgot your identity and had to rely on other people to tell you who you were?
And what if to discover your true self, you first had to unravel a mystery so big and terrifying you were not sure you’d survive solving it?
When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.
Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.
Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship…but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.
My Thoughts: Phoebe Kitanidis does it again. I remembered loving Whisper, so I figured she is an author to watch. After reading Glimmer, I think I was right about her. I will very much be looking forward to more of her books.
Onto the review …
Glimmer is fantastic, original, and full of surprises. This is a riveting tale about magic, evil, forgiveness, and second chances. Elyse and Marshall are interesting characters, and both are likable from the start. They both have pasts with much more to them than you think, and both of their paths forward contain surprises of their own. As the mystery surrounding Summer Falls starts to become revealed, the bits and pieces start to fall into place. And still I found myself surprised by some of the twists and turns. They are very well handled, and flow smoothly with the story.
The story is told in first-person narratives from both Elyse and Marshall’s perspectives. And it works pretty well. Most of the time it’s no problem remember whose head you’re inside, and each person’s thoughts and memories (as they are recovered) are integral to the story. Kitanidis does an excellent job of weaving it all together.
As with Whisper, I would highly recommend Glimmer. It’s well-written and a whole lot of fun.
Read It: Glimmer is scheduled for release on April 17, 2012. You can pre-order your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
AWESOME!
I could read this over and over.
Very good.
Might or might not read again.
Good, but not great.
Probably won't read again.
OK. Not good, not bad.
Don't intend to read again.
Awful ~ I wish I could
reclaim the time I wasted on this!
DNF ~ I gave it my best shot,
but I just couldn't get into it.
Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
(This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)
About the Author: A graduate of Emerson College’s prestigious film school, Bill wrote and directed his first feature film, Pawn, while still a student. After graduation, he co-founded Newbury Filmworks, Inc., an award-winning production company renowned for making high-quality corporate films and commercials.
I am able to offer one lucky reader a 
Namine (169)
Freda (69)
Marce (49)
PK Reeves (43)
Krystal Larson (37)
Alexis @ Reflecti... (30)
Joy @ Edgy Inspir... (23)
Kah Woei (23)
Denise Z (22)
