A Dog's Journey: A Book Review

A Dog's Journey: A Book Review

This novel was much sadder than it's predecessor "A Dog's Purpose" It is about a girl named Clarity who was a very troubled teenager. She had a narcissist mother and eating disorder. She went with her best friend Trent to pick him out a puppy but one who was named Molly took a liking to her and she ended up leaving with. Like in A Dog's Purpose the dog gets reincarnated a few times and ends up Max and then Toby at some point.

Through this dog's lives it is trying to comfort and guide it's girl CJ (Clarity) into a better path learning valuable lessons along the way.  The love Molly/Max/Toby has for CJ is above anything else and endures many tests.

W. Bruce Cameron really did it a third time with this book. This is the third of his novels I have read and enjoyed it very much even though it almost drew me to tears a few times. It is written in a dog's perspective and contains heartwarming situations and sad events. The ending was sweet though and I really love this author's writing style. It took me longer to read because I'm still going in and out of my reading block.

These novels sure give you another view on a dog's mindset and gives you a higher appreciation for dogs. Don't like dog's? read these and it will leave you wanting one. I can damn near guarantee that. I think next book I read after finally finishing the Hobbit will be "A Dog's Way Home" by W. Bruce Cameron. I really can't get enough of his books.

The Dogs of Christmas: A Book Review

The Dogs of Christmas: A Book Review

**spoilers**

I've been fan of W. Bruce Cameron ever since I read his novel A Dog's Purpose. His dog books are all so cute and being a fan I looked into more of his novels. Naturally as a Christmas present to myself, I gifted myself three more of his books. This one being one of them since I deemed it appropriate for the holiday season. I was hooked to the point I read it in two days. Less if you don't count sleep time. This one had me in 'aww'.

W. Bruce pays great attention to detail. The flow of the story went nicely as well. I noticed a small familarity to a Debbie Macomber novel but a little more realistic with the mushy romantic situations. Like the last book of his I read, He ended his chapters in cliffhangers which kept it a real page turner.

**SPOILERS**

This book is about an emotionally damaged Evergreen, Colorodo man named Josh Michaels who gets landed with a heavily pregnant dog named Lucy. His neighbor abandoned her and vanished. Josh ends in a panic for he has never had a dog before let alone a pregnant one and is terrified of doing it wrong. 

Lucy goes into labor within days and is rushed to the vet where it is discovered all the puppies were still born. Josh learns that it was due to being malnurished. He takes the now depressed Lucy home just to find a box in The tailgate of his pickup. Turns out the box contains a nearly frozen-to-death litter of puppies. Lucy and Josh work as a team to revive the puppies. The mommy dog adopts them in the end of the termoil.

Josh is terrified and calls the nearest shelter to take the dogs away and becomes aquainted with a woman named Kerri who advises him on caring for the puppies until they are old enough to be adopted out with the Dogs of Christmas program. As they work together with the puppies, a budding romance forms and he begins to become attached to the dogs and has a rough time letting 'his' dogs go.

As the book goes on he finally finds the strength to let go of all the causes of his inner damages and the puppies. He discovers Lucy was stolen from her owner and realizes he has to let her go as well. All's well that ends well though. By Christmas he has a girlfriend and the company of two of the puppies.

This book was adorable and heart-warming. There is joy and sadness and a happy ending that makes you want to cry happy tears. W. Bruce did it again! I absolutely loved this one. Not as much as A Dog's Purpose but it's definitely a close second. Very much looking forward to reading his other doggy books as well as some day reading Emory's Gift which is for another time. Well played W. Bruce Cameron, well played.

Echoes of Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Echoes of Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

**SPOILERS**

This book is the 26th installment of The Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham. This one took me forever to read it seems. Partly because of my reading blocks where I just can't seem to pick up a book. It was also somewhat slow moving. Heather did manage to change the flow somewhat in this novel but overall it was the same idea. man sees ghosts, man meets damsel in distress, man and girl fall in love within' two days, there's some crime/mystery and ghosts mixed in throughout the book. After a while it gets tedious because you already figured out the pattern of the books.

**SPOILER ALERT**

This one was about a McFadden brother named Brodie. He is in Key West on vacation when he accidentally discovers a body strung to a shipwreck. He, with the help of a young woman named Kody McCoy work together to solve the crime with the help of two ghosts. Cliff who was another victim in this story and Captain Hunter who is Kody's residential 'friend'. Naturally there is attraction between Kody and Brodie and within days they hook-up and fall in love. Pretty unrealistic if you ask me. I will admit Heather did get me in the end with an unexpected pair of murderers. I will also admit that towards chapters 14 - the conclusion had me wanting more. it was very intense and mysterious.

Heather Graham is a relatively a good author. I wouldn't say she's as talented as perhaps Stephen King or Anne Rice but she seems to be my author soulmate. I have read eight novels from this series already and mean to continue to catch up on it. 

Dead Spot

Dead Spot

Unfortunately I have been taking forever to finish a book. I'm sorry I haven't kept up on my blog, but as it being a book review blog I haven't finished a book to review. I'm calling it my 'Dead Spot' I occasionally go through phases where it's hard for me to pick up a book but I've been reading a couple little by little. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien and Echoes of Evil by Heather Graham. I try to force myself to pick them up and read at least a chapter every once in a while but lately I've been forgetting to do that these days.

I hate when I go through these phases. I love to read normally and it sucks having a ton of books I look at in my room and no will to pick one up. Lord knows I've got a ton of books on my to-be-read list. Have you ever gone through reading dead spots? How did you get out of the funk? Like I said I am trying to force myself to read hoping the desire to read will come back but i'm having no luck thus far.

This is annoying because i'm starting to feel like my six year old. He refuses to pick up a book. Doesn't want to read anything or learn to read. Granted, I already know how to read I just don't want to read. My love for reading came later in life. Around my mid-twenties. I discovered I had a love for Crime, Mystery, and Fantasy. Occasional romance like Nicholas Sparks novels as well. I've also become a fan of Heather Graham who is the author of The Krewe of Hunters series I enjoyed and W. Bruce Cameron who wrote A Dog's Purpose which was an amazing read. I'm hoping to get the sequel (A Dog's Journey) for Christmas or perhaps buy it for myself beforehand if I can conjure up the dough, it's only $5 on Discover Books. Maybe that book will trigger my love for reading back. you think?

Anyway I'll try to broaden my blog horizon with other book related information. Maybe I can gain excitement over novel releases or I don't really know. I'll think of something I guess. Let me know if there's anything you want me to blog about and i'll try my best!

Pale As Death: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Pale As Death: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Sorry folks, It's been a while since I wrote a review but I was going through a reading block and couldn't seem to pick up a book. This novel is the 25th installment of the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham. I have written other reviews on her books and I must say, These books are captivating.

This book wasn't my favorite but it was good in it's own way. Going forward with the series things become somewhat predictable. crime scene, man meets woman, man and woman fall in love after sleeping together in less than a week, a ghost comes along and helps them solve the crime, and at the end of the book one or the other joins the Krewe and the couple lives happily ever after. That's not even all that's predictable, if i told you every single part there'd be no reason in picking up the book. Not that there's much of a reason to now I suppose.

This book was about a LAPD detective named Sophie Manning who is convinced she's hallucinating when a ghost makes itself known during a press conference. She meets Bruce McFadden who is sent by his brother Bryan to investigate a Dahlia copycat series of murders. There is sexual tension between the two at first that quickly grows into a lustful attraction. They are accompanied by a ghost named Michael who helps them find clues to solve this heinous murders of two wannabe actresses. What history will they uncover and will they solve the crime or be distracted by the budding flame between the two?

The best part of these series is they are attached to real people or real crimes. The Dahlia murders that took place in the 1940's was an actual occurrence. My favorite of the series (Wicked Deeds) was based off the writings of Edgar Allen Poe and surrounded his demise. Ms. Graham really has a great imagination on how she can piece together the past and the present to make a brilliant fictional piece of art. I also like the paranormal aspect. Every novel has a ghost buddy to help solve the crimes and is somewhat considered the comic relief. 

As I noted, this isn't my favorite of the series but it is worthy of being recommended. If you like Crime, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance mixtures then look no further than this series. I've read books 1, 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and am currently on the 26th installment. It's very difficult to put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat. You need to know, What happens next? Who committed the crime? These novels will keep you guessing and are seldom how you expect them to end.

Unholy City: A Book Review

Unholy City: A Book Review

I found this novel in the "New" section at the local library. I'm a big fan of suspense and murder/mysteries i've come to realize so this seemed right up my alley. This took me a long time to read because i'm going in and out of my wanting to read phase. A phase I loathe to the core to fall out of. That's a different story for a different blog though.

This book was rather interesting. It was about a double homicide outside of a vestry. A Team of detectives, Cordella, and Haggerty are put on the case to solve whether or not the double homicides were coincidental or connected and of course the murderer. As the story progresses skeletons are released from the closets of the parishioners and there are twists and turns behind every corner.

Carrie Smith, I discovered, is a very unique author. Her writing style is somewhat different and she is someone I would really like to know what is going through her head to come up with a religion meets crime novel. I suppose the title 'Unholy City' is a dead give away that it is of a religious nature but it is subtle. The only thing relatively religious about this book besides it's name is that the murder occurred in the garden of a church.

To be completely honest, I was impartial to the book. I couldn't really say it was amazing or that it was horrible. It's sitting on the thin grey line of indifference. I did however enjoy that it kept your curiosity to find out more about the characters and who might have been guilty to the victims' demise. The ending wasn't in a presumable manner, it was rather unexpected.

Would I recommend this book? no, probably not, and it took me forever to read because it wasn't really good at keeping my interest. Not to say others wouldn't like it. Personally though, wasn't that pleasant of a read for me.

Skinny Bitch: A Book Review

Skinny Bitch: A Book Review

I got into a phase to read self-help books. This was the first I turned to and honestly some of it actually scared me into becoming Vegan. Which I have been for a couple weeks now. This book is a way to scare you straight I suppose. It tells you all the dangers in the food you eat.

To be fair I think it took it to the extremes though. I however read the chapter about meat and how the animals are treated before being killed in slaughter houses. It was in descriptive disgusting detail of what the workers are doing to the poor things and that no one is going to stop it. Or how they pump cows full of steroids to produce more milk to make the consumers' demands. Now I drink Almond milk and to be honest, I could drink that all day every day. It tastes much better than cow's milk anyway.

This book is pretty much encouraging you to eat hay and drink spring water for the rest of your life. I think that's a little too much to put it lightly. I have gone Vegan but it's in a pretty basic sense of the term. I don't buy all organic produce, I look at labels to make sure there's no animal byproducts in the food i'm eating such as butter, eggs, milk, cheese. That's for a different blog entry though. my journey with being Vegan will be on This Girl's Life: A Blog

This book doesn't even talk about exercise. It pretty much says you can be lazy as long as you're eating a diet of organic grass and bottled water. Jee, Thanks for scaring me into a pasture lifestyle Rory and Kim...

Fade to Black: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Fade to Black: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

**Spoilers**

This book in The Krewe of Hunters series I just so happen to really like. To the point I read it in three days! It was based in Hollywood where a power couple's son Bryan McFadden is a P.I and there's a tragic murder of an actress from a beloved TV show in Hollywood. He is sent there by his deceased parents to protect Marnie Davante whom is suspected to be the next victim.

Of course this book is predictable if you catch on reading others in this series and a little sex. but being based around acting and Hollywood had me curious about it. There was even some name dropping of real life actors in Hollywood to make it a tad more realistic.

Heather Graham really outdid herself on this one and is making me anxious to read what happens next. There are 24 books in this series with another two due out in July and September. I have read six of them so far. Have a long way to go to catch up on the full series.

Heart of Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Heart of Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

This book was honestly pretty boring. It's based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana based after a battle reenactment. A man named Charles Osgood goes missing. Th plantation owner's grand daughter Ashley Donegal immediately knows something's wrong and the Krewe of Hunters is called to solve the case. 

There's drama, mystery, romance, and even ghosts but it took me forever to finish this book and I was happy when it was over. The author, Heather Graham, seemed to have lacked her magic touch on this one. I suppose with all life it's a hit or miss situation. This one would be her miss. Don't get me wrong, i'm still a big fan of this series just not this novel in particular.

This was rather predictable. These two are gonna hook up, this person is gonna go missing, it just overall wasn't that fun of a read and I'm also not a big fan of sexual content in books and she does portray some in this book.

Phantom Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

Phantom Evil: A Krewe of Hunters Book Review

I had started late in the series with the Krewe of Hunters novel "Dying Breath" by Heather Graham. I had gotten so addicted that I eventually went back to start reading the older novels from the series to play catch up. This was the first novel of the series and I had read the e-book version since it was on my phone. Published in 2011 it introduces us to the crew. Jackson, Angela, Will, Jake, and Whitney.

This book would be classified under the paranormal/fantasy/crime/suspense/romance genres. It appeals to many. I am more a fan of subtle romance. I could do without the sexual content throughout the novel. I would have to say though, I love Heather's writing style. I am at the edge of my seat wanting more to the point I read the whole book in a few days.

This book follows a man named Adam Harrison who puts together a team of members who have a sixth sense for the paranormal. They are helped in solving crimes from those beyond the grave as they are discovered. This particular novel follows the Axeman of New Orleans, Louisiana. What I like about these novels as they are inspired by truth and spawn off from the history of the events.

I actually looked up these events and even though they are not portrayed as they were in the book, they were based on truth. The team works together with their new friends from the netherworld to crack the case of the mysterious death of a politician's wife and the can of worms that are unfolded in their investigation.

Aside from the sex scenes between two of the members of the team who find lust and love in the most unlikely of places at the most inopportune time, The novel was very good and it was a pleasure to read. I would recommend this novel to just about any woman who is into these types of novels. I would like to note that the sexual content is more or less hinted in the future novels without the in depth detail.

A Dog's Purpose: A Book Review

A Dog's Purpose: A Book Review

**Spoilers**

I just got done reading this gem the other day. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about this book! It's pretty much summed up as a dog who keeps reincarnating until he fills his purpose. It's packed with feel good moments, some sadness as well as comedic scenes. I had a really hard time putting it down to where instead of reading it in about a week which is my normal, I finished it in only three days.

W. Bruce Cameron has a captivating writing style and I figured out his trick to keep you turning pages. It seems that every end of a chapter was a cliff hanger that kept you wanting to solve the mystery. I actually liked that because it kept me engaged in the content. It's probably why I finished the book in so little time.

**SPOILER ALERT**

There are many parts to the book that I liked. I discovered they all have a substory as well. Bailey's Story, Ellie's Story Which were all Identities this one dog soul took as when reincarnated. The stories behind each of this dog's lives was very unique and all had a purpose except for maybe it's first. Toby who was a stray who found a home in a dog yard with a latina woman who hoarded animals.

Toby's life was short. He was living with his mother, two brothers, Fast and Hungry, and his sister. Unfortunately Hungry died before they found their way to the yard. The Latina woman was caught hoarding the dogs and they were taken away and euthanized which included Toby.

Toby wakes up as Bailey who had a completely different life. Born a Golden Retriever and escaping the puppy mill, he makes a journey to being found by a woman and presented to her young son Ethan. There was no greater bond than there was between Bailey and Ethan. Bailey learned some useful tricks that would carry on and make a big impact on his next life. Luckily Bailey lived to old age and woke up from his sleep in yet another body.

Ellie was Bailey's next persona. A female which made an interesting turn in the book as well as a bit humorous. Ellie was a Search and Rescue German Shepard. She learned tricks such as "find" and "show" which taught her how to use her sense of smell. There was an accident that impacted her sense of smell and she was forced to retire from the police K-9 unit. She managed to become a hero saving a few people when she too died of old age loved dearly by her masters.

Ellie woke up a black Labrador who was eventually named Buddy. He was in an abusive environment until he escaped and realized where he was. He went on a search for his "boy" Ethan. He used tactics he learned from each life. Hiding away from people and in the darkness like Toby, "save" like Bailey which would in fact come to have a different meaning toward the end of the novel, and "find" and the good use of his nose from being Ellie. The best was his determination to find his boy.

In the end, Bailey/Buddy and Ethan were reunited and he saved Ethan's life of sheer loneliness in turn giving Ethan happiness. Bailey had finally fulfilled his purpose by saving his boy.

Ethan died with Buddy at his side and he saw through to Buddy's soul and knew then it was Bailey. It was a sad touching climax to a beautiful story. This book made me look at my dog's differently. How much does she love me? Has she been reincarnated before? what might be on her mind? If you don't already have a dog this book just might make you want one. Well played W. Bruce Cameron, Well played

A Walk To Remember: A Book Review

A Walk To Remember: A Book Review

This was a very touching novel. It is very different than the film and it was one of those books you couldn't help but critiquing by the movie. As for example "why wasn't that in the book, or that in the movie?" I must admit that I rather enjoyed my read and it dare to make me well up tears a few times. Which might I add is rather difficult to accomplish normally.

This is a novel about a high school boy and girl, Landon and Jamie. He dislikes her so much but as he is forced to spend time with her learns there is more to her than the dull matter that meets the eye. She was selfless and kind where as he was immature and self-absorbed. The problem is she has a secret that he just can't seem to figure out. Against her wishes, he falls in love with her and changes from a teenage boy into a caring man. This book shows that Love has no conditions. Even though I don't believe in this kind of love, I find it a good novel because it shows that love doesn't happen in days as in a, for existence, Debbie Macomber book.

This book had somewhat of a Romeo & Juliet feel to it as well. It was a very sweet novel and definitely got me in the feels. Nicholas Sparks is very talented. The problem is in every one of his novels someone dies when the aspect of love is transpired between characters. They all kind of have similarities to others of his work. 

My sister used to read his books but now doesn't because she found out that Mr. Sparks is way Republican. As a part of the Independent party, I would have to close with a statement of mine.

Books aren't biased. They don't say "only white people can read me, only straight people can read me, only democrats can read me." They don't call to any one person. The pages of every book have been turned by people of all shapes, sizes, colors and with their own beliefs. So with that being said. Why do you have to discriminate a good work of art based on that concept within an author? Every book has a two stories, The story within the cover, and a story of where the book has been.

Midnight Crossroad: A Book Review

Midnight Crossroad: A Book Review

I discovered this series when they released a television series called Midnight, Texas. I can honestly say the series was much better than the book. It had more action and paranormal events. It was full of magic and mystery.

No offense to the author Charlaine but she lacked detail. This book was supposed to be filled with paranormal occurrences but all it really indicated was Lemuel was a vampire and Fiji was a witch. Manfred didn't have awesome paranormal experiences with the dead like in the series and honestly I would say it (the novel) was rather dull. Want to know how dull? Let's just say I started the book on November 8th, 2017 and just finished it yesterday aka April 11th, 2018.

The book was very slow moving and not all that captivating. It was hard to even want to pick up. I digress, towards the end it did achieve a more satisfactory amount of content but it was short lived with its mediocre ending. I bought this three part series expecting it to be as good as the tv show but it ended up being rather disappointing in the end.

Honestly though, The only reason I'm considering giving the second book in the series a try is because from what I remember of the television show, it gets more exciting. As I had said, if you find this book anywhere, don't waste your money on it just watch the show instead.

Excerpt from my upcoming book, The Golden Sword

The Golden Sword

Excerpt from the beginning of a novel I started.

*Author's Note*

This idea really just popped into my head. I was thinking about The Sword In The Stone and it got me into thinking why does it always have to be a male in those times that end up being heroic? Can't a woman or even a female child come up on top? That's where I came up with the idea of the main female lead. The rest sort of just came to me as I was typing. Constructive Criticism Welcome!**

It was a starry night yonder in the Rolling Rock Kingdom. She was a young maiden whom wanted so much more in life. She didn’t want to pay service to the spoiled royals of the land any longer. Without her parents approval she had run away and laid out under the shelter of the Earth staring up and thinking about her future. 

Her name was Amelia Thorne and of just thirteen years of age, she longed for adventure. She didn’t wish to settle and be betrothed in an arranged marriage within the village. The thoughts of such made her cringe, especially thinking of the suitor her parents have chosen for her. She thought not of the dangers that may surface out of the kingdom walls; the dragons, trolls, and goblins. None of which seemed to worry this young and attentive girl. 

She was of fair skin, long, fine silver flowing locks that hung to her waist. No taller than a torch struck into the ground. Her slenderness would have most women gawk in envy. As she lay in the grass staring up at the night sky with her gentle arctic blue eyes,  a mile outside the kingdom walls in a spacious field, where she used to play freely with her brother as a mere baby. She dedicated everything she did to her older brother who had been captured by a band of Goblins when he was only six years of age never to be seen alive again. 

She thought of her brother a moment and got up from the grass in which she laid. She walked on with only the full moon as guidance. She arrived shortly at a grassy cemetery with a collaborated mass of wooden crosses. She came upon her brother’s and fell to her knees in mourning. “Brother, I hope you can hear me” she said as she stared at the stars once more as if looking into the eyes of a loved one. “I am lost, I do not wish to marry, and I do not want to be a part of our family’s solemn routine, day by day is daft” She continued. 

She heard a twig crack and she spun around to see behind her. There was a black Labrador standing there staring at her. 

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: A Book Review

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: A Book Review

**SPOILERS**

I finally got through this portion of the Harry Potter series. I might say it was amazing! The movie really doesn't do it any justice for there's way more content in the book than the film. Lovable characters in the book weren't even included in the movie like Winky the House-Elf for example. This novel had twists and turns that you would not have expected. Sirius makes a bigger appearance as well and There are various additions to the novel that weren't even hinted to in the movie.

First of all Karkaroff who is the Headmaster of Durmstrang School had more part to play in this novel. There was also more backstory to his character as well and how he tied into Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort also makes his return in Year 4 of this series.

My favorite character was most likely Winky. She was a sobbing devastated House-Elf throughout the book and had some of her own secrets hidden in the metaphorical closet. She tried so hard to be a good house-elf but always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

**SPOILERS**

The part I liked best as the novel went on is really the flow of the events and the more descriptive they were. They really left a lot out from transitioning from novel to film but it made the novel that more exciting to read. There was more content in Mr. Moody who was initially kidnapped by Barty Crouch's son and the backstory behind him. There's also how he explains his whereabouts throughout the book that you've never even seen coming. That ordeal is what opens up Winky's closet of wrongdoings.

Sirius makes his way as a "Metamorphmagi" which is the Harry Potter world word for a Shapeshifter. He was in hiding near the school in order to protect Harry and even shows up in the school in black dog form to accompany Harry when he ends up in the Hospital Wing nearer to the end of the book.

I believe these other novels will be just as good as this one due to their abnormal length. I'm reading Year 5 (Order of The Phoenix) currently so we'll see how that goes right?

#WorldBookDay

#WorldBookDay

Celebrating Harry Potter

Today is World Book Day and for this special day I have decided to celebrate my recent love, Harry Potter. Well actually my heart really belongs to Ronald Weasley but the book isn't Titled Ronald Weasley and The Goblet of Fire, is it? Alas, it's a great series full of magic and mystery. It's perfectly written to be enjoyed by any age group which is rather nice. I'm currently on the fourth installment of the series.

I remember when these books were first released it was 1997. I was nine. The series didn't really get popular until I was in the 4th or 5th grade. To be completely honest, I had no interest in them. My mother tried to encourage me to read and had bought me the entire series as they were released then on. Since I had no interest being the stubborn and lazy ass that I was, She eventually gave them to my former foster brother.

Later in life I watched the movies in a marathon and got curious about the novels. I had asked my mother if we still had the books when she proceeded to tell me she had given them away. Bummer. I then decided to purchase them on online thrift book retailers for a decent price. I believe I spent $35 for the whole hardcover set when purchased seperately. I'd say that's quite a steal considering aside from handwriting in one of them are in mint condition.

I soon thereafter went on a reading binge. I can honestly say the first novel sucked me in; to the point I could picture myself as a Hogwarts student witnessing the events in the book. I could damn near smell the stone walls of the castle's corridors. I suppose the book is very much like Tom Riddle's diary. you get sucked into another time, another world.

J.K. Rowling did a wonderful service writing these novels. It was obviously a good escape from her present circumstances and hardships at the time. Her imagination is extremely pronounced within her story telling and descriptions of the characters.

The only thing I did not like is how Ronald and Hermione ended up a couple. I agreed with J.K. when she admitted they could never really make eachother happy. I believe they are just too different. Personally I would have liked to see her with perhaps Draco. As if they buddied up in college and he turned out to be less of an asshat like his father. That would have been least expected.

I also didn't like how Harry ended up with Ginny. To be fair I found her rather annoying, especially in Chamber of Secrets. Who trusts a book that writes back? Even in a fictional magical world? seriously... Harry should have wound up with Cho or I would have even preferred Hermione with Harry. So far those are the only two things I do not agree with pertaining to this series.

I am currently on chapter 23 of year four. Goblet of Fire. It was slow moving and I had taken a break from the series to read the new Alice Hoffman novel. I am so far very pleased I got curious about these books. I read it everywhere and on everything. The hardcover copy, my phone, my samsung tablet. It goes with me literally everywhere!

If you haven't given these a chance, you must. Like I had said, I didn't give them a chance when they were popular and now i'm hooked. I should've fell for the hype back then. They are very good reads written by an extraordinarily talented author. The storylines are good and the progression is amazing. It has a good sense of flow to it. Not to mention it's very magical, mysterious, and adventurous in every way.

The Rules of Magic: A Book Review

The Rules of Magic: A Book Review

**SPOILERS**

This book took forever to finish. Not that it was a horrible read, it by far was the complete opposite in fact. Alice Hoffman has a great imagination and can change things up on a dime. You expect the story's path to go one way and bam, it goes in a completely different direction leaving you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I did not want this novel to end while I was going through a page-turning frenzy last night to complete my reading.

This book is the prequel to the novel Practical Magic about three siblings, Bridget (Jet), Vincent, and Franny Owens who turn out to be witches and a wizard. They discover their true selves throughout the book and learn that 1. It's better to never deny who you are and always trust your heart. and 2. love is powerful and beautiful love and love often.

** SPOILER ALERT**

This book had many twists and turns. Jet falls in love and in her parents' determination to keep her from the boy she loves end up getting into a car accident killing said boy as well as themselves. It made me think, is trying to prevent love really that bad? Sure when an Owens falls in love their partners tend to pass away due to a curse their ancestor Maria Owens had placed on the family due to a broken heart.

The next shocker was that Vincent who was quite a man whore within' the story ended up being a homosexual. Not that it's a bad thing, I find it rather refreshing. He found love with a man named William and they lived happily ever after. The final shocker was that in his time of being a bit of a slut, He slept with his 3rd cousin and ended up fathering a child he did not discover the truth until she was about nine years old or so. Luckily she came out normal, well as normal as an Owens can be anyway.

Sally and Gillian only made an appearance in this novel at the end where you find out the relations between Gillian and Sally and Vincent, Franny, and Jet. spoiler, Vincent's their grandfather which would make Franny and Jet great-aunts. That had me going crazy trying to figure out how this story even coincided with Practical Magic. 

This book was definitely a good read and I highly recommend it. Thanks to these two novels, I may never look at the movie Practical Magic with the same love again since it so varies from the novels.

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban: A Book Review

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban: A Book Review

**SPOILERS**

We all know the movie well, The novel however was quite different than the film. Not saying it was a bad read but I suppose it gave you more in depth insight as to what is really going on in the scenes that the movie didn't quite fill in for us.

It was slow moving at first but picked up closer to the end that made me not want to put it down until the last page. That was exactly what happened that I finally finished it last night. I will say this, J.K. Rowling has one hell of imagination and I absolutely love her character's names and the mythical creatures. I'd say my favorite was Buckbeak the Hippogriff. I imagined what it would be like to go soaring on his back. Then I remembered I am afraid of heights so that fantasy was short lived.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Another cool concept is the Time-Turner that Hermione used to get to all of her classes. You dial back the hourglass the amount of hours you wish to travel. Where in the novel they travel back three hours to save Buckbeak and Sirius Black.

This book had plenty of magic and suspense even though you may have watched the movie already (honestly, who hasn't?) it still sucks you in to wanting to know what happens and who did what. I also like how there's more to the story that wasn't featured in the movie. Makes reading the series after watching the films just as interesting as doing it the other way around.

Overall I give this novel, 3.5 stars. A+ for creativity and of course Kudos to the amazing author behind the magic and fantastical world of the witch and wizard community. Hats off to you!

Addicted

Addicted

Have you ever been completely obsessed with something? I seem to be obsessed with books. Most of m adult life i've gone in and out of reading phases. It would hit and i'd read books back to back for around 2 or 3 months or so. After that time frame, it was like I was burnt out from reading. I couldn't bear to pick up another book. Now it's been about a year since my reading stint began and it's still going strong. Sure their are slower days where I would read but just not as much.

This new years so far i've been glued to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I finished one I had started "last year" so to speak and then read the second in only two days. I also finished another book that is called Practical Magic written by Alice Hoffman. All good novels and somewhat different from their movies.

I have also been crazy about buying books. I've actually got six on their way in the mail as we speak. I love online as well as library bookstore browsing, it's a very good way to discover new authors. Browsing on sites such as Thrift Books or Discover Books because they are online thrift store retailers. This means they have used books for on average $3.50 so it's easy to get book crazy.

To be completely honest, i'm not too crazy about e-books. They have grown on me quite a bit as far as convenience when you're on the go. I like to read on my way too and from work so I keep man e-books on my phone since hardcover novels tend to be bulky and not easy to haul around everywhere. There's nothing like the musty smell and the feel of the pages between your fingers though. You don't have to worry about the battery dying mid sentence. no light? it's easy to buy portable book lights for your travels.

Made obvious by this blog, I like to review every book I finish reading just about the day after I read it while it's contents are relatively fresh in my mind. It's another way to share experiences and a way to learn about people. I love being able to share my opinion and give others ideas on what to read next. I even partake in a "We Love Reading" group on Facebook. It's easy to learn about new authors or different genres if you'd like to leave your comfort zone and try something new.

I'm rather glad this time my love of reading stuck. You learn a lot that way.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets: A Book Review

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets: A Book Review

**SPOILERS**

I have been on a Harry Potter kick lately. It's extremely difficult not to get lost in these books. In fact, I read the second installment in less than 48 hours. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation even though I have seen all the movies.

**SPOILER ALERT**

The novel has very few similarities to the movie. It has many differences as well. Ron's famous line from the movie "why does it have to be spiders, why can't it be follow the butterflies?" was not present in the book neither was a lot of Gilderoy Lockheart's amusing scene after his memory charm backfired. which was a bummer but there were a few amusing instances otherwise.

I liked how Tom Riddle explained to Harry about how Ginny Weasley wrote to him as if he were a personal diary. It's too bad Ginny was extremely foolish. Kind of makes you think that Harry could have done better in the end of the series as far as relationships go. The magic still stands however and this is an extremely enchanting book as I assume the whole series is.

J.K. Rowling has a knack for story telling. She captivates your mind with a charm of magic and adventure. She makes it damn near impossible to put down for there is something interesting happening within every page. The characters are delightful and fun to learn about and the main three, Harry, Hermione, and Ron have great chemistry which makes reading the book rather amusing.

I'm looking forward spending my free time getting into new adventures that J.K. has in store with this series of captivating novels.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone: A Book Review

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone: A Book Review

** SPOILERS**

I believe there's not many from my generation who didn't go, excuse my french, "ape shit" when these novels first debuted in the US in the early Y2K's decade. My mother and various relatives each contributed to getting me the entire series to try and spark a love of reading. Now mind you my love of reading didn't strike and stick until 2017. With showing little interest in wanting to read these novels back then my mom gave my series away. but now year 2018 is going to be different.

At 2:00 A.M on January 7th since about 6:30 P.M on the 6th, I pulled an all nighter just to finish this novel. All I can really say is it'll suck you in to the point when you snap back into reality you need to look around to see where you really are. While reading I felt like I was wondering the corridors of Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This book really puts you into a sort of witchy trance and is extremely captivating. J.K. Rowling has one hell of an imagination and can put it to paper beautifully.

**Spoiler Alert**

The book has many similarities yet also some differences from their name sake motion picture. My favorite quote in this novel that did not turn up in the movie is by the poltergeist Peevy, he says "naughty naughty, you'll get caughty" and I found that very clever. it was easy to imagine Maggie Smith, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, and others from the movie in place of their characters in the novel. I suppose it sort of takes away from the fun of imagining in your head what these characters might look like since J.K was very vague in describing the characters in my opinion.

I accidentally skipped ahead and read chapters 10 and 11 on my E-Reader which is actually my mobile phone a few days before my binge reading session. I had watched the movie recently and were remembering scenes from the movie that i hadn't actually read yet. Last night I went back ffffto Chapter 5 and read 8 chapters while skipping chapters 9 and 10 for obvious reasons. Then as soon as I awoke this morning I finished 16 and 17.

I'm rather looking forward to the remainder of this series now that I've tasted the world of Harry Potter behind the motion picture. I give major Kudos to ms. Rowling for her art on a pad of paper. I actually wish now I would have read it in Junior High like everyone else but I've never quite been on the trend train.

Practical Magic: Book or Movie?

Practical Magic: Book or Movie?

**SPOILERS**

As my first book of 2018 I finally read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Even though the movie shares the same title they are nothing alike except for character names. It is refreshing yet somewhat of a bummer at the same time. They both however carry their own sense of charm. I've loved the movie for years and when I fell into my reading frenzy decided to buy it to read. I have sort of been really into fantasy and magic. Hell, now i'm reading Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. I'm getting ahead of myself here though.

The book is about sisters Sally and Gillian Owens who go down completely different paths. Sally the typical PTA mother and Gillian the serial wife who doesn't quite have a grasp on what it means to truly love and be loved. They find their way through a hard time as sisters while trying to cover up an accidental death of Gillian's ex lover. You may recognize this part from the film. This event bringing Gary Hallet into Sally's life and the magic that seems to strike them like Cupid's arrow.

**SPOILER ALERT**

The book is different because in the movie all of this happens in the Aunts's home where Sally's daughters are still relatively young. In the book however, Sally and her daughters have moved out of the Aunts's home to a different state where Antonia and Kylie are a young adult and teenager. They also have completely different personalities. Jimmy's havoc among the Owens sisters is somewhat changed from book to movie as well. In the movie where roses grow, they were replaced by Lilacs in the novel.

I kind of wonder why they made such big changes when they adapted the book into a screenplay to turn into a film. As in my review about Neil Gaiman's short novel "Stardust"which was also made into a motion picture, there are parts of the movie I fancied more than some events in the book and vice versa.

Nevertheless I find both the film and the novel magical and charming Alice is an exquisite writer in her ways of story telling and brought up realistic characters that are easy to relate to. Yet there are some instances where you remember you're reading a novel and not venturing into another world with it's magic spells and potions type essence it's still a good novel to be put on your "To Be Read" lists this year.

Book Goals 2018

Book Goals 2018

To kick off the new year i'm finishing "Practical Magic". Last year I read 13-14 books. At least according to GoodReads where I keep up on my reading endeavors. This year my goal is to read 30 or more books. Wish me luck!

At the moment I'm working on three novels. Practical Magic, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (hope to complete the series this year), and Midnight Crossroads which is part of the Midnight, Texas series by Charlaine Harris. I seem to like Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, and the last thing that connects these three novels is that they were all turned into a television program whether it be a movie or television show. I love to compare the movie to the book or vice-versa.

 

A friend of mine gave me a very good idea which i'm going to start today. It's the jar a book challenge. Or so I named it anyway. It's where you keep a mason jar and every book you finish reading you place a dollar into the jar. At the end of the year you use the money you saved to buy something book related. Like more books or bookmarks, a bookcase, whatever you like surrounding your love for reading depending on how much you got done that year.

Hopefully i'll have a lot to contribute to my brain this year. Can never have enough books. Speaking of books my book case is overstocked with novels to be read this year. Now if only my addiction to book shopping would die down a bit i'd be set! Happy Reading Everyone!