There Lies a Hidden Scorpion by Takis and Judy Iakovou. Review coming soon.

These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan. Review coming soon.

City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende. Review coming soon.

Gotta Get Some Bish Bash Bosh by M.E. Allen

   Youth Fiction Pick

   Newly dumped because of a lack of bish bash bosh, or sex appeal, the protagonist is ready to make some major changes. The book could be better, but is not bad. It's clean, funny and engaging for young readers. It says it's written for a 6-9 grade audience, but I think that might be stretching it. I think more a 6/7 audience.

Favorite Quote:

"That girl could stir up a riot in a bag of marshmallows."

Overall Opinion:

The first person narrative and perspective was quite engaging. I liked his personality. I enjoyed his journey.

Rating:

7

Thanks for the Memories by Cecilia Ahern

   Okay. I think I have a definite read on Ms. Ahern. A little too precious, obvious conclusion, takes way too long to get there.

Favorite Quote:

"Finally words start spilling out of his mouth, as though they'd been queuing up impatiently."

Overall Opinion:

This is one instance where the movie version is definitely an improvement. Having to release the audience in 90 minutes limits the triteness and brings the inevitable to a more rapid conclusion.

Rating:

6

A Better Angel by Chris Adrian

   Just what short stories are supposed to be. A question mark in the beginning and an open mystery at the end. I had such a good time reading this book.


Favorite Quote:

"She yodels again, or yiddles, or whatever it is, that sound like some rebel parrot would make."


Overall Opinion:

Mysterious and a little creepy, the stories are hauntingly terrific.


Rating:

Yes!

The Gift by Cecilia Ahern

A little precious.

Favorite Quote:

"The elevator pinged and the doors opened, like welcoming arms ready to embrace the next guest. But there was nobody there. It waited, but nobody entered, and so it crossed its arms in a huff, and descended again.

Overall Opinion:

Wouldn't go back to it.

Rating:

4