Book Review: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Title:  Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Author:  A.S. King

Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Published:  October 12th 2010

Format:  Hardcover, 336 pages 
ISBN: 0375865861 (ISBN13: 9780375865862) 

Summary from Goodreads: 

"Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?"

Thoughts:

A Talking Pagoda

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King had a very unique concept of story delivery.  Yes it's very common to have multiple characters talking about their sides of the story in one novel, but this one did more than that - it did not just have people giving their insights, but an inanimate object as well.   It was also able to convey this really poignant feel without being too depressing as the blurbs would have us believe.  It showed objectivity but it did not detach the reader from the emotional quality of the book.

But...

...some parts felt dragging and too slow, often a bit too redundant.  I get it, Vera got screwed over by her best friend, but she still had to clear his name or she won't be able to live with herself.  Do I really want to read some slightly differed variations of this situation over and over before finally getting this issue resolved?  No, I already got the gist of it the first few times it was mentioned.

But then...

...at least I was able to enjoy Vera's dry wit and sarcasm and her father's labile behavior.  I poked fun at her dad's seemingly square personality and I was so angered at Jenny Flick's unbelievably nasty antics. 

Of course...

...I looked forward to reading about the book's resolution and whoah, imagine my surprise (and disappointment) that it got really fast-paced towards the end that although it was satisfying to see it end the way I liked it (not a spoiler, I do not necessarily always want a happy ending.  Again, NOT a spoiler), it just felt a bit hurried in the way that the original premise felt too slowed down.

And the verdict...

...I liked reading Please Ignore Vera Dietz, it had some awesome potential.  Maybe if I read it a few more times I'd get what Ms. King wanted the readers to see in her story.  But for now, I'd say it's OK.

Oh and by the way...

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way. 

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.


'Til the next book!

Book Review: Sue's Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson

Book Info

  
Title:  Sue's Fingerprint

Author:  Andrew D. Carlson

Language: English

Format:  Paperback

ISBN - 13:  978-0615456225

Pages:  232 pages

Source:  From the author, Andrew D. Carlson

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"A gel-like substance is suddenly discovered across the country. Ted Stevens, a Director in the Department of Homeland Security, is assigned to investigate. He enlists the help of scientists at a government laboratory to analyze the ‘goo’. They discover the substance was sent to Earth and has unique properties; it can clone animals. Ted soon learns the substance can also clone humans. 

Sue is the first of eleven new people cloned from the alien substance. She and the others arrive without prior knowledges (and without clothes!). They are discovered and recovered by Ted and contained on an abandoned military base. While there, the clones learn about themselves and the world around them. They also receive a message. Sue decides she must deliver it, and one morning they find she’s gone. 

During the recovery of Sue, Ted learns of the clones’ message and begins to understand their true intentions. He needs to know more about the clones, so he collects samples for DNA fingerprint testing. The fate of the new people will be decided by the results from Ted’s friends at the laboratory."

Review

Ever wondered what would happen if there were human clones?  Would they have the same knowledge as the cloned person?  Would they have the same natural life span?  Can they live a normal human life among other 'uncloned' humans?  In scientist - now also a writer - Andrew D. Carlson's Sue's Fingerprint, he not just talks about the scientific dilemma of cloning humans and the possibility of alien life forms, he gives an insight into identity, personality, and the individuality of a person - cloned or otherwise.

Sue and her friends were cloned from humans from a gel-like substance that was dropped off the Earth's atmosphere from space.  Their adventures (and misadventures) as they attempted to live like any normal person were very human-like it was funny and endearing.  The concept of the story was unique, yet the delivery was simple and concise.  Any reader (be it a sci-fi fan or not) would definitely get hooked after reading a few pages of this book, wanting more.  I found myself lost in the story as it unfolded with vivid descriptions and relatable characters.  I liked how it talked about science without putting me to sleep, which I really think is a serious challenge because really, complicated stuff like DNA and atoms and molecules either give you serious information overload or get you bored out of your mind.  In some books, when it comes to the parts where detailed lectures about some scientific phenomena happen I tend to just scan through them because I found them to be too exhausting and a wee bit boring.  That never happened while reading Sue's Fingerprint.  The development of the story was just too exciting for me to notice that I have already waded through some very complicated scientific matters, and the way it was presented, it was like it was your own idea to learn about those topics anyway.  I like that it gave me a good story and taught me something interesting at the same time.

Reading about Sue and the other clones gave me such a kick that I found myself occasionally laughing at their antics because most times I felt like I was reading about someone I know - myself, even.  They were, I guess, based on real human characters but Mr. Carlson found the twist to make them as unique as possible.  The imagery that his descriptions provided really helped in accepting each and every person in this book and although the scientific side got me a bit puzzled, I nonetheless felt comfortable reading such a story, and actually as I turned to the last pages, I was left hankering for more.  I really wanted a sequel for this book and find some new interesting twists and new geeky stuff to learn about.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Andrew D. Carlson, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Mini Reviews (Because I'm drowning in books!) Part II

Part two of my mini reviews feature more YA fiction.  I know, some might wonder if I'm already crossing over to mainly YA books but it's just that there were a lot of YA books lying around in my TBR pile so I went ahead and read them to make way for some adult fiction (like True Grit by Charles Portis, which I'm very excited to read).

Girl, Stolen by April Henry
Henry Holt and Co., 213 pages
From The Boyfriend, bought from Fully Booked 

Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, their car is being stolen—with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes — now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?

Review:  After reading Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, it's no wonder that I would want to read something similar but entirely different, and in my opinion, Girl, Stolen by April Henry made that grade.  It was refreshing to read about a handicapped protagonist who, although burdened with a disability, was very resourceful and courageous.  It was great to read about someone that I know I and a lot of other people would want to look up to, someone who could be a role model.  Cheyenne deserves to be emulated by teens everywhere, as she tackles her situation and conquers her fear with her quick thinking, resourcefulness, and intelligence.  The second best character in this book in my opinion was not Griffin, but his father, Roy, who was so pathetic and scary and was nothing short of a monster.  I know that his presence - and the plot itself - might classify this book as from a darker YA genre, but there really are people like Roy who exist in real life, and his character was very spot-on.  Ms. Henry was able to write about a unique story with as much poignance, clarity, and emotion as possible.

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
Point, 288 pages
Received via Random Acts of Kindness from Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous  

Nina was beautiful, wild, and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, Nina disappeared. 2 years later, everyone has given up hope that Nina will return, but Ellie knows her sister is out there. If only Ellie had a clue where to look.Then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing. Determined to find Nina, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance - her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Lies. And the most shocking thing of all: the truth.

Review:  Obviously, this is one book I would place on my wishlist.  Why?  For its title.  I'm such a sucker for books that has characters with the same name as me.  So I really thank Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous for including this to the books she sent me for RAK.  

Moving on, I really thought Lynn Weingarten's Wherever Nina Lies was such a joyride I had to read it thrice after the first reading.  It was that good.  Sure there were some elements there that do not add up in reality, but those were exactly what made it more fun to read, because it was written with such convincing clarity you would willingly step into its fictional world and accept it as truth.  I also loved the characters and their unique personalities.  Really great read, and cover too!

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz
Bantam, 368 pages
Bought from Celina's Books and Magazines 

The news that he had incurable cardiomyopathy struck Ryan Perry as hard as any heart attack. The 34-year-old Internet tycoon felt that his days were numbered; but thanks to a transplant, he was able not only to survive but to move forward, enjoying every day with the gratitude of a true survivor. Then one day a gift arrives; a heart pendant accompanied by a Valentine's Day box of candy hearts. With it comes a chilling message ("Your heart belongs to me") and an even more frightening video. Suddenly, Ryan's healthy, throbbing heart has become the target of a madwoman.

Review:  I was really looking forward to my first-ever Dean Koontz book.  I was so interested in the story of Your Heart Belongs to Me that I did not hesitate to buy myself a copy.  The plot was awesome, the characters awesomer, the beginning was great, the middle was great plus one, but the end?  Not so much.  It began to get muddled and it was almost as if another story was spliced to the ending.  I thought that Mr. Koontz was trying to wax philosophical with this novel but it ended up being something entirely different.  Otherwise, I would still keep this book if only for the beginning and middle parts.

Wide Awake by David Levithan
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 240 pages
Bought from Celina's Books and Magazines 

In the not-too-impossible-to-imagine future, a gay Jewish man has been elected president of the United States. Until the governor of one state decides that some election results in his state are invalid, awarding crucial votes to the other candidate, and his fellow party member. Thus is the inspiration for couple Jimmy and Duncan to lend their support to their candidate by deciding to take part in the rallies and protests. Along the way comes an exploration of their relationship, their politics, and their country, and sometimes, as they learn, it's more about the journey than it is about reaching the destination.

Review:  Background Music:  Imogen Heap's 'Have You Got It In You'

Wide Awake by David Levithan could have been a prequel to Boy Meets Boy, where equality in all sexes was already prevalent; except some scenes from the latter were obviously more dated and occurred earlier than Wide Awake.  Emotionally-charged despite less heavy and traumatic scenes, the story happened in less than a week and tackled some dire issues heavily debated among communities such as homosexuality, religion, and politics (which I almost never talk about).  This book would really help the younger generation to become more self-aware and keep their eyes open for social issues confronting their times, at the same time maintaining that patented David Levithan intelligent humor and appeal that will certainly captivate its readers and advance their vocabulary.


*****
Four more books down!  


Check out my Mini Reviews Part One

Mini Reviews (Because I'm drowning in books!) Part I

Last time I checked, there were seven books that I needed to review, and as much as I would just like to not write anything, I thought it would be unfair to all those books (especially as I loved most of them).  However, Blogger gave me such a hard time that I gave up, and when I got back to this post, I already have nine books to talk about.  Nine.  I read way too fast these past few weeks but I was totally in a slump about what to write about books.  It's sad.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 266 pages
Bought from Powerbooks 

This extraordinary work chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, successful - but slowly going under, and maybe for the last time. Step by careful step, Sylvia Plath takes us with Esther through a painful month in New York as a contest-winning junior editor on a magazine, her increasingly strained relationships with her mother and the boy she dated in college, and eventually, devastatingly, into the madness itself.

Review:  I really loved The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.  It's like old school chick lit, but with more sensitive, more serious themes.  Esther was such a lively presence, even during the times when she was at her lowest.  The story just got to me and there were times when I had to pause because it got too emotional.  The voice just messes with your brain that you are led to believe everything, even the parts where it's obviously wrong but you get convinced otherwise.  Way to go Sylvia for your awesome story.  Too bad she's gone now. I would have loved to write her a letter.

 

Forget You by Jennifer Echols
MTV Books, 292 pages
Received via Random Acts of Kindness from Ashley @ BookAHolics Anonymous 

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Review:  There were some parts of the synopsis for Forget You by Jennifer Echols that was a bit misleading, but I still loved the overall story.  Some parts were a bit muddled, and sometimes I did not like Zoey all that much but the fact that I felt strongly about/against her just means that the writing style was very effective and made the novel really alive and realistic.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Penguin Classics, 453 pages
From The Boyfriend, bought from National Bookstore 

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.

Review:  Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was awesome!  It was funny, it was emotional, and most of all, it was powerful!  (OK enough of the exclamation points) I loved the dialogue, which was filled with humor and Jane's sarcastic wit.  She was snarky, smart, and had a lot of guts that had she been born in the present times she would have Girl Power written all over her.  The other characters were remarkable as well for contributing to a genuine feel to the novel.  The writing was a bit confusing at first, especially when Jane was describing what another person was telling her, but once you were able to wade through that, you're good.  I loved this book!

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman
Scholastic Press, 288 pages
Bought from Powerbooks 

June and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.

This is not that kind of love story.

Instead, they just hang around in each other's orbits...until eventually they collide. And even after that happens, they're still not sure where it will go. Especially when June starts to pity-date one of Wes's friends, and Wes makes some choices that he immediately regrets.

Review:  I've been looking for a copy of The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman for so long that I was so overjoyed when I found one and bought it right away - regardless how much it cost (it was pretty expensive).  Fortunately, I was spared from regretting the purchase.  The story contained within this book was worth every penny I paid for it; even though this is mainly a very light read, it had a lot of great moments and I loved that the romantic angle was uniquely executed.  The characters were the type you would want to be friends with had they been real, and the writing itself was simple enough that you can really focus on the story itself and not worry about other details. 

It should be noted that after I read this one, my Mom went ahead and devoured this book, and she was all mesmerized by the cover.

*****

Thought I'm done?  I'm just getting started.  Four books down, five AND MORE to go.  Watch out for the next mini review :D

Check out my Mini Reviews Part Two

Book Review: Across Eternity by Aris Whittier

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Across Eternity

Author:  Aris Whittier

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  298 pages

Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Aris Whittier

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"Born a genius; education, wealth, and prestige came easy to Logan Richards. Actually, there wasn't much that Logan couldn't learn or acquire. However, he knew there was more to life than money and power. Logan was determined to find the woman who he'd dreamed of his entire life and know what it was like to love her before he died.

Amber Lewis, a waitress for a five-star restaurant in, Dana Point, California, was overworked, stressed, and wary of life since her sister, Heather, had passed away. Then, one evening while working she fell hopelessly in love with Logan Richards, a chivalrous man who felt deeply familiar. 

For Amber, it was the beginning of a voyage of self-discovery and renewal. For Logan, it was the completion of life. For each of them it was the deepest sort of love."

Review

While I reading the synopsis for this book, Across Eternity by Aris Whittier, I had this slight feeling of deja vu as I thought it was highly similar to another book about reincarnation, My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares.  I was proven wrong when I began to read this book.

Across Eternity is all about two people, Logan and Amber, whose souls kept meeting every time they were reincarnated.  Logan, who meets a sort of 'imaginary friend' when he was younger, was told that this friend would be following him now to the present time but she would not remember him, although he would.  This 'imaginary friend' turns out to be Amber, a waitress and a very talented woman. 

I was very touched by this story.  It showed a unique mix of poignancy, romance, and humor.  Yes, humor.  Especially the part when Logan and Amber first meet.  The dialogue was very captivating in that it never experienced a lull, there were no dull moments in their conversations, and you can easily recognize each character from the things they say.  Each character's speech were very tailored to their personalities.  The voice was solid and entertaining, and authentic.  It did not try to mask any shallowness and it was very tongue-in-cheek.  The story was well-paced and easy to follow that even younger readers - or those who are typically not into this book's genre - will enjoy reading this book without any pressure to keep up with this book's own speed.

There are many books out there written about romance and reincarnation.  Many of them good, many are awesome, and many flopped.  But Across Eternity, with its unique twists and witty dialogue will distinguish itself from all of these titles and will surely carve a niche of its own out of this giant rock that is the romance genre.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Aris Whittier, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Photo taken from Fantastic Fiction

Book Info

   

Title:  Luna

Author:  Julie Anne Peters
Publisher:  Little, Brown Books

Language: English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  145 pages

ISBN - 10:  0316011274

ISBN - 13:  978-0316011273

Source:  Purchased, National Book Store

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"Regan's brother, Liam, can't stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from whom Liam has chosen his female namesake, his true self, Luna, reveals herself only at night. For years, Liam has transformed himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be with the help from his sister's clothes and makeup in the secrecy of their basement bedrooms. Now, everything is about to change - Luna is preparing to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam's family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives?

Compelling and provocative, this is a groundbreaking novel about a transgender teen's struggle for self-identity and acceptance."

Review

Picking this up from the store, I was not really sure what to expect in this book, Luna by Julie Anne Peters.  I thought this had some fantasy/paranormal influences, I should have known better, because it turns out it's as realistic as it gets.  I was initially bummed, not by the book but by my apparent ignorance, and then totally thrilled as this is definitely a unique book.  Not because it's about transgenders - who are people who have this feeling of 'being born in the wrong body' unlike gays and lesbians - but it's because it's a different account of living in the shadow of homophobia, as this was written through the point of view of a person closest to the transgender.

Regan's older brother Liam seems like your typical model teenage boy:  Straight A's, awesome side job, cool car, well-dressed, and quite approachable.  However, during the night, he would dress up in women's clothing and revel in the femininity of his appearance as Luna, his considered 'real' personality.  Regan is the only one who knows about Liam/Luna's situation, and try as she might, she can't shake off the fact that her brother is living a double life as it also consumes her daily living helping to cover up the truth, and being the only person that Liam/Luna can talk to about being transgender.

First off, the plot.  I loved that it discussed something as hugely misunderstood as transgender, and that the author did not shrink from laying the truth bare about these individuals - the daily struggles, the inner turmoil, and the oppression from other people.  The general misconception that they are automatically 'gay' was also touched upon, and although there were a few story-related questions bugging me by the end of the novel, it was very enlightening to read such an honest portrayal of a person in this situation.  It also sent a message to teenagers, transgender or not.  The message is acceptance.  Acceptance of who you really are.  In this case, since this is primarily Regan's story, it taught her not just acceptance of Liam's situation, but acceptance of herself as well.  A lesson that the youth are very likely to overlook.

The characters were very complex but likable, especially since they are obviously flawed and damaged.  Regan is farm from perfect:  Dislikes change, had a hard time taking responsibility for her own actions, isolates herself from other people, and - although fairly unnoticeable - ashamed of her brother's situation.  Liam on the other hand, is conflicted, while Luna is self-centered; but living in secret, what other choice does she have?  However, the character I am most concerned, intrigued, and irked with was their mother.  She was a mystery and I'm still confused about her intentions as regards to Liam's gender orientation.

The writing was very poignant, emotionally-charged, and lyrical.  Although Regan's point of view was used to narrate the story, I did not have any difficulty distinguishing the different characters' personalities from each other.  The voice was distinct and solid.  I also admired that this book had some very funny moments, even during times of intense drama.  A sense of humor was never taken for granted in the writing of this novel, something you would not normally expect in a story of this intensity. 

The message of acceptance in this book is very touching, and teens - even older readers - will surely be captivated by the beauty and melancholy of this story.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Between by Cyndi Tefft

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Between

Author:  Cyndi Tefft
Publisher:  CreateSpace

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  140 pages

Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Cyndi Tefft

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries."

Review

Between by Cyndi Tefft would have been just a typical love story if it weren't for the twists and turns that this novel take.  Ms. Tefft has certainly done a great job creating a beautiful, touching, emotional, and engaging book that not just talks about love in the emotional and romantic sense, but also in the spiritual.

Between is the story of Lindsey, who gets into a car accident and finds herself with a mysterious handsome Scott, Aiden MacRae, whose job as a transporter is to take the dead souls to heaven.  But instead of taking her to heaven straightaway, the two fall in love.

I did not like Lindsey at first.  She appeared flat and more caricature-like, until she revealed her memories to Aiden and gave the readers the opportunity to get to know her deeper.  When I finally understood her, it was with a happy acceptance and somehow, I saw bits of myself in her.  I guess everyone would, as there is a little of Lindsey in all of us.  She has this ability to make the best in every situation, an admirable trait in a person who has experienced probably the most traumatic event in his/her life.

Like Lindsey, I feared that I would not like the story much.  It sounded too predictable and exhausted.  However, as I got to read more I found myself really getting into the book and loving the characters and feeling as they felt.  The twists and turns that this novel too were unrealistically realistic that for a moment, I sympathized so much with Lindsey and even found myself tearing up in the oddest times.  The plot was very simple, but this simplicity was what made it more alive and vivid; on the other hand, the turn of events provided the complexity that this story needed and which sustained the reader's interest.

Fair bit of warning, though:  This book contained a lot of Christian references, if only because of Lindsey's faith.  Of course, you can't talk about death without dealing with the spiritual ideals and in my opinion, Ms. Tefft certainly did a great job in handling this part of the premise with finesse and understanding.  She did not just insert these religious attributes for the sake of talking the readers into converting or anything like that, she mentioned Christianity in a way that a person talks about going to the doctor when you're sick - she's not telling you to accept and do the same, but just letting you know the options.  If you're a stickler for spiritual neutrality, then you might want to steer clear from this book, although I'd still appeal to you to give this book a chance, it might just surprise you.

Overall, I loved Between by Cyndi Tefft.  I loved the harmonious mix of the spiritual and emotional to create this special, well-written novel.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Cyndi Tefft, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

   

Title:  Slice of Cherry

Author:  Dia Reeves
Publisher:  Simon Pulse

Language: English

Format:  Hardcover

Pages:  512 pages

ISBN - 13:  978-1416986201

Source:  Purchased, Fully Booked

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"Kit and Fancy Cordelle are sisters of the best kind: best friends, best confidantes, and best accomplices. The daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, Kit and Fancy are used to feeling like outsiders, and that’s just the way they like it. But in Portero, where the weird and wild run rampant, the Cordelle sisters are hardly the oddest or most dangerous creatures around.

It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities…"

Review

First of all, this book is not a part of a series.  This is another Twisted novel by Dia Reeves, in which Bleeding Violet was the first Twisted book.  That's where the connection ends. Reading this book was like reading a psychotic's version of Alice in Wonderland.  It was definitely crazier than the first book.

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves stood out against other books with its unique premise.  You rarely see protagonists acting like the bad guys.  Most books that feature a 'villainous' main character mostly show their inner kindness, but this book, with its sticky-sweet but deadly heroes refused to strike a balance between the good and the bad, and just told the story as is, the brutal truth unsettling but fascinating.  Kit and Fancy Cordelle were sisters whose murderous tendencies they let shine through when Fancy discovers a door that will let them hide every evidence of their crimes.  However, they only kill the 'bad guys' and try to help in improving their community, as opposed to the merciless and inconceivable rampage their father, the Bonesaw Killer, enjoyed that led to his imprisonment and imminent execution.

I know that comparing this to Bleeding Violet is unfair as they are two different books.  But it is strikingly clear that what made Bleeding Violet such an awesome read was because of its characters.  On the other hand, Slice of Cherry in my opinion will be distinguished by its plot.  

Fancy and Kit were not as strong characters as Hannah from Bleeding Violet was.  Fancy was too whiny and though most of the story was seen through her point of view, I disagreed a lot with her and cannot get into her.  Usually, I absorb the points of view of characters whose thoughts are mirrored in the narration.  In her case, I had difficulty doing that and got irritated with her actions more than once.  Kit was a bit too lukewarm.  The more interesting character among them for me was Ilan.  He provided much of the humor, and this sense of wholeness that was not too felt from the other characters, especially the sisters.  Gabriel, on the other hand, was just too flat.

Character problems aside, the premise was very intriguing.  It was like reading the Dexter series by Jeffrey Lindsey, only younger, girlier, and more twisted.  The plot was what attracted me to this book in the first place and although I did not agree much with every character, I was still mesmerized by the flow of the story.  The strange occurrences, the 'door,' it made me admire Ms. Reeves more as I delved more into her imagination.  And although her main aim is to just tell a good story, I think she managed to leave a few lessons along the way without the reader consciously noticing.  

You know the best part of the book that I liked?  It's the cover.  It totally speaks to me and looks exactly as what I thought about this book.  It really spoke volumes about the ingenuity of this book and the strange, unique, but fantastic story contained within.

Rating

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All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

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