Review: Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

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20130927-090109.jpg Behind the Beautiful Forevers is a well-written account of four years in a Mumbai slum, Annawadi.

Katherine Boo is thorough and clear in her descriptions of slum-dwellers in relation to business and government; and their pain, suffering, and deep-running socioeconomic issues. Boo’s precision comes from her perseverance undertaking numerous and repetitive interviews with people to ensure she understood every angle of a situation.

Although the book is nonfiction, it seems unreal at times. Boo opens our eyes to the tragedy of living in a slum by introducing us to a dozen or so “main characters” — the trash-picker recyclers, the mother trying to join in government corruption, the young woman trying to get an education, teenagers glimpsing adolescent love, the one-legged woman, the females who try to commit suicide by burning or poison, the non-working husbands who are ill or drunk, the wives who have multiple affairs. I read their true, sad, compelling stories in near disbelief.

I struggled reading this book because instead of a linear documentation of events, Boo skipped around the timeline, added flashbacks, and re-told many of the stories. I understand that writing should imitate the subject matter (sad writing bolsters a sad story) but just because the lives of Annawadians are repetitive and circular does not mean that’s the best way to tell their story.

I would have been more engaged if the book was only half as long: do away with the repetitiveness and remembering. Ironically, the author’s note at the end made me tear up, while the main story did not. If Katherine Boo wrote the whole book from her eyes, in a linear timeline, it may have kept my interest.

I’m glad I read Behind the Beautiful Forevers. I’m both grateful and embarrassed for the fortune of America while slum-dwellers in India survive day to day or even hour to hour. The facts of the book are compelling. I just wish the presentation captured me more.

-Calliope

Buy it now Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Review: Flat-Out Love, by Jessica Park

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I feel in love with Matt at the escalators.

I fell in love with Finn in the elevator.

What’s a girl to do???

This book was such a surprise to me. I never read reviews, so I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen. I am so glad I didn’t. I just loved this!!

Julie was in Boston for college, and ends up living with a family that anything but normal. But she never thought that they were just what she needed, or that she was exactly what they needed.

Matt, is a cute, crazy t-shirt wearing, font nerd, who makes Julie so happy. He is an overprotective brother and she loves him for it.

Celeste is a quirky girl who doesn’t believe in contractions, and who also loves her brothers fiercely.

Finn is everything Julie wants, even thought she’s never meet him. But she flat out loves him. When he talks her though the elevator scene, I was bit in love with him too.

This book was filled with so many sweet scenes that made me cry and made me crack up. The Facebook posts were hilarious!

“Finn is God: So much for Earth Day. I totally screwed things up and started celebrating the wrong planet. Now I have to collect all these stupid trademarked dog figurines that I distributed all of the yard. At least it’s better than last year’s mistake when I had butt statues everywhere.”

This books was about love through and through. Romance love. Sisterly love. Brotherly love. and your all around family love.

“Love is a portion of the soul itself, and it is of the same nature as the celestial breathing of the atmosphere of paradise.”

I was so hooked on Matt that I never saw the ending coming, until it slammed in my face and left me devastated. Yet another book I wanted to reach in and hug someone.

Julie learns that love sometimes catches you off guard and isn’t always black and white.

I loved this book so much, I can hardly put it in words. Sweet and funny, with a heaping of romance. So hard to write about it, when all I want to do is read it again. The perfect quick read.

“…Let’s not pull this chute.”

~Melpomene

Buy it now Flat-Out Love

Review: Never Go Back by Lee Child

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17262159 Have you meet Reacher? I’ve known him for years now. On release day I always wanna set out an extra cup of black coffee just for him. As an avid reader with hundreds, no, thousands of books on my TBR pile, I admit, there are only two authors that I read the day that they publish. One is John Sandford. The other is Lee Child. As I read this book, I realized why. I am never disappointed in these books. “Never Go Back” was one of my favorites from the series. Of course I pretty much say that with every one of the series but this time I think I really mean it! There is a reason why the Reacher books are so popular. I’ve been trying to figure out why for years. I still haven’t placed my finger one exactly what it is, but I have no doubt that they are deserving of all the acclaim and success the series has.

I started this series long before Lee Child was a household name. There once was a time years ago when the only books I picked up were mystery/thriller type books. Now it’s a type of book I rarely read. When I did read mysteries/thrillers I spent maybe 10 years or more reading next to nothing else. It was during one of my many searches for a new book that I ran across the first of this series. I was hooked and read all that were out back to back. Of course, this was a when there were only 3 or so published. I’ve set my internal alarm for years now for my next Reacher fix. I always have it preordered months and months in advance.

So as someone that has read the series for years and years, why does this one stick out for me? Well, for one, I’ve been waiting for this story for a few years! “61 Hours” was published in 2010!!!!!!!!!!! This is the follow up to that cliffhanger. Finally, we find out more about the voice that intrigued Reacher enough to travel thousands of miles….

So was it worth it? Was Reacher’s travels worth it? Was my wait worth it? I think so. This was a classic Reacher novel. It was truly everything that makes the series great. You had Reacher silent and thinking. You had his instant 3 second fight that Child painstakingly takes the time of 3 pages to write out….if you have read the books, you know exactly the ones that I mean…..The inside workings of Reacher’s mind as he’s about to kick some serious arse! You’re trying to read every single word on the page, but at the same time you are rushing to speed read to get to the part where the serious arse whipping occurs! You also had the army….and Reacher playing MP/Investigator. The diners were there, as well as the random encounter with a group of idiot bullies. As always there is the travel toothbrush and a changing of clothes…..and you also had the bad guys and the damsel in distress that always seems present whenever Reacher is around.

However, you also had a very softer side of Reacher that has only been hinted at before in other books in the series. Of course, it’s not fully exposed in this novel….but Reacher does start to ask himself questions that he has never allowed for in the past.

I shall leave you, the reader, to find out what those questions are for yourselves. As well as the answers that Reacher gives…..

I always am sad to see a Reacher book end….I know I shall have a bit of a wait for the next….but this time, I REALLY didn’t want it to end….Reacher….I’m still waiting…..I have the kettle on for you….isn’t it about time we share a cup in person???????? No need for me to tell you my location….I know you can figure it out…..

~Urania

Buy it now Never Go Back

Review: The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

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17830252 Gretchen is a “tough girl” that does not need help from anyone. She’s a roller derby girl, covered with tattoos and has multiple jobs. She hasn’t quite been able to get her life and future on track. Enter Dr. Jared Fine, who is not so great with the ladies. Or rather he is great with the ladies, just not this one.

While Jared tries to be gallant and rescue Gretchen, she just doesn’t need rescuing. As they start to date and maneuver about their incredibly different worlds they both get more and more drawn in to each other. Gretchen does not fell for any of Jared’s smooth lines and forces him to be real with her which completely throws him for a loop. Meanwhile Jared forces Gretchen to be open to the idea of him being there for her.

I kind of loved this book. I’m not surprised because I have a thing for tattoos and Gretchen has major tattoos everywhere and there are a few that intrigue Jared in particular and are the focus of some scenes. My favorite thing about this book is the banter between Gretchen and Jared. As she calls him on his ridiculously smooth moves I could just picture the astonishment on Jared’s face. As this carries throughout the book it just made me laugh every time.

The external forces that come into play in their relationship were also interesting, but for me the best part was specifically the two main characters. Oh – and the dog. Jared rescues a freaking dog very early in the book so I was obviously done in at that point. How can I not love a dog rescuing Dr. who falls for a tattoo covered tough girl??

4 stars

~Clio

Buy it Now The Derby Girl (Getting Physical)

Review: By Proxy by Katy Regnery

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This charming romance novel revolves around Jenny, a small town Montana girl from a close-knit family, and Sam, a work-hard-play-hard corporate guy who lives in Chicago but has Montana family ties.

Jenny and Sam agree to help their loved ones get married from afar by standing in for them by proxy. While they wait for their courtroom appointment, they have a few days to get to know each other. I’ll let you read for yourself how THAT goes. There’s quite a bit of personal growth, family loyalty, snowy fun, and new love in there … and a happily ever after, too.

The first few chapters were a little awkward to read. But the awkward writing mimicked the discomfort of Sam and Jenny as they felt each other out and determined how their feelings were going to play out. The writing became smoother and more natural as Jenny and Sam became more comfortable with each other.

I indeed sighed at Sam’s romantic moments, clenched my fists with Jenny when she was frustrated, and felt my shoulders tense when another guy tried to make a move on Jenny. Katy Regnery sparked more interest with snippets of Swedish… little phrases that I am going to practice so I can use them when the right moment presents itself. And I had fun strolling with the loving couple, talking Glogg and enjoying the Christmassy atmosphere.

I totally loved that By Proxy didn’t try to be flashy or dramatic, but it still made me laugh and cry. Real tears, people! I felt for these characters. And I’m all in for the next book in this Heart of Montana series.

–Calliope

Buy it Now By Proxy

Review: Red Hill, by Jamie McGuire

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Let me start out by saying two things. First, I love Jamie McGuire’s writing. Beautiful Disaster has been in my top 5 books, since I read it. Absolutely LOVED that book! And second, and the most important, I hate zombie books. I really do. Hate, hate, hate. Can you see my dilemma? I wasn’t sure I wanted to read Red Hill, when she first told the world about it. But I kept going back to my first point, I really do like her writing. What’s a girl to do?? I was gonna wait til October 1st, when it comes out, and see what others said first. I don’t like gore, so I needed a warning. But then I was approved for an ARC, so that basically made my decision for me. I started it the very day it showed up. And I’m so glad I did.

It starts out on the cusp of a total world outbreak. You see glimpses of Scarlet and her two daughters, Daniel and his daughter Zoe and Miranda with her sister and both their boyfriends.

When the world finally ends, you watch them all travel to get to Red Hill. They meet all different kinds of people. The way everyone seemed to help each other, was very reassuring. If any world collapse happened, I’d hope people would be like this. It was quite a bumpy ride. I totally loved figuring out how their lives all intertwined. At one point, I chastised myself when I realized who a character was, in the big picture.

It was written from many POVs, but it wasn’t confusing. That was probably why I missed characters until they’re basically slapping me in the face. I love how all the character intertwined with each other. At one point I was cheering for one who showed up in the end. I thought this person was dead. I was sure of it. So glad I was wrong.

I wondered how Ms. McGuire would be able to swing a love story in the midst of zombies, without it being like Warm Bodies: A Novel. But she succeeded. The story spans over several months, which is the right amount of time for love to blossom.

And plenty of time for loss also. I did find myself tearing up at a few places, cuz I was attached to these characters. I was crossing my fingers that pain wouldn’t touch them. But, life is pain, and no is immune to it.

Let me just say, the pain that Scarlet was going through, I don’t know how she did it. I doubt I’d be able to stand like her.

The gore wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. It’s there, and it’s descriptive, but I’m just glad I was reading it and not watching it. I don’t think I could have handled seeing some of those on the big screen.

All in all, this was a good book. I’m glad I took a chance and read it. Who knew zombies and love went so well together.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

~Melpomene.

Buy it now Red Hill

Review: Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

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20130919-205920.jpg You know what happens four days from today? Christmas on 4th Street is released, and all you Susan Mallery fans (and Christmas romance fans) become happy campers!

You know what will make you even happier? Diving in to Noelle and Gabriel’s story. (Nice Christmassy character names, Ms. Mallery.)

Noelle’s three best friends are planning a triple wedding during the Fool’s Gold Christmas festival. One best friend’s fiancé has a cute doctor brother that comes to town for the wedding. I’m sure you can see where this is going… Kissing, dinners, getting caught in a remote cabin during a snowstorm … the usual.

A few things struck me as unique in this romantic tale. First, Noelle was the most optimistic person I’ve ever met in a book. I wasn’t annoyed, I was reflective. If Noelle could traverse tragedy and come out of it smiling, I should be able to do the same in my pretty smooth-going life. Second, Gabriel’s relationship with his dad was explored nicely. Mallery didn’t gloss over it; she showed me how Gabriel’s dad had so much influence over his emotional development that he totally needed his dad to nudge him into going and growing that extra step. And third, the dialogue was fresh and bold. These characters tell it like it is, with tact, but directly. I like that in real-life people, and I appreciate it in book characters.

I got my coffee and shopping fix on 4th Street in Fool’s Gold … and let my tears of joy fall at the big wedding. Mallery wrote just the right balance of Christmas, friends and family, wedding planning, and new love.

Don’t miss it.

–Calliope

Buy it Now Christmas on 4th Street

Review: Just One Year, by Gayle Forman

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I remember when I was approved for this ARC. I was so excited!! That is until I realized that it could only be read on my Fire and not my Kindle. Then I wasn’t so excited. But since it was number two in a series, I decided to read number one and see if I could find the motivation to read it. Well….I fell in love with Just One Day, so I knew I would love Just One Year. I was not wrong. So I fired up my Fire and prepared myself. I read this in one sitting, I was so engrossed in the story, I couldn’t put it down. I was determined to see Willem and Allyson connect.

This book is from Willem’s point of view. But it was different from the usual male POV, since we didn’t see him, for most of the first book. Most books, when they do the male POV, you kinda already know the story and it seems familiar. This one, however, was completely different.

Near misses, is the theme of this book. I was dying the whole time. I kept yelling commands to Willem, but he wasn’t listening. Telling him to stay where he is, or turn here, was proving darn near impossible. He just wasn’t listening!!!

Seeing him interact with his friends was very sweet. Seeing how much he has lost, wasn’t. I wanted to reach in a hug him. But I loved seeing him like this, looking for a home, that no longer exists, while trying find his Lulu.

Watching his heart break, was breaking mine. But watching his get put back together, made me cry harder. It seems like he never was able to feel loved. Even though he was, he just never knew it.

This was a story about discovering yourself and finding love among the accidents of life.

I can’t wait til this is released, in October, and y’all can join in the love. This was truly an amazing story!

I received this ARC for an honest review.
~Melpomene

Buy it now Just One Year

And don’t forget to grab Just One Day

Review: No One’s Angel by Kelly Walker

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18109730 Angel and Arion met while playing video games online and struck up a close friendship immediately. When Angel virtually disappears Arion is crushed and has his heart broken. When a bedraggled Angel shows up on his doorstep he is overjoyed at seeing her again and hopes to kindle a true relationship with her.

But Angel is terrified of something and is determined to keep that to herself. She won’t allow herself to get to close to Arion or let him into her world because she’s scared he’ll be affected by those she’s trying to keep in her past.

I really enjoyed this book for a few different reasons. The novelty of a romance set up like this, with a meet cute happening online was very current and I thought it was well done. It wasn’t the typical meet online type story since it was through gaming. I thought the romance between Angel and Arion felt realistic. There was also a lot of mystery and action tied into Angel’s past catching up to her.

I thought this was a nice YA/NA book that fans of the genre will enjoy.

3.5 stars

~Clio