Skip Beat! Volume 2 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Title: Skip Beat! Volume 2
Author: Yoshiki Nakamura
Type: Manga
Genre: Shoujo
Series: Yes, Volume 2
Pages: 208
Copyright: 2006
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he's casting her out now that he's famous enough! Kyoko won't suffer in silence--she's going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz!

Feelings:
I enjoyed this volume more than the first. It developed the main character, Kyoko more. She is funny in a dark way. Sometimes I find the drawings a little bit overly dramatic but that is the case with many mangas I've read.

Kyoko finds a second opportunity to become a star in show biz and even though she has to get people to love her as part of a Love Me Section of the company she decides to go for it. 

Zlata's Diary by Zlata Filipovic

Title: Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo
Author: Zlata Filipovic
Type: Nonfiction
Genre: Diary
Series: No
Pages: 208
Copyright: 1994
Publisher:Viking Penguin
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
In a voice both innocent and wise, touchingly reminiscent of Anne Frank's, Zlata Filipovic's diary has awoken the conscience of the world. Now thirteen years old, Zlata began her diary just before her eleventh birthday, when there was peace in Sarajevo and her life was that of a bright, intelligent, carefree young girl. Her early entries describe her friends, her new skis, her family, her grades at school, her interest in joining the Madonna Fan Club. And then, on television, she sees the bombs falling on Dubrovnik. Though repelled by the sight, Zlata cannot conceive of the same thing happening in Sarajevo. When it does, the whole tone of her diary changes. Early on, she starts an entry to "Dear Mimmy" (named after her dead goldfish): "SLAUGHTERHOUSE! MASSACRE! HORROR! CRIMES! BLOOD! SCREAMS! DESPAIR!" We see the world of a child increasingly circumscribed by the violence outside. Zlata is confined to her family's apartment, spending the nights, as the shells rain down mercilessly, in a neighbor's cellar. And the danger outside steadily invades her life. No more school. Living without water and electricity. Food in short supply. The onslaught destroys the pieces she loves, kills or injures her friends, visibly ages her parents. In one entry Zlata cries out, "War has nothing to do with humanity. War is something inhuman." In another, she thinks about killing herself. Yet, with indomitable courage and a clarity of mind well beyond her years, Zlata preserves what she can of her former existence, continuing to study piano, to find books to read, to celebrate special occasions - recording it all in the pages of this extraordinary diary.

Feelings:
Zlata starts keeping a diary before the war breaks out in Bosnia. When she starts her diary we see that she is a normal young girl who thinks about school, her friends, and popular culture. when the conflict starts in a near by city she does not think it will come to Sarajevo. Over the two years that Zlata kept her diary we see the changes that come over her city and her family.

I am using this book with a student who is learning English. I have found so far that the level of the writing is such that it is easy to understand and we are able to have conversations about the book and what is happening. Reading about this reminded me of hearing about the conflict when I was growing up. This book made it real for me when it hadn't been before.

I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read and Zlata is strong even when things are falling apart around her.

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

Title: The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
Author: Diane Ackerman
Type: Audiobook
Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Genre: Nonfiction history
Series: No
Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Rating: 2 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
The New York Times bestseller: a true story in which the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo saved hundreds of people from Nazi hands.

After their zoo was bombed, Polish zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski managed to save over three hundred people from the Nazis by hiding refugees in the empty animal cages. With animal names for these "guests," and human names for the animals, it's no wonder that the zoo's code name became "The House Under a Crazy Star." Best-selling naturalist and acclaimed storyteller Diane Ackerman combines extensive research and an exuberant writing style to re-create this fascinating, true-life story—sharing Antonina's life as "the zookeeper's wife," while examining the disturbing obsessions at the core of Nazism.

Feelings:
This book was a bit hard for me to get into even as an audiobook. The narrator did a really good job. It was hard for me because while this was a story it often wandered off on tangents. While these were interesting, I often didn't see how they related to the story of the war and the zoo.  

I had originally gotten this as a paperback book, however, I am glad I didn't try and read it because I never would have made it through. I appreciated Suzanne Toren reading this because it added to the story and without it being something I was listening to on my drives to and from work I don't think this would have been a book I continued. I do admit that the ending didn't really work for me and I think the book could have been shorter and probably better for it. I do not recommend that anyone sit down to read this book because it is very slow passed and at times drifts from the story of the Nazi occupation of Warsaw and leaves you wondering why that was important to the book and story of Antonina, the zookeeper's wife.
 

Skip Beat! Volume 1 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Title: Skip Beat! Volume 1
Author: Yoshiki Nakamura
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 1
Pages: 184
Copyright: 2006
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
Kyoko always thought that Sho, whose family took her in when she was small, was her prince charming. However, when Sho heads for Tokyo to make it big as a musician, Kyoko goes with him and has to quit high school to support his dream. But soon, being in the big city makes Kyoko realize that she has show business ambitions of her own!
 
Feelings:
I have been hearing about this manga for years now. It isn't the fantasy that I normally read but I thought I would give it a try.

The first volume was funny. A girl follows a guy to Tokyo and supports him in his endever to become a pop star. However, she finds out he brought her because she was like a maid and he didn't even like her. What follows is a good laugh. 

In Seconds by Brenda Novak

Title: In Seconds

Author: Brenda Novak

Type: Novel 
Genre: Romance

Series: Yes, Bulletproof #2

Pages: 400
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Mira
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
They're back...

Laurel Hodges has changed her identity twice. She's been on the run for the past four years, trying to outdistance the gang members who blame her for the death of one of their own. She's finally found peace and stability in the small town of Pineview, Montana. But just when she thinks she and her children are safe...the nightmare starts all over again.

Feelings:
I was sorting books at work, probably not the best idea in retrospect, and I picked this up and wondered if it was romance or thriller. It was a little of both but I think mostly romance. By the time I realized I had done more than find out what the book was I was hooked and thus I read the book at home later. This is not what I look for when I'm looking for a book to read but I did enjoy reading this. I'm not going to read the others in the series. I had no idea I started with the second one. I didn't seem to matter much. This was an enjoyable brain candy stop. 

The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck

Title: The Big Wave 
Author: Pearl S. Buck 
Type: Novella  
Genre: Fiction 
Series: No 
Pages: 64 
Copyright: 1986 
Publisher: HarperCollins 
Rating: 3.5 out of5

Summary: from Goodreads
Kino lives on a farm on the side of a mountain in Japan. His friend, Jiya, lives in a fishing village below. Everyone, including Kino and Jiya, has heard of the big wave. No one suspects it will wipe out the whole village and Jiya's family, too. As Jiya struggles to overcome his sorrow, he understands it is in the presence of danger that one learns to be brave, and to appreciate how wonderful life can be.

The famous story of a Japanese boy who must face life after escaping the tidal wave destruction of his family and village.

Feelings: 
I remembered reading The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck and thinking it was a really good novel. This was good but it wasn't as strong of a story. This is a story of life and the ability of people to go on living even when everything is taken from them.

I would recommend this story. It is quick read and it shows the strength of humans to give and to forgive nature.

Black Bird Volume 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Title: Black Bird, Volume 1
Author: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 16 of 23 
Pages: 194
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
He loves her blood, but does her love her?!

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. All that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts--with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves--by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive...and decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.

Feelings:
I really enjoyed the first volume of this series. Misao Harada is a high school girl who wants to be normal but she can see demons no one else can see. They are attracted to her as she gives the energy. When she is attacked by a demon for her blood she is shocked. Her childhood friend Kyo returns at the same time and saves her. She doesn't remember him being a tengu and is surprised to see his wings. Yet when she is with Kyo the other creatures do not attack her. Kyo wants to make her his bride but Misao isn't sure that is what she wants.

I'm really looking forward to reading this series. 

Everdark by Elle Jasper

Title: Everdark
Author: Elle Jasper
Type:Novel
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Yes, Dark Ink Chronicles #2
Pages: 336
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Signet
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from good reads
When Savannah tattoo artists Riley Poe is ambushed by an undead enemy, she inherits some of the traits of her attackers-and a telepathic link with a rampaging vampire. Now, she's experiencing murder after murder through the victims' eyes. And her new powers will not be enough to stop the horror-or the unending slaughter...



Feelings:
Everdark is the second in the series and there were times when I want a little more intelligence from the main character. However, since this is brain candy, yum yum, I am willing to let the silly things that don't quite add up go.

This really was brain candy. Sex, kicking ass, and a little bit of danger. Then there is the mind control and awesome powers. I want to jump roof tops that just sounds fun. This all adds up to a fun read that shut off the brain for a while. 

This book doesn't have as much of a conclusion as the first in the series did but I felt less ravenous for the third book than I had after I finished reading the first book. 

While I sometimes wanted to hit Riley for her stupidity and lack of trust. "With trust there is no love" yet she claims to love so many people and then just blatantly ignore them. That gets old. I do like how spunky she is and how she wants to maintain her independence even when it probably isn't in her best interest. It can be hard to admit we need others. Riley still hasn't realized she might need a little help or might want to share the burdens with someone else sometimes and that is what I'm waiting for her to realize. I hope the author doesn't let me down but that is one change I really want to see in Riley before the series ends. 

Here's to a great brain candy novel. I shall not be shy about the joy I have gotten from this series. It isn't for everyone but when I'm reading it I'm absorbed and loving it. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Nightingale


Author: Kristin Hannah

Type: Novel
Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: No

Pages: 440
Copyright:  2015

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Rating: 4 out of 5


Cover Rating: 4 out of 5
The cover of the book that I designed was of the apple tree in Vianne's yard. She tied fabric to the tree to remember each person that the war took from her. I thought having that as the cover would be interesting because it would be from the period of the war but not as dark as a war. The actual cover is simple, which I think was good. It was from the present time and showed the Eiffel tower through a rainy window with a rose bush and a nightingale in gold laid over the top. I thought it was elegant but dark.

 
Summary: from Good Reads
In love we find out who we want to be.
In war we find out who we are.

FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France...but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When France is overrun, Vianne is forced to take an enemy into her house, and suddenly her every move is watched; her life and her child’s life is at constant risk. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates around her, she must make one terrible choice after another.

Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets the compelling and mysterious Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can...completely. When he betrays her, Isabelle races headlong into danger and joins the Resistance, never looking back or giving a thought to the real--and deadly--consequences.

With courage, grace and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah takes her talented pen to the epic panorama of WWII and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France--a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

Feelings:
It took me a while to get into the book. It starts out in 1995 with a woman remembering the past and thinking about what we loose. She doesn't relish remembering but remembering becomes central to the story in a way that is heartbreaking. Once I got to Isabelle's point of view I found the story more engaging.

The back and forth between two time periods, 1995 (where the story is from a first person narrator) and WWII (where the story is told in third person)  gave the story an interesting feeling. I wasn't sure which sister was remember the war in 1995.

The novel was not one that I would consider uplifting but it had moments of happiness during the war even mixed in with the horrors. I would recomend this novel. Many novels I think that the cover adds something to the story but after seeing the cover on this I don't think it added anything to the story and I didn't feel like I was missing part of the story seeing it after finishing the novel.

I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction and who like strong female characters.

Wolf Children Ame & Yuki by Mamoru Hosoda Art by Yu

Title: Wolf Children Ame & Yuki 
Author: Mamoru Hosoda 
Artist: Yu 
Original Design: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Yes all in one volume 
Pages: 528 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Yen Press 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from good reads
When Hana falls in love with a young interloper she encounters in her college class, the last thing she expects to learn is that he is part wolf. Instead of rejecting her lover upon learning his secret, she accepts him with open arms. Soon, the couple is expecting their first child, and a cozy picture of family life unfolds. But after what seems like a mere moment of bliss to Hana, the father of her children is tragically taken from her. Life as a single mother is hard in any situation, but when your children walk a fine line between man and beast, the rules of parenting all but go out the window. With no one to turn to, how will Hana survive?

Feelings:
This was a sweet manga. I enjoyed reading it. I haven't watched the anime it was adapted from but I plan on watching it. I like how the artist drew the characters to look more Asian than many mangas. Hana is a young student and she ends up falling in love with a man who can change into a wolf and having children with him. The daughter Yuki is telling the story so the beginning seemed a bit of a summary. However, the bulk of the story is about the choice the children have to make about what world they want to live in.

It was a quick read and I would recommend it. 

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Title: Watership Down
Author: Richard Adams
Type: Young Adult Novel  
Genre: Adventure Fiction
Series: No
Pages: 476
Copyright: 2005 (introduction) 1972 (first)
Publisher: Scribner
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from goodreads
Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of friends, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

Feelings:
This is a book that is hard not to hear about. At the time it was published there wasn't really anything else like it. That being said, I did not like this as much as I thought I would. It was an interesting story and while I was reading it I enjoyed following Hazel and Fiver on their journey. However, if I took a break between chapters and put it down picking it back up was not something I felt I needed to do.

Watership Down was a good book but it was at times dry and after hearing about it since I was a teenager it did not hold up. I don't think even if I had read it as a teenager it would have been something I really enjoyed. 

While the book is about rabbits, the characters are very human in their actions and thoughts. It would be difficult to write from an animal perspective without humanizing them in some ways, however, when I was reading the story I didn't always picture the characters as rabbits which is what they were. 

I think the book was good it just didn't stand up to my expectations. 

The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland

Title: The Passion of Artemisia
Author: Susan Vreeland
Type: Audiobook
Narrator: Gigi Bermingham
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: No
Copyright: 2002
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Rating: 2.5 out of 5


Summary: from goodreads
Recently rediscovered by art historians, and one of the few female post-Renaissance painters to achieve fame during her own era, Artemisia Gentileschi led a remarkably "modern" life. Susan Vreeland tells Artemisia's captivating story, beginning with her public humiliation in a rape trial at the age of eighteen, and continuing through her father's betrayal, her marriage of convenience, motherhood, and growing fame as an artist. Set against the glorious backdrops of Rome, Florence, Genoa, and Naples, inhabited by historical characters such as Galileo and Cosimo de' Medici II, and filled with rich details about life as a seventeenth-century painter, Vreeland creates an inspiring story about one woman's lifelong struggle to reconcile career and family, passion and genius.

Feelings: 
I started listening to this audiobook over a year ago but never finished it. When I saw it at the library, I decided to give it another try. I enjoyed the story, however, it wasn't as good as I had hoped. I am glad that I finished it, I don't feel like it was vital that I finished it. There are some books that I feel if I don't finish them I'm missing something. This was not one of those books.

Artemisia is an interesting character who makes decisions that advance her career as an artist. As a result, she forgoes many of the pleasures of human relationships. That aspect of the story was sad. It made me wonder how much of it was fictional and how much based on history. I did enjoy the descriptions from the point of view of the painter seeing detail in the things around her and wanting to share them with her daughter and friends.

This is not a book I would recommend to many people. I enjoyed the audiobook narration. It was very well done and carried the story through to the end.

Fruits Basket Volume 23 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 23 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 23 of 23 
Pages: 196 
Copyright: 2009 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary: from good reads
The Fruits Baskets series has transformed the publishing landscape, introducing thousands of readers to manga. This volume marks the finale of the #1 bestselling manga series.

Feelings:
So things are going to work out nicely for all of the characters. There were a few surprises at the end of the series. While I was getting a little tired of this series by the end I did really enjoy it. Maybe if I hadn't sat down and read one volume after the next I would have enjoyed the ending more. I binged a little on the series though. That's how I like my manga served 5 or more volumes at once. 




I highly recommend this series to anyone looking to see what manga is like. It was fun and a good story too. 

The Martian by Andy Weir

Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Type: Novel  
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: No
Pages: 384
Copyright: 2014
Publisher: Crown
Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Summary: from goodreads
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—& a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

Feelings: 
I really enjoyed this book. It is one of the first science fiction books, I've read it a while, that felt like it was science fiction and not fantasy. I liked that it was based on science and the character needed all of the science he knew to survive on Mars.

Marc Watney is one of the best characters I've read recently. He is fun, self-detrimental, and self-perserving. It is the mix of traits that made The Martian such and enjoyable book to read. I don't really feel like there is much I can say about this book without giving something away and it is worth reading and discovering. I loved this book. I admit I wasn't sure I was going to but it was really really good. I highly recommend this book. However, if you are easily offended by crude language, this may not be the book for you.

Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunée

Title: Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search of Home a Memoir 
Author: Kim Sunée 
Type: Audiobook  
Narrator: Justine Eyre  
Genre: Non-Fiction Memoir 
Series: No   
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Books on Tape 
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary: from goodreads
Already hailed as "brave, emotional, and gorgeously written" by Frances Mayes and "like a piece of dark chocolate--bittersweet, satisfying, and finished all too soon" by Laura Fraser, author of An Italian Affair, this is a unique memoir about the search for identity through love, hunger, and food.

Jim Harrison says, "TRAIL OF CRUMBS reminds me of what heavily costumed and concealed waifs we all are. Kim Sunée tells us so much about the French that I never learned in 25 trips to Paris, but mostly about the terrors and pleasure of that infinite octopus, love. A fine book."

When Kim Sunée was three years old, her mother took her to a marketplace, deposited her on a bench with a fistful of food, and promised she'd be right back. Three days later a policeman took the little girl, clutching what was now only a fistful of crumbs, to a police station and told her that she'd been abandoned by her mother.

Fast-forward almost 20 years and Kim's life is unrecognizable. Adopted by a young New Orleans couple, she spends her youth as one of only two Asian children in her entire community. At the age of 21, she becomes involved with a famous French businessman and suddenly finds herself living in France, mistress over his houses in Provence and Paris, and stepmother to his eight year-old daughter.

Kim takes readers on a lyrical journey from Korea to New Orleans to Paris and Provence, along the way serving forth her favorite recipes. A love story at heart, this memoir is about the search for identity and a book that will appeal to anyone who is passionate about love, food, travel, and the ultimate search for self. 


Feelings:
I listened to the audiobook of this. At first I wondered if maybe it would have been better as a print book. At the end of chapters there would be recipes included. They sounded good but listening to it didn't really give me an idea of what the recipes really were like. I, however, originally got the audiobook because I was interested in the story. It took a little while for the story to really take off for me.

By the thrid disc of 11 I was really enjoying the story and was much less interested in the recipes that went with the story. By the time the audiobook finished 12 hours and 42 minutes of driving after I started I was wondering if Kim Sunée would write a follow up memoir, so far she hasn't. 

I really liked the audiobook and the story. I think we have all wondered about the past of our childhood that we don't fully remember but not to the extent that Kim does. She is haunted by what she doesn't remember and as the learns to trust others again on her search for a place to call home she looks at many topics that I think will be familiar even if our histories are different. 

I highly recommend this book. 

Fruits Basket Volume 22 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 22 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 22 of 23 
Pages: 207 
Copyright: 2009 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
Kyo finally makes the decision to stop running from his fears and confront his birth father. But how will he react to his father's pressure to accept an unwanted truth? Meanwhile, the curse continues to loosen its hold on the members of the Zodiac, but as Akito's control over the Sohma family slips away, will the last vestiges of her sanity and reason slip away, too? With Kureno injured and Tohru in peril, Akito has come to a crossroads...

Feelings:
It has come to a point where the series feels like it is wrapping up. We find out the rest of the story with the curse and yes as you would expect everyone is released from the curse. I have really enjoyed this series and the ending has been feeling like it is coming for a while now. I'm seeing the possible happy endings for all of the characters.

While I feel like all of this is working out in a pretty believable way I have to admit I'm not all that happy with Yuki and what he is doing. I guess both Yuki and Kyo can't end up with Tohru but it feels like maybe Yuki wouldn't let Tohru go so quickly. However, this is a young adult romance so who am I kidding.

I recommend the series it is fun and a good introduction to manga. Will see what happens in the last volume.  

Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie

Title: Ancillary Mercy 
Author: Ann Leckie 
Type: Novel 
Genre: Science Fiction 
Series: Imperial Radch #3 
Pages: 330 
Copyright:  2015 
Publisher: Orbit 
Rating: 5 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
The stunning conclusion to the trilogy that began with the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winning Ancillary Justice.For a moment, things seem to be under control for the soldier known as Breq. Then a search of Atheok Station's slums turns up someone who shouldn't exist - someone who might be an ancillary from a ship that's been hiding beyond the empire's reach for three thousand years. Meanwhile, a messenger from the alien and mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq's enemy, the divided and quite possibly insane Anaander Mianaai - ruler of an empire at war with itself.

Anaander is heavily armed and extremely unhappy with Breq. She could take her ship and crew and flee, but that would leave everyone at Athoek in terrible danger. Breq has a desperate plan. The odds aren't good, but that's never stopped her before.

Feelings:
This book was everything I hoped. Breq was an amazing character. I am sad that the series is now complete. While the world Leckie created is not always kind or beautiful, it is well build and expansive. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book since the other two were such strong books. I had a hard time believing that it would be possible to complete the series in one book, as well. However, Ancillary Mercy was able to just as engaging as Ancillary Justice and Ancillary Sword. This book did have a bit of a different feel. Ancillary Justice had lots of flash backs to the Justice of Toren that the next in the series didn't have. Ancillary Sword was more developed Breq as an ancillary without a ship. Ancillary Mercy shows the transformation and growth of Breq as AI and as an individual.

Ancillary Mercy had me laughing and cheering for the characters. I don't feel like there is much I can say about the book without giving away the enjoyment of discovery. By all means I suggest you get out there and discover the world of the Radch. If you enjoyed the first two in the series, you should pick this one up. My only regret is that there will not be more books telling Breq's story. This is probably my favorite series of books, it might be one of very few books that I will reread down the road.

While I highly recommend this book and series, you should go out and get it right now, I also know that the series is just edgy enough that it will not be for everyone. I am so glad this series is getting the credit it deserves. So when I recommend this book to you, please know that it may not be for you and that is alright. However, give it a chance you may discover a new favorite.  

Housebound by Elizabeth Gentry

Title: Housebound
Author: Elizabeth Gentry
Type: Novel
Genre: Fiction
Series: No
Pages: 235
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Lake Forest College Press
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:
Elizabeth Gentry’s debut, Housebound, is a novel like no other: a disquieting and interior fairy-tale adventure through one family’s secrets and lies. Maggie, the eldest daughter, is preparing to leave the house in which she’s lived, worked, and been educated her whole life: a life led seemingly without contact with the outside world, save in the form of weekly trips to the library for the stories that are the only escape for Maggie and her eight brothers and sisters. Maggie’s seeming estrangement from the most familiar details of her life give the novel an almost Kafkaesque feel, as if Kafka had been born an Appalachian woman.

Feelings:
Housebound is not your typical novel. At first I thought it was a young adult novel, the narrator is nineteen, but now I'm not sure I would call it young adult. It has a darker side than most young adult. There is a more literary side to it as well that isn't present in most young adult novels.

This was a odd story about a young woman preparing to leave home and her discoveries as she is finally freed from the rules of her family and able to see the world around her. She remembers a forgotten childhood full of strange occurrences that she didn't understand at the time and this ignored. Behind all of the strangeness is a secret and that secret is hinted at from the very beginning he see the aftermath and distraction the secret has caused for the family but it is only slowly revealed to us. 

This is a book I would recommend to just anyone. It did hold my interest, however, because the story is mostly in remembering it was slow at times. This story wants reader that is enjoys lyric writing and methodical pacing. 

Fruits Basket Volume 21 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 21

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Type: Manga
Genre: Shoujo

Series: Yes, Vol. 21 of 23

Pages: 204
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
Kyo finishes telling Tohru about his role in her mother's death and how the reason he disappeared for so long was that he felt so guilty about it. How will he react when Tohru says that she loves him anyway?

Feelings:
More drama. Akito's mother feels wronged by the Sohma family and Akito can find a way to love her. Things moved forward at a much faster pass in this volume. Kyo and Tuhru really have some things to resolve but I'm hoping that like Yuki they will be able to find happiness.

Ready for the climax of the series and the conclusion to come. This series has been really fun and I'm looking forward to the last two volumes. 

Afterlight by Elle Jasper

Title: Afterlight
Author: Elle Jasper
Type: Novel
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Series: Yes, The Dark Inn Chronicles #1
Pages: 323
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: A Signet Eclipse Book
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary:
Savannah's most unconventional tattoo artist, Riley Poe, lives on the edge. Now she's put over the edge when her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires. Her only ally is the hot-tempered vampire Eli Dupre, attracted to Riley's beauty and rare blood type. To save her brother from certain un-death, Riley faces dangers she's never dreamed of, ruthless bloodthirsty enemies, and an evil of endless hunger that wants to devour it all...

Feelings:
I liked the cover of this book. Fantasy happens to be one of my favorite genres so I thought I would give the book a try even though it sounded a little like a darker version of Twilight. I'm very happy to say that the only thing that even slightly resembled the Twilight series was that there were vampires in the story. 

Riley was a fun character to spend time with. Although, she was a times a bit frustrating in her refusal to have help from anyone even when she clearly needs it. The Dupre family and the Gullahs added a nice bit of mythical to the story that I really enjoyed. 

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was what I consider brain candy. I've realized that of late I've been reading less "brain candy" and I needed a reminder that a little candy is nice sometimes as long as you eat a good meals the rest of the time.
 

The Many Faces of Political Islam by Mohammed Ayoob

Title: The Many Faces of Political Islam: Religion and Politics in the Muslim World
Author: Mohammed Ayoob
Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Politics
Series: No
Pages: 213
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Rating:  3 out of 5

Summary: Summary from Good Reads

Analysts and pundits from across the American political spectrum describe Islamic fundamentalism as one of the greatest threats to modern, Western-style democracy. Yet very few non-Muslims would be able to venture an accurate definition of political Islam. Mohammed Ayoob's The Many Faces of Political Islam thoroughly describes the myriad manifestations of this rising ideology and analyzes its impact on global relations.

Feelings:
This is an academic book, don't be confused. That being said, it is an informative look at different political ideas in Islam. I liked that this book didn't see every group as the same but showed the differences. Many scholars look at Islamic groups as one and don't see that they can differ.

...interpretation of Islam as "civilization" (in the singular) rather than as a religion and code of ethics that affects and is, in turn, affected by multiple cultural and geographic milieus. Consequently, its popularization has augmented a unitary impression of Islam and Muslims in the West that conceals the enormous diversity not only among Muslim opinions in general but even among those groups characterized as fundamentalists or Islamists. (p. 23)

The book sets out to counter and show that political Islam is not the monolith that many scholars in the west lead us to believe.

In looking at the difference between countries and groups Ayoob demonstrates the diversity of political Islam and even makes a pretty convincing argument that Islam and Democracy are compatible. I recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of political Islam.

Fruits Basket Volume 20 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 20 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 20 of 23 
Pages: 192 
Copyright: 2008 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
Kagura and Kazuma hotly discuss Tohru liking Kyo. With Kagura's forceful encouragement, will Tohru be able to muster up the courage to tell Kyo how she feels? Meanwhile, Ren is determined to get her hands on Akito's mystery box--even if it means killing for it!

Feelnings:
Members of the zodiac are breaking free of the curse but they don't know why it is happening. Akito is very distressed by these developments. The tension in this volume has gone up. There are many things at stake and decisions have to be made.

I think this volume held my interest more than some of the past volumes. The end is near.

In The After Light by Alexandra Bracken

Title: In The After Light 
Author: Alexandra Bracken 
Type: Young Adult Novel  
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Yes, The Darkest Minds #3 
Pages: 535 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Hyperion 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
Ruby can't look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the government's attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds.

They are armed only with a volatile secret: proof of a government conspiracy to cover up the real cause of IAAN, the disease that has killed most of America's children and left Ruby and others like her with powers the government will kill to keep contained. But internal strife may destroy their only chance to free the "rehabilitation camps" housing thousands of other Psi kids.

Meanwhile, reunited with Liam, the boy she would-and did-sacrifice everything for to keep alive, Ruby must face the painful repercussions of having tampered with his memories of her. She turns to Cole, his older brother, to provide the intense training she knows she will need to take down Gray and the government. But Cole has demons of his own, and one fatal mistake may be the spark that sets the world on fire.

Feelings: 
I enjoyed In The After Light, the last book in the series. It was a little less exciting that the previous books. I also found the Ruby Liam drama to be getting old. I felt a little like the drama had been concocted to keep the book moving forward when the rest of the plot had slowed. I did enjoy the book and was a little disappointed to see the series come to an end. I was surprised to find that I was alright with the ending and I don't feel like I need more from the characters.

I recommend the series that started with The Darkest Minds it was a different look at a dystopian future.

Quiet by Susan Cain

Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking 
Author: Susan Cain 
Type: Audiobook 
Narrator: Kathe Mazur 
Genre: Non-Fiction 
Series: No 
Copyright: 2012 
Publisher: Random House Audio 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.

Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie’s birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts.

Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts--from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert."

This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.

Feelings:
I found this a very interesting audiobook. It was 10 hours and 3 minutes long which can be long. There were times when I did think maybe something had gone a little longer than it should have and the point was really being hammered home. In a book about the gentle nature of introverts this seemed a bit much to me. However, I did find the topic very interesting and it made me really think about what I like and why I might like it. For instance reading a book at home instead of going out.

I did find that there were some things that made me feel more extroverted. However, I think we are all contradictions and little of both.

I recommend the book it was a well researched and engaging listen.

Fruits Basket Volume 19 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 19 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 19 of 23 
Pages: 209 
Copyright: 2008 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
As the Fruits Basket saga continues, the relationship between Tohru and Kyo becomes increasingly complicated. Tohru realizes that she'll have to create some sort of trigger to break Kyo's curse to save him. But what can cure Kyo? The answer is right inside this next volume of the super-popular Fruits Basket!  

Feelings:
In here we get more of Tohru and Kyo's past as well as seeing more of Yuki with the student council. Kakeru and Yuki spend some time together outside of student council and Kakeru tries to huck Yuki up with his half sister Machi. I thought this volume was good. It didn't really advance Tohru and Kyo's relationship any. Still it was an enjoyable read and I'm beginning to see how an ending will arrive.

Ruby: The Adventures of a galactic Gumshoe

Title: Ruby: The Adventures of a Galactic Gumshoe 
Author: Thomas Manuel Lopez 
Type: Radio Story   
Genre: Science Fiction 
Series: Yes 
Copyright: 1982 (radio production) 1993 (audio cd) 
Publisher: ZBS Foundation 
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Actors and Production Team:

• Ruby: Laura Esterman
• T.J. Teru: Bill Raymond
• Angel Lips: Robin Karfo
• And/Or, Rodant Kapoor, and Mother Kapoor: Tom Stewart
• The Android Sisters: Ruth Breuer & Valaria Vasilevski
• Chief Moliere, the Tookah: Fred Neuman
• Onoffon and Moleena Mole: Honora Ferguson
• Offonoff: Valaria Vasilevski
• Monet: Count Stovall
• Moonbeam: Elaine Graham
• Toots Mutant: Cara Duff-McCormick
• Harold Matisse: Chris McCaan
• The Vocoder Chorus: Tim Clark
• The Announcer: Dave Herman
• Executive Producer & Director: Thomas Manuel Lopez
• Author: Meatball Fulton
• Music: Original score for Ruby, composed and performed by Tim Clark

Summary: from Gooreads
Ruby: The Adventures of a Galactic Gumshoe is fast-paced and funny intergalactic entertainment the Marx Brothers would be proud of, with slick, splashy high-tech music and effects created by Tim Clark. The music and sound effects are stunning.

On the planet Summa Nulla (the "high point of nothing") someone is manipulating the media. And Ruby, our hip, tough-talking detective is hired to track down the malefactors.

The Android Sisters perform their satirical speak-songs as Ruby, the galactic gumshoe, encounters some pretty weird planetary inhabitants on her quest for truth and the intergalactic way: The Tookah, with four tentacles, three eyes, a blue mustache and red fez, TJ Teru the archaeologist, Chief Molierre of the Mole People, sneaky little Rodant Kapoor, Angel Lips (the femme fatale of androids) and the Slimeys, genetically engineered assassins.

Originally broadcast around the world in 23 foreign countries: including the CBC, Canada, BBC, England and ABC, Australia.

The Mark Time Award for Best Science Fiction of the Year.

Ruby officially entered Science Fiction's Audio Hall of Fame for Best Science Fiction of 1982. 

Feelings:
I almost gave up on this because I found the background music a bit difficult to listen to. I am so glad I didn't though. Even thought this is now over 20 years old it still is a satire on modern life that rings true.

Ruby was a character that I ended up really enjoying. Most of the story is told from her point of view but it does also have segments that are a radio broadcast with the android sisters. Every time I hear the word "money" now I think of the android sisters and how they messed with peoples minds talking about money.

I highly recommend listening to this. It is a fun adventure in a space world. I hope to be able to find the rest of the series.

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

Title: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents 
Author: Terry Pratchett 
Type: Young Adult Novel 
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Part of the Discworld Series but stands alone 
Pages: 340 
Copyright: 2001 
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
One rat, popping up here and there, squeaking loudly, and taking a bath in the cream, could be a plague all by himself. After a few days of this, it was amazing how glad people were to see the kid with his magical rat pipe. And they were amazing when the rats followed hint out of town.

They'd have been really amazed if they'd ever found out that the rats and the piper met up with a cat somewhere outside of town and solemnly counted out the money.

The Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits. For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets....

Set in Terry Pratchett's widely popular Discworld, this masterfully crafted, gripping read is both compelling and funny. When one of the world's most acclaimed fantasy writers turns a classic fairy tale on its head, no one will ever look at the Pied Piper -- or rats -- the same way again!

Feelings: 
I wasn't sure about this book for the first two chapters but then I really enjoyed it. I have not read much Terry Pratchett in the past so I am not familiar with the discworld series. This story stood alone and I didn't need to know the rest of the world for this to be a fun story.

Maurice is a cat, however, he can think now. What happens when you give a cat a conscious and there are also talking rats? Let's just say that some behavior ends up being a little less like a cat or a rat and more human. I think that is part of the reason that I was able to really get into the book and enjoy it.

There were two human characters that played a major role in the story but most of the characters were animals. It was nice to read a story from a different perspective. This is considered a young adult novel, however, I think it would be enjoyed by adults as well.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy and Terry Pratchett.

Fruits Basket Volume 18 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 18 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 18 of 23 
Pages: 209 
Copyright: 2007 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
As rumors swirl about Machi trying to kill her little brother, Kakeru figures that the only person who can get the truth out of her is Yuki. But when the two of them visit her, they learn a shocking secret. Later, Motoko wants to tell Yuki her feelings before she graduates and leaves the school--and him--forever. But will their parting be such sweet sorrow?  

Feelings:
This book focus on a character that is not part of the Sohma family, Machi, which is new for the series. I thought it was a nice change of pace. It really makes Yuki look more carrying something that he thinks that he isn't.

Rin, who for the most part has been a peripheral character in past volumes, becomes more of a central character in this volume. We also see Turo and Kyo's relationship begin to change. The real question is will Turo pick Kyo or Yuki. She seems to have feelings for both of them and they both seem to like her. From the beginning there has been foreshadowing of her liking the cat. At this point I think it is foreshadowing.

I thought this volume was better than the last one by a margin. However, I think I'm ready for something to happen and it seems like things are moving very slowly. I'm sticking with the series though and still enjoying it.

The Kindness Diaries by Leon Logothetis

Title: The Kindness Diaries: One Man's Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around The World
Author: Leon Legothetis
Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Travel Memoir
Series: No
Pages: 288
Copyright: 2014
Publisher: Readers Digest
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary: from Goodreads
The incredible journey of one man who sets out to circumnavigate the globe on a vintage motorbike fueled by kindness.

Follow the inspirational journey of a former stockbroker who leaves his unfulfilling desk job in search of a meaningful life. He sets out from Los Angeles on a vintage motorbike, determined to circumnavigate the globe surviving only on the kindness of strangers. Incredibly, he makes his way across the U.S., through Europe, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and finally to Canada and back to the Hollywood sign, by asking strangers for shelter, food, and gas. Again and again, he’s won over by the generosity of humanity, from the homeless man who shares his blanket to the poor farmer who helps him with his broken down bike, and the HIV-positive mother who takes him in and feeds him. At each stop, he finds a way to give back to these unsuspecting Good Samaritans in life-changing ways, by rebuilding their homes, paying for their schooling, and leaving behind gifts big and small. The Kindness Diaries will introduce you to a world of adventure, renew your faith in the bonds that connect people, and inspire you to accept and generate kindness in your own life.

Feelings:
This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I thought it looked interesting from the summary I read. However, I found out he took a camera crew with him to document his trip. I think the idea of traveling on the kindness of others is a very interesting one. Taking a camera crew with him felt a little like he was cheating. I know he said he only brought the crew in at certain times but I still felt like their very existence would have influenced those he meet on his trip and changed the way he acted. I'm not say that what he didn't wasn't admirable and the gifts he gave back didn't make a huge difference but I wonder how different his experience would have been if he hadn't had the camera crew with him.

There are many lessons that can be learned from this book although I think maybe one of the most important ones is that adventure doesn't mean leaving home. And helping others doesn't mean going to the third world.

I enjoyed reading the book. I was again reminded of a book I have wanted to read. Shantarama by Gregory David Roberts. I first saw the book when I was on a flight to Thailand and the guy next to me was reading it. I admit I read a little over his shoulder and found it intriguing. The book was quoted in here and it peaks my interest again. The quote, "It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and choices we make . . . freedom is a universe of possibility", fit well with the story. It is also very close to what Leon learns. 

I recommend the book. However, I do feel like it didn't give the entire picture of his trip because it left out the camera crew. I know he felt like it was best to leave the out in the telling but they were there and it is strange to have them be entirely absent from the story when they played a part in it. 

The Finisher by David Baldacci

Title: The Finisher 
Author: David Baldacci 
Type: Young Adult Novel 
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Yes, Vega Jane #1 
Pages: 497 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Scholastic Press 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
The #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy novel for all ages by master storyteller David Baldacci -- now in paperback!

SHE WILL NOT BREAK

Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but a forest filled with danger and death. And she always believed it -- until the night she saw Quentin Herms run away.

Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave -- he was chased. And he left behind a trail of clues that point to a dark conspiracy at the heart of Wormwood. To follow the clues will attract the attention of influential people willing to kill to keep their secrets. If Vega wants to stay safe, she just needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. There's only one problem -- Vega Jane never walks away from a fight.

Master storyteller David Baldacci introduces an unforgettable heroine who must think fast, hit hard, and defy all odds to uncover the truth.

Feelings: 
I did not have high expectations for this book. I read it because I was given tickets to see the author by the organization I served at as an AmeriCorps member. I thought if I was going to see a speech by David Baldacci, I should at least read one of his books. I enjoy young adult and I'm much more lenient with mistakes made in young adult than in adult fiction. I, also, prefer fantasy over mystery political thriller genre novels.

This novel surprised me. I wasn't impressed by the writing but the story was interesting. Vega Jane was a character I enjoyed spending time with even when she did things that seemed rather silly to me, which she did frequently. Maybe it was the dog Harry Two that really brought me around to liking the story. Harry Two is loyal from the moment we meet him and him being with Vega Jane showed a side of people that we didn't see except with the dog.

I recommend this book if you find yourself in a position of wanting to read a Baldacci book but not wanting to pick up one of his adult books. I will likely read the next in the series which I didn't expect to want to do.

If you are interested in attending the event for the Literacy Council of Buncombe County and seeing David Baldacci's speech and attend a book signing afterwards you can find out information about tickets on their website: http://www.litcouncil.com/authors2015.htm

Fruits Basket Volume 17 by Natsuki Takaya

Title: Fruits Basket, Volume 17 
Author: Natsuki Takaya 
Type: Manga 
Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Yes, Vol. 17 of 23 
Pages: 218 
Copyright: 2007 
Publisher: TOKYOPOP Inc. 
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
The curse is not the only reason Kureno won't leave Akito. Who can make Arisa understand Kureno's devotion to Akito? Kureno must talk with Shigure if he ever wants to be free from Akito.

Feelings:
I thought that this was a good volume. However, there wasn't as much in it as I would have thought. We get to know Kureno a little more. I did think the reason that Kureno is with Akito doesn't seem quite right because of how he acted with Arisa in the past volume. We do find out more about the curse in this volume and that Kureno is free of it. 

Shigure is a little less appealing in this volume. I thought he was a pretty fun character in the past but he has some real issues in this volume and he seems more like an ass that a fun cool character. 

I think this volume was good and I continue to enjoy the story as it progresses I just think it could have been stronger. 

Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

Title: Ancillary Sword 
Author: Ann Leckie 
Type: Novel  
Genre: Science Fiction 
Series: Yes, Imperial Radch #2 
Pages: 391 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Orbit 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
What if you once had thousands of bodies and near god-like technology at your disposal?
And what if all of it were ripped away?

The Lord of the Radch has given Breq command of the ship Mercy of Kalr and sent her to the only place she would have agreed to go -- to Athoek Station, where Lieutenant Awn's sister works in Horticulture.

Athoek was annexed some six hundred years ago, and by now everyone is fully civilized -- or should be. But everything is not as tranquil as it appears. Old divisions are still troublesome, Athoek Station's AI is unhappy with the situation, and it looks like the alien Presger might have taken an interest in what's going on. With no guarantees that interest is benevolent.

Feelings: 
This book was just as good as the first book. I was worried that maybe the story wouldn't bee as strong. I should not have worried. Breq is still a character I like spending time with. Again I had difficulty adjusting to reading book in which gender is not something we can get from the use of pronouns. I actually like that there is only one pronoun for both genders. However, I did find myself guess about the gender of the characters frequently. I thought I know about Breq's gender but I'm not sure anymore and I don't think it really matters.

This story takes place after the Lord of Radch has gone to war with herself. Breq is sent to protect a station and the surrounding planets. The previous novel switched back and forth between the present time and the past.  This book is all in the present.

I'm really looking forward to the next book coming out in October of this year. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys science fiction.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Title: The Rosie Project
Author: Graeme Simsion
Type:  Novel
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Series: Yes, Don Tillman #1
Pages: 295
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Rating: 4 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Feelings: 
I really enjoyed reading this book I wasn't sure at first if it would be hard to read a book from the perspective of a rather socially inept person. However, I found Don to be a very easy character to connect with. 

Don likes to name everything in his life to help keep order. The two sentences of the book are a great example of this.

 I may have found a solution to the Wife Problem. As with so many scientific breakthroughs, the answer was obvious in retrospect.  (p. 1)

I love the opening of the story and it is a great introduction to what Don is going to be like to spend time with as a character.

I highly recommend this book.