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.