Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn


Synopsis:
Marriage can be a real killer. 
   One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. 
   On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? 
   As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
   With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.

Review:
A friend of mine recommended this book, and after I was done reading it I slammed it shut and contemplated driving to Houston and cussing her out. This book made me so angry and I really, really want to hate it...but I just can't. The reason I can't hate it is because it was really challenging and well written. It was like a psycho movie thriller on paper.

This book is broken up into three parts. In part one I HATED Nick. I mean I loathed him. In part two: I HATED Amy! Oh I just wanted to crawl through the pages and kill her myself. In part three of the book I HATED both of them. I dislike strong emotions in general, but it has it's place and this book made me feel it every time I picked it up. I also lost sleep because I read for hours at a time because I couldn't put it down. I just needed to know what happened next.

If you like drama, psyco thrillers, film noir, and dark subjects you will love this book. It's not a "beachy" feel good book, at all. I'm glad I read it, but I'm glad I am done with it. I need a good cheap frilly romance to wash the taste out of my head.

Intended Audience: If it was a movie, I would rate it R, so probably 17+ due to violence, adult scenes and language.

      Kindle                 Hardback

Fifty Shades Freed by E L James

Fifty Shades Freed (Book #3)
by E L James


Synopsis:
When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Review:

Well, I did it, I finally finished the series. If I had the appropriate graphic, I'd give this 3.5 stars, but I'll be generous. I did appreciate that the last two books had a plot and some conflict, but it felt like a chore trying to get through all three books solely because of the amateurish writing. The author tried to save the sub-par writing by throwing in token SAT vocabulary words in places where they were not needed, kind of annoying.

I get why these books are so popular, it's basically girl porn. Thankfully there is actually some well written erotic fiction out there, check out some of the titles under that category to the right.  Please don't give up on this genre, try another author. Here is why some of the other issues with this series:


The repetitive phrases: Holy F@&k, Laters Baby, Don't be made at me, Stop biting your lip. Ugh!


The editing errors: grammatical errors, misused vocabulary words, please proofread!!


Unrealistic sex scenes: yes, it's fiction, but really who has that much sex and that many orgasms? I'm not sure how Ana could even walk...Christian did a lot of "ramming" (not cool)


Christian's Issues: where do I start? his tragic childhood, the statutory rape by Elena, his mommy issues, his BDSM fetish, his control issues, and on and on. Yes, he's rich and gorgeous, but so so damaged. 


Whiny, immature Ana: Oh Ana, please grow up! I love a strong heroine and she was NOT one. I wanted to drive to Seattle and smack the crap out her. Her basic formula: Break a rule or her word, Admit to herself she knew she did wrong and would hurt Christian, Fight with Christian, Bat her eyes and say "Please don't be mad at me," Make up sex. Over and over!


What I liked: I get it, I really do, it's pure escapism. We read these books because it's all our secret fantasies come to life. Crappy writing and the above issues aside, sometimes it's nice just to get away from real life and there was enough plot and conflict to keep you wondering, what is going to happen? 


Should you read it? Eh, why not, it is fun and kinky. Would I understand why you would refuse to read it? Absolutely! If you liked the Twilight series, you'll probably like this series, they are quite similar (except for the kinky sex). To each her own, read it or don't but don't judge...let us have our sexy escape fantasies.


Intended Audience: Mature Audience, 18+


         Kindle                 Kindle Bundle          Paperback          Paperback Bundle



Also by E L James
Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Freed

Friday, August 17, 2012

On the Nightstand...coming soon

These are the books that I am currently or will soon be reading and will soon review:



Done:

Read Review Here
Read Review Here

Fifty Shades Darker by E L James

Fifty Shades Darker (Book #2)
by E L James



Synopsis:
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Review:

This one was better than the first one. The writing was better and the characters seemed more well rounded. Ana is still rather annoying. She is petty and clueless one minute and empathetic and caring the next. Christian's demons finally come to light and watching him trying to figure out how to deal with a "normal" relationship is sometimes difficult. 

The mature content is about the same level as the first book, so if you can handle that one, you can handle this one. Be ready to download or buy the third book because this one leaves you hanging at the end and eager to find out what happens.


Audience: This book is intended for a mature audience, 18 and up.


         Kindle                 Kindle Bundle          Paperback          Paperback Bundle


Also by E L James
Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Freed

Monday, August 6, 2012

A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie
by Dean Koontz


Synopsis:
In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life. A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts and recapture a sense of wonder that will remain with them always. Trixie lived fewer than twelve years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

Review:

First let me grab a Kleenex...oh my!

I love Dean Koontz, Lightning and Watchers are two of my favorite books of ALL time! I also love Golden Retrievers, we had a sweet little girl named Belle that we lost a few years ago that will always hold a special place in my heart. So...I am pretty sure Dean wrote this book just for me, but you are welcome to read it, too.


At first, I thought this book is going to have a limited audience, but after the first few chapters, this book transcends an author and his dog and illuminates the need we all have for joy and beauty in our lives. Trixie is the vessel that brought light and love in the Koontz's lives, but for others it can be other breeds, other types of pets, a hobby, a friend, or a child. The important thing is to recognize these vessels of joy and embrace them when they come into your life. 


I am so glad I read this book. It was sad, everyone that cares for a dog knows that eventually you will have to deal with it's loss, and meeting Trixie was no different. I came to care for her and the Koontz family through Dean's words and the beautiful pictures of Trixie. The loss of Trixie brought all the feelings back of the loss of my Belle, but it also brought back the beauty and joy of her life, too. That is a precious gift.  


Intended Audience: any


Kindle                 Paperback



Also by this author:
A Big Little Life
Watchers
Lightning

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Smart Mouth Waitress by Dayla Moon

Smart Mouth Waitress
by Dayla Moon



Synopsis:
Perry makes a strong first impression, from her white-girl dreadlocks to her uncensored opinions. When she combs out her dreads on a whim, she catches the eye of a cute guy who's a regular at The Whistle, the diner where she works as a waitress. He mistakes Perry for someone completely different: the girl of his dreams.

Perry tries to become that girl.

But it's so hard to be normal.

And eyebrow piercings are so cute.

With her mother down in LA recording her comeback album, Perry's in charge of the family household, and things are going to change. She starts with paint colors and moves on to doling out retributive punishments for her fifteen-year-old brother.

What Perry really wants, though, is her first boyfriend. She's eighteen, and it's about time!

Boyfriend candidates include: the cute but quiet restaurant regular, the all-too-willing coworker, or the outgoing artist who's eager to whip off his clothes and model. One of these guys loves Perry exactly how she is, but how can she tell which one?


Review:
This novel is in the Young Adult category, but it is a little mature for anyone 18 and under. That said, I don't think anyone 18 and over would find this book very interesting. It is also called a romantic comedy. Well, it isn't very romantic and it it's not funny at all. Like The Princess and the Pea, this one starts out with awkward and childish writing, unlike Princess, this one doesn't get any better. I finished it because I wanted to write the review, and I wanted to see which guy, if any, won Perry's heart.


Perry is 18 and she is ready to lose her virginity and get a boyfriend. Her heart is torn between two guys, Marc a customer at the restaurant she works at and Cooper, Marc's friend. She also considers Toph, a goofy guy that works in the kitchen at her restaurant. 


Watching Perry trying to decide between Marc and Cooper was not exciting. She bounces back and forth more than a tennis ball, with about as much intelligence. I didn't like her. I really cannot recommend this book. For younger teens, its inappropriate with talks about sex and masturbation, and to adults, its just silly and trite. Move on, there are better books.


Intended Audience: Young Adult, I recommend at least 17
Kindle