Book Review #29: "He Wanted the Moon"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird, and his Daughter's Quest to Know Him," by Mimi Baird with Eve Claxton. This book was published on February 17, 2015. A heads up: Now is a great time to read this book as Brad Pitt is optioned this book for the big screen coming soon. To read more about it CLICK HERE. So I am hoping that this upcoming movie will be as good as the book is, and I have high hopes since the one and only Brad Pitt will be producing it. To get a head start to read this book, you can purchase this book by CLICKING HERE. This book is the true story of Dr. Perry Baird. It is about his daughter trying to know her father through his manuscripts, letters, and his medical records. Her father was one of the most successful doctors of his time. He was a brilliant man, an outstanding member of his community. He was able to succeed for most of the time despite fighting a mental illness of Manic Depression. Little did anyone know that he himself attempted to research and find a cure to his own illness, but sadly the depth of his illness stopped him. It is about Dr. Perry Baird's barbaric experience in numerous institutions for the insane. He suffered during a point in history of where no one knew what to do or how to handle people with mental disorders. It was a time of where all this was swept under the rug, and is why one day in Mimi Baird's life her father seemed to disappear for no known reason. It is about her search to know the father she never got to know. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a well told, heartbreaking but inspiring story to read. I was amazed at Dr. Baird's own insight he had throughout his life. Especially the insight he had on his own illness that many others in Dr. Baird's life failed to have. It was as if Mimi Baird allowed the reader to view her father's life through a telescope. This story was raw, transparent, real, and genuine. It brought all the hidden stuff we have swept under the rug, it brought it all to life.

This book was a very intimate glimpse into the life of a man battling his inner demons that have haunted him his entire life. This book is one for all to read, and we all need to take the chance and grab it now before the movie comes out.

     I would like to thank Blogging For Books, Mimi Baird, and Penguin Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #28: "The Amber Project"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Amber Project: The Variant Saga Book One," by J. N. Chaney. This book was published on April 12, 2015. So far this series consists of two books, with the second book being "Transient Echoes: The Variant Saga Book Two."  To purchase a copy of "The Amber Project" CLICK HERE. This book is a dystopian set in the future, taking place after an apocalyptic event that caused most of human kind to die. It starts off years later in a new society formed living under ground because the air on earth called Variant will kill anyone it touches. However, things are changing, and changing fast, when a generation of children are engineered to be able to survive on Earth breathing in the air known as Variant. In reading this book you will find that things aren't always as they seem to be.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Because I will say as I began reading this, I was thinking I wasn't going to like it. However, as I read on further (good thing) I found that I was truly enjoying this book and glad that I did not put this book down for good. I loved the intertwined plots and themes in this book. It was an exciting, hard to put down book. I will say I really enjoyed the creativity of the author, unlike other books the creativity was displayed well in this story.  I would highly recommend this book. However, for those of you who are sensitive to horror elements, this book may not be for you. I, in particular am not a general fan of horror novels, but I did enjoy this book because the elements of horror were only a small part of the book. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series, when I finish it you all will be the first to know.

     I would like to thank The Reading Room and J. N. Chaney, for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

  

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #27: "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts," by Joshua Hammer. This book is hot off the press, just released today April 19, 2016. To read an excerpt from this book CLICK HERE, and for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is about one man's courage in saving a giant piece of history among the violence of Islamic terrorists. This one man hero Abdel Kader Haidera with help from others pulled off an extremely dangerous heist right under the noses of the terrorists occupying their city of Timbuktu, Mali. 

     Overall I rated this book four and a half stars out of five. What made this book extremely good was that this whole heist that was pulled off is a true story. And it is one that certainly needs to be told. I am very happy that Joshua Hammer brought this story to the forefront for the world to read. For all of the book lovers out there like me, this is a must read. It is a story of a book lover's dream come true.  It discusses the thousands of manuscripts/books filled with gold and ancient calligraphy. Can you imagine coming across a treasure like this? Abdel Kader Haidera is just like any of us, he fell in love with these manuscripts and risked his life to save them. This book shows the importance of history, and of preserving it. For if these manuscripts were to be destroyed that is like destroying hundreds of years of history, as if the past had never happened. I said earlier that this story is one that needs to be told. Why? Because it brings forth a story of Islam, in showing how it is supposed to be, in how it is and can be a peaceful religion. To show the world that there are good people and not everyone who practises Islam is a terrorist. There are and always have been terrorists in every religion, and there are plenty of bad people. But a group of people does not speak and should never speak for the whole population, in any case whether it be religion, race, gender, sexuality, or political affiliation. We need to infiltrate the world with stories like this. This is how we change perception. This book shows the power that books, and reading holds. So while you are reading this sit back and imagine yourself reading one of the manuscripts described in this book. 

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Joshua Hammer, and Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #26: "Guantanamo Diary"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Guantanamo Diary'" by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, and edited by Larry Siems. This book was published on January 20, 2015 by Little Brown and Company. This book is about Mohamedou Ould Slahi. It is his memoir that he wrote while being detained in Guantanamo. It is a story of an innocent man who was wrongly accused of being a terrorist. However, to this day the U.S. has not charged him with any crime. It is a story of how this man survived extreme torture that was given to him by the United States government. I could go into a lot more detail of what this book was about, I am very tempted to, but I don't want to take away anything from any one's experience of reading this book. 

     Overall I rated this book a perfect score of five out of five stars. I also added it to my all-time favorites list on Goodreads. I honestly don't know how to review this book, or what to write, because no written word will do this book justice. I can say this book emotionally tore me apart. It opened my eyes to things I did not want to see. I was blinded by comfort before reading this book, my eyes were shielded. This book is one everyone should read. It was not even the absolute horror of the torture that Mohamedou went through or the unforgivable injustice he was dealt with, that defined his story. It was Mohamedou's incredible compassion, forgiveness and his human spirit that blew me away. This book made my blood boil, but at the same time it was awe-inspiring, hopeful, compassionate and showed the best of the human spirit. For those of you who may be skeptical just know this that every statement that Mohamedou writes in this book the editor Larry Siems backs it up with facts. 

     To read more about this book and read a lot more information about Mohamedou's story this website has it all. To read this website CLICK HERE. And for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. 

      I would like to take this time to thank all of you who have taken the time out of your day to read my blog I really do appreciate it. 

     

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #25: "The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts: Murder and Memory in an American City," by Laura Tillman. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book was just released on April 5, 2016. I chose this book to read mainly because of the subject of the book being about the murder of three children by their parents. The author Laura Tillman is a freelance journalist and an award winning writer, this is her first book. And I would say it was a success. This book starts off when the author has an assignment to write an article about the building in Brownsville, Texas where this crime occurred. As you will see the history and events that took place in this building captures the author's interest. This is about the detailed investigation deep into the heart of this crime, from the history and events that led up to the crime to the way that this crime affected the community around it. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a very engaging read. You could tell the author poured her heart and soul into writing this story. She kept a fair, nonjudgmental stance on this story. Due to the nature of this book, this must have been extremely hard to do. Reading this book was so good it was like taking a journey into the author's mind, into her investigation of this murder. This wasn't your average non-fiction crime/murder story. This story was centered on this run-down building where the crime happened. It brought up many questions such as is there a such thing as an evil building? What is evil? And how did this crime and this building play an affect on the community surrounding it? To find these answers you must read the book, as it is an excellent book and it won't disappoint you.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Laura Tillman, and Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #24: "How to Smoke Pot Properly"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "How to Smoke Pot Properly: A Highbrow Guide to Getting High," by David Bienenstock. Like I said earlier today is a popular day for new releases, as this book is being released today April 12, 2016. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. The author David Bienenstock is a long time veteran of High Times Magazine, and a video host and producer at VICE Media. So David Bienenstock has plenty of experience in being able to write a guide on how to smoke pot. And I want to say what a perfect job David Bienenstock has, as I am sitting here intensely jealous. This book is a basic guide on pot, which discusses all the how-to's, the history of pot, pot's uses, medicinal marijuana and the path to legalization. 

     Overall I rated this book three stars out of five. It was a decent book for those wanting a light, and humorous beginner's introduction to marijuana. It touched on many central and obscure topics around marijuana. I did love the pot humor, it did make the book very entertaining to read. This book gave good advice and tips on locations to visit if you are interested in touring the pot communities. I did learn some random facts about marijuana. I will say the random and obscure parts of this book were the best part and what made this book worth reading.

     I would have enjoyed this book more if it was more focused and went into more detail. It did feel at times as if the book covered too much. That it glossed over and rushed through many topics. There were topics that I wish the book would have expanded on and covered in more detail and I was left feeling disappointed. 

     This is a good book for anyone who does not have a basic knowledge base on marijuana and would like to learn more. 

     I would like to thank Netgalley, David Bienenstock, and Penguin Group Blue Rider Press for giving me an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #23: "Daredevils"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Daredevils," by Shawn Vestal.  It is a popular release day today, as I had a lot of books that I had to finish. This book is hot off the press released today April 12, 2016, for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE.  This book is about so many things, it is one wild ride throughout the book. It is a story about love, loss, teenagers, Mormonism, freedom, gold, and Evel Knievel. This book focuses on a young teenager Loretta who is enjoying the life of being a teenager, sneaking out at night until she is caught by her Mormon Parents. Her parents then confine her to being a sister wife married to an older man. It is about her escaping her suffocating life, about making her own choices, and the characters she meets on her journey to freedom.      

     Overall I would rate this book three and a half stars out of five. This book was one wild tale. It was an excellent young adult story, that captured the essence and reality of being a teenager. I loved how this book combined so many different elements of which one would never think to put together in a story. From Evel Knievel to Mormonism certainly explains the title pretty well. The element that made this book so great and what it is, was the plot. I think this book would make a great movie (assuming the movie does the book justice). I do wish this book had more character depth to it, since it consisted of a wide assortment of people. And some of the sections on Evel Knievel I thought could have been omitted or shortened. I say this because some of them seemed irrelevant to the story. 

     I will say this, Loretta was a character who I loved to hate. It is always a risk making a main character unlikeable, in that it can detract from the book. However, this risk was well worth taken, because it worked. You will have to read this book to see what I mean. For all those who are looking for excitement and adventure come and join "the daredevil" train by reading this book. 

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Shawn Vestal, and Penguin Group: The Penguin Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill 

Book Review #22: "67 Shots"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence," by Howard Means. This book is fresh for the picking today April 12, 2016. To read an excerpt from this book CLICK HERE. To purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. I chose this book to read based on its description. I am interested in learning more than I do of the time period of the Vietnam war and the Kent State shooting. I will honestly say I do not know much, and this is a time period in history of which I am lacking much knowledge of. This book was a detailed run down of the Kent State shooting on May 4, 1970. It is a compilation of the events and the atmosphere that led to the shooting. 

     I will say this book did a very good job on presenting the atmosphere behind the shooting. It was interesting and intriguing. This book also did a good job in describing the factors that led up to the shooting, the causes and the effects of it. It did help me understand more about this time period, so it did its job in answering my reasons for reading this book. 

     I will say I did not love this book, I did have a difficult time finishing it. It felt like reading a long news article instead of a book. The chapters were all meshed together and did not flow well. It just seemed as if it were lacking organization. I felt it was also lacking the emotions behind this traumatic event. Because of this I had a difficult time connecting and engaging to this story. 

     I don't want to end on a sour note. I am not trying to dissuade anyone from reading this because like our presidential candidates we all have our own opinions, beliefs, likes and dislikes. 

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Howard Means, and Perseus Book Group: Da Capo Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #21: "Arena"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Arena" by Holly Jennings. This book is out for publication today April 5, 2016. To read an excerpt from this book CLICK HERE. And for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is set in the near future, where instead of live action sports like football, the world is entertained with a virtual reality gaming competition. In order to win you can't be killed. It is about love, loss, addiction, and competition. 

     Overall I rated this book three and a half stars out of five. It was entertaining, and a fast read which kept my attention throughout the book. I loved how this book seemed to have a simple plot, but took on a greater meaning. It tackled the issues of technology and the problems it caused by living in a technology focused world. It talks about balance, being able to live in the real world and virtual world at the same time. It discussed fame, what it is like to be a "celebrity" to uphold an image that is not you. I fell in love with the main character Kali, she was a very strong, fierce and she upheld the image of a feminist, in a male driven society. This book will give you little treats when referring to the technology and culture reminiscent of the past.

     This book was a little disappointing. It was like I was expecting more from the book, and kept waiting for it to happen which then it never did. The game, the fighting got a little old and bland at times. However the descriptions of the action was very real and well brought to life. This book will appeal to a large number of people. Obviously people who love technology and video games would enjoy this book. This book is not just for gamers it has something that everyone can relate to.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Holly Jennings (the author), and Berkley Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill