Book Review #82: "Artemis"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Artemis," by Andy Weir. This book is hot off the press as it was just published today November 14, 2017 by Crown Publishing Group. Andy Weir is the previous author of "The Martian." For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is about a kick-ass smuggler Jazz Bashara. In order to make up with her father in which she is in debt to, she vandalizes the moon's oxygen making system. Her plan gets foiled and she realizes she is in deeper trouble than she thinks. And this time it's not just Jazz in trouble it's the whole moon community of "Artemis." 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was an awesome well written book. The main female character Jazz is fantastically written. She is your strong, confident, kick-ass, sarcastic woman. We need more strong female characters in books. And this book gives it 100 percent. This book follows "The Martian" in a well told story.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Andy Weir, and Crown Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #81: "The Best Kind of People"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Best Kind of People: A Novel," by Zoe Whittall. This book is hot off the press as it was just published today September 19, 2017 by Random House Books. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. Zoe Whittall is a well established author. She previously wrote the book "Holding Still for as Long as Possible" which won the Lambda Literary Award. This book is about a long time popular high school teacher and family man who is accused of sexually assaulting some of his high school students on a ski trip. It is about how the family his wife, daughter and son dealt with the accusation and whether or not the accusation was true or not.

     Overall I rated this book five stars out of five. This was so emotionally and passionately written. It was so realistic I thought I was a voyeur watching this story unfold in front of me. It was heartbreaking and real. It was well written, and the character development was excellent in every way. I really liked the layout of this book on how it had a chapter from each family member's perspective and how that person was handling the accusations against their husband/father. The only thing that was a little disappointing was the ending it was too short, and it seemed as if there was no closure to the book. But this was mostly because I was so into this book and didn't want it to end. I wish the ending were more fair to the rest of the book. But overall I am so glad I read this book because I completely enjoyed reading it even though it was heartbreaking. Go out and read this book because it is highly recommended.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Zoe Whittall, and Random House Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #80: "The Great Quake"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet," by Henry Fountain. This book is hot off the press as it was just published today August 8, 2017 by Crown Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is about possibly the largest earthquake ever to hit Alaska in 1964. It is about the earthquake itself, the damage, and the recovery from the storm. But it is more than just the earthquake, it is about how that particular earthquake confirmed the plate-tectonics theory. It centers around one geologist George Plafker and his commitment to finding out how this earthquake happened. In doing this he was able to confirm the plate-tectonics theory of earthquakes.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This book was well written and well researched. It was interesting and very detailed though it did drag on a little bit at some points in the book. But overall it kept my interest and focus. It was well organized and well thought out. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Henry Fountain, and Crown Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #79: "Watch Me Disappear"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Watch Me Disappear," by Janelle Brown. This book is hot off the press as it was published today July 11, 2017 by Random House Publishing Group.  For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. Janelle Brown is a bestselling author. She previously wrote the books "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything," and "This is Where We Live."  "Watch Me Disappear" is about Billie a married mother of one child dies while she is hiking. This is about the grief of a loss of a mother and how her daughter, Olive and husband Jonathon cope with her loss. Olive starts seeing her mother and receiving messages from her mother through hallucinations. From there while her husband is writing a book about his loss he finds out information that his wife had a different life before him and was keeping secrets. From here both Olive and Jonathon begin to question Billie's death of whether she died or left them behind. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. I really did enjoy reading this book, it had a lot of substance to it. It was a book that had it not been for the publisher who sent me a copy of this book I would probably have never read, but I am definitely glad I did read it. The characters were likable and had depth. The story kept me on my feet wanting to find out what happened to Billie. And I absolutely loved the ending. There were a few times in the book where I did want more to happen, but overall I would highly recommend this book to read. Go ahead and find out for yourself does Billie die while hiking or does she leave her family for a different life altogether?

     I want to thank Netgalley, Janelle Brown, and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #78: "Policing the Black Man"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Policing the Black Man: Arrest, Prosecution, and Imprisonment," edited by Angela J. Davis. This book is hot off the press as it was just published today July 11, 2017 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is a collection of eleven essays about the injustice when it comes to the criminal justice system and African Americans. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a very persuasive, informative book on the unfairness in how African Americans are treated in this country. This book was extremely well written and well researched. It brought all the facts to the forefront. And the astonishing facts you will read about in this book are difficult to ignore. My favorite essays were "Boys to Men: The Role of Policing in the Socialization of Black Boys" by Kristin Henning. This essay was particularly important because it discussed children, our upcoming generations of children and how they are affected growing up in a country where our criminal justice system unfairly treats African Americans. My other favorite essay was "The Prosecution of Black Men" by Angela J. Davis because it was the essay that I learned the most. Like others I was focusing on the police and did not realize how huge of an impact prosecutors have in the unjust treatment of African Americans. The only criticism I have of this book is it was a bit repetitive. But being repetitive for this country to change we probably need to hear this over and over again. I think this book should be read in schools, basically everyone should read this book. But it should first be a mandatory read for police officers and everyone involved in our criminal justice system.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Angela J. Davis (including all the authors who were a part of this book) and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #77: "Lost Boy"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook," by Christina Henry.  This book is hot off the press as it is just published today July 4, 2017 by Berkley Publishing Group. Christina Henry is a fantasy author of "The Chronicles of Alice" series and "Black Wings". For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is about the story behind Captain Hook on how he went from being one of the lost boys' of Peter Pan to being Captain Hook. This story focuses on the relationship between Jamie/Captain Hook and Peter Pan.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a very creative story. You can definitely tell how creative the author is by reading this book. I really did enjoy the story. It was dark, but lightly entertaining. The only thing I was wishing for was more excitement. I kept reading waiting for the moment I would fall in love with this book, although I really liked that book this moment never came and I was completely expecting and hoping it would. It seemed that this book was missing something as for what I can't seem to put my finger on it. But I definitely am glad I read this book and am looking forward to reading "The Chronicles of Alice" series that I have already purchased.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Christina Henry, and Berkley Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #76: "Daring to Drive"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening," by Manal Al-Sharif. This book is hot off the press as it was published June 13, 2017 by Simon & Schuster. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This is Manal Al-Sharif's story of being a activist for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. This book tells the story of Manal Al-Sharif's childhood to the day she was imprisoned for driving while being female in Saudi Arabia. It is a coming of age story of how Manal grew up in an Islam fundamentalist environment and how she immersed herself into their particular views and lifestyle. She then goes to college where her whole life changes and she is able to see the bigger picture of the country she lives in and changes her lifestyle. She is a very successful woman who stands up for all women's rights in Saudi Arabia, in particular the right for woman to drive.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was an excellent book, I am so glad I read it. Reading it was so empowering especially for females. I love reading books of different cultures and learning about different traditions and customs out there. I love reading books that deal with injustice,  and inequality. This book had both so it was the perfect book for me to read. It was a very inspiring book, and well written also. I can't imagine all the obstacles that Manal had to overcome just to write this book and get to where she is today. I find it amazing how education can open a person's world. That Manal's story could have been much different if she did not attend college and receive her education. I like how Manal combined her own personal experiences with facts on Saudi culture and history. It was a really well balanced book. You could definitely tell that Manal Al-Sharif poured her heart and soul and her passion into this book. With all this said I highly recommend reading this book.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Manal Al-Sharif, and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #75: "The Prisoner in His Palace"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid," by Will Bardenwerper. This book is hot off the press as it was published on June 6, 2017 by Scribner Books. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This book is the untold story of what took place after Saddam Hussein was captured and his death. This book brings to light of a tale different from the Saddam Hussein we thought we knew. This is also the story of the twelve guards who were assigned to guard him and the relationships they formed with Saddam Hussein. 

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a well written story, and a story that needed to be told. While I do not approve of the horrible things that Saddam Hussein did, this story brought more humanity to Saddam Hussein as a person. While it is difficult to process the horrible things Saddam Hussein did and the person that he was characterized to be in this story explains why this book needed to be written. The only criticism I have for this book was the organization of this book. I felt at times it was disorganized and did not flow together well with the overall book.  Otherwise this book is highly recommended for everyone to read.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Will Bardenwerper, and Scribner Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #74: "Once, in Lourdes"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Once, in Lourdes: A Novel," by Sharon Solwitz. This book is hot off the press as it was published on May 30, 2017 by Random House Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE.  This book was about four friends who made a pact to commit suicide in two weeks. It is about the the developments and events that take place during the two weeks from when these four friends made the pact.

     Overall I rated this book three stars out of five. This story had a good premise. It seems interesting, and interesting enough to get your attention to read. However, this book did not flow well it was to all over the place with little organization. This made the book difficult to get through. The character development was good and in depth. However, the characters to me were unlikable, which again made this book difficult to read. I think this book had great promise, it just did not meet my expectations.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Sharon Solwitz, and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill

Book Review #73: "Shadow Man"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Shadow Man: A Novel," by Alan Drew. This book is hot off the press as it was published on May 23, 2017 by Random House Publishing Group. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This is Alan Drew's second book, his debut novel was "Gardens of Water." This book is about a police detective investigating a serial killer. During his investigation the death of a 17 year old boy brings his past back to life. This is about how he copes with his past and his failing marriage while capturing the serial killer.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This book caught me off guard, in that I was surprised in how much I liked it. Reading the back cover of  this book was not a typical book I would have picked out to read. But boy I am glad I did. The character development was extremely enriching. This book captured my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end. The only thing I would eliminate would be the pages written from the serial killer's point of view as I thought it took away from the book instead of adding to it. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the personal growth of the characters. I would highly recommend reading this book.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Alan Drew, and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill