SKIP THIS BOOK!!

Invisible Friend

By: Stephen Chbosky

Genre:  Horror

Pages: 720

Published: 2019

Read:  October

2 out of 5 stars

We have all read – or at least heard about – Perks of Being a Wallflower. If you read it as a teen, I can almost guarantee you loved it. As an adult, it’s a toss-up. Either way, many people were excited about Chbosky’s 2nd novel after 20 years. It didn’t matter if this one was an adult horror versus his YA coming-of-age debut novel. I know because I felt that way.

Well let me tell you, Imaginary Friend, started out Fantastic. The premise was great, the story engaging. I felt I was reading a Stephen King – totally engrossed. I couldn’t put it down; all I wanted to do was read. Until about halfway through – when it should have ended – but he went on and on and on. There were so many tangents and nonsense story lines, that my interest was lost. There were so many points it could have ended, but it was as though he was determined to write a tome. It was just a tiresome train wreck.

Honestly, I would have a difficult time explaining the ending – I’m not sure what happened.

And can someone explain the underlining of words and random capital letters – “Don’t leave the street. tHey can’t get you if you don’t leave the street.” Did the “H” denote the imaginary friend? And what was with the mailbox people? Just a confusing, poorly edited, pointless read.

What a FUN Read!!

Not Quite What I Was Planning

By: Larry Smith (Editor)

Genre:  Nonfiction

Pages: 225

Published: 2008

Read:  June

5 out of 5 stars

It's hard to rate this book as it is just a collection of 6 word memoirs. However, it is a great collection. Some are sad, some are happy, some are inspirational, some are funny, and some are just ridiculous, but all our meaningful - if not to you to the person who wrote them. I encourage everyone to write their own whether it signifies a time in your life or you life up to this point - It's all about you. 

As a bonus and a shock - my favorite actor and screen crush was featured - Josh Lucas
"Glory developing vital loving fighting life."

Mine - She read her life away (almost).

Let's Reach Everyone We Can!

Starworld

By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner

Genre:  YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 352

Published: 2019

Read:  May

4.5 out of 5 stars

This book takes place in the real world at present time. However, it reaches another dimension when two very different girls start texting. Zoe and Sam find that they can be “themselves” and share their true feelings in the created world of Starworld. This book is uniquely written in two voices, by two different authors, in two different worlds. It crosses over from reality to fantasy and back again; giving the authors a unique opportunity to reach more readers. Starworld is very gripping, well-written and timely – adults can’t help but enjoy it too.

Great Narrator - Book not so much.

There’s Someone Inside Your House

By: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: YA/Mystery

Pages: 287

Published: 2017

Audiobook: 9 hours and 26 mins

Read:  June

2 out of 5 stars

I heard the audio on this one was great and really scary. Therefore, I expected that there would be a little spooky music perhaps? Not only could I not get into the story, kind of childish, it wasn't scary AT ALL. There are much better out there. I should have known since I also didn't care for Perkins book, Anna and the French Kiss, even though I know a lot of readers did.

On the fantastic side, the narrator is phenomenal - Bahni Turpin. She has narrated over 70 books, including The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. Both are great audio. I love her.

What a Fun and Engaging listen!

Daisy Jones and the Six

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Realistic fiction

Pages: 368

Published: 2019

Audiobook: 10 hours

Read:  May

5 out of 5 stars

Do NOT read this book, you MUST listen to it!! I have listened to a lot of great audio books over the years, but this one blew me away. This is the best audio ever. The story is so engaging it almost feels interactive. I have never read a book like it. Told entirely through interviews of band members, their family and the media, you forget it’s a fictional story. One cannot help but love the music even though you never hear it. This book is so much fun!

Misleading title

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation

By: Heather Dawn Godfrey

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Pages: 160

Published: 2018

Read:  March

3 out of 5 stars

I feel the title of the book is very misleading. I was expecting to learn which essential oils are best for mindfulness and meditation, the purpose, and the use of each scent. While this was slightly covered, the book primarily dealt with the history of essential oils, how they are made, and how to apply them. It was more a science lesson on essential oils. It’s not that it didn’t cover useful information, but it wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting from this book. I enjoyed the last chapter the most – Wellness Techniques – Relaxation, Exercise and Nutrition. 

Important Topic, but have read better

The Girls at 17 Swann Street

By: Yara Zgheib

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mental Health

Pages: 384

Published: 2019

Read:  March

3 out of 5 stars

This book was OK. I believe eating disorders is an important topic and often overlooked in fiction books. However, I felt this book was somewhat unrealistic. My biggest issue was believing Emm would be in the house for 4 entire years. She would have been moved to a halfway house or similar establishment. Plus, I never felt she still had a serious enough eating disorder to justify the length of stay. She was portrayed as recovered, helpful and encouraging to the other girls. I felt it was a cop-out by the author. The girls were distant and as the reader I was never able to connect with them. I would suggest Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson or for a different take on institutions I highly recommend Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum (5 stars).