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This is one of those books that I think everybody should read. It literally moved me and I learned a lot. I never thought much about hair braiding but I now have a whole new respect.

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Synopsis

In spare free verse laced with unforgettable images, Viola’s strikingly original voice sings out the story of her family s journey from war-torn Sudan, to Cairo, and finally to Portland, Maine. Here, in the sometimes too close embrace of the local Southern Sudanese Community, she dreams of South Sudan while she tries to navigate the strange world of America a world where a girl can wear a short skirt, get a tattoo or even date a boy; a world that puts her into sharp conflict with her traditional mother who, like Viola, is struggling to braid together the strands of a displaced life.

Terry Farish s haunting novel is not only a riveting story of escape and survival, but the universal tale of a young immigrant s struggle to build a life on the cusp of two cultures.

Review

The Good Braider by Terry Farish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Platypires for The Good Braider by Terry Farish

I need to start off by saying that at first I was completely put off by the free verse written style of the novel. I even put the book down because I never read a book written that way and assumed it must have been a mistake. The only mistake was my way of thinking after realizing it was done on purpose.

I decided to give it a second chance and quickly immersed myself in Viola story. I truly couldn't put this book down. I just found this story to be so engrossing and enlightening. I actually feel that this is a story I will not forget.

Kudos to the author for shining a light on the plight of a Sudanese refugee. The story truly came alive in my mind and I felt everything Viola felt. The research was really well done. Even though the author isn't from the Sudan , I felt she captured the true essence of that region.

Overall, this is a great novel that I would highly recommend.

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Weird Girl and What's His Name by Meagan Brothers

12/27/2015

I missing the last 3 seasons and one movie in my X-Files Collection.

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Synopsis

In the tiny podunk town of Hawthorne, North Carolina, seventeen-year-old geeks Lula and Rory share everything—sci-fi and fantasy fandom, Friday night binge-watching of old X-Files episodes, and that feeling that they don’t quite fit in. Lula knows she and Rory have no secrets from each other; after all, he came out to her years ago, and she’s shared with him her “sacred texts”—the acting books her mother left behind after she walked out of Lula’s life. But then Lula discovers that Rory—her Rory, who maybe she’s secretly had feelings for—has not only tried out for the Hawthorne football team without telling her, but has also been having an affair with his middle-aged divorcee boss. With their friendship disrupted, Lula begins to question her identity and her own sexual orientation, and she runs away in the middle of the night on a journey to find her mother, who she hopes will have all the answers. Meagan Brother’s piercing prose in this fresh LGBT YA novel speaks to anyone who has ever felt unwanted and alone, and who struggles to find their place in an isolating world. Ages 14–up.

My Review

Weird Girl and What's His Name by Meagan Brothers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Weird Girl and What's His Name

Must love X-Files or have some idea who the hell are Mulder and Scully from the show. Okay maybe I am exaggerating but it does help. Its also one of the reasons why I picked up "Weird Girl and What's His Name" because it was mention in the synopsis. Being a fan of the show I was able to pick up on a lot of the references but even though I liked the show, I thought it was a tad overdone. I got it. Lula and Rory are obsessed with the show and they would use the show as a way to express themselves. Great idea but the delivery at times just sounded like a bunch of ramblings which killed some of the fun. Honestly, it just took away from the story at times.
Now for the story without the OCD ramblings about X-files and the band Guided By Voices was really good. I was really entertain with this coming of age story of Lula & Rory and thought they were really likable characters. I loved the fact they were confused about love and their own identity. Plus dealing with their own family drama isn't an easy task either for any teenager.
I liked the author's writing style and plan on reading more of her work. She has talent with realistic YA fiction that doesn't talk down to teenagers. She makes her characters flawed and relatable which was really refreshing to read.
Overall this was a really good book and I would recommend to readers who enjoy LGBT YA fiction.

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Rising Tide by T.L. Zalecki

12/19/2015

I love mermaids! I found an artwork that I own to go with this blog post.

If you haven't heard about Kindle Scout than please take a look here. Its a great program from Amazon to help never before published books get published. Books are picked by votes from readers. If a book is picked the reader gets their nominated book for free. This is how I received Rising Tide.

Synopsis:

Forget whatever you think you know. History has been rewritten, and the future is in peril.
In a world where rising ocean levels swallow coastal cities and people scramble for resources on an overpopulated earth, the survival of the human race depends on biogenetic research to develop aquatic abilities. The year is 2098, and it has never been more dangerous for the elusive Sirens to be discovered.
Until now, the Sirens have remained hidden from the human world, inhabiting an obscure, undiscovered island in the Indian Ocean. Amid growing discontent among their youth, the Sirens, led by headstrong Mello Seaford, decide to test the waters of open society by striking a deal with the all-powerful megacorporation, DiviniGen Inc.
And they risk everything to do it.
Will the risk prove worth it, or will the Sirens be subjected to the diabolical whims of humanity?

Books In Series

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My Review

Rising Tide by T.L. Zalecki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Rising Tide by T.L. Zalecki

This is a great book for any science loving reader. The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking it was so smart and well researched.
As someone who loves learning about evolution of mankind, I thought Rising Tide was so refreshing to read. Personally, I've been pretty vocal in my fantasies that maybe some humanoid species might still exist and they are still among us. Oh, T.L Zalecki were you in my mind. lol . Just Kidding.
I really liked the future world building. I could really imagine that world existing if global warming, population growth and corporate greed continues. Plus the advancement of technology was really neat to read. I could very well see this story becoming a movie.
The characters were also well developed and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the proceeding books. Plus it's a good , well written story with suspense and action.
I received a free copy though Amazon's Kindle Scout program.

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Winter by Marissa Meyer

12/18/2015

WINTER IS HERE. OMG! The wait was so difficult but I am so glad it finally came out. I just didn't want it to end. Good news The Stars Above comes out in February.

*All Lunar Chronicle images came from the official fanart page. I do not own the copyright.

Marrisa Meyer has no qualms using characters of all colors.

Synopsis: Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

Books In The Series

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My Review

Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Platypires for Winter by Marissa Meyer

Damn it. I wasn't ready. I need more. I can't even...

Hands Downs this is the best book in the series and Marrissa Meyers is a genius. The way she can mix science fiction and fairly tales is truly a gift. I really hope they make this series into a movie or tv show because that would be great.

Honestly, not sure what I can add to this review but to say that if you haven't read Cinder, please start on that ASAP. The series just keeps getting better. Obviously if you already read the 3 previous books and liked them then you have to read Winter. That just makes sense. Just a warning Winter is a really long book but its so freaking action pack with so much going on. Truly there wasn't a dull moment. It was just a fun book. I need to add the romance in the book just pulled on those heart strings. I am sucker for those mushy moments and Winter has it in abundance.

Winter gets 5 Platypires
Lunar Chronicles Series gets 4.25 Platypires.

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Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan

12/17/2015

*Sigh Another good book by Rebecca Donovan. This is book 2 in the Breathing Series and you can read by book one review here.

Synopsis: Emma’s struggle with an abusive home life came to a heart pounding conclusion in the final chapters of Reason to Breathe. Now everyone in Weslyn knows Emma’s secret, but Carol can’t hurt Emma anymore. Some are still haunted by the horror of that night, and some must face the repercussions of their choices. Fans of Rebecca Donovan’s debut novel will discover there’s still much to learn about Emma’s life.

My Review:

Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan.

Oh wow this was an intense read to the follow up to Reason to Breathe. Book one ended with an off the wall cliffhanger that just made reading book 2 a given. The drama doesn't stop. Poor Emma. She doesn't seem to catch a break.
This time around she moves in with her estranged mother and their living situation doesn't go according to plan. Plus it doesn't help that mom's boyfriend Jonathan was around. Honestly, that whole story-line made me very uncomfortable.
Also I didn't like that Evan wasn't around a lot like he was in the first book. I kept asking, "Where is Evan?" I needed more Evan but I understand this is a story of fiction. Those two issues were my main hiccups. Other than that I couldn't put this book down because it was so addicting. Rebecca Donovan knows how to write an engaging story.

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American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett

12/15/2015

American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett was my October's book club read and I finally got around to finishing it. The above picture is my reading progress that took awhile to finish. The book is almost 700 pages and was quite a struggle to read.

Synopsis: Some places are too good to be true.
Under a pink moon, there is a perfect little town not found on any map.
In that town, there are quiet streets lined with pretty houses, houses that conceal the strangest things.
After a couple years of hard traveling, ex-cop Mona Bright inherits her long-dead mother's home in Wink, New Mexico. And the closer Mona gets to her mother's past, the more she understands that the people of Wink are very, very different ...
From one of our most talented and original new literary voices comes the next great American supernatural novel: a work that explores the dark dimensions of the hometowns and the neighbors we thought we knew.

My Review:

American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2 Platypires for American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett

This just wasn't for me. If it wasn't for my book club I don't think I would have ever finished it. I felt the book was just too long and dragged on. I couldn't even finish before my meeting but felt that I already read so much that I should finish. 2 months later I completed reading this novel.

American Elsewhere is in the horror genre and came with a lot of high reviews but I just don't feel the same way as others. Mona the main character was a typical female lead in a horror book where she was slow on the uptake. All these strange occurrences where taking place in the small town of Wink but she was unwilling to believe it. AHHHH! That was frustrating but other than that she was an alright character.

Besides the length of the book I felt the book also went all over the place with too many POVS. It seems even the nonessential characters were given their own time to shine and didn't drive the plot. Without giving away spoilers I felt the ending was lackluster even though it was bloody it wasn't that great.

Overall I would recommend passing on this book because it was not an enjoyable read.

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Music Monday: The Hotel Café presents... Winter Songs

12/14/2015

Christmas season which means Christmas music. Love or Hate it there is no way to escape so why no embrace with some good tunes. The Hotel Cafe Presents: Winter Song was released Oct. 14, 2008 by Epic Records. The album features a lot of great artist from Fiona Apple, Katy Perry, Colbie Caillat , Sarah Bareilles and much more.

I have been listening to Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson for quite some time. Even in the summer. I freaking love it. 5 stars on that song alone. But here's the thing, I never actually listen to the album. I just only had that one song. So in the spirit of Christmas I listen to the whole album and really enjoyed it. Its a blend of original music and classic Christmas songs that I think are really quite good.
Beside "Winter Song" , other top songs are:
The Heartache Can Wait by Brandi Carlile ,
Maybe Next Year (X-Mas Song) by Meiko. Meiko brings a very sexy vibe to this compilation
Mistletoe by Colbie Caillat ,
The Christmas Song by Catherine Feeny does a great rendition to a very classic song that makes it sounds new.
Overall this is just a very nice Christmas that I think those who aren't in love with holiday music would still enjoy.

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No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae

12/14/2015

This is book 2 in the All About Love series. Each book can be read as a stand alone.

Book 1 review HERE.

Synopsis: Readers of Emma Chase are sure to fall for bestselling author Cassie Mae’s All About Love series! In No Interest in Love,Hollywood’s hottest young actor hits the road to chase his big break—and discovers a leading lady where he least expected.

When Jace Carver snags a minor part in his buddy’s zombie flick, he suddenly starts getting noticed all over the place. Even Hollywood megastar Carletta Ocean—known for her extensive “research” with her male co-stars—wants Jace for her new rom-com. The role could be a game-changer . . . if Jace nails the audition.

As Jace’s agent, Shaylene Kwak is all business, and isn’t about to let her favorite client blow this opportunity. Since their college years, Shay has been immune to Jace’s charm and rock-hard body. But long hours in close company have a way of wearing down even the best defenses, and when their platonic teasing turns into serious flirting, Jace and Shay are no longer able to resist what’s been right in front of them the entire time.

Shay knows Jace’s love-’em-and-leave-’em history with women. She’s not about to be just another notch in his belt. And it’s true, Jace has never wanted more than a one-night stand—until now. But at the end of the line, he’s got a choice: sleep with Carletta and seal the deal, or risk his career for a shot at true love with Shay

My Review:

No Interest in Love (All About Love, #2)

No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Platypires for No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae

I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

I was pretty excited to hear that Cassie Mae had another book coming out in 2015 because most authors take a year or so to come out with new stuff. I guess she knows her fans are pretty demanding. WE NEED OUR NEXT HIT ASAP. At least that is how it was for me.
I freaking adored "Doing it for Love" the first book in the All About Love series and had a strong feeling that I would enjoy "No Interest in Love." No big surprise, I really liked it. It hit all the right spots. The writing was funny, the characters were relatable and it was all out adorable. Just mushy goodness.
This story is about Jace & Shay, friends/coworkers, on a hilarious unexpected road trip where everything goes wrong. Its told from the POV from Jace which I thought was just great. We got inside the male mind as he struggle through his feeling for Shay because at a young age he had sworn off love. Plus he wants to follow in the footsteps of his hero Barney Stinson, from "How I Met Your Mother."
Yes! In true Cassie Mae fashion there is quite a few pop culture references that are just delightful to read. "How I Met Your Mother is one of my favorite shows." I think it might be beneficial to watch an episode or two before reading this book, but it's not necessary. Plus, I went into geekiness overdrive when a certain superhero was mention. Psst... He's a favorite of mine.
I do want a bring up an issue I had with the cover of this book and by no means did it effect my rating. I was pretty disappointed that Shay's ethnicity was not accurately represented. She is Korean and the cover model by no means would be able to pass. I am a huge supporter of #WeNeedDiverseBooks and did not feel that this whitewashing could be justified. Random House, its 2015, lets get with it.
Now all that being said, I really did enjoy this book and would recommend it to others. I believe any romance fan would enjoy it.

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Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson

12/12/2015

This review is kinda different. I have a vlog review made by Manny Fresco. He also read Ms. Marvel and wanted to share his thoughts.

Synopsis: Marvel Comics presents the new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation!

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, Jersey!

It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (RUNAWAYS)! Collecting MS. MARVEL (2014) #1-5 and material from ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE #1

Manny's video and my written review:

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