Review - Believe like a Child by Paige Dearth

Book Summary from Amazon

Alessa is just seven years old when her uncle rapes her for the first time. As the years pass, his sexual appetite becomes more voracious and his perversion more twisted, until the abuse has become almost a daily ritual, with the unspoken involvement of the girl’s mother. She flees her home to escape this hell, only to find herself descending into a more dangerous one.

Wherever she goes, however, trouble keeps seeking her out, until she meets three people who change the course of her life forever. Though Alessa’s bittersweet journey is perpetually fraught with challenges, she does, nevertheless, manage to find fleeting moments of joy along the way. But as she begins to settle down, a ghost from the past comes to haunt her again, threatening to destroy the very foundation of her small world and plunging her back into an abyss of despair, until she makes her final bid for escape.

Publication date - June 22, 2011

My Review - 4 1/2

I would start out saying I was an emotional train wreck from beginning to end, deep breath.  This is one of the most emotional heart wrenching dark family horror stories I have ever read but with an alluring character, Alessa, she made it worthwhile.

This was a novel but rang so true.  This book was inspired from the authors life, a balance between what lives on in her imagination and the evil that lurks in the real world.  This was a story she used as therapy for her own personal abusive turmoil.

Hardcore details have to be appreciated before trying to read this book.  Rape, incest, murder, drugs, abandonment, homeless life, physical abuse and scary drama.  There is no holding back, all the bad things in life you will find in this book, frightening disturbing scenes.   This story will pull you in from the first paragraph and won't let go until the end.

Alessa is a joy to know throughout her journey, you cry with her, for her, praise her, celebrate with her, fear for her and torture yourself with why is she a continuous victim but has the strength to go on. 

The character building was executed perfectly, many you will hate but again Alessa helps you to see the good in others even if it is only a glimmer.  Alessa always believed if she died no one would notice and care but in the end she touched so many and helped to save so many lives from their personal turmoils that she finally achieved life.  Note, Believe Like a Child has an amazing ending but no means is a happy ever after one.

Favourite quotes

"I guess I've never seen it as survival.  It was just my life.  Most kids are raised on Cheerios, but I was raised on sex."  41% on Kindle

Listen, until other people walk in your shoes and live your life, they can't know or understand anything about you.  64% on Kindle


 

What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.
I realised today that half the year is almost gone, how is that possible.....

I am currently reading the 2nd in this series,  another blogger, Stacy, told me not to wait to long to read on, sigh, why didn't I listen, I really enjoyed the first one and the this one is good but so tied in I am confused, lol.  I just started though so we will see.

1st in series - Beautiful Lies

 

 

I reviewed - 4 stars

 

 

 

 

My review of this one will be up tomorrow.  Sooooooo good.

 

 

 

I also did a personal post here, on my new home and the countdown to moving in.  I shared my inspiration on bookshelves and book art.

 

 

 

Countdown with Marce - My Houzz

Last year June, my partner and I bought a house but with a two year rental in place.  I was upset with the wait but now can't believe it is less than a year away.  I am always on Houzz, getting inspiration and choosing furniture and decorating ideas.  I spend as much time on that site as I do blogging now.

I decided I am going to share some of my choices here on my blog, one weekend every month.  Hope you enjoy my excitement.

My house is called Amethyst.  I was born and raised in Bermuda. I am a 1st time home owner. Bermudians say 'owning a piece of the rock'.

My first choice to share with you is my inspiration for the bookshelf and art.......

All pictures are from the site Houzz

I love the mix of shapes. I can see books, book art and our Swarovski crystals here.

Contemporary Living Room by Hong Kong Interior Designer S.I.D.Ltd.

 

 

  

Modern Spaces by Hong Kong Interior Designer S.I.D.Ltd.

 

 

 

Photos from Etsy for my book art sculpture inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

 

 

Review - Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

Book Summary from Amazon

As the book opens, Dr. Jennifer White’s best friend, Amanda, who lived down the block, has been killed, and four fingers surgically removed from her hand. Dr. White is the prime suspect and she herself doesn’t know whether she did it. Told in White’s own voice, fractured and eloquent, a picture emerges of the surprisingly intimate, complex alliance between these life-long friends—two proud, forceful women who were at times each other’s most formidable adversaries. As the investigation into the murder deepens and White’s relationships with her live-in caretaker and two grown children intensify, a chilling question lingers: is White’s shattered memory preventing her from revealing the truth or helping her to hide it?

Publication Date - July 5, 2011

My Review - 4 stars

It was suggested to me by Christa to read a summary of the book to see if I would enjoy the style of writing, I think this is the perfect idea to consider.  Christa's review at Mental Foodie: A book and food lover blog.

The whole book is told from Dr. White's perspective, who has different stages of dementia and from journal entries from the other characters.  They are simple paragraphs and having her as the unreliable narrator adds to the mystery.  At times it doesn't make sense initially but also ties in together at the end.  My favourite times is when she goes back to being an active physician, she was obviously respected in her work and the murder was a direct tie in with her profession also.

My dad has dementia and so reading this felt personal to me.  I have read enough books to know this novel was genuine on what goes through the heads of victims to this harsh illness.  Many times not making sense to the reader or Dr. White.

If you read mysteries you may not be surprised by the ending but I thought it was executed well in this style.

The relationship of Dr. White with her son, daughter and best friend was memorable.  Mixed emotions with  family drama, grief, loss, anger, humor and trust all surrounding her being the person of interest with the murder of her best friend.  She is the one who can answer the questions unanswered but she doesn't remember, glimpse are clear but did it really happen.....

This was a great novel with a unreliable character with dementia. 

I think Still Alice by Lisa Genova is the best novel for those interested in reading a book on Dementia/Alzheimers.

Favourite quotes

I've read enough about this disease to know that you can't predict the future by the past.  It's like they say about parenting:  Just when you think you've mastered it, everything changes. 22 % on Kindle

My plots are simple:  Walk to the door.  Wait until no one is looking.  Open the door.  Leave.  Go home. Bar the front entrance against all comers.  62% on Kindle

I added to my TBR list after reading the review of Tina says..... go here.

 

Monday again - what are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

I am slowly finding my way back to the joy of reading.  When overly stressed I realised reading was not helping as I couldn't concentrate on what I was reading but I'm getting there now.  Thanks for the inspiring stress free comments last week, I appreciate it.

I just completed Turn of Mind - Review up this week, I give it a 4

 

 

Last reviewed book - I recommend series

 

 

 

 

I also read Coraline - very weird, can't say I enjoyed it, haven't decided if I will review

 

 

 

 

I think this is next

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review - The Prophet by Ethan Cross

Book summary from authors website

OLD ENEMIES

Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he’s more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS

Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now fully integrated into The Shepherd Organization, an underground law enforcement agency, Marcus has to focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS

Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.


My Review - 4 1/2

Ethan Cross has made a name in the crime genre, I think he will be known as the likes, Thomas Harris and Jeffrey Deaver.  He knows how to write an edge of your seat thriller.  This series will get your heart pumping with exciting rage.

I really enjoyed the debut The Shepherd and novella The Cage.  This also lived up to expectations.  I was wow'd in December and kind of wished I had just read this right away.

Marcus is the main character, an unorthodox detective that has a mysterious connection to Ackerman, the serial killer from Shepherd.  I enjoyed how this tension was used in the book and when Ethan Cross reveal's it towards the end they slam you with another, enough to keep you excited for the next.  I am sure there will be another..........

There was lots going on in this installment, action packed thrills, mystery and suspense.  A new serial killer on the loose with a connection to a cult, where the leader was known as The Prophet.  Marcus was running against the clock to save many but had the continuous distraction of Ackerman calling him, trying to manipulate the investigation and continue his torture games.

Ackerman is the craziest, cruelest killer I have ever read about so to mix it up with sadistic cult killers also, terrorizing to say the least. 

If you want a taste to see if you will enjoy it, go for The Cage, the thriller novella, a perfect taste of madness.

I highly recommend this series.

Quotes

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.  19% on Kindle

Marcus wondered how someone that could appear so normal to the outside world could actually be so utterly insane.  85% on Kindle

That kind of joy and contentment was so elusive and rare.  He had been born without a soul.  But soon he would steal a piece of hers.  He would feel what she felt.  He would taste her happiness and make it his own.  11% on Kindle


Here is my review of The Shepherd - 4 1/2
 

What are you reading on this Monday

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

I never realised how bad stress can affect someones life.  I feel so behind in everything including reading and blogging.

My last book and review here, great debatable bookclub read

 

 

I'm currently reading

 

The debut The Shepherd was an amazing serial killer story, highly recommend.

 

 

 

 

I look forward to downloading this one next, releasing tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review - Blindness by Jose Saramago

Book Summary

A city is hit by an epidemic of "white blindness" which spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there the criminal element holds everyone captive, stealing food rations and raping women. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides seven strangers-among them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tears-through the barren streets, and the procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing. A magnificent parable of loss and disorientation and a vivid evocation of the horrors of the twentieth century, Blindness has swept the reading public with its powerful portrayal of man's worst appetites and weaknesses-and man's ultimately exhilarating spirit. The stunningly powerful novel of man's will to survive against all odds, by the winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Publication - Oct, 1999

My Review - 4 stars

I have been sitting on this review for a week, I couldn't find the right words immediately and wanted to see what I would remember with the details not being fresh.

A dynamic thought provoking novel that is not for everyone.  This is a book I would not know who to recommend to other than those that want to think about what the bigger meaning the author is trying to get you to consider is.  What would life mean to you if you and the country was struck by the epidemic, blindness.  I enjoyed the real life feeling of this book and would categorise it as an intense thriller.

The main character is the wife of an eye doctor who does not go blind but lies to stay with her husband.  She is the voice and site of reason, most of the victims trust her without knowing she still has her vision.

An interesting style used was there were no formal punctuation used only commas and periods, so there were paragraphs of dialogue and description in a very long paragraph.  I found this easy to understand and it added to the effect of the blindness epidemic for me but would confuse or irritate others.  All the characters did not go by name but more, the girl with the dark shades, the doctors wife, the first man blind etc.

All those infected were put in quarantine and those that were in contact with the blind also but on another ward until their fatal day of becoming blind.  With no site, how quickly morals and integrity go which is a complete new reality for humanity.

The fear and torture everyone had to go through was amazing.  The woman with the site was a powerful character and the book only worked because of her really.  To see how humanity had changed was her own torture to deal with.

When the epidemic hit everyone they were free to the streets again, I enjoyed this change, it allowed some to have hope and believe again.

I am not one that usually enjoys details but I really wanted to know and understand each moment.  This book did take me 2 weeks to read, I was engaged but it was a hard dark read and the tiny words on paperback didn't help, wish I had read on my Kindle.

I found this to be a mind blowing read, a really good debatable book club read.

I have read some debates on the ending, I have to smile as I believe the author achieved what he wanted, discussion, also, for us to make some personal conclusions.

A favourite quote and example of paragraph without true punctuation

....If we cannot live entirely like human beings, at least let us do everything in our power not to live entirely like animals, words she repeated so often that the rest of the ward ended up by transforming her advice into a maxim, a dictum, into a doctrine, a rule of life, words which deep down were so simple and elementary, probably it was just that state of mind, propitious to any understanding of needs and circumstances, that contributed, even if only in a minor way to the warm welcome the old man with the black eye patch found there when he peered through the door and asked those inside, Any chance of a bed here.  Page 116


 

Top Ten Books I Recommend The Most

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

 

 

My Top Ten Books I Recommend the Most and Why

 

 

The Manufactured Identity, favourite of trilogy, recommend trilogy

 

Why I recommend - this is my favourite psychological thriller ever.  Reading the whole trilogy brings it all together but The Manufactured Identity left me breathless and I immediately wanted to reread it with the knowledge I had at the end.  Beyond impressed even 3 years later.

 

This currently is an all time favourite.

 

 

 

 

Still Alice

 

Why I recommend - Anyone that has been touched by Alzheimer's should read this, just an amazing story.  Lisa Genova has a style which teaches you why emotionally engaging you also. 

 

This currently is an all time favourite.

 

 

 

Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls

 

Why I recommend - I never had interest in reading memoirs, it was my first, WOW, definitely a great taste of memoirs.  A remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, an intense family love you can't believe as they are so dysfunctional. 

 

 

 

 

 

Night Road or Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

 

Why I recommend - So far Kristin Hannah can do no wrong in my eyes, the best emotional engaged contemporary author for me.  If you haven't read Firefly Lane, do that now as her new book Fly Away is the new beginning after and will be released end of April.

 

 

 

I am not a Serial Killer, favourite of trilogy but recommend whole trilogy

 

Why I recommend - The main character John blew me away, I love him - he is not a serial killer ;-)  It is the best mix of genres, mystery, paranormal, dystopian, science fiction and YA.

 

 

 

 

Secret Garden

 

Why I recommend  - I can't wait for my daughter to grow up so we can read this one together.  Some books are timeless and magical, this is a gem.

 

 

 

 

We Need to Talk about Kevin

 

Why I recommend - This is the best book club read.  You will want to discuss and debate it so choose to read with friends.  It may be hard in the beginning, keep at it until the end.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier

 

Why I recommend - I only read this classic last year but I am a forever fan, this is the best classic suspense story every in my opinion and everyone wants to read a classic, right.  Read this one.

 

This currently is an all time favourite.

 

 

 

I heart you, you haunt me - Lisa Schroeder

 

Why I recommend - Verse novels became my simple pleasure. I find Lisa Schroeder's to be magical, beautiful writing that touches your soul. I recommend for all ages. If you have a teen that doesn’t read you should try one of these for them.

 

 

 

 

What you reading on this Monday?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

I have been reading the same book for over a week and only 60% but I am really enjoying it, just a hard book to read in my life of multiple distractions.

Have you read Blindness, seems like a love it or hate it kind of book.

 

 

Also, this is a paperbook and small print, omg, I so haven't missed reading that way, I can't wait to get back to Kindle reading.

 

What is next, no idea.........

 

 

 

Review - Children of the Fog by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Book Summary

A supernatural suspense that will leave you breathless and nervously checking your doors and windows. Sadie O'Connell is given a horrifying choice--she can let a kidnapper take her child, or watch her son die. Which would you choose?

My Review - 4

A fast paced great suspenseful ghost story with an unreliable narrator.  Sadie was a recovering alcoholic, clean for 7 years but when her son is taken from her and her marriage is finally broken she starts drinking again.  Can you imagine fighting for your child and being threatened by the kidnapper and only give in so you can save his life?

Sadie's son is mute from a tragic incident, I had figured out part of the tragedy but when it was revealed, wow, just wow.  Once your child has been kidnapped nothing can be worst.

Sadie was a mystery writer but I understood how she couldn't use those skills to try to find her son, she was broken.  It all became about fate.  All readers will not be able to embrace the supernatural and fate dynamics but I enjoyed them, definitely took the unreliable voice to another level.  Is she drunk, dead already, crazy or slightly tipsy sane?

The characters were good but I did feel like the book could have been longer, the side stories more drawn out as they were interesting, like the husbands work crime with the undercover agent.

Sadie was a great mother and I enjoyed the motherly instincts even though with the alcohol made her seem a little crazy.  Mysterious fate brought it all together, very rewarding sad ending.


Children of the Fog is a free ebook for Prime members.

I recommend to those that enjoyed:

The Lovely Bones
Primal

100 Day Happiness Project

I have officially signed up for the 100 Happiness day project.

I realised I was emotionally disengaging with family, friends, colleagues and blogging.  I started to become angry and maybe even slightly depressed.  Grieving over the loss of my brother, dealing with my partners grief from the loss of his mom, my living arrangements, new boss etc, to name the direct triggers anyway.

I had to do something.  I am known to be optimistic, happy, the go to person that always listens and gives advise personally and career related, well I needed to look in the mirror and do for myself.  I have to be in control of my own happiness.

I thought the 100 day happiness project would be perfect, kind of a basic 101 for me.  I decided to think about the things I have done in the past that always made me happy and make time for them again but also keeping a balance of responsibilities.

The project is being hosted over at the Partyka project blog.  I initially saw it on Christine's blog, The happily ever after......

So here is my challenge,  I started on March 3 and 100 days end on June 11.  Wish me luck.  I will update once a month to let you know how I am doing.

                                                               Have friends over for dinner

                           Complete personal Appraisal goals for work

                                                               Plan a Minute to Win it party

          Go for a walk at Spittle Pond Park

                                                   Create Intimate memory to celebrate anniversary of buying home together

                                                 Cook a New recipe

         Go Jasmines Lounge for some Earl grey tea

                                              Go to the Spa

               Take the day off and go to Sports day to support daughter

This book also helped me to 'check myself'.  I will review when complete, some amazing quotes I can't wait to share with you.

Monday's come fast and furious

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

In Bermuda, our time sprung forward, did yours?  Months are going by quickly but these Monday's are coming fast and furious, slow down life, please........ :-)

I just read an amazing book, I am sure many of you have overlooked it, don't, I highly recommend. Let's pretend the title is The Manuscript Tragedy, not The Human Bobby and forget the cover, honestly just go read it.

My Review - 5 star

 

 

Today I finished a great ghost suspense, review up this week.

 

 

 

I have been in such a reading rut but these 2 books have me excited again.  Maybe I will choose from networking today. 

 

I also realised, I have read every book on my Kindle this year so far, usually I feel a pull towards a book but I haven't.  I know I love my Kindle but wow I'm starting to feel a little guilty.

 

Have an amazing week.

 

 

Review - The Human Bobby by Gabe Rotter

Book Summary

THE GRIPPING STORY OF THE UNRAVELING OF ONE MAN’S SEEMINGLY PERFECT LIFE, AND HIS STRUGGLE TO GET EVERYTHING BACK.

A new baby, a loving wife, a solid career, a dream house in Beverly Hills: Dr. Bobby Flopkowski has it all. Until a complicated series of events snowball into a disaster that changes the course of his life forever. Now, with a tent on the beach as his only home and an addiction that has cut him off from everyone he once loved, Bobby has a revelation that could put him back on track: he believes he has solved the puzzling crime that led to his downfall. But as the reality he’s always known slips farther away, will he be able to convince someone—anyone—that his suspicions aren’t merely the pleas of a desperate man?

My Review - 5

A quote by Paul Simon is the intro to the book - losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you're blown apart.

This book is labeled a novel but it is a fascinating tension building thriller, I highly recommend to psychological thriller fans.  This is one of the best unreliable character driven books I have read. 

I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Bobby and how he met his lovely wife and then their charmed life together.  It is amazing what a tragedy will do to a person and a relationship. If you have ever known someone you was trying to help and finally the only way was that they had to hit bottom, but watching and waiting was brutal.  The tension in this book is shocking and you just say Dr. Bobby, what will it take, stop and put your  life back together.

Dr. Bobby's father committed suicide and left him his manuscript and a gun.  Dr. Bobby lives his life just not wanting to be like his dad but in the end it all ends with the manuscript and the gun, in what way is the question,

Such a thought provoking read and as it is labeled a novel you don't try to figure out the mystery.  And one suspenseful part we figure out before Dr. Bobby starts solving his tragic crime but I think this adds to the dilemma.

I cannot say more other than go read this.  This is one I think more bloggers should read, put it on your soon to be read shelf, it deserves to push a few back down to wait longer. 

I do think the title doesn't draw you in and the cover doesn't help even though both are relevant. For those that have read it, what are your thoughts on a title? Mine are My Dad's Manuscript, The Manuscript and the Gun or The Manuscript Tragedy.

I did go back and fourth from 4 1/2 or 5 but Goodreads and Amazon do not do half and it is much better than a 4 so a 5 it gets.

Some may remember my love for The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer, I would categorize them the same but I still have love for TMI even after 3 years.

My blogging friend Christa recommended The Human Bobby to me 2 years ago, go read her review here.