Ryan's Last Review!- Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Synopsis written by Ryan:
Jacob Reckless, that's his name when he's everything but reckless. But one reckless journey with his brother , Will, has Will changing into the very creature that cursed him. The creature, a Goyl, are ruthless, short tempered, and have skins of stone that wreak havoc when it comes to doing battle. For years, these creatures were unorganized and hunted by humans, but with the first king, Kami'en, the humans are now the hunted! No cure has been found to reverse the single swipe of a Goyl's claw that makes your skin turn to stone and puts hatred in your eyes. But Jacob is stubborn and will not quit trying to find a way to save his brother. Also, to further complicate things, a prophecy told by the Goyl king's lover, the Dark Fairy, speaks that a Goyl in jade skin will make him invisible. So guess what color Will's skin is changing? Jade! This makes him a huge target. Will Jacob find a cure and save his brother in time?

Recommend? As great as the story line sounds, it has its faults. First is that you are rushed into the story with little detail or knowing of how or what happened to Will. Second, when you are reading through the book it feels as though the author has little planned and it just going with it. This brings up situations that wind up being dead ends! For example, Jacob finds information about his father's disappearance and that's the end of it, nothing more ever said about his father. If the author would fill in the gaps of information and make new roads for the dead ends, this book would have amazed me.

Rating: 6/10

Source: Middle School Library

Read and reviewed by Ryan B. Ryan is currently in the eighth grade and loves to read just about anything I throw at him! He stops into the library almost on a daily basis always  eager to find the next great book to read!
** I just want to give a big shout out to Ryan for all of his fantastic reviews this year and to put it in stone how much I'm going to miss him when he heads over to the high school!!! 
  ~ Mrs. Taylor

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Ryan's Review - The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1) by James Dashner 

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. 

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind

I would very easily describe the Maze Runner as A-mazing!  There is so much to like about this book that I don't know where to start. This book was recommended to me by my library teacher (Mrs. T). She said it was recommended by others so that made me think that it would have to be good.  But when I read it, and journeyed with Thomas, I realized that this book IS the BEST book I've ever read!


The book comes together so good, everything fits and the writing is strong like a chain making me crave the next chapter! One thing that the author, James Dashner, did was he never let the story become boring. I would try many times to think of something that would be cool in the book and he would top my expectations each time! Like when he brought Gally into the story and when I believed that he died, TWICE! And the ending was PERFECT! 


I could go on with descriptions of the book but I won't because you'll have to read it for yourself!!

Recommend? Yes, I would recommend this book, especially to those who like stories about epidemics or end of the world events with some action. I really want to read the next one!

Rating: 10/10


Source: Middle School Library

Read and reviewed by Ryan B. Ryan is currently in the eighth grade and loves to read just about anything I throw at him! He stops into the library almost on a daily basis always  eager to find the next great book to read! Look for more reviews from Ryan in April, May and June!

'Close Your Eyes' by Amanda Eyre Ward (TLC Tour Book Stop)

Synopsis:
For most of her life, Lauren Mahdian has been certain of two things: that her mother is dead, and that her father is a murderer. Years later, Lauren is surrounded by uncertainty. Her one constant is Alex, always her protector.But Lauren feels even more alone when Alex reveals that he’s been in contact over the years with their imprisoned father—and that he believes he and his sister have yet to learn the full story of their mother’s death. Then Alex disappears.  As Lauren is forced to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories, she comes to question the version of her history that she has clung to so fiercely. Lauren’s search for the truth about what happened on that fateful 

First thought when I finished reading: "That was a good book...."

Sentence that really spoke to me:

  "There is a deep blue place, between wakefulness and sleep. I have always been afraid of that place--it's where bad memories reside, I believe, or thoughts that have no purpose."

(from Close Your Eyes page 88 in the ARC; finished version may be different)


I love books about family secrets and how they can change the dynamics without other members even realizing why. The story that the author created is one that really drew me in and made me care about this neurotic, needy, and sometimes over the top, main character Lauren. I thought the way the author moved between story lines was well-written even though at first I really had no idea as to why I was being introduced to a new character that didn't seem to fit into the story. Gradually, though the stories merge and the conclusion was more than I hoped for. In my opinion, this was a very well-written story about what happens when the mind and soul just does not want to believe what the truth is and how a person tries to find anything, anything at all to NOT deal with the reality of their life.

Rating: 8/10

Published: July 26, 2011

Publisher: Random House

Pages: 271

Genre: Literary Fiction

ISBN:  9780345494481

*uncorrected ARC

About Amanda Eyre Ward

Amanda Eyre Ward is the award-winning author of Forgive Me, How to Be Lost and Sleep Toward Heaven. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.

Connect with Amanda on her website, www.amandaward.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

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Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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'The Reindeer Keeper' by Barbara Briggs Ward

Genre: Christmas Fiction
About:(From Amazon.com)
Abbey senses something special about the little man tending to the reindeer who, along with a century-old farmhouse, a barn full of animals, and fields abounding in woods and pasture, was a gift to Abbey from a stranger. Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in just before the holidays. They have been together since the '60s, eloping when Steve returned from Vietnam. Now with Abbey's cancer in remission, they're looking forward to their boys coming home for Christmas. Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Christmas Eve that gives Abbey and Steve the strength to face their greatest challenge.

Why I wanted to read this book:

• I received an email from the author, Barbara, and it was so friendly and inviting that I felt I had to take a second look at her book. After visiting her site,The Reindeer Keeper, I just knew that this was a book I wanted to read.

What worked for me:

• This was a heartfelt book but it wasn't sappy, which made me love it even more!! It left me with much to reflect upon and made me pause more than once during my reading to just think about my own life. It is more than just a Christmas story as I had many "aha" moments that still are resonating with me.

• This story brought back the innocence  of childhood and that pure belief in the magic of Christmas that we all had as children.
• I loved how strong Abbey and Steve's marriage was portrayed. They reminded me a bit of my parents who had me at a young age, married, and have went through so many things together. Their connection becomes even stronger because of weathering the storm of Abbey's cancer that is now in remission. I was impressed how each partner truly believed in the other and supported their individual dreams.
• I absolutely loved how the author used  funeral homes and obituaries as the touching stone in the plot. Normally a funeral home and/or obituaries conjure up images of loss, grief, despair, but in Barbara's hands it turns into something powerful and uplifting. She made me really reflect on the "in-between moments" and how you lived them.
• Beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter....loved them, so simple and elegant.

What you should do before reading this book:

• Make sure the Christmas tree is up, snow is blowing outside, you have nowhere to be for a few hours, a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, blanket, comfortable chair, and a beloved pet sitting on your lap. Open book and get lost in the magical world that you will find within the pages of "The Reindeer Keeper."

Recommend? A resounding YES!!! Perfect for this time of year. This would make a great Christmas present for those family members or friends that you have who enjoy a sincere, emotional, sad, uplifting, and magical Christmas story.

My Rating: 4.5/5


Thank you to Barbara Briggs Ward for sending me a review copy.
I was not compensated for my review.
My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.
They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

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@Barrie Summy

© 2010, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

'The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel' by Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Graphic Novel
Author: Diana Gabaldon
About:Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser's side of the sotry, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.
Published: September 2010

 3 Reasons Review

I am trying out a new review format today called "3 Reasons Review". Jen from Jenny loves to read and I have chatted about coming up with a simple review format.  Something with just the basics of what readers would want to know about a book.  Some books do not require an in-depth analysis, yet as reviewers we still strive to get the important bits across to our readers. Therefore, the 3 Reasons, came from what Jenny and I think are most important. Didn't come up with a fancy button yet, but working on it.
(If you have suggestions about this new format, please let me know.) I copied this directly from Jen's blog and just changed the order of our names so it made sense. Believe me Jenny came up with almost all of this!!! She rocks!

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I have loved The Outlander series since the moment I cracked open book one. I also happen to enjoy graphic novels so when the two collided how could I resist?

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

This wasn't a total love affair for me. There were some elements I liked while there were others that I thought went over the top.

• The artwork is absolutely beautiful! I'm glad that the characters resembled somewhat how I think Jamie and Claire may look. Of course, the backside of Jamie is outstanding in this book!!!

• It took me a while to get a grasp on who was who...because I did feel that a few faces looked very similar so I got Jamie confused with his uncle a time or two. I really had to rack my brain for some of the characters too because this is based on the first book and also Jamie's POV. I think if I read it again the missing pieces would fall into place.

• There was just wayyyy tooooo much boobage!!!!!! I get that this is a graphic novel, but do I for one minute believe that Claire would have 'the girls' almost popping out of the top of her dresses??? Um, no.

• I'm glad that Diana really listened to her fans and let them look at drawings of Jamie pre-publication. She is big on having her fans involved and for that I commend her. I liked her personal reasons for creating a graphic novel. For some they may think that the idea of a graphic novel came out of left field, but Diana has been involved with comics for quite some time. Did you know that she used to write cartoons for Disney???

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

• If you're a die-hard fan of Outlander then I have no doubt that you will want to add this quick graphic novel to your list of must-read books.
• The scene of Jamie and Claire's wedding night!! Ohlala!!!! Gasp...it was a bit risky, but I will admit to turning back to it several times. Click on this for the picture!!
• Overall, it was a fun read for me, but it wasn't the best graphic novel I've ever read. I would read the next one if she decided to go further with the graphic novel concept.
• I would recommend that you check this one out from your library.

Rating: 3.75/5

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@Barrie Summy

Review: The Cougar Club + Giveaway!

Title: The Cougar Club
Author: Susan McBride
Pages: 320
Published: 2010
Genre: Smart Women's Lit!
Source: Author


Synopsis from Booklist- Three girlhood friends are reunited at age 45 when Kat Maguire is fired from her New York advertising job, dumps her younger but wealthier boyfriend, and returns to St. Louis. Her two best friends, Carla Moss, the number-one news anchor in St. Louis, and Elise Randolph, successful dermatologist and empty nester, are facing their own issues with aging. Carla’s ex-husband, who is also her boss, is trying to replace her with his latest perky young girlfriend despite Carla’s on-air popularity, and Elise’s plastic surgeon husband seems never to come home, claiming to be spending all his time with the partner in his practice. As the three talented, attractive, vibrant women reinvent themselves, they find a slew of younger men who find them enticing. Despite some romance and a traditional romantic conclusion for one of the protagonists, this is more chick-lit than romance with brand names, designer shoes, and the power of female friendship at the forefront.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed every single page of this book. I'm 41 and could so relate to how each of these characters felt about their bodies, faces, careers, and lives in general. I connected immediately with Elise because I know how hard it is to keep a marriage going, having children, and still trying to find time for yourself. This book was perfect timing for me because when I look in the mirror I see a frumpy looking woman staring back at me...who is that person??? I don't feel my age, but damn sometimes I look it!! Saturday I had my hair cut and colored, it's amazing how just a little bit of time spent on yourself can change the way you think about your appearance. The cougar term is one that I don't necessarily like, but I do know that I feel pretty good when a younger guy does a double-take...makes my self-esteem go up just a bit.  For me, though, there should not be a term like this for when a woman loves a younger man...if they have that connection then I say go for it...regardless of the age!!!  Overall, I felt that this was a very well-written novel and totally enjoyable!! I can honestly recommend this to any of my friends....even those younger ones, because believe it or not...you will be 40+ someday!!!               P.S.  The discussion guide with the author at the end of the story is fantastic!!!                                                                                                                                                 

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@Barrie Summy

** My thoughts were in no way influenced by the author...I was not paid for my review.

If you are interested in winning a signed copy of this book please leave your email address in the comment section. There will be 2 winners as the author was so generous to provide me with 2 copies!!! Last day to enter is April 30th at 11:59 pm. The winners will be announced May 1st!! Open to U.S. and Canadian residents!

The Book Review Club: Sew What!

This is my first review for the Book Review Book Club and I've chosen a non-fiction book to highlight today. I always browse the non-fiction section at my local library in chance that I may stumble upon a cookbook that will make me a hit at home. I'm still looking for that, but in the meantime I happened upon this little gem:

Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs

by Lexie Barnes

This book has inspired to me get out my sewing machine, which hasn't seen the light of day in many many years. I really liked the way the author organized the book with the beginning chapters introducing the newbie to the tools, lingo, and tips of the trade. I've been wanting a messenger bag for a long time. But frankly some of the prices that they charge for retail makes my hair curl!! Now, with the instructions that are given I feel like I can actually make one that will fit me perfectly. There are different levels of sewing in this book: newbie, pro, and dare-devil......can you guess which one I am??? I will be making my first bag out of muslin so that I don't waste any beautiful material my first go-round. If you're feeling crafty and like the idea of roaming the aisles looking at beautiful fabric, then I say pick-up this book because you might find a bag that is just right for you!!!