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This book is wonderful. Young’s writing style is addictive, with the only possible thing missing being a physical description of her main character. Perhaps that was done on purpose, to allow for the reader to relate to the character more by inputting their own appearance or that of a loved one. This novel is dedicated to the author’s grandmother, whose child only lived from 1951 to 1956, so that is entirely plausible.

With a heart-wrenching story of a life ended all too soon, this novel will take its readers on an intense emotional journey. Along with sympathy, sadness, and in some instances excitement, fear is thrown into the mix – but in a way readers may not expect. The dreams, or premonitions, that this woman has are creepy in a way that’s almost reassuring. For someone to see bad that has yet to happen in order to try and save people from experiencing that bad, or at least to provide comfort, is reassuring in the sense that maybe we aren’t left on our own to navigate everything this world throws at us, but that someone somewhere is watching out for our best interests.

The way in which Young depicts these premonitions leads the reader to believe that something similar could actually happen. Think of any nightmare you’ve ever had. No matter how distorted reality was while you were dreaming, when you wake from that nightmare part of you thinks it actually happened. There are certain times when these dreams feel all too real and solid. Those are the times that Young has captured in her writing.

Amid all of the uncertainty and horrible pasts of this novel, there is also cause for a hopeful future in the form of romance. It isn’t too elaborate, but it is described in a perfectly subtle way to evoke those exciting feelings of new beginnings. And with a past like these characters have, new beginnings are warmly welcomed. If you’ve read, or plan to read, The Gates of Evangeline I’d love to discuss it with you.

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

What a roller coaster of emotions! This book had me believing that an evil spirit was turning into a dolphin to manipulate people. That could possibly have been the glasses of wine I had while reading this novel, but anything is believable when one of the characters helping with a murder investigation is a ghost from the 1800s. Right? Maybe I’m simply naïve. Either way, this was a very enjoyable read.

If you love a good steamy romance novel with an edge this book is definitely for you, but probably not for your teenager. It isn’t exactly explicit, but it is not PG13 by any means. The love story aspect of this novel is exactly the type of feel-good story my hopeless romantic heart adores. I’ll leave the details for you to discover, but as I often exclaim while watching rom-coms, (to which my boyfriend can attest) “THEY LOVE EACH OTHER!!!” The ending wrapped up the romance perfectly.

Wrapping up the murder, however, was done well enough to understand the bigger picture but not described in as much detail as I’d like. It leaves a little to the imagination which can be fun, but I need to know exactly how everything happened! Maybe I missed some of the finer details, (we meet again, my wine friend) but even without having absolutely everything spelled out this novel was easy to follow and a delight to finish.

After reading Ghost Moon and discovering that this novel is a part of The Bone Island Trilogy, I am thoroughly excited to go back and read Ghost Shadow and Ghost Night. I’ll let you know how I feel about those as soon as I can!

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

Usually I read murder mysteries from the perspective of the good guy trying to catch the bad guy. I love them, and seemingly cannot get enough. Although, every now and then, a change up is welcomed. That is why I selected this novel to read. It’s labeled as suspense and is described as alternating between two main character’s perspectives, which it does beautifully.

The Library Journal praised The Perfect Liar as having “not one but two shocking climaxes”. I disagree. This novel has three shocking twists, ensnaring the reader into the story and not letting go until the last printed word.

The story follows a family of three living in upstate Vermont near the University where the husband teaches at the high school where the teenaged boy attends. The wife is a stay at home mom, having given up her profession as an artist to raise her son. Rather than captivating the audience with their future, this novel travels back in time and provides readers with the past lives of this family, giving way to the lies they all thought they were able to hide from one another. Those lies include murder, and witnesses none of them thought existed.

Reading into the intricacies of the murderer instead of the detective trying to understand that murderer’s thought process is definitely refreshing. I feel as though Greene did a wonderful job of providing insight into that thought process without blowing it out of proportion. Chillingly, he has done so in a way that makes it possible for literally anyone to be capable of murder. If you love a good suspense and being spooked by the truths that lie in fiction, this novel is for you.

If you have read The Perfect Liar I would love to discuss it with you!

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I want to foreword this post by saying that if you haven’t read the book yet, please do so before reading this. My intention for these posts is to be a virtual book club so that readers can discuss the books after reading them with people they may not run into in their normal day-to-day. That being said, let’s dive in, (and I’ll still do my best not to give away any major spoilers).

There is not a single book written by this woman that has not made me cry both sad and happy tears. This one is no different. She understands humanity. Emotion. Not just the pretty, she understands all of it. And she embraces all of it in the midst of turmoil. She’s caused frustration, elation, awe, and reverence for poetry and the artistic world, tying them both into every aspect of life. All while dealing with the death of her husband… Normally I wouldn’t read the author’s notes at the end of novels because it’s usually just a thank you to a list of people who helped with the book. But this one, this one made me cry. It’s so beautifully written and ties in the themes of the novel so nicely. Don’t ignore her notes at the end if you haven’t read them yet. You’ll be glad you chose to read it.

As is described in this novel through Clara’s latest and seemingly unfinished portraits, and the title itself, the truth is hidden in plain sight. That fact can be applied to other areas of the novel as well, such as the foreshadowing moment when during a group discussion it is asked if Gabri knows what he has in Anton. The question is meant to highlight his cooking skills, but in fact highlights something much darker. The only answer to this question comes from Armand, who simply states that ‘no, he’s sure he doesn’t’. Unbeknownst to the group, Gamache meant something else entirely.

The scene in which all of the truth comes to light and all of the action is taking place reads like a whirlwind. I think if there was a storm going on outside while I was reading this scene I was wholly unaware. I actually might need to go back and read it again, as I feel that I may not have given it proper attention… Most of the village is unaware of what is going on in their bistro when the gunfire starts. When Clara, Ruth, and Reine-Marie hear them, they immediately jump to help instead of running away. They have no idea how big of a mess they’re walking into, but they do so to protect their family. They seem to know exactly what is needed and when, and I again have to marvel at Penny’s relation to humanity.

Another aspect I love to marvel over is how Penny uses symmetry in a way that feels as though everyone experiences the same exact things uniquely. Another truth hidden in plain sight. However, she utilizes the exact same sentences from different character’s perspectives, and the reader gets a completely different meaning. I find her writing style to be wonderfully refreshing. Everything that is mentioned in the beginning of this novel comes to a head at the end. I feel as though there are no plot holes, and no loose ends. If you feel differently, or would like to discuss any aspect of this book or her writing, please don’t hesitate to ask!

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I have to toot my own horn for just a second; The Fates Divide WAS just as captivating as Carve the Mark. I knew it. Although, given Roth’s history with how she treats her main characters, I was nervous to read this sequel.

This continuation focuses on the political issues that needed remedying from Carve the Mark, but it also dives deeper into personal relationships. Not only do we see Cyra and Akos grow, (closer and apart simultaneously) we also see Cyra gain more meaningful friendships. As she’s always been viewed as harmful and rude, and grown accustomed to living that way, she hasn’t had the opportunity to connect to a lot of people. That changes when Teka comes along to help their mission.

There is a moment when Cyra is alone in her room and experiencing much more pain than she has in a while. She involuntarily cries out and the next thing she knows Teka comes bursting through her door, in the middle of the night. Cyra doesn’t even have to say anything, she just makes eye contact with Teka, and she knows exactly what she needs to do in order to comfort Cyra. In this moment, the reader feels as though they are being comforted in the same way. It’s a very moving scene.

This demonstration of strong friendships is important, especially in the young adult world, because it proves that no one can go through everything alone, no matter how much pride someone might take in the fact that they’ve managed to do so up until this point. We need each other, and discovering someone who is willing to be that vulnerable and understanding on a personal level is beautiful.

This book will make anyone who reads it realize that not everything goes as planned, but if you persevere and keep striving toward your goal, what you find might just be better than what you planned on. Even if you lose a few things along the way.

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I feel the need to start this post out by saying that I was deeply moved by the Divergent series. I literally fell into a paperback-induced depression for a few weeks after finishing Allegiant. The way in which Roth writes characters who are so relatable truly captivates me, as I’d imagine would happen with most of her readers. Carve the Mark is no different.

There’s no way to avoid the news of what is happening near the border of Mexico right now. (I’ll be honest, I’ve never been into politics. I don’t pay as much attention as I should to everything that’s happening in the world. But this is a little close to home, considering I live in Texas.) It seems more like the plot of a dystopian novel rather than real life. Perhaps writers of this generation recognize that the public wants validation that our government is wrong in situations like this. It’s a stretch, and somewhat cynical, but hear me out.

In Carve the Mark the main characters Cyra and Akos live on the planet Thuvhe, in the nation of Shotet, where it is either illegal or shameful to learn more than one language, unless those learning other languages are nobles. The news feed that is distributed worldwide describes accurate events in all but the nation of Shotet, whose elite alter that information in order for it to benefit them and allow them to manipulate their people. This is a mirror, albeit perhaps an exaggerated one, of what is happening within our own nation. I understand that foreign language is a required subject here in most public schools, but we still fall far behind the rest of the world in respect to percentage of the population fluent in more than one language. And it’s no secret that our media system doesn’t exactly follow the no bias rule. It causes an atmosphere of not knowing who or what to trust.

Another relatable aspect of this novel is the concept of chronic pain. Currentgifts, as described in the Glossary, are a “result of the current flowing through a person, currentgifts are abilities, unique to each person, that develop during puberty. They are not always benevolent”. The current is essentially an invisible power source that runs through this universe. When Cyra develops her currentgift it is revealed to be less than benevolent, causing her constant chronic pain. As someone who deals with chronic pain, although on a mild level, it is extremely refreshing to read the nuances I’ve experienced as someone else’s reality. I feel this can open the eyes of a lot of readers to what dealing with pain actually causes, and ways in which we as a society can help alleviate it. The problem with pharmaceutical companies being run as businesses instead of for the betterment of society is also addressed in this novel, as the leader of the Shotet nation hoards all medicine either for himself, those who are rich enough to pay for it, or whoever can help him politically.

The characters Roth has created in the world of Thuvhe take matters into their own hands, and fight for their beliefs by doing whatever is necessary. Despite the tyrannical nature of their government, and families, Cyra and Akos learn to work together in order to bring about a more prosperous and peaceful future for everyone. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that I fully expect the continuation of their struggles in Roth’s next book, The Fates Divide, to be equally captivating.

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I’ll be completely honest with you. This book took me longer to read than I’d like to admit. Actually, I believe it took me longer to read this book than it has taken me to read any book… That fact should not cause you to think that its entertainment factor is lacking; it isn’t, I just could not get into it at first. I am beyond glad that I stuck with it.

Tompkins created a story that makes magic believable. By tying in biblical references, as well as utilizing the age-old assumption that ancient Ireland is a place of awe inspiring mystery, he successfully makes magic as ordinary as the wind and rain.

Magic is a very well-known and sought after possession in this time and age, and those in power will stop at nothing in order to be the one in charge of the last piece of land dripping with it, which is naturally Ireland. At the center of Ireland’s ardor, a substance that acts almost like a conduit for magic, is the Morrigna, a goddess who takes human form in a set of twins, Aisling and Anya.

The Morrigna’s duty and purpose is to protect all who call Ireland home. This story takes the reader through what is supposed to be the traditional ceremony of recognizing the humans who embody the Morrigna and its aftermath, but this specific ceremony is anything but traditional. With a plot full of war and strategy, as well as the instability and perhaps predictability of human emotion, this story is sure to appeal to those whose minds tend to crave action and adventure.

(I also think that this book has great potential to be adapted into film. Looking at you, Peter Jackson.)

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

Some days I really hate technology. It can be so impersonal yet so invasive at the exact same time. Our society is entirely dependent upon it, and we thrust a tablet into the hands of a child in order to appease them. It is a constant reminder that the world is always on. There is rarely a moment to wind down and turn off our brains without the presence of good ol’ technology.

I’m not entirely against it. As a matter of fact, hate was probably too strong a word. I understand its relevance as well as its benefits. I’m just the weirdo cynical type who took I Robot a little too close to heart… I try not to get too involved in the cloud, (cause let’s be honest… I don’t fully understand it) and I do as little as possible through my phone in order to maintain the falsehood that I’m somehow protecting myself. (I know that in reality if someone wanted to know anything about me, they could find out rather easily.)

I guess what I’m getting at is that I wish there was a more simple way of doing things. And in the grand scheme of things, technology is the way to make that happen… I suppose. But it can also make things more difficult, can’t it?

The irony of my feeling this way is that I would love nothing more than to work from home. And how is that at all possible? Ta-da! Technology. However, since technology and its advances are now so readily available to anyone, the work from home game has become rather competitive. I’m willing to fight for what I want. And I will fight hard. But, trying to start out in this business is difficult work due to how many other people want the exact same thing. I’m getting a bit discouraged to be honest, and I don’t know whether I feel this is a direct reflection on me and my skills or that it’s an indication that my resume doesn’t represent me correctly. Either way, it doesn’t look the brightest. I can fine tune both, it’s just that I felt I was better than the way these employers are making me feel right now.

I’ve always felt that reading a book helps pull me out of the world-weary funk, but I’m in a reading rut. I understand that I was so overjoyed when I discovered what I really want to use this blog for, (I still am!) but I’m ashamed that I haven’t posted a book review in over 6 months… There have been circumstances in my life recently that have pulled me away from doing some of the things I enjoy. I am now focusing on moving forward in order to get back to those things that I enjoy, this blog included.

Thank you for reading into my thoughts.

If you’re looking for a “feel-good” read, this may not be the book for you. If you love to discover the inner workings of minds of those whose thought processes differ from the norm, then this book is definitely for you.

Sebold wonderfully captures the all too often blurred lines of right and wrong. The enhancement of perspective in these morally questionable situations is brought to light, and the reader is taken on an introspective journey of consequence. Helen, the protagonist of the story, makes what she thinks are reasonable decisions at the time she makes them. The rest of the novel reveals that her thought processes were definitely altered by immediate circumstance, and she begins to question not only that first pivotal decision that she made, but her entire life in general.

Phrases such as “Habits were comforting in a way that love wasn’t” and “I stood, regretfully, and bid good-bye to the Sunday painters I had been taught to condemn” give the reader an inclination into Helen’s childhood that are of deeper content than the flashbacks she has throughout the story. The feeling of dissociation throughout is also telling of her emotional state growing up in the house she describes, and which follows her for the rest of her life.

Not only will this novel allow the reader to explore a multitude of opportunities in the way of aforementioned decisions and consequences, but it also provides another perspective on the subject of suicide, (as well as murder) and its repercussions. Perhaps this novel will bring to light another way to view those who are inflicted with depression and the hindrances it brings to daily life.

Overall, the story is poetically written and the plot holds the reader’s attention even though the entirety takes place over the course of 24 hours. This is a great read for a thought provoking conversation within a book club, or simply to challenge the mind. I’d love to discuss any details with you here, and as always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I saw advertisements for this book on Pinterest after reading “The Girl on the Train” and absolutely knew that I had to read it.

The cover art acts as a perfect representation of the story. Not only is it pleasing to the eye but it appears a bit warped and instantly draws the reader in to get to the bottom of all its secrets, much like the content of the book itself. (The copy I have is the version which includes a flower sinking in a body of water. To compare the two, and check out her other published work, visit Hawkins’ site here.)

The story is split up into four parts. The first mainly introduces the characters, the amount of which can be overwhelming. (If you’re like me, taking notes helps.) Upon finishing the book, I understood that not only did these introductions in part one go along with her writing style seamlessly but it added a sense of almost unease that fits in with the storyline. This book is an immensely entertaining thriller that is perfect for a rainy weekend read. It will have you questioning the motives of every character, and once the truth is revealed will simultaneously leave you with a sense of satisfaction and wanting. The story isn’t exactly the “happy ending” type, but it is real and it is human. What more could a reader want?

If you’re questioning whether or not to read this book, I can wholeheartedly say that you will not regret it if you choose to do so. If you do/have read Into the Water, I would love to discuss it with you!

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.

I’m at the point where I’d just like to find a quiet bookstore to run/be a part of. I simply want a quiet life surrounded by the things I’m passionate about: reading adventurous novels that teach life lessons, and helping other people find out about these wonderful words printed on pages that could greatly improve their day-to-day lives if only by enhancing their own perspective lens of the world.

This goal could also be accomplished were I to work at a library. Whether that’s a public library or one within a school system, (both of which I’ve applied to posted open positions with no avail. See my first Career Center post in regards to whatever magic I seem not to possess.)

Teaching would also be a great option for me, so long as it was the right subject. Reading, English, and the like would be perfect. However, I don’t have a teaching certificate, only a Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature which seems to somehow not be enough.

I could go back to school for both of these subjects. Given the fact that I haven’t been able to use my current degree though, would that decision be prudent?

I just want to excel in a field in which I’m passionate. I just want to expand the notion that books can be a form of therapy for those who may be struggling like I have in the past. I just want to put all of my energy into this field, and not be required to focus on another job simply to pay my bills. At the moment I’m feeling as though all of this is wishful thinking.

I will figure all of this out one day. That being said, any advice/knowledge would be immensely appreciated. If you’re a teacher, where did you attain your certificate or degree? If you work for a library, or a publisher, how did you get to where you are?

As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.