BOOK REVIEW: Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

I found Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen to be a fairly quick read. Great for a flight or day out on the beach. It was a bit on the silly side with some dark humor. I think that was the whole intent of the book so that's okay. This book kept my interest throughout and kept me guessing on what was going to happen next.

Joey is thrown from a cruise ship by her husband Chaz on their anniversary. Instead of dying, as Chaz had intended, however; she survived the fall and made it to shore with the help of a floating marijuana bale and the assistance of Mick, an ex-cop. Joey than makes it her live mission to screw with Chaz and make him wish he never laid eyes on her.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a fast paced, fun, humorous book to read. I really enjoyed it.

BOOK REVIEW: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

As much as I say in life never judge a book by it's cover I have to admit that it's the cover that made me pick this book. While the title is easily as intriguing it was ultimately the levitating girl on the front that drew me in.

Miss Peregrine's Home for the Peculiar Children is about a 16 year old boy named Jacob who has grown up on his Grandfathers tall tales of life after he escaped World War II. While in the beginning Jacob believes every last breath from his Grandfather as he grows older he started to believe less and less.  It's only when Jacob comes face to face with things from his Grandfathers past does he realize all the tall tales are true. There are a plethora of fantastic characters in this book, too many to get into detail. 

The best thing about this whole book (and series really... as there's two more books after this one) is that its a form of mixed media. The book is full of old photos that go along with the description of the characters. The story line and the description of the characters is so fantastic that it's amazing to be able to look at photos of real people.

I'd recommend this book (and series) to any reader. Once I finished this book I had to run out and purchase the next two immediately. *I've already read this one twice!

*UPDATE*

They have made this book series into a movie and the trailer was released today. Having read the series and then watched the trailer I would say that you should do one or the other. Read the books and skip the movie, or skip the books and watch the movie. The reason I say that is from the trailer they've changed a lot of major things from the book. Maybe watch the movie and THEN read the books if you haven't done so already. I can already tell I love the book series way better than the movie.

BOOK REVIEW: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

It's been a really long time since I've read a book that I couldn't put down. Not only was this book fascinating to read in its subject matter but so powerful and heart wrenching in its words and descriptions you can't help but live the story right along with the characters.

The main character Lina, is a 15 year old Lithuanian, who is arrested by the Soviet secret service along with her Mother Elena and younger brother Jonas. The are hauled like cattle in trains many away from their home and forced to work in prison camps.  Lina is an exceptional artist and uses her drawings throughout the story to not only help her cope with the situation she's found herself in but to try and get in touch with her father, who was taken as well but sent in a different direction.

I don't recall learning about Stalin growing up and the 20 million some people he murdered but after reading this book its really peaked my interest to learn more. Maybe I was sick that day in history class.

Between Shades of Gray is a beautifully written book about sacrifice, human endurance, and the will to live. I highly recommend this book for any age reader.



*Started 6.17.15
*Ended 6.17.15