Book Reviews by Genre: Fiction

Collins, Suzanne
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This was one of the best books i have ever read. The passion and romance was perfectly portrade. The Capital could not have been shamed in a more perfect way. I love you Pita. Go Team Pita.

Reviewer's Name: Jorie
Richards, Jame
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

Written in short verses, Three Rivers Rising is a fictional account of the disastrous Johnstown Flood that occurred in 1889. Several different characters are introduced, each on a different rung of the complex social hierarchy of the time, and each affected by the flooding in various ways.

The verse format seems to be catching on more in young adult literature, and though I do like how fast the book reads a result, I always feel like certain details don't get fleshed out well enough.

This story spends so much time examining people and their lives before the flood, but doesn't spend enough time describing the aftermath and how the survivors dealt with the incredible loss of life and property.

Reviewer's Name: ekendrick
Genres:
Campbell, Drusilla
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This was a well-written portrait of an abused woman and her dependence on her boyfriend. I never understood how women could stay in abusive relationships, but this book showed how the situation can happen and how a woman can feel trapped, even deserving of such treatment. I didn't want to like the protagonist, after all she's assisting her boyfriend in an abduction that results in the stealing of the captive's newborn child. But she was a sympathetic character that grows with her friendship with Django. All in all, this is a good book that makes you think about abuse from the abused point of view.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
White, Randy Wayne
1 star = Yuck!
Review:

Waste of paper.

Reviewer's Name: Mike
Genres:
Aguirre, Ann
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This dark, fast-paced thriller captures you on page one and doesn't let go until the end. The book is well-written, and one of the best dystopia novels I've ever read. The main character is a strong female lead, and the love interest actually seems real and interesting unlike other books. The book is about a girl who chooses to become a Huntress. This job entails hunting food, and slaying these zombie things called freaks. The setting is underground, and Deuce finds out secrets that are dangerous to the population. I recommend for 13 years and up, due to very graphic and dark scenes. I wouldn't call it scary though. This is a must-read for Fans of Divergent and Hunger Games It's the first in a trilogy, and the other two books are just as amazing as this one!

Reviewer's Name: Libby
Lowry, Lois
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

What a truly AWESOME book. Filled with love, loss, adventure, and
creativity. I simply couldn't put it down!

Reviewer's Name: Caroline
Genres:
McCall Smith, Alexander
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

This was a good book. I enjoyed the adventures of Mma. Ramotswe. It was very insightful and funny and it was interesting to learn about Botswana and Africa in general. I'm not really a 'mystery' person, so that's mainly why it only got 3 stars.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Genres:
Funke, Cornelia
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This fantasy by Cornelia Funke is very entertaining and quite mysterious. It goes from it's interesting title to a twist ending. If I were you I would definitely read this fabulous novel

Reviewer's Name: Weller
Genres:
Wall, Carolyn
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

This novel was engaging and the characters were realistic. The story line moved quickly. The ending was satisfying, but I was left questioning some of the characters' motivation for the choices made and what I might have done in their shoes. It isn't my usual choice in reading, but I don't regret the time I gave it. There were unexpected parts in the plot that kept my attention to the end. I tend to be cautious when I hand out stars. :)

Reviewer's Name: Angie
Genres:
Patterson, James
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

I've noticed lately that James Patterson has been collaborating with other authors. I hesitated at first, but was I in for a wonderful surprise. A story based around Spring Break, bad choices and clever ways to outwit your deadly past, I was hooked. I read this book in two days - I literally could not put it down. Is this a trend now with James Patterson? I enjoy him on his own, but applaud his venture into exploring new possibilities with other authors. Enjoy!!!

Reviewer's Name: Rebecca H.
Genres:
Tessaro, Kathleen
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book I happened upon from a review in a Woman's magazine. The title intrigued me as well as the plot of a woman who inherits money from an unknown benefactor. I would be proud to own this book so I could highlight many of the clever quotes within. I had to backtrack a little like I did with the DaVinci Code, but once you are hooked - you'll be glad to read and re-read this clever, witty and woman-inspiring story!!! Enjoy!

Reviewer's Name: Rebecca H.
Genres:
Zusak, Markus
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This book is AMAZING. On my first read-through, I'll admit I did not have high expectations for it, and it started off a bit slow and confusing. The story quickly picks up though, and it's even more impressive (and makes more
sense) on rereads. It's about a girl growing up in Germany during World War II, and the story is brilliantly told. It's narrated by Death; a completely original idea. If you enjoy reading and writing, you should read this book: It describes the power of words and shows how a book can save your life - literally.

Reviewer's Name: Annie
Pessl, Marisha
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This is the strangest book I have ever read. I usually do a summary, but the summary for this would be long and confusing. I am still thinking it over. It took me awhile to figure out that I really liked it. Special Topics in Calamity Physics is one of those books that you either love or hate. Either you finished it or at some point put it down and gave up on it. If you like novels written in the Nabokovian style - characterized by a lush descriptive style and intricate wordplay - then Special Topics in Calamity Physics is the book for you! Also, you have to like open ended/ambiguous endings. This book will definitely challenge you and give you something to think about!

Reviewer's Name: Melissa
Genres:
Galloway, Steven
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This was a fast read. I enjoyed it, but I can't say that I enjoyed it. Meaning it was hard to read a novel that brought to life what a war can do to people and how they have to live. I liked all of the characters, but I liked Kenan and Dragen the best. They were just two men trying to survive and not be shot by snipers as they tried to get water and bread. I was engrossed when their stories were told. Overall a good book. Highly recommended.

Reviewer's Name: Melissa
Wall, Carolyn
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

I really liked this book. At times it was hard to put down. In the beginning I wasn't sure where the story was going and knew a big secret would be revealed. I totally guessed wrong as to what the secret was, but that was okay. This is a great book for a book group. There is lots to discuss! I highly recommend it!

Reviewer's Name: Melissa
Alexie, Sherman
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

I love any and all things Sherman Alexie, but this book really stands out among his work. "True Diary" is totally relatable to anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in.

Reviewer's Name: Monterey
King, Stephen
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

I've never really been a Stephen King fan. I liked Night Shift, but read it a long time ago. However, I decided to give him a try again and go old school. WooHoo!! This was a superbly crafted work of fiction. The premise and plot development was textbook and the narrative was engaging. I flew through this book, feeling for Carrie the whole way. Perhaps the post prom narrative could have delved farther into Carrie's mind, but that's my only suggestion. Perfect horror novel. I'm reading The Shining next.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Gaiman, Neil and Pratchett, Terry
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Unexpectedly charming and funny with just a dose of mind bending. The story leads up to the end of the world, starting with the birth of the Antichrist. An angel and a demon who have resided on Earth since the beginning of time aren't quite ready for everything to end. With many quirky characters, a plot that twists and turns and in the end, connects very well, it's definitely worth a read. The wisdom that comes from the 11 year old Adam Young (aka The Antichrist, the Adversary, Destroyer of Kings, Angel of the Bottomless Pit, Great Beast that is called Dragon, Prince of This World, Father of Lies, Spawn of Satan and Lord of Darkness) is my favorite part of the entire book.

Reviewer's Name: Cassie
Genres:
Bach, Richard
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

Back in my younger days I may have given this book 4 or 5 stars. Now I'm older and know better. A lot of the wise and enlightened sayings were really just a bunch of hooey. But I did get two things out of it. The first was the story in the beginning about the creature in the river letting go of the bottom and rising up to be carried along by the current. The second was the comparison of death with jumping into a cold, deep lake. It is scary because you don't know what's down there along with the initial shock of the cold water. But once you're in it's okay, even refreshing.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Applegate, Katherine
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This was such a great novel. So sweet and life affirming. I loved Ivan and Ruby and wanted them to be happy. I thought the novel might have gone a darker route, but I'm glad it didn't. A sweet, quick read.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn