Neary Notes: January 2019

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love, love, love this book!!! I am such a Katie McGarry fan (look and see on my Goodreads---I have read all of her books!!!) and this book was such a great read--it tackles abuse and how it affects the characters, Jesse and Scarlett were authentic characters teens will relate to with the school drama, social cliques, family dysfunction, and hopes and dreams. I was captivated be the way Jesse, Glory and Scarlett love the natural land---Jesse's farm and his love of it was so poignant to read (loved the tribunal aspect!). More difficult to read was Scarlett's loss of Jesse's friendship and how it affects her; Jesse's (and others) belief in the family curse, and the abuse Jesse's mom (and Jesse and his grandmother) and the abuse in Scarlett's family (what is does to her mom, sister and Scarlett). I could not put this book down; I rooted for Jesse and Scarlett to make it, persevere, and grow with each other. McGarry's writing is beautiful, deep, and magical. Highly recommended! Teens will be passing this stand alone around---guys and girls will relate to Jesse and his friends (I loved V) and Scarlett and her friends. This book deals with so much more than romance; there is friendship, family, and Jessee and Scarlett's ability to change and grow, to be vulnerable and emotional, to forgive and hope for a future that includes survival and love. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf

Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarah and her husband, Jack are going to Penny Gate for the first time in over twenty years; his aunt (who raised him and his sister after his parents' death) has had a tragic fall and everyone rushes to the hospital. What Sarah finds rocks her world; her husband has been lying to her their whole marriage. As Sarah begins to dig deeper into the many mysteries and lies; she questions everyone and herself. Not only is the aunt's fall questionable; now Sarah knows the truth of Jack's parents--Mom was murdered and Jack was a prime suspect as well as his Dad. Using her old investigative background; she accesses old case files and photographs. As she learns more and more; the layers become so distressing but Sarah can't accept Jack's apologies. The finale was awesome; so tense and surprising! Another great psychological thriller from Heather Gudenkauf.

View all my reviews

Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf

Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was spellbound by this mystery; awesome nurse Amelia and assault survivor are run down by a hit and run driver; leaving the victim dead and Amelia deaf. As Amelia drowns in pity, and alcohol she distances herself from her friends and loses the love of her husband and restricts her access to their stepdaughter. I was so impressed with her boldness as she finds a dead woman's body (another nurse, Gwen) as she is kayaking with her therapy dog, Stitch. She does not allow anything to stop her as she continues to investigate Gwen's death, gets a job, struggles to stay sober, moon over Jake (policeman and friend she has known since childhood). I was riveted as Gudenkauf ratchets up the tension; another excellent taut psychological thriller featuring an kick ass heroine!

View all my reviews

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I LOVE this 2nd mystery by Karen M. McManus --read flawlessly by Sophie Amoss and Kirby Heyborne; I was spell bound as each chapter (alternately read by Malcolm and Ellery) plunged the reader into the past and present of two crimes (one unsolved and the other a missing person is happening now) and as Ellery and her twin, Ezra deal with family issues...Malcom has lived his life in fear since the age of 12 when his brother was the main suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. McManus weaves a sinister mystery that will leave readers enthralled by the many multiple secrets, mysteries, and their desperate race against time to solve it (with or without police help). I could not put this book down and I can't wait for another McManus mystery!

View all my reviews

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Long Way Home (Thunder Road #3) by Katie McGarry

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just ached for Violet and Chevy and all that they were dealing with in their families, the motorcycle club, their breakup, and then the kidnapping. I rooted for Violet and Chevy; they were both strong characters but I especially liked Violet's attitude. She was outspoken, loved her family, put them first, ached with her father's death and blamed the motorcycle club. While Chevy was trying to keep everyone happy which was a balancing act and not an easy one. As mysteries abound and Violet tries to keep everyone safe while she has been terrorized herself; I could not stop turning the pages. I read this book in 2 days and totally loved it! I love Katie McGarry romance series and Thunder Road was especially awesome!

View all my reviews

The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm

The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Ellie, her humor, her positive outlook on the world and her hysterical grandfather who inhabits a body of a 14 year old boy (Melvin and living with them). Holm's book will be totally enjoyed by middle school students; her plot is totally believable with the science experiments, her best friend Raj, her grandfather's life as a teen and cat, Jonas. I totally enjoyed this book; I laughed out loud, I was plunged to the depths of despair and was so happy with how Ellie deals with so many things (she loves her grandfather, cat, is a good friend, and enjoys school, movies, and friends). The science fair experiment had me enthralled, too bad Ellie and her grandfather did not get first place.

View all my reviews

Slayer (Slayer #1) by Kiersten White

Slayer by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeleine Maby's narration of Slayer was awesome. Nina is a medic in the community she lives in while her father was Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Watcher, her mom is also a watcher on the Council, twin sister Artemis, who failed the Watcher test and must protect Nina. Until one day Nina kills a hellhound and finds out she is a slayer. She has no training, many questions, and now she is visited by dreams of those who are in danger. What is Nina to do??? Her family (mom and sister) do not make it easy at all. There are all kinds of people she can't trust, demons are falling from the sky, and someone is killing people while they sleep in their castle. I could not put this book down, I can't wait for the 2nd book! Just as I loved and was compelled to read K White's Conqueror's Saga series; I know the Slayer series is going to hold me captive. I can't really say I was totally happy with the ending but I know I want to know more about Nina and Artemis' world.

View all my reviews

Monday, January 21, 2019

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book, the characters Clarice and Brandon and their sleuthing adventures as they struggle to solve the Parker Inheritance. The chapters shift between present day and the past where Clarice's grandmother tried singlehandedly to solve the Parker Inheritance mystery and loses her job as city controller. The book deals with the issues of racial discrimination, what is family and friendship, using puzzles to solve mysteries and right historical injustices. Elizabeth Bird's review from SLJ says it all; "The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson is a fun, casual middle grade puzzler that was, at the same time, socially conscious regarding the topic of race in America, with a clear, keen sense of how the past affects the present in every way. Come for the puzzle, then. Stay for the biting glimpse of America’s intolerant past." Varian Johnson's book is a sure fire winner and one that adults and young adults MUST read. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to @AmyTasich for her wonderful endorsement of this book! Oh did I love Coyote and Rodeo, a father/daughter team who rove the United States in a big yellow school bus, what an adventure! Coyote is twelve going on 30, with a heart of gold--kids will fall in love with her for so many reasons--Ivan her kitten and Gladys the goat are pets she gives her heart and home (the bus) to, her knack for meeting people and helping them (while also helping herself) and her happy outlook. It is when she talks to her grandmother on the phone about her old neighborhood park demolished, that Coyote's outlook in life, her Dad, and herself changes. I could not stop reading this book; there were so many strong, wonderful characters and a plot that will grab your heart and not let go! I will definitely be reading other Dan Gemeinhart books!

View all my reviews

Ms. Marvel Vol. 5 Super Famous by G. Willow Wilson

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 5: Super Famous by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The world of Jersey City and Kamala's life has just gotten even more hectic---who is taking over their town to redevelop it and while they are at it---overtaking the people in the community. Bruno is still Kamala's best friend but since she spurned his love because she is just too busy --- he has moved on and I for one like Mike, his girlfriend! Her Brother has fallen in love and is getting married. Kamala is too busy in life, school, family, etc.---when she recruits Bruno to make "more" Kamala's---it backfires. What will happen to Ms Marvel, Kamala and keeping friends but also saving the world. I loved the addition of the superheroes, I just hope Kamala (Ms Marvel) asks for their help and does not try to do it alone!

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this science fiction title by the awesome Hank Green for a twitter chat with #YearofYA Tuesday 1/22/19 at 9PM EST, come join us and we will be discussing great scifi reads! This audiobook was narrated awesomely by Kristen Sieh, Hank Green and the story about twenty something April May finding a transformer like sculpture that turns out to be so much more, talks a lot about social media and the effect of fame on a person. I liked the premise---did not really like April May---she became obsessed with fame, started treating her very loyal friends as less than... the Carls just appeared throughout the world but it is April (and best friend, Andy) who documents it and becomes the symbol.

View all my reviews

East by Edith Pattou

East by Edith Pattou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! Did I love this book---while I did not get to read it as a high school librarian----I follow Jennifer Hubert's Reading Rants and her review of East and her high recommendation to read the latest in the series, West--had me reading, enthralled and in love with Edith Pattou's worldbuilding, touched by strong characters Rose and the White Bear, Neddy, and Father and cheering for Rose to find her white bear. I could not stop reading, Pattou held me captive with her writing and like Beauty and the Beast fairytale---the theme of good over evil and true love. Each time Rose mentions the sadness and pain in the bear's eyes I wanted to cry...so poignant! Rose's empathy, her strength of character, and good will have many who help her in her quest. I have the next book, West, on hold at the library and can't wait to read it. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Monday, January 14, 2019

Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina

Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this middle grade novel of a gutsy girl, Juana and her beloved dog. She loves almost everything except "learning the English," with pictures, humor, and lots of friends opinions Juana ends up loving English and helping shop keeper brothers turn their store into a bi-lingual store, attracting more customers. Juana's outlook is funny, happy and oh so positive. A great book with lots of wonderful illustrations! A must read!

View all my reviews

Ms. Marvel Vol. 4 Last Days by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 4: Last Days by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this comic book series, Last Days is a bit more edgy than the first 3 because Kamala really believes it is the end of the world, the superheroes will not be able to overthrow Lineage, and her brother has been kidnapped and a gas has given him unnatural powers. Love this series!!!

View all my reviews

24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling

24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to #BookJunkies for giving me the privilege of reading Dusti Bowling's second awesome middle grade novel that will tug at your heart and make you laugh and cry. I will not soon forget what Bo, the bully, does to all the kids in the town of Nowhere. It was palpable the fear Gus, Rossi, and Jessie felt whether Bo was there or not. He took sick, awful behavior to a whole new level. Kids will love Gus and his friends, their adventures, their heart, and their will to survive. The setting of Nowhere was so vivid---dry desert, horribly hot, and a dead-end for most of those living there. But the mystery of the mine, the search for gold, and helping Rossi get her motor bike back begins to forge a special kind of friendship between these kids and I just kept rooting for them to succeed. Their pluck, resilience, and empathy will resonate with all kinds of readers. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Friday, January 11, 2019

Rayne & Dellilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Jeff Zentner, Random House Children’s Books and Crown Books for Young Readers, and #BookJunkies for allowing me to be an early reader of Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee. Once again, I was totally enthralled by Jeff Zentner’s beautiful writing and his memorable characters. Josie and Delia are the best of friends. They are very proud of their gig; hosting a public access show that spoofs horror movies, and boldly roasts their viewing audience. But life is getting in the way; decisions need to be made and there are curveballs being thrown at Josie and Delia. I fell in love with these two girls, who think alike, talk alike, and fiercely protect each other. But Josie has dreams that will take her away from Delia and people keep leaving Delia. The lives of these two friends held me captive and tore my heart in two. Josie and Delia had a weird kind of humor; they laughed often and hard. Josie was snarky, aloof, detached and her acerbic wit showed a girl who was in control. Delia was different; she was more fragile than Josie; her father left Delia and her Mom years ago life and they all suffer(ed) from depression. The Midnite Matinee was her coping mechanism, her life, and her hope her father would view it and return to them. What does the future hold for these two friends with heartache, hopes and dreams? Zentner builds a world where weird humor is a coping mechanism, where best friends with a love of bad horror movies struggle mightily to be true to each other. I rooted for Josie and Delia (they warmed my heart) teens will too; highly recommended;

View all my reviews

Monday, January 7, 2019

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I loved Tell Me Three Things and What to Say Next (It was my favorite Book of 2017) by awesome YA author, Julie Buxbaum; I truly enjoyed Hope and Other Punch Lines!!! Thank you to Julie Buxbaum, Random House, and #BookJunkies for allowing me to be an early reader. Julie Buxbaum writes books teens will see themselves in; Abbi Hope Goldman and Noah Stern are so authentic as they navigate issues like loss, friendship, and family. Abbi and Noah meet as summer camp counselors and from there the reader learns Abbi doesn’t like to stand out and Noah is a comedian who always wants to make others laugh, joke, and make puns. They both have secrets but it is in their blooming friendship we learn about both their past and their present. Abbi and Noah have both been impacted in very different ways by what happened on 9/11 and their perspectives will lead readers to keep turning those pages as they learn more about how Abbi and Noah and others were affected by this life altering historical event (the before and the after). This book is sweet, funny, sad, and surprising; teens will applaud Abbi, Noah, and their friends, Julie and Jack. I totally rooted for Abbi; she does not know she is comfortable in her own skin and that she is strong. It is her time spent with Noah that gives her hope, makes her laugh and smile, and with Jack and Noah’s special friendship, helps her find her true self. Thanks for allowing this reader into Abbi and Noah’s world through their thoughts, beliefs, and hearts. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

For Every One by Jason Reynolds

For Every One by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is for EVERYONE! I literally want to buy a copy and pass it to all my friends; this book is honest, speaks to the heart, and encourages kids (I also think adults will find hope and passion in Jason Reynolds words, poem) to dream, to reach, to never stop wondering. Such a hopeful, realistic, book----a must read!

View all my reviews

Watcher in the Woods (Rockton, #4) by Kelley Armstrong

Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing an advance copy of Watcher in the Woods by Kelley Armstrong in exchange for an honest review. I love thrillers and Kelley Armstrong did not disappoint with this taut mystery (4th in a series- but you do not have to read the other three) with police detective Casey Duncan and her boyfriend/Sheriff, Eric Dalton in a very remote, unknown town in the Yukon, Rockton investigating the murder of a US Marshall who slips in to apprehend a dangerous suspect. What I loved was Armstrong’s worldbuilding of Rockton; its beliefs, its inhabitants, and those in control (yes there are layers of control). Both Eric and Casey were strong, very likable characters who honestly protect and serve despite constant rules and roadblocks. The plot with all its twists & turns and the many suspects made this book a gripping, wild read. I could not put this book down and am definitely going back to read the other three books in this awesome series. This is a riveting, mesmerizing psychological thriller and will keep mystery lovers turning the pages; highly recommended!

View all my reviews