Wanted Reads

Wanted Reads is our list of "bookies" that we will be reading/reviewing in the coming weeks. 

What are you reading? Do you have any suggestions for us?

Review: Perfect Peace: A Novel by Daniel Black

Title: Perfect Peace: A Novel
Author: Daniel Black

Publication: March 16, 2010

Publisher: St. Martin‘s Press

Source: Library

Genre: Adult

Audience: 17 and up

Website|Amazon|Goodreads

Summary

The heartbreaking portrait of a large, rural southern family’s attempt to grapple with their mother’s desperate decision to make her newborn son into the daughter she will never have

When the seventh child of the Peace family, named Perfect, turns eight, her mother Emma Jean tells her bewildered daughter, “You was born a boy. I made you a girl. But that ain’t what you was supposed to be. So, from now on, you gon’ be a boy. It’ll be a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to it, and this’ll be over after while.” From this point forward, his life becomes a bizarre kaleidoscope of events. Meanwhile, the Peace family is forced to question everything they thought they knew about gender, sexuality, unconditional love, and fulfillment.

My Thoughts:  This is a story of unconditional love, survival, and finding oneself. Daniel Black has done an excellent job of creating realistic characters and a storyline to keep readers turning the pages. All Emma Jean has ever wanted is a little girl. Emma Jean wants to give her daughter everything she never had. After giving birth to her seventh son Emma Jean is desperate for a daughter and does the unthinkable to achieve her goal.

The entire time I was reading this story I had mixed feelings toward Emma Jean. Even though her motives were selfish Emma Jean did her best for her family. Her methods are extreme yet logical; in a crazy kind of way. Of course, Emma Jean spoils Perfect (I think she is Emma Jean’s favorite) and is over protective, but with a secret as big as this one, she has to keep all her bases covered.

It was interesting to see how the family dynamics changed once Emma Jean tells that Perfect is as boy.  It was almost like watching a monster truck rally. You know the cars are going to get smashed but you just can’t help but to keep watching (well, reading.) I was surprised at how some of the family treats Perfect afterwards. Emma Jean has forever changed her family. You will have to read this to see how it all turns out.
  

Cinder (Audiobook)

Author:  Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder

Publication:January 3, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Genre: Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

Pages: 400

Audience: 15 and up

Rating: 4 out 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): 
Sixteen year old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. The reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived. But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for.

My thoughts:
This isn't a book I would have normally picked for myself. Cricket suggested it to me. I thought she had read it until I decided to try to discuss a part with her and she covered her ears. I found out quickly it is on her "to read" list. I really don't know what to say about the book. There was a whole lot going on during the novel because it really is a cyberpunk, dystopian, fantasy, adventure novel for young adults. I was unsure how the Cinderella theme fit in, but by the end of the book it all makes sense. I listened to the audiobook, and I'm not going to suggest that. I finally found someone who had actually read the book, and I asked them if Cinder sounded like a whiny teenager. She said said Cinder did not sounded like a I'm-not-going-to-take-crap, strong, female lead. The lady who narrated the book made Cinder sound like a brat, and I just wanted to slap her in a few scenes. Now the narrator did an excellent robot voice. The robot, Iko, ended up being my favorite character because her voice was perfect. I also found myself leaning towards the evil villain side. I almost always go with the protagonist, but evil Queen Levana's glimmer is working on me. She is just a perfect evil, wicked witch of a queen who stops at nothing to get what she wants. The book as a whole was entertaining. I once again suggest reading it. The audio was okay, but I think reading it you can maybe see more of a stronger version of Cinder. Overall, the book was a good read and something outside of what I usually read. Marissa Meyer plans to make the novel into a series titled, The Lunar Chronicles. The next novel is titled, Scarlet, which comes out in February 2013. I can't wait to see what that series has in store.

Audio Review: The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

Author: Catherine Jinks

Narrated by: Grant Cartwright
Title: The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

Publisher: Listening Library

Format:Unabridged Audio CD

Length: 12 hrs: 10 mins

Publication: 2011

Source: Library

Rating: 3 out 5

When Tobias Richard Vandevelde wakes up in hospital with no memory of the night before, his horrified mother tells him that he was found unconscious. At Featherdale wildlife Park. In a dingo pen.

He assumes that his two rambunctious best friends are somehow responsible, until he discovers that they're just as freaked out as he is. Then the mysterious Reuben turns up, claiming that Toby has a rare and dangerous 'condition'. Next thing he knows, Toby finds himself involved with a strange bunch of sickly insomniacs who seem convinced that he needs their help.

It's not until he's kidnapped and imprisoned that he starts to believe them - and to uinderstand what being a paranormal monster really means.

Thoughts: My favorite part of this audio is the narrative voice. Cartwright gives the characters a rich Aussie accent, which is appealing to the ears. The story line however becomes frustrating as Tobias's mother and he himself are so daft that they wont listen to the truth until Toby ends up in a precarious situation. Well the whole story isn't bad just that part grated on my nerves but the humor manages to shine through nonetheless. The production is well done. I like for my audios to grab my attention and if the vocal part isn't crafty enough to do that on it's own then pffft! I'm not going to be able to delve into it at all. I can say that this is not an issue. I liked that the lead character is male, which should appeal to young boys as there are so few books lately that have a good male protagonist. I think it's cute that the vampires and werewolves are working together, even though traditionally that's usually not the case. Overall, it is a ridiculous book in a funny way. 

Guest Post for Aurora Undefined Tour

Hi. I’m author Kate Hinderer and I’m pleased to be guest posting for the day as part of the book blog tour for The Emerald Isle. With the popularity of books becoming movies and TV shows, it’s pretty common for authors to envision who would play the role of their main characters if the book were ever to hit the silver screen. Yet, at the same time, I have to say that no one entirely measures up to the character you’ve created in your mind and jotted down in the book. Still, here’s my best shot at who I’d love to see act in The Emerald Isle if it ever.

Audyn – Nina Dobrev – I admit to a slight obsession with theVampire Diaries! And while I do think at times Nina is awkward on the show, I also think that is the role she is supposed to play. I like that she is strong and independent.

Tristan – Chris Pine – Actually, I had vision of the Greek model Theo Theodoridis while writing this. I think he looks perfectly like Tristan, only with slightly lighter hair. But he’s a model and not an actor. Chris Pine has those dreamy blue eyes that would be perfect for the role.

Falcon – Adam Gregory or Brant Daugherty – I really can’t pick between the two. Perhaps after I finish writing the second book in the series, which will focus more on Falcon, I’ll be able to pick between the two. For now it would be a coin toss.

Linley – Selena Gomez – While her hair is brown the wardrobe and makeup departments can do wonders for things like that! I think she has the young and sweet demeanor that is so crucial to Linley’s character.

Levi – Jake Abel or Colton Haynes – Again, I can’t pick. They both have the looks of Levi, generally speaking. Maybe I need to see more of their acting prowess to figure out which would be better.

Molly – Amanda Bynes – Seriously, why did she stop acting? Sydney White, She’s the Man, all hilarious. She’s be great for Molly – the flighty, incessant talker.

Rive – Chris Hemsworth – Blame it on the fact that I just saw Thor for the first time, thank you Netflix! But I think he would be perfect for this dark character.

Tim – Jesse McCartney – I have a thing for Jesse McCartney and always want to see him put in a book turned movie of mine, I think I listed him in the cast list for Aurora Undefined as well. Despite the focus on his pop career the guy really can act! Check out his movie Keith or his appearance on SVU!

Jim Riche – Johnny Depp – How can you have a movie without Johnny Depp? No but seriously. He could play the role of the rich resort owner perfectly.

About the Book

To escape a bad break-up and fighting parents Audyn takes a job as a lifeguard at Fascination Island. The posh five-star resort lives up to its name in every way, including the strange rules the owner has about entering the water at night. Despite declaring it a boy-free summer, it isn’t long before the shy, endearing Levi and the mysterious, tattooed Tristan begin vying for her attention. When Levi tries to push his advantage and Tristan comes to the rescue, Audyn realizes there is more to both these boys and the island they inhabit. Suddenly, she’s forced to acknowledge a reality she’d never considered and to pick a side in the conflict that has been waging for decades.

Wanted Reads

Wanted Reads is our list of "bookies" that we will be reading/reviewing in the coming weeks. 

What are you reading? Do you have any suggestions for us?