"December" Is Over!!!!!!! Time To Get "Tied Up In Tinsel!"

I finished "Lost December" this evening. Richard Paul Evans has done it again!!!!!!!!!!! What a terrific novel! It starts when Luke Crisp decides to go out into the world instead of taking over the family business as his father wishes. After his friend, James, is killed in a car accident just days before their college graduation, Luke decides to do just that--see the world. It all goes bad when he finances friend Sean's gambling spree. Sean gets in over his head and is unable to pay back some loan sharks. Luke squanders his money trying to save his friend, who unfortunately has not been honest about certain things in his life. Luke's fiancee, Candace, reveals her true colors. As Kanye West put it, "I ain't sayin' she's a gold digger, but she ain't messin' with no broke n----er!" Actually, I would call her a gold digger! She left Luke when he said he was going to start over from scratch! What a bitch! Though, she did try to warn Luke about his excessive spending! After Luke is left with no money and no friends, he finds himself too ashamed to go back to his father and secretly takes a job at one of his father's copy centers. There, he meets some people who are undoubtedly destined to change his life: Carlos--who gives Luke a job at a senior citizens' home--and Rachael, a co-worker of with whom Luke falls in love. That love eventually leads him back to his father's doorstep to seek forgiveness for his extravagant ways! "Lost December" is truly the story of the Biblical prodigal son, with a romantic twist!!!! I guess now I can get started on what will probably be the last book I read this year, "Tied Up In Tinsel," by Ngaio Marsh.
Christmas at Halberds Manor is full of surprises. Gifts, feasts, a traditional Druid Christmas pageant...even a corpse. There is no lack of suspects, since every member of the manor house staff is a paroled murderer! Can Scotland Yard's Roderick Alleyn unwrap the real Christmas killer? There's only one way to find out!!!! I can't wait to get "Tied Up In Tinsel!"

"Michael Vey" Ends With 'Shocking' Cliffhanger! Time To Get "Lost" In "December"

I spent a few hours on Saturday sitting at a table helping Hubby Christopher Wanamaker promote his club at Anime USA (Find out about my experience in my Anime-niac blog)! In between passing out fliers about the DC Anime Club and satisfying the curiosity of inquiring minds, I managed to finish Richard Paul Evans' young adult novel, "Michael Vey: The Prisoner Of Cell 25." After his mother is abducted, Michael--along with his buddy Ostin and Jack and Wade (the boys who bullied Michael)--set off on a quest to rescue Michael's mother. In the process, several interesting events unfold. Michael himself is taken prisoner by Dr. Hatch; Michael escapes from his cell and is reunited with Taylor and introduced to the other students at the Elgen Academy; and Michael learns the truth about his father's death. Though I am usually a major fan of RPE's books, I will say that I was not overly fond of the character Nichelle. She was completely under Dr. Hatch's control and did whatever he told her to, even to the point of harming or killing another human being. However, I cannot wait until next year to see what happens next as Michael's story continues in "Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen." Int he meantime, I will be content to immerse myself in the pages of Evans' latest novel, "Lost December," which he describes as a "modern day holiday version of the prodigal son, a powerful talle of redemption, hope, and the meaning of true love." When Luke Crisp graduates from business school, his father, CEO and co-founder of Fortune 500 Crisp’s Copy Centers, is ready to share some good news: he wants to turn the family business over to his son. But Luke has other plans. Taking control of his trust fund, Luke leaves home to pursue a life of reckless indulgence. But when his funds run out, so do his friends. Humbled, alone, and too ashamed to ask his father for help, Luke secretly takes a lowly job at one of his father’s copy centers. There he falls in love with a struggling single mother and begins to understand the greatest source of personal joy. I expect that this, like a few of Evans' novels, will result in a few tears. Anybody have a Kleenex???????

Shocking Developments In "Michael Vey"

Most of Richard Paul Evans' novels are quick reads, so it's no surprise to me that I'm already about to begin Chapter 30! What is shocking is the fact that what Michael has learned about himself and his friend Taylor have led to 2 kidnappings--Mrs. Vey & Taylor have been abducted! Taylor was taken to the Elgen Academy, where she discovered she is a twin with a sister named Tara! And Michael has set off with Ostin & Jack (one of the boys who used to bully Michael) on a quest to Pasadena, California to try to locate his missing mother!!!!!!!!!!! I will say one thing: This book is certainly full of "shocking" twists and turns!

"Michael Vey" Is Off To A 'Shocking' Start!

I know that "Michael Vey" is intended for audiences ages 12 & up, but because it was written by my favorite author, Richard Paul Evans, I couldn't resist the urge to check it out! I'm glad I did! I already read the first 7 chapters. I can kind of relate to Michael in a way. Though I do not have Tourette's Syndrome as he does, I was picked on throughout most of my grade school career. Kids can be so cruel! I'm glad that he has friends like Ostin Liss and Taylor Ridley (whom Michael has a secret crush on) who know what Michael is going through, because sometimes, as Will Smith put it, "Parents just don't understand!" Then again, neither do principals, according to Michael. He loathes his principal, Mr. Dallstrom. I can understand why, after reading about how he reacted to the news that Michael was stuffed into a locker by his peers (I didn't say friends) because they thought that he had snitched on them! Mr. Dallstrom actually blamed Michael, saying that he "should have resisted" and then sentenced him to after-school detention...Ugh! How unfair is that? At least Michael was able to get even by using his powers of electricity to stop Jack, Mitchell, and Wade (the bullies) from picking on him! Oddly, it was his electrical powers that helped him get closer to Taylor, who admitted to having similar powers! I wonder what will happen next? Only one way to find out! How? By continuing the electrifying journey through "Michael Vey!"

"Mockingjay" Has Flown The Coop!!!!!!!

I rarely take the time to spend a quiet moment at home with a good book. I'm usually on the go--on the train or on the bus or as a passenger in the car. Today was one of those rare "home" moments. I finished my journey through "Mockingjay," the final book in Suzanne Collins' "Hunger Games" trilogy. What a ride! Katniss Everdeen led the other districts in a plot to overthrow and kill President Snow!!!!!!!!! Of course, there were other casualties along the way, but the saddest casualty of all for me was Primrose Everdeen, Katniss' younger sister. Ironically, it was her desire to protect Prim that prompted Katniss to get involved in the Hunger Games in the first place!!!!!!! I liked the fact that Katniss found herself in a love triangle between Gale (her friend & hunting partner) and Peeta (her fellow tribute & victor in the Hunger Games). After all is said and done, and order is once again restored to Panem, Katniss does choose one of them......but which prince will live happily ever after with the rebellious Mockingjay???? A sci-fi twist in injected into the fairy tale recipe, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mixture!!!!!!!! Now that I'm done with the "Hunger Games" trilogy, I can't wait to get started on "Michael Vey" by Richard Paul Evans! And his latest book, "Lost December," is due out in about a week!!!!! I've got a lot of reading to finish before the end of 2011!!!!!!!!!

The "Fire" Has Been Extinguished, and the "Mockingjay" Is About To Take Flight!

If I had waited one more day, I would have known I had only one more chapter to read in Suzanne Collins' white hot novel, "Catching Fire!" I'll not spoil the ending of that, but I will say that it looks like I may be able to do all the blogging I intended to this year. I am confident that I will be able to finish "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins, as well as "Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25" and "Lost December" (both by Richard Paul Evans" before the end of 2011!!!!!!!!

The "Fire" Is About To Be Extinguished!!!!!!!!

I am almost done burning my way through "Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)!" Suzanne Collins has created another page-turning sensation of a novel. For some reason, be it time management or a burning desire to know what happens next, I found myself getting through Book 2 faster than I did its preceding novel! Forced the relive the horrors of the Hunger Games, Peeta, Katniss, and some of the tributes from the other districts decide to form a shaky alliance in order to play up the romance between Peeta & Katniss, hoping to keep one of them alive. Poisonous, hallucination-inducing gas is just one of the dangers all of the tributes will endure during the Quarter Quell. Even a simple hairdresser is not safe from the brutality of the Peacekeepers. Cinna, who created the costume that transformed Katniss from the "girl on fire" into the beautiful bird known as a mockingjay , is punished for what is seen as an act of defiance, fueling the fire of the rebellion that Peeta and Katniss inadvertantly may have had a hand in starting. How it will end and who will make it out alive is something I have yet to discover, but hope to by the end of tomorrow. I am most eager to get started on my journey through "Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, Book 3)"

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

I am hoping to get through "Catching Fire," "Mockingjay," and also two more books ("Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25" and "Lost December," both by Richard Paul Evans) before then end of 2011. I guess I'd better get back to my "Journey!"

"Catching Fire" Is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I admit to getting 2011 off to a slow literary start. However, I think I have more than made up for it recently! I am already done with the first part (Chapters 1-9) of "Catching Fire," the sequel to the thriller that started off my literary year, "The Hunger Games." Both of Suzanne Collins' novels have proven to be epic, action-packed page-turners!!!!!!!! "Catching Fire" picks up where "The Hunger Games" left off. Katniss, her mother, and Prim have moved into their new house in the Victor's Village. Katniss is preparing to join Peeta and the other tributes on the "Victory Tour," which is "the Capitol's way of keeping the horror [of the Hunger Games] fresh and immediate." Katniss hates it, but she knows she has to once again play up her romance with Peeta in order to stay alive. However, her act doesn't fool the Capitol rulers, and Gale, friend & hunting partner of Katniss, ends up being publicly whipped in the square. (He survives!) Will Katniss take her family,along with the families of Peeta and Gale, and run away??????? Only time will tell, so I guess I'd better get started on Part 2 of "Catching Fire!"

"Million" Dollar Cliffhanger

I finished off "The Millionaire Mistress" by Tiphani yesterday during an emergency shopping trip! It actually turned out to be pretty good, in spite of some "ghetto" drama! Oshyn's cousin (who is eventually revealed to be her sister)Chloe murdered Apples (Oshyn's best friend), as well as Oshyn's son Micah! I questioned earlier whether or not it was worth it to get the sequels, but after the cliffhanger ending Tiphani closed the book with, I have no choice but to look into the rest of the story! Until I do, I will pick up where I left off with "The Hunger Games" trilogy and read "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins!

SUMMARY
Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment.
I hope it won't take me as long to get through "Catching Fire" as it did to get through "The Hunger Games!" The rest of my literary year is already planned out! After I finish with the last 2 books of the "Hunger Games" trilogy-"Catching Fire" & "Mockingjay"-I want to finish the year by reading 2 of the forthcoming novels from Richard Paul Evans-"Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25" (Release Date: August 9, 2011) and "Lost December" (Release Date: October 4, 2011)

"Mistress" is Missing Something!

I'm more than halfway through Tiphani's "The Millionaire Mistress," and find myself wondering "Why did I pick up this book?" It's not boring, especially the realistic rivalry between Oshyn and her cousin Chloe for their grandmother's affections. But it's still missing something. I will give Tiphani credit for creating a seemingly (so far) decent character like Brooklyn Jones. But I'm beginning to reconsider purchasing the remaining 2 books in the series, "Still a Mistress: The Saga Continues" and "Millionaire Mistress 3 (The Mistress)." I've read erotic novels in the past, but this one isn't in the same league as those by J. Tremble or even Danielle Steel, whose sexual innuendos are much more toned down than they are in the urban erotic novels! However, I will refrain from passing final judgment until I have read the final page and put the book down!

"Miles" to "Millionaire!"

I don't care what anyone says! Picnics & cookouts are great opportunities to crack open a good book! I finished off "Miles To Go" today in between plates of hamburgers, hot dogs, crabs, and cookies! I will say that Alan regained his ability to walk and was able to leave Angel, whose real name is Nicole. But not before helping her to overcome a few personal demons! I will say that even "miles" away, Alan was still able to solve another problem for Nicole! He provided her with a roommate, a female Samoan hitchhiker named Kailamai that he met at one of his makeshift campsites and rescued from a group of guys who gave her a ride and were looking for "payment." Maybe with Kailamai around, Nicole won't feel so lonely anymore! Alan was even able to reconnect with his father and his former secretary, Falene! I can't wait until next year to see where Alan goes next! Until I do, I plan to take another journey into Erotica with "The Millionaire Mistress" by Tiphani Montgomery!

SUMMARY
Chasing money is all Chloe has ever known. Just when she thinks she’s got it all, times get tight, and her body is put to work in the bedroom. Between sexin’ married men for hire and searching for the man who would get her out the game; her life is shattered when her cousin Oshyn, pulls in a drug dealer with deep pockets. Oshyn knows her conniving cousin would do anything to walk in her shoes, so she flaunts glamorous gifts and icey diamonds, given to her by new love, Brooklyn Jones. Chloe gets senseless and resorts to desperate measures when she can’t steal Brooklyn from Oshyn. When her wild sexual escapades don’t work, she uses the ultimate betrayal as her weapon. But her plan is destroyed when a tragic moment happens that shocks everyone. Will Chloe look past her evil ways and change for the better, or will their fate be a replica of their dark family secret? There’s a reason why their mothers are locked down and six feet under.

Treasure E. Blue, "Essence" Magazine Bestelling Author of "Harlem Girl Lost" said of the book "Sex, Money, and Mayhem! The Millionaire Mistress is what the streets have been waiting for. Tiphani officially earned her crown when she penned this explosive and sexy novel."

Only time will tell how "explosive and sexy" the book really is, so I guess I'd better get started on the "journey!"

Going For "Miles!"

I love a good book, but hate it when it ends too soon! I'm already up to Chapter 23 in "Miles To Go: The Second Journal Of The Walk," by Richard Paul Evans! The second book picks up right where the first left off, with Alan Christoffersen in a hospital bed, unable to walk after a roadside stabbing! He is now forced to put his plan to walk to Key West, FL on hold. In the meantime, Angel, who is grateful to Alan for his help after she experiences car trouble, invites him to convalesce in her home. As Alan struggles to regain his ability to walk, he finds himself helping Angel battle her own personal demons: the loss of her faith as well as the death of her son. What they will learn from and about each other is something I have yet to grasp, but can't wait to find out! I'm not finished reading yet, but I can already tell that Richard Paul Evans has written another page-turning sensation of a novel! I am eager to see what happens next and looking forward to reading RPE's forthcoming novel, "Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25" (Proposed release date: 8/9/2011)
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SUMMARY
My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.
To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.
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I'm willing to bet this will be another thrilling page-turner that will be impossible to put down until the end of the final sentence!!!!!!!!!

I "Hunger" to Go The "Miles"!

After damn near half a year, I have FINALLY finished with Suzanne Collins' thrilling novel, The Hunger Games, and (I hate to admit this) my cousin LaTisa was right! (You hear me, Cuz? I guess there's a first time for everything! LOL!) I truly enjoyed Katniss, Peeta, Cinna, and the rest of the participants in "The Hunger Games!" I especially liked the twist at the end, though I won't spoil it for those who have yet to read the book! What's next on my reading list? Well, since I don't have "Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games), I will content myself by taking a walk with "Miles To Go: The Second Journal of The Walk Series" by Richard Paul Evans. I can't wait to start!!!!!!!!! (I do believe that "The Walk" was the last book I read before starting this blog!)

Alan Christoffersen, a once-successful advertising executive, wakes one morning to find himself injured, alone, and confined to a hospital bed in Spokane, Washington. Sixteen days earlier, reeling from the sudden loss of his wife, his home, and his business, Alan left everything he knew behind and set off on an extraordinary cross-country journey. Carrying only a backpack, he planned to walk to Key West, the farthest destination on his map. But a vicious roadside stabbing has interrupted Alan’s trek and robbed him of his one source of solace: the ability to walk.Homeless and facing months of difficult recovery, Alan has nowhere to turn—until a mysterious woman enters his life and invites him into her home. Generous and kind, Angel seems almost too good to be true, but all is not as it appears. Alan soon realizes that before he can return to his own journey, he must first help Angel with hers.From one of America’s most beloved and bestselling storytellers comes an astonishing tale of life and death, love and second chances, and why sometimes the best way to heal your own suffering is by helping to heal someone else’s.Inspiring, moving, and full of wisdom, Miles to Go picks up where the bestseller The Walk left off, continuing the unforgettable series about one man’s unrelenting search for hope.

"Hunger" Thriller!!!!!!!!!!

Though I've gotten the year off to a slow start with Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," I am proud to say that I am almost done with this thriller! What a fantastic mix of action, romance, suspense, and more!!!!! I love Katniss and Peeta, as do the rulers in the Capitol, so much so that they decide to change the rules of the Hunger Games, deciding that "both tributes from the same district will be declared winners if they are the last two alive." This, of course, makes the heroine Katniss happy, as it means Peeta's blood won't be on her hands. After all, his bread helped keep her, her sister Prim, and her mother from complete starvation! Sadly, though Katniss appears to survive (I won't know if she does until I finish the book!), it seems that she loses her hearing in one ear due to an accident during the deadly game of survival!!!!!!

My "Hunger" Is Almost Satsified!

Though my journey through "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins has been a slow one, I am proud to say that I am almost done with what author Stephen King referred to as "A violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense." I think I see what he and my cousin, LaTisa (who sent me the book via Amazon) were talking about!!!!!!! The book is a unique combination of action, romance, murder, and, above all, an epic battle for survival!!!!!!! I love the heroine Katniss Everdeen and her fellow District 12 Tribute, Peeta Mellark. Apparently, so do the leaders in the Capitol! So much so that they decide to change the rules of the Hunger Games, declaring that "both tributes from the same district will be declared winners if they are the last two alive!" After battling fever, insect stings, and-for Katniss-the loss of hearing in one ear, survival may seem impossible, but only time will tell. It may be easier now that the two tributes are able to count on one another in an attempt to survive the horrors of the Hunger Games, but whatever dangers remain may mock my way of thinking!

"Hunger" Heats Up!

I have just finished reading Part 1 of the first book of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" trilogy. After saving her sister, Prim, from the dangers of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is whisked off to the Capitol to begin training for the battle of her life! She is given advice on how and when to interact with Peeta Mellark-- her partner in the Hunger Games, how to dress, and how to make the best impression on both the judges and the audience. I can't wait to see what happens when the Games actually start! I guess I'd better get started on Part 2 of the book ASAP!!!!

I "Hunger" For More!!!!!!!!!!!

My journey through "The Hunger Games" has gotten off to a slow start for the year. It doesn't help that my hairdresser up and changed professions on me, forcing me to cut out the "under-the-dryer" reading time. To date, I have read 5 chapters. So far, I like Katniss Everdeen, the 16-year-old heroine, determined to protect her mother and younger sister from starvation and the dangers of the Hunger Games, a fight to the death played out on live TV. Stephen King dubbed the novel "A violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense." I haven't gotten to an intensely suspenseful scenario yet, but I will say that author Suzanne Collins is very descriptive when talking about food. From her description of "a perfect little goat cheese wrapped in basil leaves" to the "hot, sweet, creamy liquid" known as hot chocolate, Collins makes it impossible not to hunger for more of "The Hunger Games!"