Stephanie Plum

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum Series Book 1

After having this on my shelf for a few years and listening to people talk about how much they love the Stephanie Plum books, I FINALLY got around to reading the first book in the series!

Stephanie has been laid off from her job as a lingerie buyer. She is broke, out of food, car repo'd, furniture pawned, and phone dead. Out of desperation, Stephanie manages to get a job with her cousin as a bounty hunter. She quickly learns that she can not bring in skippers on her own. She partners up with Ranger. She is after an old flame, Joseph Morelli and the 10k commission that comes with his capture.

I thought this was a fast and fun read. Will definitely continue the series, even though the descriptions of her early 90's outfits makes me cringe!!!

Tradd Street

The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Tradd Street Book 2

Melanie Middleton is settling into the Tradd Street house as renovations continue. Jack, Sophie, and Chad are all chipping in with the historic renovation. Then Melanie's world is sent into turmoil once again when her estranged mother returns to town, purchases the old family home on Legare Street, and asks Melanie to help her renovate it. Melanie is forced into it, not wanting anything to do with her mother. But as old ghosts become stronger and more dangerous, Melanie must search for the truth to their family history, forcing her and her mother to work together and forge bonds.

I enjoyed this book as much a The House on Tradd Street. Alhough there were a few things I did not like which I won't say so as not to spoil anything.

Chicago!

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen

The planning, development, and realization of the Chicago World's Fair in the late 1800's is the back drop of this interesting history that reads as a novel. The fair is to to be the largest in history and all the while a cold calculating serial killer is moving among the city luring and killing dozens of young women. HH Holmes was a dark and twisted man, carrying out fraud after fraud and stealing from all he came in contact with. Many years go by before anyone learns of his dark secrets.

This book started off a bit slow for me, mainly because the vast amounts of information, names, and dates. However, the history of how the 1893 World's Fair was conceived and developed was fascinating as was the story of HH Holmes. I have always wanted to see Chicago, but after reading this and Loving Frank, a trip to Chicago is now a MUST do.

I also just heard this book will be a movie in 2013 staring Leonardo DiCapprio!

Cut

Cut by Patricia McCormick

Cassie has been sent to a residential facility called Sea Pines (known as Sick Minds to the "guests") because she has been cutting herself. Her treatment is at a stand still since she refuses to speak to anyone - in group, with therapist, her family, etc). I have to admit this started off a bit slow for me. I was a bit annoyed with Callie for not letting anyone in. But in the end, I really liked it and liked Callie.

Finished Two YA's

Day of the Dragon King by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Tree House Series #14

This time, Sofia and I were transported to Ancient China where we came up against the fierce Dragn King, saved an ancient bamboo book from destruction, and helped reunite the silk weaver and the cow herder, long lost loves who had been serpeated by the Dragon King.


Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carmen
Book #1

Ryan and Sarah are best friends and one day the decide to investigate the creepy old dredge where the come across a phantom and Ryan is thrown causing a concussion and a shattered leg. Something is not right about the dredge and the town is keeping it secret. Now Ryan and Sarah's parents are forbidding them from seeing or talking to each other. They begin secretly communicating, mainly through emails, while Ryan is stuck home recovering and Sarah continues to search for clues. It is not easy to sneak around with their parents keeping such a close eye on them.

Throughout the book, the reader is directed to Sarah's website where videos help tell the stry and reveal clues. The ending is not really written, you must vie the video to find out what happens to Ryan and Sarah. I can see why the seventh graders love these creepy books. I am anxious to read book two to find out what happens next.

Worst Case by James Patterson
Michael Bennett Series #3

Someone is kidnapping the teenage children of the wealthiest families in New York's high society. Someone with an agenda Michael Bennett is having trouble figuring out. With the help of a beautiful female agent, Michael is able to start piecing together the puzzle, but will he be in time to save the latest victim and perhaps thousands of others?

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Bennett series and look forward to reading the next, Tick Tock.

Freedom From PCOS

Freedom from PCOS by Kate Humphrey

Kate Humphrey knows what it is like to live day to day with PCOS. She understands the physical and emotional toll it takes on women. So, I was happy to finally read a book by someone who has been through it. Humphrey recommends a common sense approach to food and exercise. Focusing on fresh, organic, and non-processed foods, moderate exercise (including static cardo and interval), and allowing yourself some treats or slips so that it is a plan one can live with for a lifetime. The third prong of Humphrey's "triple threat" approach is what she calls "natrocuticals." That is, natural supplements that help relieve the symptoms of PCOS.

I found Humphrey's plan easy to follow and the book was easy to read. However, she really tries to sell a particular brand of supplements that happen to be quite expensive. Also, she seemed to be relieved from all of her PCOS symptoms and weight rather quickly. But she was only 30 pounds over weight. Many PCOS'ers have far more to lose. Lastly, I wish she had talked more about the impact on specific symptoms, especially infertility.

New Patterson

Kill Me if You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Matthew is a struggling art student in New York. A former marine who decided to follow his true passions and study art. He has just fallen in love with his art professor. While at Grand Central station, he witnesses the murder of a Russian and finds an old medical bag chock full of diamonds! Now he and his unsuspecting girlfriend are on the run.

I always read the new Patterson's. I know they can be predictable, but I always find them entertaining. This one had a nice twist to it about halfway through.

A New Diet Approach for a New Year!

The Paleo Diet by Loren Cordain

I have tried low carb diets in the past, but without much success. They always leave me feeling icky and cranky. This approach is similar but a little different and I think it makes sense for me and my endocrine issues. The diet focuses on lean protein, unlimited fruits and veggies (except potatoes), some nuts and seeds. You slowly give up wheat, dairy, and sugar.

So far, it has been a week and I would say I stuck to the diet with about 75% accuracy. I had a few chocolate slip ups and a few cheese slips. But I feel good. I was not hungry and less nauseas.

Happy New Year!

I totally slacked on updating this book blog at the end of 2011. But, welcome to 2012! I plan to do a better job keeping up. And since I read many books that I never blogged about, I am going to just make a list of how I ended 2011 and start fresh with 2012!

-Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

I loved this book but I hated the two main characters (Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress). I thought they were both a bit selfish

-My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Revolutionary War historical fiction YA

-The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

YA. I really wanted to like this one, but it was just okay.

-Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman

First in the series. It was eh. I have the entire series on my shelf, so I am willing to give it another go.

-Virals by Kathy Reichs

The first in her new YA series which features Tempe's niece Tori Brennan. I liked it!

-Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osbourne

Sofia and I enjoyed this one!

-Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osbourne

This one sparked a good conversation about wagon trains and heading west, but Sofia had a nightmare about twisters! haha

-Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

YA. Goes back and forth between a talented smart modern musician teen girl in NY/Paris and the French Revolution. I really loved it.

-Now You See Her by James Patterson

Too much coincidence in this story, but I liked it. Very entertaining story!

-Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

First in the Charlie Bone series (YA). I enjoyed it and think it will be a fun series.