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Would be good for a toddler storytime. Introduces basic pond animals.

read again 10/24/2011 Because the combination of snarky poetry about cats and the illustrations of Gorey is magnificent.

Great stuff, and highly recommended. This is what I think JMS' Rising Stars should have been, but wasn't.

That's it, I officially don't get people's picture book ratings on this website. There is no justice in this world that XO, OX: A Love Story and One Word from Sophia are rated higher than this. NO JUSTICE.

Kalau kami bitjara tentang kebudajaan Indonesia, kami tidak ingat kepada melap-lap hasil kebudajaan lama sampai berkilat dan untuk dibanggakan, tetapi kami memikirkan suatu penghidupan kebudajaan baru jang sehat. Surat Kepercayaan Gelanggang (hal. xi) Tiga Menguak Takdir adalah cita-cita dari ketiga penggagasnya: Chairil Anwar, Rivai Apin, dan Asrul Sani. Ide dasar atas terbitnya buku ini sudah ada di kepala mereka sejak satu setengah tahun sebelum mereka mendirikan 'Gelanggang'. Gelanggang sendiri adalah sebuah rubrik kebudayaan yang mengisi warta mingguan 'Siasat'. Tabloid Siasat mulanya diasuh oleh Chairil Anwar dan Ida Nasution. Kemudian, dilanjutkan oleh Rivai Apin, Asrul Sani, Siti Nuraini, dan terakhir oleh Ramadhan K.H. Gelanggang bisa diartikan sebagai termpat berkumpulnya sastrawan Angkatan '45. Pada waktu itu, Chairil-Rivai-Asrul hendak menjadikan Gelanggang sebagai suatu kumpulan kesenian (Kunstkring). Tetapi, setelah melalui berbagai diskusi dan pertukaran pikiran, mereka menemukan bahwa belum ada suatu dasar yang menjiwai pertanggungjawaban atas takdir mereka yang berada dalam kumpulan itu. Mereka membutuhkan sebuah angkatan untuk menamai kelompok Gelanggang ini. Angkatan ini tidak saja harus ada, tapi juga harus mempunyai pandangan hidup, suatu tujuan takdir. Pada dasarnya, baik Chairil Anwar, Rivai Apin, maupun Asrul Sani, menempuh jalan kesenian yang berbeda. Mereka punya jalan masing-masing, yang melatarbelakangi penciptaan karya-karya mereka. Bersatunya mereka dalam Gelanggang tidak lantas membuat setiap dari mereka harus mengikuti haluan salah seorang lainnya. Melainkan, ketiganya telah berupaya untuk menempuh jalan konsensus dan saling menghargai masing-masing pribadi. "Pendekatan ini tidak berarti menuruti salah satu garis atau garis dari salah seorang dari kami, tapi dalam saling menghargai segi-segi yang dihadapi masing-masing. Garis dasar yang satu, bagi kami apriori, tidak usah dipertengkarkan lagi." Demikian, Asrul Sani menulis. Kumpulan puisi ini membawa kita menyelami pemikiran dan perasaan Chairil Anwar, Rivai Apin, dan Asrul Sani. Dengan segenap perbedaan, mereka bersatu demi mencapai cita-cita yang mereka sebut sebagai 'suatu tujuan takdir'. Lantas, 'takdir' seperti apa yang sebenarnya mereka perjuangkan? Generasi Gelanggang yang selanjutnya dikenal dengan sebutan Angkatan '45 lahir dan berawal dari kecamuk dan kegetiran atas Perang Kemerdekaan. Kemenangan atas perang akan mengantarkan kemerdekaan. 'Surat Kepercayaan Gelanggang' pun menyuratkan bahwa revolusi di tanah air kami sendiri belum selesai. Tekanan perasaan dan pikiran semasa itu serta keadaan ekonomi yang mengguncang, telah memenjarakan kemerdekaan mereka. Puisi, lantas menjadi jalan keluar sebagai jalan pembebasan. Rivai Apin sendiri memaknai kemerdekaan kebebasan sebagai kebebasan berkata, berpikir, atau berekspresi yang harus diperjuangkan sendiri. Sedangkan, Asrul Sani, memaknainya dengan pengembaraan ke dunia luas dan alam bebas, seperti tertulis dalam puisinya, 'Surat Untuk Ibu'. Pembebasan juga tidak hanya dimaknai sebagai pengembaraan jasmani, tetapi juga pengembaraan pikiran. Pengembaraan yang mendaparkan Rivai Apin dalam kehidupan yang tak kenal siang. Tercatat dalam sajak "Anak Malam". Puisi juga menjadi media apresiasi mereka terhadap para pejuang yang telah mengorbankan nyawa, demi tercapainya kemerdekaan. Chairil Anwar menulisnya dalam "Antara Krawang - Bekasi" dan Asrul Sani dengan "Sebagai Kenangan kepada Amir Hamzah, Penyair yang Terbunuh". Tiga Menguak Takdir terbit pertama kali tahun 1950 oleh Balai Pustaka. Pada tahun yang sama pula, "Surat Kepercayaan Gelanggang" diterbitkan di majalah. Surat itu seakan menjadi jawaban atas Polemik Kebudayaan generasi Pujangga Baru. Pernyataan sikap yang demikian itu seolah memutus generasi sebelumnya. Sebuah upaya dan usaha untuk menguak takdir selanjutnya telah ditegakkan. Sebuah angkatan baru telah dibentuk. Chairil-Rivai-Asrul menegaskan sikap kepengarangan dan gerak estetika mereka dalam buku ini. Sajak-sajak mereka berkatalah dengan sendirinya. Catatan Personal Seandainya saya mengenal buku ini 11-12 tahun yang lalu, tentu saya tidak akan terlalu kebingungan dalam menjawab soal-soal Seleksi Penerimaan Mahasiswa Baru. Saya terus terang merasa kesulitan dengan pertanyaan-pertanyaan seputar generasi Pujangga Baru, Tabloid/majalah Siasat, Angkatan '45, Surat Kepercayaan Gelanggang, dan segenap persoalan sastra Indonesia di masa itu. Saya belum membaca sendiri seperti apa buku-buku yang sering menjadi pertanyaan dalam soal-soal ujian. Misalnya, Atheis, Tiga Menguak Takdir, Kerikil Tajam dan Yang Terampas dan Yang Putus, hingga Olenka karya sang maestro Budi Darma. Saya sendiri perlu melakukan penelitian (observasi, lebih tepatnya) lebih lanjut dan mendalam untuk menemukan jawaban atas pertanyaan saya sendiri terhadap Tiga Menguak Takdir. Yaitu, apa dasar bagi Chairil Anwar, Rivai Apin, dan Asrul Sani, yang menjadi alasan penentu karya-karya yang ditampilkan dalam Tiga Menguak Takdir? Saya yakin bahwa ketiganya sudah memiliki satu buku kumpulan puisinya yang paling lengkap. Lalu, bagaimana ketiganya melakukan seleksi atau pemilihan atas karya-karya mereka sendiri untuk ditampilkan dalam Tiga Menguak Takdir? Saya rasa, saya masih harus mengkajinya dengan mencermati tanda zaman waktu itu; zaman perang kemerdekaan. Overall, bisa dibilang, penemuan buku ini bagi saya pribadi adalah menguak takdir atas diri saya lebih dari satu dekade kemarin. Barangkali, ada maksud tersendiri mengapa saya harus baru bisa menamatkan Tiga Menguak Takdir ini usai Tragedi Crane yang jatuh di Mekkah sana. Ya, barangkali.

one of our favorites about a ten-piece orchestra; the writing's as musical as the instruments that are featured

This will be a popular bedtime storybook. It's impossible not to yawn when reading this just like when reading M.B. Goffstein's classic Sleepy People.

I didn't like this book quite as much as the first, because I felt that Rowan and Gabriel had a love-hate relationship that weighed a little too heavily on the hate aspect. Carly and Gideon were more fun. I still liked the story though, and am looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, with Rowan's mysterious and haunted brother Bastian. :)

As a reader, I am really into this story. I like how it's set in upstate New York instead of in a big city. I like that Addison is risking her life for art. And with each risk, she is exposed to increasing levels of danger or horror. I like how the sister is creepy with her possessed doll. I like how there's the unanswered question about her parents and their status within the spill zone. I think the story is new and interesting and the art is engaging. Teens will be all over this story. While I am not one to censor for any of my readers (I am a huge advocate for giving teen readers an opportunity to self censor what they read), I do think that there is going to be a group of teens (and parents and potentially schools) who may take an issue with the language that is used throughout.

Powerful. This could start a discussion about how it feels to be left out. (Invisible) Another possible topic is bravery and how Brian and Justin (and Emilio) both show courage in their own ways. Also a great introduction to discussion of how we treat and talk to others and how that impacts them. Highly recommended.

*CONTAINS SPOILERS* I would probably rate this book 1.5 stars out of 5 JUST because of its intense and creepy ass ending. I really did not enjoy how slow this book was until the last 80 pages or so. Amazingly, I got through it after putting this book down several times. I've got to admit, I was drawn by the cover. It sounded pretty interesting, but I should've read a couple of pages in before renting it out at the library (glad I didn't pay for this book) because I totally did not know it was set in a high school setting. Blah! I hate those kinds of settings, but that's just my preference. As for the plot... Sheesh! Was it really necessary for things to turn out like they did? I was shocked.. What kind of karma is that?! Hell, it really was unfair. I felt that it was a bit.. no, not even.. WAY too cruel for consequences. The main character, Em, was pretty relatable which I liked a lot. She wasn't annoying; thank god! The other characters, not-so-likeable. They were quite bland when it came to being a complex character. Chase was just, wow, amazingly arrogant and totally irresponsible. A complete jerk who wouldn't be liable for any of his actions and swathed by the words or beauty of a Fury. Ergh, he had no backbone and I hated that. I enjoyed how Em turned out at the ending of the story and what she went through was PRETTY dang creepy. As I said, I loved the end but I definitely hated having to wait 300 pages until the story got interesting. *END RANT* :L

I couldn't get thru it. It was just way over the top corny.

see full review @ Katie's Corner

4 STARS This was something different. I truly felt immersed in Maggie's life and loneliness. When Evan comes to be seen by Maggie, her faith in God is somewhat questioned. It's not that she felt God and angels weren't real, but perhaps she wondered if God was still caring and aware of all the turmoil in this world, and in her life as of late. Maggie struggles with the choices she felt were thrust upon her after her divorce. She tries to shield herself and her children from ridicule by moving their lives a bit further from where they were. She felt a bit off kilter until Evan appeared, her own guardian angel. Good thing that he showed up, because evil beings had Maggie in their sights as the perfect instrument-- a woman who had Faith and waivered on Belief.

I liked the community of friends and family created around the MCs. The book is funny and I enjoyed the banter between Tom and Phil. However the murder mystery is thin and ends abruptly and unsatisfactorly.

The Sweetest Dark is a deeply emotional, unexpected treasure. I connected to Lora almost instantly. Not the things she saw, but just her raw, jagged edges. She is a tortured soul and I think most of us have felt that way at some point or other. Early in I desperately wanted to see her rise above her circumstances, put her twisty past behind her, and become more than another tragedy, another forgotten girl. For so long she heard the voice inside her, but was told she was crazy until she believed them. And then, when finally someone told her that she wasn't, it was like he offered her salvation. I cried for her loved how it turns out that she isn't the bottom of the lowest of the low. Instead, she is one rare, precious being. This book is almost entirely devoid of action, and almost even devoid of a plot. But yet I loved it. It felt like a reflective journey that was completely character driven. There were no real tension filled events dragging me through the story, but yet I couldn't put it down. The character is riveting and raw. This story is dark. If you aren't in the mood for that, this isn't the right tale. Beneath Shana Abe's beautiful language and amazing imagery, lies a bittersweet tragedy. I was so impressed with this book that I'd like to read more of the author's Drakon series. It looks like they may all be loosely connected.

This collection of short mysteries are a bit ponderous and slow-moving, but I did enjoy them. And I liked quite a bit about Chesterton's use of words - his writing paints very vivid pictures and creates an atmosphere. His Father Brown character is a bit unexpected and endearing.

OMG read this book and loved it. I would recomend this for all ages really like it hope you will to wooohooo!

Spindle Fire is more than just a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I was completely blown away by Lexa Hillyer's take on this fairy tale story. It's original, and it feels very fresh to me. Rather than focusing solely on Aurora, Hillyer also tells you the story of Isabelle/Isbe; Aurora's brave and loyal half-sister complete with badass faeries, corrupt world, curses and magic. Aurora and Isbe are truly an unforgettable duo. Both are incredible and strong characters! I simply couldn't choose which one is my favourite because honestly they are both very likable. Aurora has no sense of touch and no voice, while Isbe was blinded on the same day of Aurora's christening. So okay, I may not have a favourite, but I actually understand Isbe's feeling the most. The story unfolds through alternating point of views--Aurora's, Isbe's, Malfleur's, Belcoeur's, and also some other faeries (I totally forgot their names sorry). I also really enjoyed the world building. Impressively beautiful and unique! Spindle Fire is magnificent, beautifully written and Hillyer did a brilliant job exploring complex characters and sibling relationship. The story was full of surprises with an unexpected plot twist and it certainly kept me guessing and thinking about it for quite some time. I even spent around 15 minutes while I was on my way to work, thinking about what has happened in Chapter 30. Honestly though... And also, some chapters have super long and funny titles! Eg: "Binks, a Male Faerie of Modest Nobility, Who May or May Not Be Important to This Tale, Except That He Happened to Be in the Right Place at the Right Time". Looove it. However, Hillyer left us with too many unresolved questions and the book ends rather abruptly. But that doesn't stop me from loving this book! I honestly cannot wait for the sequel to come out and I hope all of my questions will be answered in Book 2.

Bacigalupi is a fellow Coloradoan, and I can feel the influence of the west in this dystopian adventure that focuses mainly on the Gulf of Mexico and the cities of New Orleans, Orleans II and Orleans III. The writing drags a few times but overall is a fresh, bold offering and one that (hallelujah) will appeal to teenage boys (as well as girls)

"It's easy to become anything you wish... ...so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul." It has been a long time since I read a graphic novel. I have liked most that I have read, but they don't cross my path very often. I picked this one up because I read an announcement that Yang had been chosen by the Library of Congress as the fifth national ambassador for young people's literature. Since I am interested in literacy, education and reading, but did not know anything about Yang, I thought it would be a good idea for me to read one of his books. Serendipity makes for interesting reading and this was no exception. American Born Chinese was available at my local branch library, so I picked this novel by Yang. He does a great job of writing about his own experience and making it accessible to readers who have felt uncomfortable with their environment. I think there are many young adults that could relate to Jin Wang's desires to fit in and his ways of coping with being an outsider. Yang himself sounds like an interesting man. When he accepted the role as ambassador he said, "Reading breaks down the walls that divide us. By reading, we get to know people outside of our own communities. We gain knowledge others don't expect us to have. We discover new and surprising passions. Reading is critical to our growth, both as individuals and as a society." (https://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2016/16-...) I recommend this book to anyone interested in getting to know people outside their own community. I am sure that Yang's two years as ambassador for literacy will be successful. Other books about outsiders: Eleanor and Park Everything I Never Told You Gabi, A Girl in Pieces The Rosie Project

Lacks the kind of character development I prefer, and for a quest novel it's a little slow and lackluster for me. Can see the appeal for a third grader maybe, but this whole story's premise would have made for a more scary, more adult-themed teen/17y+ book given the "love triangle" aspect of the friends in this book. I keep wondering why the author toned it down for a middle grade book, when she could have ramped it up for an adult or older teen ghost novel. My two cents!

Enjoyable read about what might have happened to Jane Austen. It was a bit hard to get into, but once I got into it, it went fairly easily and quickly.

I liked this book--though you have to be willing to see the Biblical reference in order to enjoy it. This is the first time I've ever read the Narnia series, and I'm glad I did. I think that I'm going to pick up some of Lewis' more "heavy" book over the summer. I find his view on religion interesting.

Like many Potterheads, I was immensely disappointed by the Cursed Child for many reasons, but chiefly because it did not feel like Rowling. Here, Rowling takes all of the creative reigns, and it shows. Where it is through the characters or the charming or the action descriptions, her wit, humor, and heart show. I fell in love so quickly with these characters despite the short length. Like Potter, this is a band of lovable misfits and I already miss spending time with them. I doubt they will ever become nearly as iconic or beloved as the original trio, but for this story, they go above and beyond. I was very taken aback, though, by some of the clear departures this screenplay marks for Rowling. Beyond the change in narrative voice and medium, this is clearly not Harry Potter. By far this is the darkest tale yet form the wizarding world. It can be violent, scary, and disturbing (in relation to the rest of the Potter series, that is). Additionally, I found this to be one of Rowling's most mature works. The clever subtext about persecution, paranoia, and prejudice absolutely sting. Personally, this entry read as an obviously queer allegory, but there are many more ways of looking at it. It has a sense of importance and urgency (especially in 2016) without losing a timelessness. Now, this is very much a screenplay. It falls on some of the narrative structures and tropes of cinema, and thus departs from the novelistic feel of both the previous books and movies. A lot of times, this works just fine. Other times, it can come across as somewhat half-hearted. There is still a complete story, but also a lot of set up. And what is difficult is that set up is what I found to be the most interesting. I want more of these new political and cultural developments in the wizarding world. I am sure we will get this in the future, but I still would have prefered just a little more satisfaction. This was a wonderful screenplay that produced and equally wonderful film. Despite my initial reluctance, I am so happy the screenplay was put into print. I know I will be returning to it whenever I want to disappear into the wizarding world again.

4.5 Steamy Stars! Source: eARC for Honest Review from Riptide Publishing via NetGalley Well I was in the moody for something steamy and that is what I got with two very hot, aggressive alpha males. Prophet the man with many haunting secrets but always has everyone's back. Tom the man who thinks he is cursed and scared to partner in fear of losing them. Both are thrown together as partners to solve a crime but this partnership got taken to a whole new level. "Good, Did I fuck the fight out of you?" "Never. That doesn't mean you shouldn't stop trying," he murmured sleepily. "You're in so much goddamned trouble, Tommy." "Tell me something I don't know." Together they are like oil and water but they also fill a deep need in one another. This creates vulnerabilities so it is easier to push each other way while hurting one another. They thought they could just leave it as sex but it pushed them to far apart and Prophet is left doing what he always does but keep his secrets close and use sex as a shield. Where Tom wants Prophet more than anything but for his protection makes a choice that could ruin everything and then we are left hanging for the next book to see what happens. Does Prophet go to Cillian instead of Tom? Do Tom and Prophet find their way back to one another? So many questions left unanswered but I can't wait to find out what happens next in Long Time Gone October 28th. For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

It really surprised me but I really liked it back when I read it, although it wasn't super impressive because I didn't even remember I had read the whole thing a few years ago...

** spoiler alert ** I liked the general story, but a few bits confused me: When the White Ghost fell into the Lazarus Pit, I thought his body became the new host for Ra's. We don't see him for quite awhile, but we do see the bandaged Ra's. Then, all of a sudden, White Ghost is back and Ra's is saying his host body was Sam Tang. Who the heck is that? At one point Ra's says he's either going to transfer his mind into Damian or Robin, but later, Batman says any transfer would need a blood relative, so how was Robin ever a possibility? In the last section, right before Ra's permanently transfers himself into the White Ghost, WG's hair is all of a sudden short. At first I couldn't figure out who that was. WG always had the long flowing hair.

Jack Ryan's Presidency is beset by intenational terrorism involving the use of the Ebola virus an an aerosol bio-warfare agent against U.S. cities by a Middle-Eastern despot, assassination plots against the First Family and a challenge to the legitimacy of his Presidency from a political rival. Between Jack's courage and that of the available non-exposed, quick-response forces, the U.S. is able to fend of all threats. The seventh novel to feature Tom Clancy's Marine turned spook turned intelligence advisor, and now newly installed President, John Patrick Ryan.

The Book of Seven Hands Written by Barth Anderson Read by Nick Podehl This is a novella from the Foreworld saga and I must admit, this is my first book from that series. I don't know if any of the characters overlap from other books, but I had no trouble getting into this book or understanding what was going on. The general setting is in 13th century Spain where the Inquisition is searching for renowned swordsmen who are seeking the book of seven hands. Those two men are Basilio and Alejo, students of the great Don Manuel. They are fulfilling the master's last wish in retrieving his old fighting manual and getting it translated for use. Adventure ensues as the swordsmen are pursued espadas, are drawn, and revelations are made take place. Think of it kind like Zorro meets The Three Musketeers complete with bits of humor thrown in for good measure. Overall I found the book to be enjoyable and fun. My wife and I kind of guessed the big revelation later in the book and it didn't really much bearing on the main part of the story anyway. As for the audiobook, I really like Nick Podehl. I'd even say that the only reason I chose to do this book was because he was reading it. It wasn't my favorite performance of his but I still really enjoyed all the different characters. I definitely got some flashes of Christoph Waltz from Django Unchained with Mr. Podehl's voice for Paracelsus.

This is a series of vignettes, which lead into one another and create a story arc with the formation of the various kinds of ice through the seasons. It has a reminiscent, memoir-ish feel to it that I think will be off-putting to most children, especially when combined with the lack of plot. I have to wince over the gender-stereotyped division of male hockey players versus female figure skaters, which also harkens back to the old-fashioned quality of the story. While the writing is lovely, it does not work well as a modern children's chapter book. But I love the black-and-white illustrations.

This is a cute story with lots of heart. Miranda and Logan have always had sparks--but sometimes those have led to more hellfire than passion. Miranda's dedicated to organizing the Christmas cotillion of Magnolia Bay. It's a labor of love, especially because the charity it supports is in memory of her mother who died years ago to breast cancer. Logan buys his way onto the cotillion committee with a huge donation to the charity. It aggravates Miranda, because, well, this gal holds a long grudge. Back in college it looked like Logan favored Pammy, a mean-girl rival of Miranda's, and Miranda never let it go. Their sexy-sparring disappeared and it's only been in the past few years that Miranda's even spoken to Logan--he's determined to change that. Their latest interactions sizzle with all the passion missing with Miranda's newest boyfriend. Naturally, Pammy insinuates herself into the cotillion committee as well--she's been burning a flame for Logan since....forever. She even orchestrates a bachelor auction in the hopes that she can buy a date with him. Miranda's miffed, but what can she do? The auction is raising money hand over fist, even if Miranda can't afford to continue bidding on Logan. Thank goodness some internet gal is outbidding Pammy at every turn. There are lovely side characters who don't hesitate to point out Miranda's stubbornness, and Logan's lunacy. All their friends and family are convinced they are in love, but neither Miranda nor Logan will take the final step to sealing the deal--until the cotillion. Logan is as bold as he can be, and it ends up being a real problem. A Kick-Him-Out-Of-Bed type of problem, for Miranda. Good thing Logan can think on his feet, because he's fed up letting Miranda isolate herself from love, his love. I had guessed the ending, and I was rewarded in kind. Things seemed a bit rushed at the end--I wondered what in the world happened to Miranda's previous beau--but it seems clear that this novella is linked to others either written or soon-to-be. No cliffhanger here, just a lot of strands that appear to be woven into the story lines of other characters. I really liked all the texture the author gave to the setting, and the world of Magnolia Bay. It was clear that Miranda had a deep love for her hometown, and her friends. Logan's a stand-up-guy, for the most part, and his mistakes are very human--and very forgivable. I was glad Miranda finally took a good look at the man who seemed ready to pause the earth's rotation if it might win her affection. 'Cause that's a gem right there.

I loved how the romance took a backseat to the family, which I wasn't expecting since the title just screams cute romance. This was cute though, and it made me happy reading it.

Enjoyed the book overall! Follow the link for a full review: https://suereadingcorner.wordpress.co...

This description of the campaign which culminated in the Battle of Shiloh, is a little bit of a struggle to wade through, but is full of charts, maps, and side-bar entrees on various topics.

Simple thought provoking stories.

Full review here: https://thebookmarkplace.com/2015/10/... Feminism Score: Good Effort This book is SO MESSED up in several ways - the community's treatment of women, the perpetuation of rape culture (women are the holders of men's honor, women need to dress modestly because it's all their fault), and the ultimate punishment doled out to Minnow - so many wrongs. But, there are a couple of stand outs - Minnow herself doesn't allow the Prophet to erase her humanity, Minnow's roommate doing what she can to protect the newbie, and Minnow's mother finally breaking out of her abuse-induced daze (maybe). I'm going to focus on the positives of Minnow's resiliency and strength - and willingness to accept her broken spirit to heal - instead of the awful, brainwashed women in the community, especially Minnow's sister. Diversity Score: Good Effort I'm giving this book points for including a minority religious group - although there is something to be said for who gets to decide what is a "legitimate" religion or not. I definitely think the Prophet's group is an unhealthy, unsafe, cruel place/cult, but I think we should consider not discounting small congregations just because their different from the mainstream. Points also for Minnow arm loss - living without limbs means moving through the world differently, having to adapt everyday tasks, and I think the book did a good job of showing that - especially while Minnow is in detention. I also give points for showing up life in the detention center without making it exotic. The girls in there have done things, but listening to most of their stories we learn - through Minnow - that the world unfairly punishes them for protecting themselves.

Another fabulous tale of Italian immigrant families by Adriana Trigiani. The sweet love story of a couple who grow up within a few miles of each other in the Italian Alps, immigrate to America separately in the early 1900s, and meet in New York City and eventually get married. Wonderful details of the Metropolitan Opera during the time of Caruso.

I didn't like this one as much as others by Paul Showers. It was nice that the cast of characters was so diverse. The topic was a complicated one that is notoriously difficult for children to get and this medium isn't the best to teach the workings of the heart. I felt the diagrams lacked something and arrows would have helped in many of them.

from seeing bits and pieces of this book on instagram to actually reading the book, i can tell you the poems work more as #wordporn than actual poems. most of the individual poems were hardly noteworthy but the story the book told, that i quite liked

I have no words yet for this brilliant collection of poems. It was much better than I was expecting, but I went into it knowing it would be good. Poetry usually isn't my thing, but love, and you, hits you in all the feels and is completely emotional. I will be writing a longer review later. Outstanding book!!! Editing: ^^^^^ above thoughts still stand. Those were my initial thoughts to this beautiful book. By the end of this book, I was crying and it pushed me through a set of various emotions. This book is so raw and so personal, I am extremely grateful I was able to read it. I've seen Gretchen floating around on Twitter and I knew I was instantly intrigued. This did not fade as I started to read this collection. I fell in love and it even compelled me to purchase a few more poetry books. This is one outstanding book! love, and you is one book I will reread when I have time. It touched me to the core and just moved me. Like, there's not much else to say about it. Even now, I'm still at a loss for words at how beautiful this poetry collection is. My advice: just read it. You won't be sorry.

3 . 5 Short, Sweet and Steamy stars! Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Gallery | Pocket Books via NetGalley This series is one of those series that the books are charming and sweet with some sizzle. In this novella Grace Douglas is a bit of a klutz. So, with the help of her friends, whom are all from this series, they decide she needs help for their upcoming bachelor party. With this help they send Grace to the local mountain for some ski lessons. As she's there, she catches the attention of the new billionaire in town, who happens to own the ski lodge. After the initial meeting with Jacob Berkley, where Grace assumes he's her instructor and he chooses to omit the truth, they have an instant connection. Grace is normally more cautious with these types of transactions, but you only live once so she jumps in. Once she finds out the truth she's embarrassed, but Berk quickly changes her mind. They heat up the sheets causing Berk to think this could be something real, while Grace thinks it can only be a fling. With both of their assumptions they're miserable, causing one of them to finally pull up their 'grown up underwear' and take this relationship to where they want it, or it won't go anywhere. This novella was sweet but in a few days it will be unforgettable. It doesn't mean I didn't like it. It just means it didn't leave an impact on me.

So Wonderful!! Just adorable!! Celebrates all different types of love and had this lovely kind of low-key feminism (I love me some Bitch Planet, but sometimes it's also nice to see modern feminist themes play out in a more gentle context). Happiest of sighs.

An interesting plot filled with historical accuracy and detail. I enjoyed the development of the romance. I had to deduct a star due to the sex scene, not graphic but it is there

This book was a little scary for my 6 year old. She felt that JunievB was going to be in big trouble. Otherwise it was ok overall, definitely not one of the best Junie B books.

Good read. I really enjoyed the parallels between Nikki Heat and Kate Beckett's mother's murders. Nice tie-in with the show. And Malcolm and Reynolds? Shiny.

Not sure what to think about this one. I get that it's the young adult precursor to your Hunger Games, Divergents, and Maze Runnerers, but then I realized it was written in the 90s. After 1984, Brave New World, Logan's Run, and Handmaid's Tale. This one seems like it just combines all of these, and then leaves out a big middle chunk of story. Seems like Jonas and the Giver jump to destroying their whole world pretty quickly. And not sure anything that happens in the story is actually plausible in any way. So, plus for the kickoff of a young adult genre. Minus for execution. But again, this is from the perspective of an adult reader.

Sacrilege is an historical thriller set in Elizabethan England. It features spy Giordano Bruno who travels to Canterbury to discover the murderer of his lover's husband and investigate the cult of St. Thomas Becket, the 12th century Archbishop murdered in Canterbury Cathedral. The book is well-written with interesting characters, a sufficiently complicated plot, and a good sense of time and place.

Once again about a different culture. I read this when my sister was in Africa, I was drawn to it because of that. It was a pretty good book. People are different all over the world. It's great.

I think the problem is I never became attracted to the characters. I never cared to see what would happen next. I'd have to force myself to pick up the book and I'd only get through a few pages at a time before I was putting it back down.

There are two main reasons why I was disappointed in this book. First, I didn't realize that it was a sequel of sorts, and that the reader would really be better off if they'd read The Dead Room first. Second, I was initially intrigued by the killer having an Edgar Allan Poe obsession, but that connection turned out to be really weak.

I absolutely love when Mara White and K. Larsen get together. Their writing flows seamlessly and their stories feel so REAL. I felt that I knew Ryan and Jackie, lived through their emotional highs and lows and and felt their pain. This story is emotional, romantic, sexy and epic. The book spans many years but through it all, Ryan loved Jackie more than anything, even when she tried to place him firmly in the friend zone. Jackie was always scared of an emotional attachment so Ryan was her best friend. Ryan did everything just to love her and and even stood by while both their lives went on, even though she was his one true love. Years pass and Ryan and Jackie are separated by circumstance and by life. Will Ryan and Jackie ever find their happily ever after? He is just the perfect man, completely devoted to Jackie yet willing to give her time and space. This is a very angsty book but at the same time, filled with hope and romance. The ending was a complete surprise which I did not see coming in a million years. Once again these two authors have delivered an emotional, sexy, real and gritty romance. Ryan and Jackie are two memorable characters, and their story is one I won't soon forget. "Since the day you joined the world, you marched to the beat of your own drum."

Need I say more?

How can one not love Alice Notley, or cherish any opportunity to read her work? Unfortunately, after a long wait to get my hands on this collection, I was disappointed by how slight it felt, particularly in regards to her earlier material. While the Penguin books are still in wide circulation, those rare, small-press editions are what we rely on a volume like this to provide, and we get too small a taste of them here.

I was stoked to read this book when I first heard about it and it didn't disappoint! a~o This Grimm retelling had twists and turns to it that made this book so enjoyable. I've always loved fairy tale style retellings and this book was perfect for that kind of book craving. I would definitely recommend this book! 5 stars!

I won this book through the Goodreads Giveaway section. I really enjoyed this collection. It's varied in the topics covered and the form of each selection. I was glad to see this compilation did not narrowly focus on any one topic, like grief following death, for instance. The broad topic range makes it easier to refer back to in a variety of situations where you may need comfort or companionship in words. Overall, I thought the poetry selections were the stars of the collection, but each of the selections was well written and thought provoking. My favorites included: -"Bleeding Heart" by Constance Vogel Adamkiewicz -"Me & My Brother & The Skunk" by K. Biadaszkiewicz -"Why You Knit" by Jan Bottiglieri -"Alternative Eulogy" by Carol Kanter -"Jardim Zoologico (Rio de Janeiro, 1999)" by Arthur Powers -"Backyard Burial" by Noel Sloboda -"April" by Laurence Snydal -"Breathe" by Patti Wojcik Wahlberg - "Comfort" by Patti Wojcik Wahlberg I will definitely be keeping this around. 3.5/5

Lovely short poems by children about black pride. The kids were all upper elementary age when the book was published. They're now in their late twenties/

Amazing story. Wow. This is a must-read. One of the best books I have read this year, and I have read over 120. The story will amaze you, sadden you, surprise you, thrill you, and ultimately, uplift you. Enjoy! I love Sky and Holder! 5 stars for #Hopeless. Dean Holder & Sky will capture your heart and leave you breathless. Best First Kiss scene, ever. A must-read.

i'm giving this book 5 stars because it isn't about what i think of the book. it's about where it came from. what brought it to life. oh boy, i was hit with waves of inspiration. it made me want to grab my pen and write about all the things i could never (and still can't) write. i have to remind myself every now and then that it's okay to be vulnerable.

Fascinating structure, intriguing and perfectly-crafted characters. Everyone said it was sad, but that wasn't what I saw at all. In the end, he's not so much ending his sad life as much as jumping into his finally-found purpose, to fly. To fall. It left me with hope.

Oh, Kohane! I really adore her character. Also? It was definitely a good choice to read this in the restaurant tonight; this series always makes me so hungry with Watanuki and his intimacy-via-cooking.... (Not that Domeki seems able to handle Watanuki being affectionate any other way! Which is a bit of a reversal, isn't it?)

Okay, sure, it's a "classic" and all that, but still--it's ancient science written as a sort of blank verse poetry, and while it's occasionally lovely in its language, and while it's fun to hear how ancient intellectuals looked at the world, still, it's basically an ancient textbook.

My five-year-old son brought this home from Kindy, but we both felt it was a bit baby for him. He lost interest quickly. Luckily his one-year-old sister enjoyed it. She has recently learned to clap her hands, so this was actually perfect. Plus, she loves looking at children's faces.

This is in my top three books of Bukowski poetry. I give it out regularly to people i'm introducing to him.

#8: Un libro ambientado en Europa. Probablemente mi trabajo menos favorito de Shakespeare hasta ahora. No tuve ni una pizca de sensacion de estar leyendo algo de el. No piensen mal, claro que fue bueno e impecable pero ha sido muy extrano, de todas formas esta no es una resena definitiva.

See my review on this edition of the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It is a blast and a personal satisfaction rereading the many books of one of my favourite authors who had such a lasting influence on when I was just a little boy. Even though I am now a grown man I still feel nostalgic reliving the sense of fantastical adventure that these tales managed to evoke in me, even though they were obviously intended for children. 1)Mr. Icy Cold: 4/5 2)The Left-Behind Cat: 3.75/5 3)Chinky Goes Adventuring: 4.25/5(Favourite) 4)The Noah's Ark Lion: 4/5 5)The Funny Little Hedgehog: 3.5/5 6)The Little Green Imp: 4/5 7)The Magic Rubber: 4/5 8)Oh Simple Simon: 4/5 9)The Tale of the Goldfish: 4.25/5 10)Winkle Makes a Mistake: 4.25/5 11)What a Surprise!: 3.75/5 12)The Cow that Lost her Moo: 3.5/5 13)Miss Mary Ann Mouse: 4/5

This last book...went just like the others...in a whirl of vampire against humans...humans against vampire...but then...with was is meant to be...Morganville...is back under some control...and Amelie the leader. But now...the story ends...and the best ending ever...I don't want to spoil things...but just say...tears fill my eyes...I am soooo delighted with this series...and hate to see it stop...but I am soooo very happy with the ending!!!

Don't read this book. I say that in the vein of Br'er Rabbit's, "Don't throw me in that briar patch." Exploitation of the downtrodden by some rich and powerful people and corporations is nothing new here in America or elsewhere in the world, and it seems to never vanish. It is an old relic of evolution --- you know, survival of the fittest and all that crap. And it continues well after evolution has passed beyond the notion of just picking on the poor and the meek and exploiting them to something more sophisticated that assimilates the poor and meek into the process of all of mankind getting along in the world for the greater good. You know, like loving your neighbor as yourself. Blackmon does his job in this comprehensive work of chronicling the history of how exploitation --- or, as he makes amply plain, slavery --- played out in America in the most horrific way after the Civil War and on up until almost the Civil Rights Movement. Rich and powerful men and corporations, devoid of scruples, colluded and bought and sold African-Americans at county courthouses throughout the South in a system tantamount to slavery. They, in collusion with some of the local authorities in government , utilized trumpped-up criminal charges against the newly-emancipated men and women to gain control over them once again. You know, you've got to kick a dog when he's down. Then they utilized outrageous fees, insurmountable for the impoverished newly-emancipated men and women to pay, to keep them in their thrall year in and year out until the new "slaves" died horrible deaths. It's kind of like what you often see with respect to some of the rich and powerful individuals and corporations over against some undocumented immigrants today. This is a book of awesome research and deliberate storytelling that, if you have any humanity in your veins at all, will bring tears to your eyes, and, hopefully, an intention to do something about it.

Quick read. I read this in a day.

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I downloaded this book in February of 2012, after watching a couple of the Bones t.v. shows featuring this Walter Sherman,"Finder," character. The character and premise was cute and humorous, so I figured I'd give the books a try. But then the character got a spinoff show, and the few episodes I watched really didn't do it for me (too cute; too humorous), and I forgot about the book. But the other day, while I told myself that I had to get through my current Audible library before I could download any new books, I came across The Knowland Retribution and figured I'd give it a listen. And I was pleasantly surprised. The story and the character of Walter Sherman are much more serious than the t.v. producers gave them credit for, which is a shame. They turned the idea into a caricature and reduced Sherman's age (and thus his maturity) by about 25 years. His older, better, book version--while certainly not as appealing to an 18 - 35 year old t.v. audience--is certainly more interesting. The story is not a who-done-it or even a why'd-he-do-it, but a smart and slowly paced thriller involving big agriculture, Wall Street greed, and a lot of loss, both of the financial and the human kind. The characters are interesting, the story is nicely complex, and the bad guys are just who you'd want them to be (and they get just what they should in the end). Marc Vietor does a very nice job reading this, too. His deep, serious narration gives the story an additional weight. I'll definitely be downloading the next in Greener's series.

just depressing. I think I ran out of optimism once the election was over and the tension of waiting for the results to be stolen was gone. I just can't seem to get myself up for reading nonfiction that is anything depressing. Which takes care of about 90% of what I seem to pick up, hmmm could that be part of my problem?

Astolat's usual wacky premises and brilliant resolutions!

For a book whose title claims to be about the life and times of the wicked witch of the west, it was barely about the life and times of the wicked witch.

This book made me love Levana -- as in "she's a super interesting character and villain I love to hate" kind of love -- and I really did not expect that going into the novel. I loved learning her story and what drove her to become the villain of this world. And while I definitely do not think that her actions are forgivable, it was fascinating to see her transformation and her twisted reasoning for her actions. I think she is now one of my favorite villains because there's just so much more to her than meets the eye, and I love that! I really enjoyed this and now I'm even more excited to get my hands on Winter! ALSO! Let it be officially known, that I refuse to feel sorry for this woman! I understand her tragic backstory, but it -- in my opinion -- in no way justifies all the atrocities she has committed and I am excited to see her downfall in Winter. Had to be said.

This review was written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/12/review... Julian Gibson is a transgender high school freshman. He's always felt that he was a boy, though his body and birth name, Julia, are female. Julian has a dear childhood friend, Aiden, who's been bullied mercilessly on social media for his perceived homosexuality. Aiden's turned away from Julian, because Julian's tomboy appearance makes people think he might be a butch dyke, and that's unacceptable for Aidan. The loss of Aidan's friendship is deeply upsetting for Julian. Julian makes new friends with Maria, a beautiful bisexual girl, and her cousin. Maria's got a cadre of misfit-type friends and they draw Julian in because Maria's attracted to Julia(n). As much as Julian would like to date Maria, he feels it would be dishonest to do so without confessing that he's really a boy--even if it means losing Maria and his new friends. Julian decides that he needs to come out as trans because he wants to be seen as he is, but also because physiology is getting in the way. He's developing breasts and having his period, and he really can't handle it anymore. He has a really great relationship with his father, a city councilman for Toronto, and fears coming out will change everything. Thing is, Julian's life is already changing and he recognizes that he's got to speak soon, or lose more time in a body that's betraying him. He vows to tell three people before Christmas--in a convoluted scheme to link these revelations to a series of Secret Santa parties. Along the way, he and Maria get closer, he messes up big time in school, and he's under extreme pressure to come out to his parents before the new year. I like this story for teens and questioning persons. For myself, and I've read a few trans kids coming out stories this year, I felt the pace was slow and the plan to come out overly complicated. The metaphor of the myth of Santa versus being honest about one's self seemed stretch I wasn't able to follow, but the slightly jaded teen characters read as real and had age-appropriate conversations and activities. It's mostly innocent with one drug reference and one scene where Julian and Maria briefly have the opportunity to explore one another physically, though it's not too graphic. I felt a strong connection to Julian, and understood that he never felt that he was a girl. Nor did he feel he was a lesbian. He felt he was a (mostly) straight boy attracted (mostly) to girls--despite having a female body. This was a really interesting viewpoint, and I appreciated Julian's difficulties with expressing this to his peers, parents, and teachers. Some guess. Some don't. Julian's new friends, including Maria, are especially generous. They give great advice and are extremely supportive. The book is affirming, with positive moments that will be appreciated by queer/trans readers. There's also a lot of references to authors and musicians that produce queer-friendly/trans-friendly works, especially sci-fi stories, which is a valuable resource for interested people to explore. I did like the book, even though I felt it was unnecessarily long and the plot overly complicated. Julian is a good character to grow with, and the resolution of his coming out dilemma took more good than bad turns. The book felt very thorough in scope. Julian's experiences might be more "true" in Canadian society than the US or UK, as there are likely to be regional differences in the reality of trans treatment from a society/institutions standpoint. Organically and emotionally, however, Julian felt very approachable. This is a book written for a YA audience, and it hit all those marks for me.

Simply written ghost story that deals with human guilt and redemption and how closely related the two are.

the illustrations in the book creep me out more than the stories.

HOLY CRAP. MY FEELINGS.

Cute story,different. May read another in series.

** spoiler alert ** The end really choked me up. The mom and dad are two people that obviously care for each other and have achieved state of homeostasis. The scene that really exemplified this is when they are cleaning up in the kitchen after the last dinner. What the mother and father have works, which is why tears welled up when, during their goodbyes, they said they would miss each other.

Having lived with National Parks as a given, it was interesting to read about all the controversies surrounding their beginning.

Also very cute. I liked this one better than Mission Moon, probably because the plot was a little more complex and involved other teams of cat astronauts -- who, of course, learn the value of teamwork by the book's end. Aww.

3.5/5 rounded down.

This book was very poorly written. I felt like I was reading a very sloppy first draft. I'm surprised I made it to the end, and it wasn't worth it. Should have let this one go at the beginning when the short, contradictory sentences kept telling me it was gonna be a bad read.

4.5

I loved this book. I hope the series keeps up with it. Maybe because there are so few bow and arrow series for teens but this definately caught my attention. The whole world is really developed and I liked that while there are lots of characters it really revolves around Will and the Rangers. Not much happens as far as the "War" so maybe there will be more to that. Same audience that liked Harry Potter will enjoy this book hopefully and it'll get the following it deserves.

Read this years ago - I really liked it, but was a hard sell. Crosses the line between Junior/teen for creepy content.

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I'm not the biggest Sanderson fan, but I finally got around to reading his debut. I'm not doing an official review of Elantris, but man, I loved it (well, other than the nattering about religion). I think I'm also in the small camp of actually liking Sanderson's characters and getting bored with magic systems.

Selina's Big Score. Cooke offers up what was probably a very daring take on Catwoman at the time: it's fully noir with just the slightest mention of Catwoman existing in a super-universe. The result is entirely enjoyable, with a great cast of characters, and terrific artwork (also by Cooke). However, Cooke really *nails* the ending, which is superb. [7/10] Trail of the Catwoman. In previously reading Selina's Big Score, it always felt like Slam Bradley's part of the story was incomplete. Now I understand why: it's because of this parallel tale, which more completely chronicles his investigations. And, it's a terrific story, which pegs his character and fits right into the noir sensibilities [8/10]. And then we're onward to the Catwoman series proper ... Anodyne (1-4). Though the actual story is somewhat pedestrian, it offers up a great new direction for Selina, as the protector of those whom no one else protects -- and it does so while also making sense of her many ups, downs, and other changes in direction. I'm also hopeful for the new supporting cast that's being put together. Oh, and this issue has some great art! [7/10]. Trickle Down Theory (5). A nice gritty down-to-earth story that's what Brubaker does best. I hope to see more of the same. Also, some great additions to the supporting cast (especially Slam, who was used so well in the mini-series), and some interesting twists [8/10]. Disguises (5-9). This feels like the strongest arc of Brubaker's new Catwoman book to date. We've got Selina dealing with morally questionable situations, a great supporting cast, and connections to Gotham Central. All around a great story that also looks like it's building up to something good, with its continuing expansion of the who's-the-villain game [8/10]. On the whole, this is no Gotham Central (yet?), but it's an enjoyable companion piece by some of the same hands.

Not a bad telling of a vampire tale. It was a quick read and had plenty of action involved to keep me interested. My gripe? I couldn't find a single likeable character in the work. The closest character to "likeable" was Casey, but she wasn't nearly expanded upon enough to gain an emotional connection from myself. Overall, it's Garton. How can you go wrong with anything the man writes? The book is definitely worth the read.

Reading the 2nd book of the Alpha Plague where Rhys decides to re-enter Summit city to look for Larissa, his son's mother, and Dave his best friend is like riding on a roller coaster and not taking a breath till the ride comes to a dead stop! Rhys decides to trust a complete stranger, Vicky, to look out for his son Flynn when he goes back to the hell which Summit city, the bastion of commerce now turned into a nightmare has become with all the zombies in search of more humans to chew up and turn. Rhys acts as a real idiot at times, trusting everyone and wanting to do right by everyone even at the risk of losing all he had gained, ie his son and Vicky! He drives the reader crazy through frustration but his intentions are good. The ideas about the Government, Democracy, Terrorism and keeping citizens so afraid they are ready to accept anything in order to feel protected rings such a bell in the west's reality today! And to top it all, Ughhh the ending after all the tension building is enough to drive the reader crazy! So on to book 3 asap and i do hope, Michael Robertson, you will give us a chance to breath in this next book!!!

This was such a fascinating, engaging history of much more than just Wonder Woman. I learned so much about women's rights, the birth of Planned Parenthood, comic books and censorship and a variety of other social justice movements. Makes me love Wonder Woman so much more!

4.5 loved-every-tortured-minute stars!! I am a huge fan of Penelope Douglas and her books are perfection to me. I was absolutely enthralled by Madoc and Fallon, I had always LOVED Madoc and was thrilled he was getting his own story. In Rival, the author deals with lots of emotion, heavy subjects and the pain of tragedy but she always throws in a little humor to lighten things up a bit. Madoc and Fallon have a forbidden love but the way the author tells their story, you fell nothing but empathy and love for them. I absolutely love these characters, and how the author never disappoints with the steam and chemistry factor. Her writing is honest, elegant and blunt, and never filters out the harsh reality of life with hearts-and-butterflies. Madoc and Fallon have had some terrible things happen in their lives but they still turn out to be honest and good young adults. This series is one of my favorites and I highly recommend that you start with Bully, which is one of my all-time favorite books. Tate and Jared do get an appearance here, as well as Jax, who is getting his own book soon (yay!). But Madoc and Fallon are the focus and they are fantastic characters. I love Madoc's hot, tough-guy exterior and Fallon's off-beat personality. Of course, they are are hiding their pain and they must work through lots of miscommunication before we get to their very satisfying conclusion. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for Jax's story! (ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

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A little bear finds out why children aren't the best pets. Keywords: bears, responsibility, pets

This would have been 5 stars if it hadn't been for the ending. To say more would spoil things, but I was really disappointed and hoped for much more as the rest of the book had been so promising and entertaining. Regardless, it's a quick, enthralling read, and I loved the concept of the book - very unique.

It was the cover that first captivated me. I felt a pull, a need to discover the story withheld in the loving, embracing expressions. The title just makes it even more intriguing. Though later as you read on, you realize the characters aren't portrayed as described. It doesn't affect the story line, though. The synopsis grabbed me as well, my love for theater is a great one, vampires and theater! Different, yet curious! This is one of those fantastical stories where two complete opposites collide and love blossoms right before them. Beautiful Monster makes a completely unique dive into the paranormal world, as this whole story takes place at a popular performing academy. It's one of the biggest performing schools in the nation, and a complete dream school for Amy. Only thing holding her back, her father and her impending doom of HIV. Amy has been sneaking into the academy pretty much half of her life, when her father leaves for work, who works there as a chef. This very school is what developed her passions for performing and spent all her free time home schooled hours studying different techniques and making friends around the world who share the same ambition. Amy suffers from a terrible disease and lives a sheltered and poor life but life takes a wild turn when she finds herself backstage during a scholarship program. Then there's Liam, who is the hot, young, Hollywood grandson of retired school headmaster, and holds a dark, deep, and dangerous secret. Taking place of his grandfather, Liam is responsible for leading the previous stated scholarship program. He is taken aback by a certain participant, absolutely captivated by a graceful performer and decides to cast her as the leading part, Belle. Who would ever suspect a shy, outsider girl would captivate the heart of Hollywood's most talented heart throb--even one who has the darkest secret of all. I rated this book 4 1/2 stars. Beautiful story, with lovable, real characters, and a unique setting. Forrest tells an enchanting story in such a creative, almost poetic manner.