Sunday, September 29, 2013

Latest Reads: September 2013


September Reads (actually on time)

To be honest, I didn’t read these books in September, but they are the highlight of my reading as of late. When I’m not ‘author’ Stephanie Greenhalgh, I’m ‘teacher’, Mrs. Greenhalgh, and both tend to keep me pretty busy.  I am so incredibly fortunate to have a great job! This year, I get to teach writing to approximately 90+ kiddos. It’s is FANTASTIC, but it is A LOT of work. So far, it’s left me with little time to read or, even more importantly, write anything new. I’ve scrapped up around 1,000 words here and there, but nothing of any significance. HOWEVER, I have been spending quite a bit of time editing my first novel with my publisher, so yes, ‘The Twistedly True Tale of Ruby’ will be out next week on Sunday, October 6th! Obviously, I have a ton of things going on, so let’s get to the matter at hand…September Reads!

*** (Here is the link for the online release party, in case you’d like to join in the fun: https://www.facebook.com/events/402310936564577/?notif_t=plan_user_joined. I’d love to see you there!)      

 

 Let me start this edition of 'Latest Reads' with: Gillian Flynn and Veronica Roth are both WILDLY talented! I, very seriously, aspire to write with a fraction of their talent one day! All three of the books were  absolutely phenomenal!

 

Divergent by Veronica Roth: In this YA novel, we jump into a futuristic somewhat dystrophic society where there are five factions of people. Each faction or group of people is responsible for something in the grand scheme of life. The Dauntless are the fearless military. Abnegation are the selfless faction, which runs the government. The Candor are known for their truth and honesty. The Amity are the kind and gentle faction. And the Erudite are known for their intelligence. Everyone is born into the faction of their parents, but at 16 they have the choice to leave their families behind to join a different faction, one more suited to their personality. Then there are those that are ‘divergent’. The divergent are sought out and must hide, sometimes in plain sight. In this first book, we met the main character Beatrice, who soon becomes known as Tris. She is feisty and independent…everything I LOVE in a female heroine! Quickly, she becomes an object of interest to many others, including Four. Four is everything I love in a male hero…strong and fearless (well, almost fearless). This book has everything: mystery, murder, intrigue, and a truly unique plot! After the first few pages, I was hooked and had to download the second book!

Final Thought: COME ON BOOK 3! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!

 

Insurgent by Veronica Roth: In this much anticipated sequel of “Divergent”, the plot thickens, so to speak. We learn more about our favorite characters, the factions, and how/why the factions came to be.  We learn more about the Divergent and why they’re are so feared. The price of life, in this book, increases tenfold. The connection between Tris and Four fluctuates as they both learn more about themselves and the world in which they live. Roth writes with amazing intensity. I was on the ‘edge of my sit’ so to speak while reading this book. At the end, I groaned loudly for many reasons. First, there is a GREAT cliffhanger at the end. Second, the third and final book doesn’t come out until October…ARGH!

Final Thought: I’m eagerly awaiting the Oct 22nd release date!

 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: Oh my goodness! Amy Elliot Dunne and Nick Dunne are a hot, yet highly entertaining mess!  In this story, Amy disappears and Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect!  That’s about all I can say without giving anything away! This book keeps you guessing from the get go! My eyes were glued to the pages. Sights and sounds around me seemed distant and barely noticeable while I was completely engrossed in this dark and twisted love story. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found the ending to be rather disappointing. Do NOT let that deter you! It’s a great book, but after you read it, you’ll understand what I mean!

Final thought: An edge of your seat suspenseful read with some CRAZY characters!

What am I currently reading?

·         A Feast For Crows by George R.R. Martin (yes, I’m still plowing through this)

·         Last Scene Alive by Charlaine Harris

·         The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchet

What comes after that?

I’m not sure, but I wish you all…

JHappy ReadingJ

 

 

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