This Month, Book Hungry is DANGEROUS

The Book: DANGEROUS GIRLS
The Author: Abigail Haas
The Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: July 16, 2013
Book Hungry Biotch Who Chose this Month's Selection: Abs

Summary (as taken from Amazon):
It’s Spring Break of senior year. Anna, her boyfriend Tate, her best friend Elise, and a few other close friends are off to a debaucherous trip to Aruba that promises to be the time of their lives.

But when Elise is found brutally murdered, Anna finds herself trapped in a country not her own, fighting against vile and contemptuous accusations. As Anna sets out to find her friend’s killer, she discovers harsh revelations about her friendships, the slippery nature of truth, and the ache of young love.

Awaiting the judge’s decree, it becomes clear to Anna that everyone around her thinks she is not only guilty, but also dangerous. And when the whole story comes out, reality is more shocking than anyone ever imagined...

My Thoughts:
There are so many things I could say about this book.  The girls of Book Hungry will attest to how I went on and on and on and freaking on about the characters, the situation, the twisty ending that shocked the shoes off many.

But, I'm not going to repeat every rant and rave I had for them because 1) I'd end up writing a damned novel, when you can just read DANGEROUS GIRLS for yourself and 2)every point I can think of to explore will undoubtedly spoil some portion of the book for those who haven't read it.

So let me just say this: I knew from the very beginning who killed Elise.  I saw that coming from miles and miles away.  (if you read the book, you'll get the reference in this last line)

That, however, did not lessen my enjoyment of every f***ed up bit of this tale.  And, let me tell you people, if you think the characters in GONE GIRL were crazy, the co-dependent, borderline obsessive relationship between Anna and Elise will have you on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Book Hungry Visits THE CHRISTMAS TOWN

The Book: THE CHRISTMAS TOWN
The Author: Elyse Douglas
Publication Date: October 3, 2013
Book Hungry Biotch Responsible for this Month's Selection: Kelly

Summary (as taken from Amazon):
Traveling home for Christmas, two modern women in their 20s are forced to drive together during a snowstorm, and they get lost. They cross a covered bridge and, suddenly, they enter the past, finding themselves in a small picturesque Vermont town in 1943. They meet two handsome soldiers, who are about to be sent off to war, and they fall in love with them, while also struggling to find a way to return home to their own time. 

With the soldiers’ help, on Christmas Eve, the two women finally have one chance to return to their own time, but they are caught between their love for the soldiers, and their desire to return to the present. At the last moment, they must make the difficult decision and, because it is Christmas, a miracle happens. 


My Thoughts:
I read everything, from mysteries and thrillers to fantasy and dystopian to romance to horror to the classics.  And everything in between.  I especially love stories set in the past, anything from post-Revolution Paris to World War II Russia to Renaissance Italy to Prohibition in the good ole US of A.  So, after reading this blurb, I thought THE CHRISTMAS TOWN might be right up my reading alley.

Sadly, I was mistaken.  This tale was not my favorite, not by a long shot.

I didn't like the characters.  They weren't fleshed out enough for me to understand and accept their flaws.  Instead, Megan's lying and scheming were just annoying, and Jackie's snootiness rubbed me wrong.  The story was basically non-existent once the girls ended up in 1943 as the author (or in this case, authors as I read at the end that this is a husband and wife writing team) seemed more interested in showcasing the 1943-ness of the town than the actual plot.

And, the ending...well, the ending was just...I have no words to describe it without giving out spoilers.

Let's just say, this was not a read that I enjoyed. At all.

Book Hungry Crosses the COUNTY LINE

The Book: COUNTY LINE

The Author: Bill Cameron
The Publisher: Tyrus Books
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
The Book Hungry Biotch who chose this month's selection: Patty

Summary (as jacked from Amazon):

When the steadfast Ruby Jane Whittaker drops out of sight, dogged ex-cop Skin Kadash sets out to discover what drove the woman he loves to leave her life behind so suddenly and without explanation. The discovery of a dead man in her apartment, followed by an attack by a mysterious stalker, leads Skin first to California, then across the country on a desperate journey deep into Ruby Jane’s haunted past--and toward an explosive confrontation which will determine if either has a future.

My Thoughts (from my own brains, jacked by no one but ME):

I am a lover of mysteries.  I love them even more when I'm within fifty pages of THE END and I'm still trying to figure them out.  

COUNTY LINE is one such treasure.

The fourth installment in a series following the perfectly flawed Skin Kadash (pronounced KAY-dish as per the great and powerful Oz himself, Bill Cameron), COUNTY LINE follows Skin as he comes back from a somewhat forced vacation to find the (not-so-requited) love of his life Ruby Jane missing and a dead man in her bathtub.

What follows next is a search that spans miles, time and more than a few broken hearts as we (both Skin and  Peter--not to mention, the reader) learn about the chain events more than twenty years ago that created the Ruby Jane we know today.  Cars disappear only to be found sleeping with the fishes.  Pockets are picked.  Drunks die in spectacularly violent "accidents" while other drunks simply disappear.  Through it all, there is one common link: Ruby Jane.

COUNTY LINE is a carefully woven tale, delving deep into one woman's past while the two men who love her in their own completely different ways work to not only find her but uncover her secrets as well.  There were so many times when I thought I knew what was going to happen only to have Cameron pull the rug out from under me, leaving me dazed, confused and going, "What the f*** just happened here?!?!"  

sidenote: I did know right from the beginning who the dead guy in the tub was and that his "natural" death was not so natural after all...but that was the ONLY thing I knew for certain. The rest I was stumped on.  So, well done, Bill!

I will admit that it did take me a little minute to get into the characters' lives, but I attribute that to the fact that this is the FOURTH book in a well-established series, so sometimes, I felt like I was on the outside of a particularly funny joke I might have "gotten" if I'd read the other books.  But, that just makes me want to go out and pick up the others in the collection just so I can be in the know.

Rating: * * * *

Book Hungry Reviews GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn

The Book: GONE GIRL
The Author: Gillian Flynn
The Publisher: Crown
The Book Hungry Biotch who picked this month's book: Patty


Summary (as jacked from the Amazon):
Marriage can be a real killer. 
   One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. 
   On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? 
   As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?


My Thoughts (as jacked from my own brains...by raccoon zombies):
This book has been on my TBR list since it first came out.  I'm not really sure why I didn't read it before, especially since everyone I know who read it all said the same thing:

I didn't like this book, but it's one that you would appreciate.

I don't know about you folks, but that right there is more than a little intriguing.  WTF does that even mean?  Will I like it?  Will it piss me off?  Will it have me talking ranting about it for days, weeks, months to come?

Yes...and No.

I have to say that I didn't like either of the two main characters.  Now, I've read many a book where I didn't like the characters, so that in and of itself did not bother me (although I know there are peeps out there that will not read a book with unlikeable characters *cough* my grandma *cough*)  And, the writing was exquisite, so that wasn't an issue for me either.  And, the ending...I thought it worked.  Was it the kind of ending that one might hope for? Probs not, but I really can't see it end any other way than how it did.  It matched the two main characters very, very, very well.

The first "part" of the book dragged by for me.  I won't lie.  It felt like I was wading through wet cement while reading it.  Mostly because I couldn't wrap my mind around the way Nick described his wife and the Amy of the diary entries.  I couldn't believe that they were one and the same person.  Therein lay my problem with that portion of the book.

BUT!

Once I got to "part" two...well kids, I FLEW right through it and finished the book in record time.  It was that intensely gripping.

I can't say I loved this book.  I can't say I liked it.  I will say that yes, I APPRECIATED it.  Yup, friends.  APPRECIATE.  My fellow book readers know me well.

The intricacy in which Flynn spun such a complex tale.  The planning involved.  The sheer poetry in which this whole drama played out.  The severely maladjusted characters that really are perfectly suited to each other.  And the ending...the one that leaves you stunned and going "Really?  That's how it's going to end?!?"  It all just...worked.

Book Hungry enters the CITY OF BONES

The Book: CITY OF BONES
The Author: Cassandra Clare
The Book Hungry Biotch Responsible for this Month's Selection: Blake

Summary (as taken from Amazon):

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Thoughts:

I admit it.  I don't have any thoughts.  This girl *points at self* did not read this month's selection.  I had a bit of other things on my reading plate, but do not fear, lovelies.  I have read this, but it's been so long that I just can't bring myself to write a review to talk about all the awesome things I THINK I remember from the book.  I do remember that I liked it, and the more we chatted about CITY OF BONES during our meeting, the more I recalled little tidbits.

Will I read it again?  Most likely yes.  The movie looks awesome-sauce and when it was advertised while I was at the movies with friends, I kept saying to them "I read this book! I read this book!"

How about all you fun friends?  Have you read it?  What did you think?  Do share.  Until next month, when Patty has chosen for us to read GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn

Book Hungry: Learning To Swim

The Book: LEARNING TO SWIM
The Author: Sara J. Henry
The Publisher: Crown (a division of Random House)
The Book Hungry Biotch Who Chose This Month's Selection: Karla *points at self*
The Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Summary (as jacked from Amazon):

"If I'd blinked, I would have missed it. But I didn't, and I saw something fall from the rear deck of the opposite ferry: a small, wide-eyed human face, in one tiny frozen moment, as it plummeted toward the water."

When she witnesses a small child tumbling from a ferry into Lake Champlain, Troy Chance dives in without thinking. Harrowing moments later, she bobs to the surface, pulling a terrified little boy with her. As the ferry disappears into the distance, she begins a bone-chilling swim nearly a mile to shore towing a tiny passenger.
     Surprisingly, he speaks only French. He'll acknowledge that his name is Paul; otherwise, he's resolutely mute.
     Troy assumes that Paul's frantic parents will be in touch with the police or the press. But what follows is a shocking and deafening silence. And Troy, a freelance writer, finds herself as fiercely determined to protect Paul as she is to find out what happened to him.  She'll need skill and courage to survive and protect her charge and herself.  


My Thoughts (as jacked from my own brains...by zombies):

I am a huge fan of mysteries.  I read them.  I watch them.  I play out my own twisted scenarios in which I believe people of nefarious deeds and then go on stakeout missions which have me hiding in my rosebushes while watching the 'suspects' in order to catch them in the act.*

That said, I can usually tell who the killer/bad guy is within the first few pages.  If not then, I definitely know the minute the "bad guy" shows his/her face the first time.  This does not deter me from finishing or enjoying the book.  Like Troy is supposed to be in LEARNING TO SWIM, I am a puzzle/mystery-solver by nature. I make no apologies for this.  I am how I am.

Maybe, this is why I didn't care for Troy all that much.  I mean, throughout the book, she tells us how much of a Nancy Drew she is, but I don't see it.  When she goes through Madeline's emails, she is wracked by guilt in snooping and actually stops herself from snooping.  On more than one occasion.  Take it from me, peeps.  When you're a real Veronica Mars, YOU JUST CANT LET IT GO.  Especially, when you KNOW that there's something wonky going on in the ole chocolate factory.

So, yeah. I didn't connect with her on that.

Also, I find it difficult to believe that Troy would--being the "mystery solver" that she professes to be--just take someone/anyone's word for something.  I know that sounds weird, but I don't want to spoil this book too much for you.  Let's just say, I knew who was behind the kidnapping/dumping Paul over the side of the ferry from the moment he finally talked to Troy.  I KNEW.  And I just couldn't believe that Troy didn't question certain things because I was questioning them, and I believed Troy when she told me she was Veronica-freaking-Mars.

Okay.  Rant over.  Maybe.

This was a good book.  I'm not saying it wasn't.  I just got the distinct impression that the author was deliberately making Tory obtuse to certain things to propel the mystery along, which irritated me a bit.  In fact, if Troy hadn't been so dense about said certain things, I might have been more forgiving when the middle of book became a dry read.  The beginning was awesome-sauce.  The end had me riveted.  But the middle?  Meh.

What about all you fun folks?  Have you read LEARNING TO SWIM?  How about the companion, A COLD AND LONELY PLACE?  Do share.

Until next time, when Blake has chosen CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare.  I loved that book back in the day when I read it, so I will be interested to see how I feel about it upon the re-read.  Later, gators!

*you bitches laugh, but I'm not joking.  I do this.  A LOT.

ARC Review: TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE

The Book: TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE
The Author: Jessica Lemmon
The Publisher: Hatchette Book Group (a division of Little, Brown)
Anticipated Release Date: January 8, 2013

Summary (as jacked from Amazon):

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?

Crickitt Day needs a job . . . any job. After her husband walks out on her, she's determined to re-build her life and establish a new career. When swoon-worthy billionaire Shane August hires her as his assistant, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Despite her growing attraction to her boss, she vows to keep things strictly professional. No flirting. No kissing. Definitely no falling in love...

Shane August is all business, all the time. He's a self-made man who's poured his heart and soul into his company, and he'd never allow himself to get involved with an employee. Then he hires sweet, sexy Crickitt-and he can't keep his mind or his hands off her. But no matter how much he wants Crickitt, Shane fears that painful secrets from his past will always come between them. With fate working against them, can these two lonely hearts learn that sometimes mixing business with pleasure is the perfect merger?

My Thoughts (as scooped out of my own brains...by zombies):

Romances, by nature, are formulaic.  Boy meets Girl in a meet-cute that either sets up the novel to be gang-busters or ho-hum.  It can either get better or worse from there.  One or both of them is damaged, almost beyond repair.  In my opinion, it's always better if BOTH are broken toys, so to speak.  They both feel an inexplicable pull, but for whatever reason, do not come together.  There is conflict, emotional, physical, you name it, but something to propel the story and the romance forward.  And in the end, Boy and Girl finally find love together and ride off into the sunset to enjoy their own Happily Ever After.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not an HEA kind of girl, but still, I enjoy a good romance from time to time.

This was an okay read for me.  Not great, but not stellar either.  I'd like to say this is mostly because contemporary romance is not really my first choice for reading material.  As I like to say, "If someone's not dead or dying within the first three chapters, I'm just not interested."

That said, I can see where this story has potential.  Each character has a backstory (most notably, Shane) that sounds intriguing.  That if delved into further could have added a lot of layers in.  I liked the idea behind Shane's drive to make something of himself, to become something when as an adolescent his father made him believe he was less than nothing.  And the hold his father continued to exert of Shane, his moods, his actions, every thought, even after the old man had kicked it, really resonated.  I loved how he gave of himself but wanted no credit for his actions.  His version of 'Dine and Dash' made me fall head over feet for him.  

I could have read an entire book just about Shane's life, his trials and tribulations, and how he ultimately found love later on, which admittedly would have changed this book entirely, removing it completely from romance to a more literary novel.  But, hey.  I'd be okay with that.

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Book Hungry VS Movie Hungry: THE HUNGER GAMES

Long ago (July 2010 to be exact), in a land far, far away (the Twitterverse), amidst the myriad conversations all cropping up around them, a pack of Twitterific gals gabbed about a certain book.  One that inspired passionate responses from those who had read it and more than a little uncertainty from those who hadn't. 

After much discussion, the gals who had read this book had browbeat the others into jumping into the world of THE HUNGER GAMES.  Thus, our virtual book club, very aptly named Book Hungry was born.  Now more than a year later, the movie is out, and we all thought, what better way to celebrate our book-clubdom than to review the movie version of the book that launched such a great little group?

This is the part where I normally give you the deets on what the book movie was all about.  But, considering you'd have to be an alien from the darkest recesses of deep space to not have heard a little bit about THE HUNGER GAMES, I'm going to just launch right into my thoughts on the movie.

I will admit that I'm a pretty harsh critic when it comes to books being made into movies.  For me, the movie almost always falls far short of the book.  Undue emphasis is placed on (in my opinion) inconsequential subplots.  Major themes get lost in translation.  The whole feel just ends up as something completely different.

This was so not the case with THE HUNGER GAMES.  In fact, I spent about 95% of the movie thinking, "This is exactly how I pictured it!"  How the producers hijacked the images in my brain is beyond me, but I'm so glad they did.  From the opening scenes as Katniss is skittering through District 12, through the unmanned, unpowered fence, and into the woods beyond, I was thrilled with how closely the reality of life in the district matched my own inner imaginings. 

Then, the Reaping.  Exactly.  As.  I.  Pictured. IT.  GUH.  Best scene of the...beginning of the movie.  Honestly, there were so many great moments that I couldn't pick just one favorite.  Or could I?

Okay.  Okay.  You twisted my arm. 

*spoiler alert*  If you haven't read the books (I'm not naming any names but her initials are Linda Grimes) or seen the movie yet, you may want to avert your eyes for this next little bit.  Sorry.

Rue's farewell scene.  Double...no, no...TRIPLE GUH.  I mean, we all know it's coming.  We think we're ready for it.  But, in reality, we're not really.  And when it actually happens?  Holy tear tracks, Batman.  Diehard HG fans might bemoan the loss of the pivotal "bread" scene that comes hot on the heels of this one in the book, but I think there was a great trade-off with the District 11 response to Katniss' actions that was portrayed in the movie.

Which makes a nice segue for my next discussion point.  The books were written in first person.  While this is by far my favorite perspective to read in, it can be very limiting.  The reader only knows as much as the MC.  This was where the movie really shined for me.  Not only do we get to see everything that happens with Katniss in the arena, but we get glimpses into the behind the scenes action, what goes into decisions made and how the game is controlled.  Not just that, but we also get to see how the people, both in the Capitol and in the Districts, see the Games play out.  I love that.  I also love how they explain little things, like the Tracker Jackers with the Games' announcer's commentary while the action is happening.  Perfect for those who are seeing the movie without benefit of having devoured the books first. 

As for the cast.  I have to admit that I was both excited and concerned about some of the casting choices.  But after seeing the movie, here are my thoughts.

• Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss: Girl turned it out.  From her volunteering as tribute to the scene with Cinna just before the beginning of the Games to her interactions with Peeta, I believed every emotion she felt.  I worried for her.  I cheered for her.  I just loved her as Katniss.
• Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark: Honestly, this was the one that worried me.  While reading HG, I always pictured Peeta as brawnier, what with his having to lug those heavy flour sacks all over the place.  In fact, when Alexander Ludwig (Cato) showed his mug on screen, I thought, "That's what Peeta should look like."  Let's face it people, Peeta gave Cato pause in the book at first simply because of his size.  It was only when his soft-hearted nature came out that the others looked at him like he was prey.  HOWEVER.  I will say that Josh pulled out the character of Peeta as a human.  He really harnessed the full Peeta-ness, so I suppose I can accept him as my Peeta.
• Liam Helmsley as Gale:  Perfection.  All I expected of the actor to play Gale.  Enough said.
• Woody Harrelson as Haymitch:  I've said this many times already, but I will say it again.  I ALWAYS pictured Woody as Haymitch, and he made my day as the old drunk.  Loved him!
• Amandla Stenberg as Rue:  Rue.  GUH.  Rue.  This girl was exactly as I pictured her in the book.  Small, cute, innocent.  Someone to remind Katniss of her sister, and Amandla did it so well, that I was a sloppy mess during that scene we already talked about.  GUH. Rue.
• Lenny Kravitz as Cinna:  Cinna was one of my favorite characters in the book.  He was also the hardest for me to picture while reading.  With all the other characters Collins introduced to us, I could imagine them instantly, but Cinna was a bit of an enigma to me.  And, I admit to being a bit concerned with the casting choice.  Cinna is a character that is so integral in his own way.  He's not just a stylist.  He's almost like a mentor, protector, friend, and confidant to Katniss, all under the guise of making her "pretty".  Lenny Kravitz could have so easily veered sharply to the left with Cinna and gone too flamboyant, too over-the-top.  Happily enough, he did none of that.  His portrayal of Cinna was quiet and powerful and beautifully done.  Great job Lenny!

Whew!  This post has turned into a ramble and half, hasn't it?  Well, that's my take on this month's Book Hungry book movie selection.  Have you read the books?  Seen the movie yet?  What are your thoughts?  Check my fellow Book Hungry pals' takes on THE HUNGER GAMES movie: Kelly, Patty, Abby  

Until next month when we dissect PARADISE by Judith McNaught.

Book Hungry's January ABUNDANCE

This month, the Book Hungry girls wanted something a little lighter than our recent picks, and since it was my turn to choose, I thought what better reading fare than that of the illustrious John Green.  So, minions, I give you this month's Book Hungry reading selection, AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES

Summary (as taken from Amazon):
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy–loving best friend riding shotgun—but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

My Thoughts:
I first read this book a couple years ago, and I have to admit that on the reread, there's still some magic to be found within these pages.  As many of you fun friends know, I'm not one for light, fluffy reads.  I tend to lean more toward deep, dark tales of tragedy or mysteries or well, heavy reading. 

John Green is one of the few authors who write sharp funny stories that I gravitate towards.  For me, it's how engaging and well-developed each of his characters are, even those who show up for only a scene or two.  And, usually, my fave character in each of his stories is not so much the main character but one of the side characters.

In PAPER TOWNS, it was Ben and Radar.  In WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON, I was a Tiny Cooper fangirl all the way.  In LOOKING FOR ALASKA, it was the Colonel, and in KATHERINES, it was definitely Hassan.  He cracked me up.  All the freaking time.

Yes, KATHERINES is a somewhat quieter novel than his others, and there may be parts where the storyline meandered a bit, but the interaction between Colin and Hassan, Lindsey and Hollis, Colin and Lindsey, and of course, Colin and his abundance of Katherines that keeps you tuned in and wanting more.

What about all you fun friends?  Have you experienced the pure awesomesaucieness that is John Green?  I'd love to hear all about it in the comments.  And, until next month, peeps, when Patty has chosen DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth.

Book Hungry's December Offering: LIFE AS WE KNEW IT

Every once in a while a book comes along that profoundly affects how you view the world around you, the people in your life, and your own strength of character.  For me, that book (or rather books, as--me being, well, ME--I just had to read the two 'companion' novels that went with it) was this month's Book Hungry selection, chosen by our very own Abby. 

The Book(s): LIFE AS WE KNEW IT (book #1); THE DEAD AND THE GONE (book #2); THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN (book #3)

The Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Publisher: Graphia

The premise for this novel is simple, and yet it isn't.  An asteroid hits the moon, knocking it into an entirely new orbit, one much, much, much closer to Earth, triggering a cataclysmic shift in global climate, seismic activity, and completely altering LIFE AS WE KNEW IT.

I have to admit that as much as I love, love, LOVED this book, it also scared the bejesus out of me.  Why?  Because this could actually happen, like RIGHT NOW. 

The setting, the buildup, the actual scene in which everyone is outside watching the asteroid hit the moon.  It's all completely plausible, and it's also believable that the scientists who predicted the hit to be small and inconsequential to be way off base in that estimate.  Then, the aftermath.  Whew.  First the thunderstorms and tornadoes.  Hearing on the news about the massive tsunamis ravaging the far off coasts, the earthquakes, and then the volcanic eruptions whose ashclouds completely obliterate the sun. And, that's just Mother Nature's reaction to the asteroid.  Add to that, the mass panic, the severe shortage of food, the mass scavenging, and the desperation as people slowly waste away to nothing.

The second book, THE DEAD AND THE GONE occurs in tandem with the first, only it's from the perspective of devout Catholic, Alex Morales who lives in NYC with his parents and younger sisters.  I won't lie.  This one is much bleaker than the first, considering the first took place in a rural town where Miranda's family was isolated and thus somewhat sheltered from many of the horrors occurring in this new and devastating world.  Alex not only had to step up when both his parents go missing and care for his two younger sisters, but he also had to deal with depraved depths that humanity can sink into all the while tenaciously clinging to his faith.

And, the third book, THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN brings the two families together, answering the question you definitely have of "What happened next?"  I have to confess that upon finishing the third book, I again asked that question.  Mostly because I'd become so invested in those characters, that I could read sixteen more books about their trials and tribulations.  Although, I might be emotionally wrung out from it all afterwards.

So, right about now, you're probably thinking, "These books just sound completely hopeless.  No thank you." 

My response: They are anything but hopeless.  Yes, they are terrifying.  Yes, the characters are brutalized over and over and over again, in a relentless, take-no-prisoners kind of way, whether it's from the weather or from other humans. 

But, here's the thing, minions.  They survive.  They endure. 

With Miranda's family, they band closer together.  They look out for each other.  They each realize that the only thing that matters is that they are together.  No matter what.  In fact, at the beginning of LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, I kind of didn't like Miranda.  I thought she was selfish, but she evolved throughout the book, growing from this whiny, spoiled child into a woman willing to sacrifice herself on the altar of her family's well-being.

In THE DEAD AND THE GONE, Alex journeys along a similar path, going from being a student whose biggest worry was whether he'd get elected junior class president to fighting for his and his sisters' lives.  The things he has to do, the decisions he has to make are harrowing, but he mans up, doing whatever he can to keep his family alive, all the while maintaining a tenuous hold on his faith.

Yes friends, you will find hope within these pages.  It's in the sacrifices made by the characters to ensure the well-being of those they love.  It's in the determination to survive in world so devoid of anything good.  It's in the resilience of the human spirit and the strength these people find to do whatever needs to be done. 

In all honesty, I'm not so sure I'd be as strong or resilient in the face of such overwhelming adversity.  Lucky for me (well, depending on how you look at it), I live in the land of nothing but coastlines, so I probably wouldn't make it past the first wave of tsunamis (unintentional pun here, but let's go with it), should this ever happen.  There's a comforting thought, huh?

So, what about all you fun folks?  Have you read these books?  How did they make you feel?  Or if you haven't read them yet, have I scared you out of (or into) reading them?  Do share!

Until next month when we take a look at something a little lighter, AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES by the illustrious John Green.

Book Hungry's November HEAT WAVE

November found our little book club looking to Kelly for a selection choice, and being the rabid CASTLE fan that she is, not to mention drooling fan girl of Nathan Fillion, but I digress.  On with the Book Hungry November Selection.

The Book: HEAT WAVE
The Author: Richard Castle
The Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
The Television Show: CASTLE
The Television Channel: ABC
The Actor Who Plays the Author who "Wrote" the Book: Nathan Fillion

Summary (as borrowed from Amazon):
A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.


Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly best-selling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. Pulitzer Prize-winning Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat.

My Thoughts:

Okay, so I admit it. He's a hottie.

First, I must admit to something.  I have never watched the television show CASTLE.  In fact, while I'd heard of Nathan Fillion, I never knew what he looked like or who he portrayed on the TV.  Yes, I know.  I know.  Bad Karla. 

When Kelly offered up this novel as our next book selection, I was a little excited, because hey, if I liked the book, then I'd have to watch the show, right?  And, I love a good mystery.  It's probably my favorite genre to read, which can be a good thing but also at times a bad.  Being my favorite category means I judge books much harsher than the average bear.  Not that I'm trying to be a big meanie (Oh, who am I kidding?  Karla's a big meanie. Pass it on.) but I've read so many great mysteries in my time that it takes a truly stupendous crime caper to get catapulted to the top of that particular list.

HEAT WAVE is not a bad book, but it's not a great book either. 

The storyline is the tried and true dead body in chapter one, let's catch the killer cop book that we all know and love so well.  The characters are same kind of comfortable creatures we love.  The kick-ass female detective that doesn't take crap from anyone.  The hot guy, slightly shallow, overly cocky love interest who rockets in to save the day, showing the kick ass female that while she may not need a man, they are nice to have around from time to time. The snarky side characters, like Roach (that's two detectives who often work together at giving the book some much needed comic relief), and let's not forget Rook's mother.  She's a hoot and a half, and I kind of wish she'd had more than one scene, to be completely honest.

So, why didn't I love this book?  Well, the mystery was not all that.  I had it all figured out rather quickly, and without any real interesting (to me) side plot to keep the momentum up, I got a little bored.  The writing felt a awful dry, and lacked a certain kind of luster.  Not that I need purple prose, but I would've like a little more umph there.  I may sound like a bit of a book snob when I say this, but I always cringe when a book's very first sentence begins with the words, "It was..."  Not a very auspicious beginning, if you ask me.

Also, while reading this, I had the distinct feeling that I was missing something big.  Like hearing the tail end of an uproariously funny joke that I wasn't in on.  This is most likely due to the fact I haven't watched the show.  *shrugs*

However, I do have to give major props to ABC for thinking up such a great cross-marketing ploy as publishing a book written by a character from a TV show.  Pure brilliance there, but without that concept propelling the sales along, I'm not too sure the book would be able to stand on its own.

Did that sound overly harsh?  Like all art, writing is a subjective business.  What I like or not may or may not appeal to others.  So, if you love the show, you may also love this book.  If you--like me--haven't perused CASTLE, you might want to think about tuning in before you read.  I'm thinking it might help.

That's it for this month's Book Hungry meeting, folks.  Tune in next month when we dissect Abby's pick, LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

For October, Book Hungry is as SWEET AS SIN

First of all, let's thank Ms. Patty Blount for this month's selection. *crowd cheers as Patty takes her bow and walks off with trophy made of chocolate*  Yeah, if only that was how we rolled every month, right?  Actually, no, that wouldn't be a good thing. We'd all end up on those Half-Ton Writer*** shows that Discovery Fit & Health televises every other day.

But, I digress.  On with the Book Hungry show!

The Book: SWEET AS SIN
The Author: Inez Kelley
The Publisher:  Carina Press

Summary (as stolen from Amazon):
John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he's driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.


Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won't lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she's as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

My Thoughts:
After finishing this book, I was more than a little conflicted (still am, to be honest).  At first, I really didn't care for John.  To be honest, he was a bit of a douchebag.  Right from page one, I kept thinking, 'I don't like you' and the extent of his douchebaggery made me not really care for Livvy since she kept coming back to him.  I wanted to shake her and tell her that gorgeous or not, this guy was not for her.
 
BUT...
 
and that's a big BUT there people.  What you don't know about this tale from the Amazon blurb is that this book holds a story within the story, one that will pull you in and keep in enthralled.  You see, minions, John is the famed JB Flanigan, and his stories of Jondi, Thorn, Andros, and now Vory are America's answer to Harry Potter.  Seriously.  I've said this numerous times already, but I really, really, REALLY wish Inez would write those books.  The little snips of the monster story not only carried my interest through, but shed light into John's past.
 
And, let's face it.  John is damaged with a capital D.  He's gone through some terrible traumas, and there is no way he'd end up any other way than he did.  So, I will admit that while I didn't like him in the beginning, I grew to understand him there at the end.  I just wished that the understanding would've come a little sooner, as I spent the majority of the novel shaking my fist at the man, and then at Livvy because I just couldn't believe she'd stay for all his crap.  At the end, though, I was glad she did, because they both deserved a happily ever after.
 
Also, Livvy makes some killer desserts that I really need to try.  A Chocolate Orgasm?  Heck yeah. Count me in!
 
How about all you fun folks?  Have you read this or any or Inez Kelley's books?  Do share.  Also, please sign my petition to get her to write the Jondi, Thorn and Vory books.  Enough pressure and she has to cave...right?
 
***Okay, so there's no such thing as the Half-Ton Writer show on Discovery, but they do have Half-Ton Teen, Half-Ton Mom, and Half-Ton Man, so it wouldn't surprise me if they came out with a writer version. I'm just saying.

Book Hungry is MAKING WAVES

This month marks Book Hungry's first birthday! Yay! *throws confetti* And, what better book for us to devour (get it? Book Hungry. DEVOUR. Yeah, pathetic attempt at word play, I know.) than Tawna Fenske's debut novel MAKING WAVES?  If you aren't already acquainted with Tawna (which means you've probably been living under a rock in the middle of the desert or chained up in some pervy dude's basement for the last year or so), check her out here and here.  When you're done with all the stalker-like behavior, go buy her book here or maybe even here.  Best to buy from both sites...you know...to make absolutely certain you get it;)

Here it is.  Look how pretty!

Summary (as stolen from Amazon):
She always wanted to belong...just not to a dysfunctional pirate crew


Juli has trouble fitting in, though she'd prefer to keep the reasons to herself. But when she mistakenly stows away on a ship of misfit corporate castoffs, her own secrets become the least of her concerns.

He knows plotting a diamond heist may be considered unusual behavior...

But Alex isn't feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb. Meeting Juli doesn't do much to restore normalcy to Alex's life either, but it sure is exhilarating!

As Alex and Juli bare their secrets-and a whole lot more-they find that while normal is nice, weird can be wonderful.

Dive into Tawna Fenske's hilarious world of wacky, quirky, heartwarming romance.


My Thoughts (as pick pocketed from no one but me...and your mom):
As anyone well acquainted with my usual reading lists will tell you, while I read any and everything I can get my hands on, the only genre I read less often than fantasy is the ROMANCE.  Yes, I like a little romantic element in the things I read, but I don't want it to be the central focus point.  I want action, intrigue, something other than the pitter patter of hearts being set on fire.  You're probably wondering about right now why on earth I would choose this as our August read.

Simple, my illustrious interwebz friends.  Tawna is freaking hilarious.  You can catch her act every weekday over on her blog Don't Pet Me, I'm Writing, and of course, on the Twitter.  So, how could I not be curious about her book?  Also, I may or may not be hoping that somehow, someway, she can find a way to revive that girl undertaker story.  Cuz, that would be awesome.  I'm just saying.

So, of course, I expected to be wowed by her book.  I had high expectations, which kind scared me.  What if her book wasn't as laugh-till-you-nearly-pee-your-pants funny?  What if the humor I'd fallen hopelessly in love with while reading her blog this past year dropped out of sight?  What if I just didn't like it (gasp! the horror!)?

And, you know what, folks? 

There was nothing to worry about.  Did I laugh? Uproariously so.  Did I roll my eyes and shake my head at some of the antics going on? Heck yeah!  Did I cry?  What? NO! but I did get a little bit of an "Aw, that's so unbelievably unbelievable" moment. 

It's a very rare thing indeed when a book does not only live up to the hype, but surpasses all expectations.  Not since I read Carl Hiaasen's SKINNY DIP have I enjoyed a quirky comedic, and yes, romantic novel so, so, so much.  The settings were vividly described.  I could almost taste the salty ocean breeze on my tongue when Tawna describes Julie's time on deck.  Fully-formed side characters support her hero and heroine superbly.  In fact, there were times when I wanted more time with Phyllis, Jake, and Cookie...and of course, Cookie's spatula. (I really need to find out where he got such a handy multi-purpose tool. Really, it's the Swiss Army knife of any cross-dressing, former NFL star, turned laid-off shipping worker, turned pirate crew chef.  Duh)

And, the interactions between Alex and Julie? *sigh* *snort* *blush* *giggle* *AWWWW* From the bar/newlywed game scene where they first meet to the twenty questions and Alex's mouth-to-neck admission to the game of strip Battleship, these two kept me riveted.  I just wanted to find out what they'd do/say next.  Not once was I disappointed. 

Yep, friends, it's safe to say that Tawna was definitely MAKING WAVES in my reading...especially with the ending.  It was very...er...satisfying ;)

What about all you, magnificent minions?  Have you read Tawna's book yet?  If so, did you enjoy yourself?  If not, why the heck haven't you?  Inquiring minds want to know :)

To Book Hungry and BEYOND...ERS

I have been noticeably absent from recent Book Hungry meeting.  So much so that my fellow bookanistas attempted to whip me with a wet noodle when I finally did poke my head out of the sand.  Don't worry, folks.  I was too fast for those ladies ;)  Also, I may have pinky-promised to read and enjoy July's selection long before our mutually agreed upon posting date. 

Sadly, this did not happen.

Currently, I am only halfway through with Alyson's pick, BEYONDERS: A WORLD WITHOUT HEROES by Brandon Mull.

Summary (As stolen from Amazon):
The first book in a new series (Beyonders), A World Without Heroes is an addictive blend of fantasy, humor, and heroic quest. Jason is an ordinary 13-year-old involuntarily transported to Lyrian, a world ruled by the evil wizard Maldor. Jason stumbles across a book bound with human skin and learns of a secret word with the power to unmake Maldor--knowledge that puts Jason in grave danger. Galloran, a blind king who once searched for the word himself, introduces Jason to Rachel, another Beyonder (as people from Earth are called) who had appeared in Lyrian at the same time. Jason and Rachel set out to retrieve the word, and the resulting pages are filled with adventure, drama, loyalty and betrayal—a treat for fans of Mull’s Fablehaven series or those discovering this bestselling author for the first time.--Seira Wilson

My Thoughts (So Far):
Anyone who knows me (or has perused one or more of my many monthly reading lists...say that five times fast), knows that I read and enjoy just about anything, fiction or non.  But, I will admit that my least favorite genre of reading material is the fantasy.  I find that some stories I love, love, LOVE (Game of Thrones, anyone?), some I hate, and others I am simply indifferent to.

Unfortunately, this novel happens to belong to the indifferent category.  The idea is a strongly fantastical one.  The main character is somewhat likable, which is to say that I didn't fall head over feet for him, but he's not an assclown either.  And, the action is almost there for me.  My one big complaint is in that is feels like Jason never seems to fix/solves his own problems.  Someone else is always there to explain in detail how to get around the obstacle in front of him.  (As, I said, I'm only half through, this may change, but so far. He doesn't jump his own hurdles)  I mean, come on people. It's more than okay to get a little help from your friends, but even HP, who relied on his friends quite heavily, came up with his own bits of wisdoms.  Because, who would want to follow someone who can't solve the conundrum of how to dodge a man-eating crab or escape a jail cell himself?   Eh, maybe that's just me.

Don't get me wrong, folks, this storyline is intriguing.  In fact, I will be finishing this book, even if it takes me another month, if only because I really need to know what the six-syllable word of power is.

So, there you have it.  Take my opinion as will, especially since this is not my preferred genre of reading, and thus, I am probably being overly-critical.  What about all you fantastic followers?  Have you read this book yet?  What did you think?  I'll just be over here, slogging my way through the rest of it.

Until next month when our little club dissects Tawna Fenske's debut novel MAKING WAVES.  I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!! (yes, I was singing that)

March's Book Hungry is a CHARMER

This month, Book Hungry's very own Kelly Breakey had the choice of selection.  Are you ready for her pick, folks? 

Wait for it...

Wait for it...

Here it is...

NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Summary (as stolen from Amazon):
After her ex-boyfriend Monty insists that she is the only person he ever loved, Blue Bailey packs up everything she has (which isn't much) and moves from Seattle to Colorado to be with him. But once Blue arrives, she discovers Monty has found love again with a younger, blonder new girlfriend. With few job options and practically no money, Blue thought she might be stuck in Colorado for a long time, until Dean Robillard drives through on his way to Tennessee. The last person Blue wants to ask for a favor is a way-too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good stranger who annoys her to no end. And who turns out to be the quarterback for the Chicago Stars. But Dean is Blue's only ticket out, even if it means she is stuck with him all the way to Tennessee. RITA Award-winner Phillips creates yet another classic romance in her loosely connected Chicago Stars series with this splendidly satisfying tale of love, family, and redemption. Generously seasoned with plenty of tart humor and snappy dialogue, and graced with a delightfully amusing pair of protagonists trying desperately not to fall in love, Natural Born Charmer is simply irresistible.

My Take (as stolen from me):
An effortless read, I had NATURAL BORN CHARMER done in two sittings (could've been one but I started it fairly late at night).  While there were some things I disliked about the writing (excessive 'branding' as I call it...which is when the author relies heavily on pointing out specific brand names in lieu of actually describing things.  There were moments while reading this where I wondered if SEP got some kind of commission from Gucci or Pierre Cardin or any of the other hordes of designer names being shot at me like high-fashion missiles) and at times, the plot (some one dimensional side characters, a few occurrences of info dumping, and a side plot that I would've liked to hear more about or even meet the character), this book has a several things going for it.

1. the DIALOGUE...especially between Blue and Dean was quick-witted and very entertaining.  The droll sense of humor that both characters displayed from the first page hooked me right off.  Example:  "Those are gay boots"  and "Pee Circles?" to only name a couple.  I dare you not to smirk at that.  No, no.  I triple-dog-dare you.
2. Okay, I'm just going to say it.  Dean is hot.  I mean, super, mega gorgeous.  Simply put, he's the stuff of fantasies...well, all except for the Speed Racer incident, but I digress.
3. And Blue...well, Blue isn't the prettiest daisy in the garden, but she's no ugly duckling either.  And being kind of average in the looks department just makes her more likable (in my opinion, anyhow).
4. Interesting side-characters.  Besides Blue and Dean, there's April (Dean's mother), Jack (aging rocker and Dean's absentee father), Riley (Jack's daughter and Dean's half-sister), and of course, there's one very mean old lady who pretends to like no one, but is really a big softy (aren't they all?)
5. the DIALOGUE.  Yeah, I said this already, but is needs to be repeated (not just because I needed to have five things in my list...although that, too).  Blue and Dean's verbal sparring kept me riveted throughout.  And, when things began to lag in places, I simply skimmed on ahead to the next set of dialogue, because I knew that it would be fresh, witty, and laughter-inducing.

How about you, minions?  Have you read NATURAL BORN CHARMER?  What did you think?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments, and when you're done here, hop on over to my fellow Bookinista's blogs (see upper-right sidebar) to get their takes on this month's pick.  Until next month, folks, when Abby Mumford has chosen THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson.

Book Hungry's February Frosting: TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

I first read Jay Asher's tale of teen tragedy last June.  Since then, I have told everyone and their mother about how this was a must-read book.  So, when Patty Blount chose it for Book Hungry's February selection, I did a little happy dance. 

Upon the re-read, this still holds true.  For those of you who haven't read 13RW, you must first know that this isn't just the story of a girl who commits suicide.  It's more about the aftermath, about how those around her struggle to come to grips with the tragedy and make sense of her death.

Summary:
To Clay Jensen, Hannah Baker was the girl he'd always wanted but never really had the courage to approach...that is until a party just shortly before her death.  Then, she commits suicide, and shortly thereafter, our story begins with Clay receiving an anonymous package containing seven audio cassette tapes...the Baker's Dozen.  Hannah's thirteen reason why she did what she did.

At first, Clay wants nothing to do with them.  As the first tape begins playing and realizes what is contained on the collection, he decides that he'll listen no further, but before he can stop the tape, Hannah tells him that he is on the tapes and that he is one her 'reasons why'. 

What follows is an emotionally charged journey in which Clay spends the night following Hannah's voice to destination after destination.  Through Hannah's revelations, Clay begins to see well-known streets and storefronts of his small town in a whole new light...one that is much darker and more secretive than he'd ever known before.  Before the night and the last tape ends, Clay will discover what his role was in Hannah Baker's suicide, and his life will be irrevocably altered.

My Opinion:
The subject matter here is nothing new.  I've read many books and seen even more movies where a teen commits this senseless act.  And, while good, the writing wasn't brilliant...although the format and the layering of the two narratives kept me riveted the whole way through, so much so that Asher could've written this in five one-syllable word sentences and I'd probably still enjoy.  The pacing was that well done.

For me, it was Clay more than it was Hannah that really shone here.  Yes, Hannah committed suicide and that was a tragedy.  And yes, I did have a very vocal reaction at the beginning of #13 (just like Clay), but we all knew from the start how this would end: with her death.  No surprise there. 

But, Clay...well, I liked him from the very beginning.  There was just something so complex about him.  I could really tell that Asher made a great effort to construct the many different layers that made up Clay.  With Hannah, there were times that she was one-note, but I think it needed to be that way.  After all, the reader could only know her through her tapes and Clay's memories of her...which were both a bit skewed (Clay having put her up on a pedestal and Hannah believing herself to be worthless).

So, I found myself not wanting Clay to be on the tapes at all because I so did not want him to have caused Hannah's death, no matter how indirect his influence may have been.  Does that make any sense?  And then, of course, when his name popped up, I was more than a little relieved that he hadn't really done anything horrible enough to warrant being there...but then, my relief gave way to irritation because how could he not feel even a smidgen of guilt, no matter what Hannah said on the tapes to gloss over the reason for him being on the list?  Now, I know that if you haven't read this book, you're not going to get that.  oh well *shrugs*

Anywho, THIRTEEN REASONS WHY is still one of my favorite YA books.  I'm glad to say that didn't change on the re-read. Now that you've heard my take, hop on over the other Book Hungry members' blogs (see side bar) for their opinions.

Until next month, folks, when Kelly Breakey has chosen NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth Phillips