Mysterious Saturday Review: Shelter

Mickey's starting a new school after the death of his father in a car accident and his mother going off the deep end. She's now in a rehab. He's at a new school.

He makes a name for himself on the first few days - and not in a good way. Mickey makes two good friends - Spoon and Ema.

He needs them to figure out if what Bat Lady said cold be true. Is it possible that his father is still alive? He must know. He tries contacting her again, but is stonewalled.

He's not going to give up. Just like he's going to discover how his girlfriend (of three weeks) vanished into thin air. There's no trace of her.

Mickey's not stopping until he has answers. Will the answers about Ashely lead him to discover more about his own past?

My Thoughts: I met Harlan Coben briefly at BEA - he said this book could change my life. In my crazed moment (which happens a lot when talking with authors), I said something really dorky - along the lines of "I'm ready for my life to be changed." He looked at me strangely for a moment and then we both moved on. Why do I always say stupid things in front of authors???

The book was gripping - I'm sure this will be a cross over that many adults will be reading. I loved the pacing. I was fascinated with this book and watching Mickey uncover layers of the mysteries. I really loved Ema and Spoon was great comic relief. The danger and action were well done. I couldn't put it down. A great first YA novel and I'm so looking forward to reading more about Mickey

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and perfect

Source: from Penguin at BEA

Out in September

Ten Things: Patriotic Movies

I meant to put this up last week, but had some things to deal with and thus, it's a week late, but better late then never...

My Dad teaches history to high school students (not the high school I went too). We watched a lot of history movies. We went to a lot of historical places on vacation. There was a time when I was annoyed by that, but in college, things changed. I went to Gettysburg during a volunteer trip. While the expert we went with was great, he wasn't my Dad and I spent the whole trip wishing he was there with me. Now I go these places on my own - with my husband. We watch the same types of movies (although not the documentaries). I read a lot of historical fiction. Basically, I'm a history girl. Who would have guessed?



So here are the top movies that I feel represent patriotism

Patriot
Gettysburg
Last of the Mohicans
John Adams
National Treasure

here are some additions from my Dad:
Memphis Belle
Green Berets
Midway
A Bridge too Far
Patton

If You Like Cooking, Baking, and Candy Making

If You Like… is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love. This week’s post features recommendations for books, movies, tv shows, and music about food and the people who make it, as well as some favorite recipes.

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If you like cooking, baking, and candy making…

Trailer Thursday: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

I think I read this when I was in high school and LOVED it! I went through a phase of reading spy books mostly dealing with the Cold War or WWII.

Plus it has Colin Firth and a strong cast!

It's a bit of a wait: November 18th for the US release

Review: Secrets of Sophia Musgrove

Sophia Musgrove navigates through society with her best friend Lucy. She adores anything French - in terms of fashion. Both of them love to shop and pour over fashion pieces in magazines together.

However, lately, she's begun to think there's more to life than balls, fashion, and gossiping.

At her sister's wedding, she meets a young man - Mr. Stevens. He asks if he can call on her when they are both back in town.

Sophie's excited to meet him again. He introduces in politics into their discussions. Sophie admits that her father doesn't discuss politics with her, but that she'd like to know more about the world.

Soon, she's sneaking out to meetings, lying to her father, and planning a dangerous mission.

Will her new found interest in politics ruin her reputation or has she finally found her calling?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read - I admit it's my favorite historical time period. I Love reading about the balls, the dresses, and the gentlemen. I admired Sophie for wanting to know more about her world. I admired the way she took charge of situations - including fights with her father, rejecting suitors, and helping her sister at her wedding. I loved Lily and Lucy (although at times I got them confused because of the similarities of their names) I loved the romantic parts of the tale. This appears to be the start of a new series, I'm so looking forward to more adventures for Sophia.

Cover Thoughts: I adore this cover - it's perfect!

Source: My Library

Review: The Day Before

Amber runs away from her family for the day. She needs some time alone. She needs to think.

Amber heads to the beach - where she feels safe. Her life is about to be ripped apart. There's nothing she can do to stop it.

All she wants is a one day of fun before tomorrow begins.

Then she meets Cade. He also has a secret. They spend the day together as they both hide from the real world. Cade and Amber play on the beach, fly a kite, build on bonfire, and eat an amazing dinner. They feel an instant connection.

Was it fate that brought them together to do what they have to do?



My Thoughts: I love Lisa Schroeder's verse novels. They're quick reads, but fill of emotion and always make me think. I love the way this novel unfolded - with secrets and memories from the past creeping into the future. I loved how the relationship developed between Cade and Amber. Another amazing read.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting - I love the way you can see her eyes through the grass.

Source: My Library

Sunday (really Monday) Matinee: Transformers Dark Side of the Moon

What I liked:
As usual, I love Sam and his smart aleck remarks.

I love his mother

I love Bumblebee

Happy for the return of John Turtorro - who is very funny as usual

Also happy for return of my two favorite soldiers

I liked the addition of John Malkovich and Patrick Dempsey - those were two surprises

All the action and special effects


What I didn't Like:
It was hard to distinguish between robots at times. There was one fight when they all looked like the same robot and it was hard to figure out what side won the fight.

Also the new girl - Carly wasn't as good. She didn't have many good lines or the wit of Mikaela's character.

What was wrong:
The whole premise with the moon and the discovery of the machines - as the Hoover Dam (from the first movie) was built in the 1930s. Therefore, they already knew of their existence!!! But I confess I love how they mixed history in with these movies. I loved the idea of moon landing being a secret mission and the footage of Kennedy.


What I wish they did differently:
They didn't explain the break-up of Sam and Mikaela

There were too many new robots and no explanation of them - I wish there had been a little more character development. For the most part - there are only two Autobots that are well known - Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Overall Thoughts: A pretty good movie with the usual action and special effects