The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne Genre: Classic

     This is a prime example of a classic that I would never read again. I can't believe that they make high school students read this. No wonder everyone has the impression that classics are boring and pointless. I knew that I had read it - or was supposed to have read it - in high school, as I still have my copy of it, but could not remember doing so. I probably blocked it out.

     Historically speaking, it is an interesting testament to the life and times of the Puritan era in the early history of America. But the story is just so dark and dreary, the main character suffered for her shame for YEARS. Speaking in general terms so as not to give away any plot spoilers, FMC finally has a little hope to her situation and *BAM!* Hawthorne takes it away. The end of the story was incredibly confusing to me as I could not understand the motivation behine FMC's actions and I could not fathom as to why she would behave in such a manner.

     My mind constantly wandered during the many dry areas of text which seemed to go on for pages with absolutely no clue as to what he was describing or how it might pertain to the story.

Playmates by Jess C Scott - Fun Read Friday Review

Playmates Book 1 - Wilde Twins series by Jess C. Scott Genre: Psychological Thriller

     Author Scott produces a promising beginning to her Wilde Twins series where fraternal twins are a grisly brother sister team of serial killers. In this first book she begins by introducing us to them as children. We see how Tania goes from a normal 9 year old girl to a teen with little or no empathy, especially for those that seem to have a better life than she does.

     *SPOILER ALERT* nope not going to give away the conclusion of the story. I couldn't if I wanted to since there was no conclusion, just a cliff for me to dangle off of. For those readers who enjoy cliff hangers, you're going to love this one. Personally, I feel jipped. When I invest my time to read a book and don't get some closure, some sense that the book has ended, even if there is a sequel there should be some sense of a conclusion to this book before the next one begins. Ok, off my soap box about my biggest pet peeve and moving on...

     The characters are incredibly well developed. Their actions and reactions are realistic and gives insight to the reader as to how and why the twins develop exactly as they do psychologically and allows us to sympathize with Tania even if we do not condone her actions.

     This installation of the series definitely piques one's interest to follow the Wilde twins lives to see where fate takes them next.

I give it 4 stars!

Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs - Book Review

Imaginary Friend by Troy McCombs Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal

     Nathan is not your average eight year old boy. He is a victim. Abused by his father, terrorized by bullies at school, and misunderstood by his teachers and principal, Nathan has had enough. He fantasizes about a monster that comes to his rescue, wrecking havoc and violent deaths to all who mistreat the boy. The more Nathan imagines his monster the more realistic it becomes - both in added details to the beast and in substance. It isn't long before the impossible becomes possible - Nathan's imaginary friend becomes real and Nathan finds that he cannot control his creation's murderous tendencies.

     A very interesting premise put forth by author Troy McCombs. While I could feel sorry for the little boy because of the abuse he suffered, I had a hard time really liking the character. His whole hearted rage, constant denial of any complicity, self righteous attitude, and lack of remorse once the killing spree began made the boy seem a tad bit creepy to me.

     Entertaining story that is well worth the time and effort that it takes to read it. I would recommend this book to those who love stories about fantasy creatures come to life or underdogs who come out on top.

I give it 4 stars!

Go For It by Matthew Martino - Book Review

Go For It: Be Your Own Boss by Matthew Martino Genres: Nonfiction, How-to,    Inspirational, Self Help

     UK author Martino shares his experience and expertise to help young people become entrepreneurs. This book covers a wide range of advice from how to choose what type of business would suit you best to common mistakes that should be avoided. Martino covers options for if you want a business as a sole support of income, as a legacy for generations to follow, or as just a side income earned from a hobby in your spare time. Even though this informative guide is geared towards students and recent graduates, it could also be found helpful to older people, as well, who are tired of the rat race and ready to start a business of their own.

Wraithsong by EJ Squires - Book Review

Wraithsong by EJ Squires Desirable Creatures Series Book I Genre:Paranormal, Fantasy,    Young Adult, Romance

     17yo Sonia has always known that she was different but it isn't until her senior year of high school that she learns exactly how much. Her mother has the uncanny ability to control people and Sonia has inherited this ability, but with it takes a lot of responsibility and consequences when used unwisely.

Destiny: Illusions by Daniel Rafferty - Book review

Destiny: Illusions - The Crime Of Our Ancestors by Daniel Rafferty Book 1 in series Genres: Science Fiction, Action Adventure

     Is there intelligent life on other planets? If so, how would those of us on earth react to such knowledge? Would we panic and assume they were hostile and become hostile ourselves? Would the aliens just become yet another culture subject to racial hate by the close minded people who already have such attitudes? Could we learn to live in harmony and trust without fear of differences? These questions make some wonderful food for thought. Author Daniel Raffety provides us with a scenario where aliens have come forth in peace and a friendly alliance is made. Both races benefit from shared technology and a seemingly strong bond is formed between the two planets. But when Earth falls victim to an attack from space will our underlying tendencies to distrust outsiders lead to a full scale intergalactic war?

RIP (Rest in Peace) by Bob Kat - Serial Sunday Review

RIP (Rest in Peace by Bob Kat CUL8R #4 Genres: Mystery, Young Adult,    Romance, Paranormal, Science Fiction

     Four high school teens; Kelly, Scott, Austin, and Zoey; find adventure using an invention that they have named the Spirit Radio. Kelly's aunt's historical house had been the resting place of this technological marvel that had been created by Thomas Edison and lost for years. With some modern tweaking by Scott, the group's technogeek, the radio now picks up voices of spirits which the group travel through time and space to try to help the spirits' ability to rest in peace.