Review: Cujo by Stephen King

Title: Cujo
Author: Stephen King
Published: September, 1981
Paperback: 432 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Outside a peaceful town in central Maine, a monster is waiting. Cujo is a two-hundred-pound Saint Bernard, the best friend Brett Camber has ever had. One day Cujo chases a rabbit into a bolt-hole - a cave inhabited by sick bats. What happens to Cujo, how he becomes a horrifying vortex inexorably drawing in all the people around him makes for one of the most heart-stopping novels Stephen King has written.

FYI -- before I tell you my thoughts on the book, I want you to know that I have never seen the movie. I had zero ideas on what to expect, except that it had something to do with an evil dog.

In so many ways...this book will MESS YOU UP.

I already had a little fear when it came to dogs, but now I am downright terrified! Especially because when we first meet Cujo, he is the sweetest dog you could ever imagine. He's a gentle giant, in every sense of the word, and no one would ever suspect the horror he could unleash. And as a reader, we feel genuinely sorry for Cujo. Stephen King is simply THE master at that --  he is the Director of our emotions. He makes you fall in love with Cujo. He makes you feel sorry for Cujo. And even after all is said and done, you still can't help but wish that someone had just helped that poor dog.

In a nutshell: Cujo is accidentally infected with rabies after he chases a rabbit down a rabbit-hole filled with bats. It's not his fault at all. But then it makes you wonder -- well who's fault is it? Who can we blame it all on? And the beauty of it all is that you can take your pick. Donna Trenton, who cheats on her husband and ends up fighting for her life? Yep, some fault lies with her. Joe Camber, Cujo's owner and a wife abuser? You can definitely blame some on him. Almost every single side character can hold some of the blame and it is literally one of those unfortunate circumstances that simply could not be avoided.

Another reason this book will mess you up: the ending. I don't want to give it away. I want you to read it for yourself. But I promise you, it will torture you long after you've turned the last page. I actually closed the book angry with Stephen King for this one.

Incredibly suspenseful page-turner. Well worth a read!

5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Ruined by Amy Tintera!

Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins)
Hardcover: 368 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A revenge that will consume her. A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake. 

Talk about an action-packed, girl-power, kick-ass novel!

From the minute you read the first word, Ruined is filled with fighting, disguises, espionage, and murder. You are immediately thrown into the middle of a war that has been waging in the background for years, and it's mesmerizing.

And the best part about it -- for me at least -- it all centered around a kick-ass female warrior.

Despite the fact that she was born different from the other Ruined; despite the fact that she has no powers; despite the fact that she had to watch her own parents murdered, Emelina is one of the fiercest protagonists I have yet to discover. She is a woman on a mission and nothing will deter her from getting what she wants. She is constantly on guard and always thinks of new ways to escape a situation before it even arises. She is incredibly intelligent and that in itself is a strength no one gives her credit for.

Okay, okay...so she makes the tragic mistake of falling in love. We've all been there. And it kind of throws a wrench in her plans. But to me, it only makes her more relatable and true to life. Despite everything she's been through, she's still a young woman, and Casimir is still a handsome prince (one who's actually noble, no less!). How could she not fall in love?

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series (Avenged) which came out in May 2017. Have you all read it yet? Is it just as good as the first?!

5 out of 5 stars.

Double Review: Reboot & Rebel by Amy Tintera!

Title: Reboot & Rebel (Reboot Series)
Author: Amy Tintera
Published: May 7, 2013 & May 13, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen (Harper Collins)
Hardcover: 365 pgs & 340 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis for Reboot: Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation). Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum. The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

Fascinating Concept. Incredible Writing. Authentic Characters.

I went to the library intending to pick up Ruined by Amy Tintera -- which was highly recommended by another GoodChoiceReader -- when I unfortunately learned that it would be checked out for another few weeks. Instead, my trusty librarian suggested I read Reboot and Rebel. I don't feel ashamed to say that I think it was fate.

The basic concept: when you die, you stand a chance of coming back to life -- you will be rebooted, per se. And when you do, you will be stronger, faster, and heal easier. You'll also be able to deal less with those pesky emotions that humans have to deal with all the time. Sounds great, doesn't it?  Except for the fact that the remaining humans no longer trust you. Even your own family will see you as a monster and turn their backs on you.

The longer you take to reboot, the stronger you will be. And our main character, Wren, is the strongest reboot so far -- taking 178 minutes to come back to life. When we meet Wren, she is disconnected from all of her emotions. She is basically a soldier who always takes orders, never falls off course, and is the perfect person to have on hand when you need any "dirty work" taken care of. Until she meets Callum, that is.

Wren is looking for a challenge when she meets Callum (who rebooted after only 22 minutes and is more human than reboot). She decides to become his trainer and is surprised when she realizes how much of an effect he has on her. The chemistry between the two is adorable and well-written. I loved them as a couple from the minute they got together and I loved watching the changes in Wren as she re-learned her human emotions.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great action sequences in these novels as well. There are plenty of guns, bombs, fighting, deaths, war, and revenge. It's awesome!

Have you read these books yet? What do you think?


5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Title: Truly Madly Guilty
Author: Liane Moriarty
Published: July 26, 2016
Publisher: Flatiron Books (MacMillan)
Hardcover: 415 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Six responsible adults. Three cute kids. One small dog. It’s just a normal weekend. What could possibly go wrong? Sam and Clementine have a wonderful, albeit, busy life: they have two little girls, Sam has just started a new dream job, and Clementine, a cellist, is busy preparing for the audition of a lifetime. If there’s anything they can count on, it’s each other. Clementine and Erika are each other’s oldest friends. A single look between them can convey an entire conversation. But theirs is a complicated relationship, so when Erika mentions a last minute invitation to a barbecue with her neighbors, Tiffany and Vid, Clementine and Sam don’t hesitate. Having Tiffany and Vid’s larger than life personalities there will be a welcome respite. Two months later, it won’t stop raining, and Clementine and Sam can’t stop asking themselves the question: What if we hadn’t gone?

I could NOT put this book down!

Liane Moriarty has the most incredible talent and is the master of creating the ultimate suspense. She starts off with a simple, ordinary day/event/moment and hints that something extraordinary has taken its place. She is an expert at dragging it out, revealing only tidbits at a time, and making it worth every second of the wait. In the case of Truly Madly Guilty, it begins with something as simple as a backyard barbecue between friends and neighbors. But something's happened. Something's gone wrong. Something's turned everyone's worlds upside down and you literally will not put the book down until you figure out what that is.

What I truly enjoyed about this novel was the fact that every character is authentic and relatable. Their relationships, their ambitions, their struggles -- they're all something that most everyone can relate to within their own lives. Moriarty's characters have such nuances that you can imagine they live right next door to you. It's not something you find often -- or at least, I don't -- and I commend her so much for her talent.

The one issue I had with this book is that it took me a long time (longer than I'd care to admit) to distinguish between each of the characters and who were in relationships. I kept getting confused and it wasn't until three-quarters of the way through that I finally could say with certainty who was which.

Other than that one glitch, I thought this book was phenomenal. Give it a read and let me know your thoughts!

5 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Title: The Husband's Secret
Author: Liane Moriarty
Published: July 30, 2013
Publisher: Berkley (Penguin)
Hardcover: 396 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. . . . Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret. Acclaimed author Liane Moriarty has written a gripping, thought-provoking novel about how well it is really possible to know our spouses—and, ultimately, ourselves.

I don't think there is a single book that Liane Moriarty can write that I will not fall in love with, and The Husband's Secret was no exception. I literally could not put it down. At one point -- and I kid you not -- I woke up in the dead of night and couldn't fall back to sleep without reading! I just had to find out what the husband's secret was, and it was well worth the lack of sleep.

I think what I love the most about Moriarty is that she creates these characters that are so relatable, you feel like they could be your sister, or your husband, or even yourself. And you watch these's characters go through these life-altering revelations and it breaks your heart...and it makes you laugh...and it makes you cheer...and by the time you're through, you've realized you've gone through a veritable rainbow of emotions. You wonder what you, yourself, would do in those same situations, and you wonder whether you could be as strong.

The Husband's Secret is full of twists and turns that you never see coming. It's full of sadness, happiness, and...plain old life. Life, with all it's relationships, love, and drama.

I adored this book and I hope you will too!

5 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Title: The Female of the Species
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Published: September 20, 2016
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins)
Hardcover: 352 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence. While her crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people, even in her small hometown. She relegates herself to the shadows, a girl who goes unseen in plain sight, unremarkable in the high school hallways. But Jack Fisher sees her. He’s the guy all other guys want to be: the star athlete gunning for valedictorian with the prom queen on his arm. Guilt over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered hasn’t let him forget Alex over the years, and now her green eyes amid a constellation of freckles have his attention. He doesn’t want to only see Alex Craft; he wants to know her. So does Peekay, the preacher’s kid, a girl whose identity is entangled with her dad’s job, though that does not stop her from knowing the taste of beer or missing the touch of her ex-boyfriend. When Peekay and Alex start working together at the animal shelter, a friendship forms and Alex’s protective nature extends to more than just the dogs and cats they care for. Circumstances bring Alex, Jack, and Peekay together as their senior year unfolds. While partying one night, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting the teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

Note: Mindy McGinnis is also the author of Not A Drop to Drink (a book that I really did not enjoy). But if you're interested, you can read that review here. 


I loved, loved, loved this book. I will admit that it may not be something that everyone wants to read - it is dark, there are clear mentions of rape, murder, and sexual violence - but it is still labeled as YA, so it's not as detailed as it would be if it were marketed toward adults.

The reason I loved this book is because you personally struggle right alongside our protagonist, Alex. She's angry, she's conflicted, and she has a tendency to lean toward violence. And we understand her emotions completely. In real life, we may only imagine some of the things that Alex thinks about, but most of us know and understand that there is a line we cannot cross. Alex also sees that line, but she can't help herself when it's crossed. She understands that there are some things that are simply out of your control.

Because Alex's story and her raw emotions are pretty intense, the other chapters are written in the other characters' point of views. I'm not sure if it was intentional - to give us a break from Alex - but it works. The change in voice allows you to catch your breath for a second and go back into "normal", everyday mode. But honestly, I just found myself wanting to get back to Alex's chapters as soon as I could.

Finally, I couldn't think of a book more appropriate for this past political year -- rife with feminists, feminist haters, and double-standards. I know that some of you will roll your eyes as you read that. And I know that some of you will want to give me a fist-bump. But as much as we want to deny that there is a clear issue when it comes to sexual violence & ownership, and what men and women are "allowed" to get away with, the issue will always remain. Our current President can speak about violating women's bodies and still get elected. Meanwhile, female politicians are pushed to wear skirts and "smile more". It's a culture that needs to change and I love thinking about how this book fits into all of it.

Did you read the book? What did you think?

5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Needful Things by Stephen King

Title: Needful Things
Author: Stephen King
Published: Originally: October, 1991
Hardcover: 790 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Leland Gaunt opens a new shop in Castle Rock called Needful Things. Anyone who enters his store finds the object of his or her lifelong dreams and desires: a prized baseball card, a healing amulet. In addition to a token payment, Gaunt requests that each person perform a little "deed," usually a seemingly innocent prank played on someone else from town. These practical jokes cascade out of control and soon the entire town is doing battle with itself. Only Sheriff Alan Pangborn suspects that Gaunt is behind the population's increasingly violent behavior.

Are you looking for a book that's going to scare the crap out of you? Are you looking for one that's literally going to make you bite your nails off and pull your hair out? Look no further. This book is creepy as f**k.

I recently reviewed another book by Stephen King, Dolores Claiborne (see review here) and it seemed to be pretty popular. So I felt like I should read another. Besides, my mom has been bugging me for years to read this book (it's her favorite). Originally printed 26 years ago, I feel like this book could hit the bestseller list just as easily today as it did back then.

Needful Things, at its heart, is the most simple of narratives. Essentially, imagine a new store owner comes to your town and offers to sell you something that you really need -- something you can't live without. And the price? It's always within your reach -- as long as you're willing to do the storeowner a little favor or two. Just harmless pranks that won't seem to hurt anyone too much. Would you do it? I know I would. And I bet you would too.

Except Leland Gaunt's pranks are not only going to cause harm, but they're literally going to tear the town of Castle Rock to pieces. His power over the town and his ability to make everyone do exactly what he wants is tantamount to him playing God. Or...better yet, the Devil.

This book scared me to no end and I loved every second of it. I was fascinated by the items that the townspeople would do anything for. I was in love with the way Leland Gaunt could use his words to seduce everyone. And I thought some of the ensuing chaos was just downright hysterical.

Stephen King's descriptions are so vivid in this novel that there were times I didn't even want to keep reading because I was so grossed out, LOL. It's like when you watch a really scary movie and you cover your eyes midway through (but still peek through your fingers). Except when you're reading, how can you possibly cover your eyes? The book forces you to read/watch the story play out and transports you into a world of mass hysteria, fear, desire, and magic.

5 out of 5 stars. LOVED THIS BOOK.

Review: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

Title: Labyrinth Lost
Author: Zoraida Cordova
Publisher: Sourcesbooks Fire
Published: September 6, 2016
Hardcover: 336 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Nothing says Happy Birthday like summoning the spirits of your dead relatives. Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation...and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo boy she can't trust. A boy whose intentions are as dark as the strange marks on his skin. The only way to get her family back is to travel with Nova to Los Lagos, a land in-between, as dark as Limbo and as strange as Wonderland...

Quick Note: Damaris @GCR has also reviewed this book. Here's a link to her review here. 

I am not gonna lie. It took me a near-embarrassing amount of time to realize that Alex (our main character) was potentially bisexual. Because I wasn't prepared for it, I kept thinking that either her best friend was a man, or that their friendship was just really intense. *SMH* That being said, I really loved the fact that there was a sort of bisexual love triangle going on between our characters and I really love the fact that it was matter-of-fact. It was something I've never read before in a YA book, and it made for an interesting and unique perspective.

Now that I've gotten that face-palm out of the way, I'd say that overall, the book was a good read, but I'm not exactly sprinting to the stores for the next in the series. As a Latina, it was such a breath of fresh air to have this book in my tbr pile. I loved the spanish words that were purposely un-translated. I loved reading about Alex's culture and the different ways that some Hispanics live. Yes, I know it's fiction, but I'm assuming much of the author's writing comes from her own personal experiences.

Where the book faltered for me was delving so deeply into the paranormal and fantasy world. There were just too many times that I had to suspend my disbelief entirely just to keep turning the pages. And when Alex's best friend shows up in the in-between land, I just about had enough. It was just too unbelievable for me.

The love triangle seemed predictable and the overall ending was wrapped up too nicely. It left me feeling unsatisfied.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

Title: Dolores Claiborne
Author: Stephen King
Published: November, 1992
Hardcover: 384 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Suspected of killing Vera Donovan, her wealthy employer, Dolores Claiborne tells police the story of her life, harkening back to her disintegrating marriage and the suspicious death of her violent husband, Joe St. George, thirty years earlier. Dolores also tells of Vera's physical and mental decline and of her loyalty to an employer who has become emotionally demanding in recent years.

I’ve only recently started going back to Stephen King’s early days and reading his classic novels. I have yet to be disappointed, and I love being able to post these reviews on Good Choice Reading, because there is something so timeless about King’s works. There is something about his themes and his characters that grip you, no matter what year you’re taking a read. And in this case, 25 years later, this book is just as good as any other you'd find in the store.

Dolores Claiborne has to be one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever read in my life. She is spunky. She is intelligent. She will do anything for her children and she will tell you everything straight to your face. She’s like the Grandma I hope I can be when I grow up!

Dolores has been accused of murdering her old boss, Vera Donovan. Because of this predicament, she is brought in by police for questioning, and boy, does she ever let loose. Dolores goes on a 384 page monologue about her family, her marriage, her work, and her life. She tells the investigators everything, without a care in the world as to the consequences.

Throughout Dolores’ story, we get many emotional tales about those around her. Through the relationship with her husband, we view Dolores’ strength, courage, and overwhelming desire to escape. Through her relationship with her boss, we view her strong-willed stubbornness, her tenacity, and again, her desire to escape. And through her children, we see a Dolores who is loving, caring, patient, and determined to do what’s right. Her character is so multi-faceted, and no matter what she may or may not have done, you love her instantly and root for her from page one. If you have a chance, read this book. You will not regret it!

5 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (Books 1 & 2) by Paige McKenzie

Titles: The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (Book #1) 

            The Awakening of Sunshine Girl (Book #2)

Author: Paige McKenzie

Publisher: Weinstein Books

Published: March 24, 2015 & March 1, 2016 (respectively)

Hardcover: 296 pgs (both)

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sunshine Griffith can communicate with ghosts. Even more amazing, she recently discovered—with the help of her would-be boyfriend, Nolan—that she’s a luiseach, one of an ancient race of creatures who have lived among humans for centuries, protecting them from dark spirits and helping them move on to the afterlife. Now, Sunshine’s powers are awakening and she feels spirits everywhere—intense and sometimes overwhelming. Eager to get her supernatural abilities under control, Sunshine agrees to begin training with her mentor, her estranged father Aidan. He takes her to an abandoned compound deep in the Mexican jungle. But what she learns there about her powers, and her family history, turns out to be more terrifying than Sunshine could have imagined. Can anything—Aidan’s experiments, her friendship with another luiseach named Lucio, even Nolan’s research—prepare Sunshine to face the frightening woman who haunts her dreams, and to finally learn the truth about the rift that threatens the future of the luiseach and all of humankind? The stakes grow ever higher in this sequel to The Haunting of Sunshine Girl, revealing that Sunshine has to protect more than her own friends and family—she may be the key to saving the entire human race.

I tried. I really tried to enjoy these books. I loved the idea behind these stories, and I am a huge fan of paranormal books. That's why I gave the second novel a chance, after barely getting through the first. But unfortunately, I have zero desire to read the third. And I'm really upset by this because the book comes highly recommended by two of my favorite horror icons: R.L. Stine and Wes Craven.

What I enjoyed:
The dead people -- go figure, right? I enjoyed McKenzie's description of the ghosts and the dead. I liked that she didn't shy away from being gory and truly making you see some of the ways these spirits passed.

What I didn't enjoy about that: 
I felt like it was a bit unreal in that there weren't even more ghosts constantly finding their way to Sunshine. I mean, there aren't that many luiseach left in the world, so why wouldn't she be spending every waking moment helping them get to the other side? That's a question that's bothered me since the beginning.

What I enjoyed: 
Sunshine's love for her mother. This was a well-written relationship that actually makes you sad when things aren't going so well for the two of them.

What I didn't enjoy:
Sunshine's love for Nolan. I just didn't feel any of the chemistry at all. I think it would actually be better for the author to just let all of the characters stay out of love. Focus on the horror and the paranormal and leave the romance for another book.

What I couldn't stand: 
Sunshine, herself. Yes, the protagonist. Oh my goodness. The girl spoke as if she were born in the 1950's -- "Good Golly!" "Jeezus Loueezus" -- I mean, seriously? While I'm a fan of women kicking ass, this was just too fake for me to fall into. I didn't like the way she fights. I didn't like the way she whined. I just didn't like her at all.

1 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10
Author: Ruth Ware
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Published: July 19, 2016
Hardcover: 340 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In this tightly wound story, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong… With surprising twists and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another intense read.

This is one of the first books I've read that was not recommended to me by someone I know and trust. I was in the library one day, saw this novel on one of their "Read Now!" shelves, and was hooked by the description. Who doesn't love a good mystery? Who wouldn't love an intriguing story with a cast of characters stuck on a cruise ship?

The only problem: there wasn't a great cast of characters. Now, don't get me wrong, there were a bunch of folks on the ship, but I feel like they weren't given any justice. When you're reading a great mystery (especially one that some reviews have compared to Agatha Christie's), you want to feel like every single person is a suspect. You want to get thrown off your game time and time again. Unfortunately, that's not what happened here. We met all of the characters, but there were really only two or three that stood out as actual suspects. I wish the author would have taken the time to flesh out the characters' stories more -- to make me believe they were the guilty ones.

Overall, the book had a good concept, but I don't think it was executed well. The mystery's resolution (which I won't tell you) was just unbelievable to me. I didn't actually believe that what happened in this book could actually occur in real life.

And finally, I'm all for flawed protagonists, but come on. Our main character, Lo, is jam packed with flaws. There are just so many that I feel like, in real life, if everything that happened in the book happened to her in real life, she'd be huddled in a corner crying. Not the kind of heroine I'm looking for.

This book has gotten rave reviews, and I'm sorry to be one of the few dissenters. But did you read the book? What did you think?

2 out of 5 stars.

Review: What the Dead Want by Norah Olson

Title: What the Dead Want
Author: Norah Olson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: July 26, 2016
Hardcover: 320 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

16 -year-old Gretchen takes photographs to understand the world around her, a passion her mother Mona fostered and encouraged when she was still around. Since her mom disappeared years ago, Gretchen and her dad have lived on their own in New York City, haunted by Mona’s absence. When Gretchen’s great aunt Esther calls unexpectedly to tell her that she has inherited the pre-Civil War mansion on her mother’s side of the family in upstate New York, Gretchen understands nothing except that her aunt needs her help. But what she finds there is beyond her imagination. The house is crumbling apart, filled with stacks of papers and journals from decades, even centuries past, and it’s crawling with rodents. It’s also full of secrets and a legacy of racism and violence so reprehensible that the ghosts of the past are exacting revenge on the living. Somehow the mystery of Mona’s disappearance and the atrocities that happened on the land during the Civil War are inextricably intertwined, and it’s up to Gretchen to figure out how…before even more lives are lost.

I don't like being torn. When it comes to most novels, I like to be able to say that I definitely love or hate it either way. But this novel tears me up. There are aspects that I enjoyed, and many that I did not. I won't tell you whether you should read the book -- I'll just give you the facts and let you decide :)

First off, I enjoyed the artistic aspect of this book. The photographs are described in great detail, and I like the idea of capturing more than just meets the eye. There aren't many main characters that care so deeply about photography, and this made Gretchen unique.

I also enjoyed the historical backstory within the book. The letters that go back and forth between characters long gone. The racial tension, the unexpected romances...I think I enjoyed the dead characters more than the living ones.

What I didn't like was the predictability of it all. I felt like I could see what was coming before I got there, which made the book so hard to get through. There were a few twists, but not many.

I also didn't like not knowing exactly where this book fit. At times, it seemed to be trying so hard to be funny and young. Other times, it felt like it was trying to be a horror story (more gory than scary). And other times, the violence was so intense that I thought it shouldn't even be considered YA. The tone of the novel just changed so often that I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have otherwise.

Overall, the book felt unbelievable (the characters, not the ghosts) and too far-fetched to be enjoyed. I liked the history and the backstory, but not much else.

2 out of 5 stars.

Review: Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid

Title: Let's Get Lost
Author: Adi Alsaid
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Published: July 29, 2014
Hardcover: 338 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named Leila. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most. Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth—sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for is to get lost along the way.

First off, I have to say that I didn't read Let's Get Lost. I listened to it. The audio book was narrated by Amanda Cobb, and if you ever have a chance to listen to her reading of this story, you cannot pass it up! She does a fabulous job of voicing each of the characters and really drawing you into the novel. Her voice as Leila was absolute perfection.

That being said, I LOVED this book. As soon as I was done reading it, I was sad that I couldn't just hop in my car and get going. All I wanted to do was start road tripping across the country and find out how many adventures I could get myself into!

This novel is really five short stories -- one for Leila (our protagonist and road tripper), and one for each of the four characters she encounters. Each story is told from a different point of view, but all of them give you insight into who Leila is as a person and character. As you read each different story, you truly feel like you're on the roadtrip with Leila and going on a different adventure right alongside her. If you ever want a book to help you escape, this would be it.

Overall, I found the stories to be a little too clean -- meaning, they each ended with the perfect little ending that reminds you that it's not real life. But I'm okay with that. I like cheesy. I like endings tied with little bows because they make me think that life can be that way, even if I know better :)

Absolutely pick up this book and get lost with Leila. You won't regret it!

5 out of 5 stars!

Review: A Season for Fireflies by Rebecca Maizel

Title: A Season for Fireflies
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: June 28, 2016
Hardcover: 256 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A year ago, Penny Berne was the star of her high school’s theater department, surrounded by a group of misfit friends and falling in love for the first time. Now her old friends won’t talk to her, her new best friend is the most popular girl in school, and her first love, Wes, ignores her. Penny is revered and hated. Then, in a flash, a near-fatal lightning strike leaves Penny with no memory of the past year—or how she went from drama nerd to queen bee. As a record number of fireflies light up her town and her life, Penny realizes she may be able to make things right again—and that even if she can’t change the past, she can learn to see the magic where she never could before.

This novel was definitely a bit young for me (not that I'm an old lady or anything!) but its youth was exactly what made me fall in love with it. It brought me right back to my high school days and it made me nostalgic for the sheer number of emotions teenage girls can go through.

A Season for Fireflies has a very basic story on top. A girl has one life. She gets struck by lightning, loses her memory, and ends up with a very different life. It seems simple, right? But there is oh, so much more. The real story behind this book has more to do with life decisions, our perceptions of others, and whether we have any control over our lives at all.

Let's start with the first: Life Decisions. Have you ever stopped and looked back at your life and wondered how different everything would be if you had just gone right instead of left? If you had moved from one city to another? If you had waited until a certain age to experience certain things? That's what this book reminded me of. Penny, our main character, doesn't really have a choice in getting struck by lightning. But once she regains her memories, she can go back and look at all the places her life would have went differently if she had never been struck. She's been granted a gift, in my opinion, of being able to see two totally different sides of her life being played out, and she can learn from both of them.

Perceptions of Others: What I love about the story is that just like Penny, we have different friends in this book as well. In the beginning, we love Penny's friends -- her drama geeks who adore theatre and create memories with her. In the middle, we love Penny's new friends -- the ones she makes after the lightning strikes. Penny befriends the popular kids; the ones you would have never in a million years imagined she'd be friends with. The ones we thought we knew but really had no clue about. And by the end of the story, all you want is for Penny to find a way to reconcile both sets of her friends. To show all of them that not everyone is who they seem.

And finally: Control Over Our Lives. Can we control who we love? Can we control whether we get struck by lightning tomorrow? Can we have a second chance to do it all over? The quick answer is "no". And I think the overall point is that no matter what happens, you have to take life by the horns and live it every second of every day. Don't wait for someone to push you. Don't wait for lightning to strike in order to see what's in front of your face right now. Don't wait for fireflies to literally take over your entire town before you wake up :)

I really enjoyed this book and I hope you do too!

4 out of 5 stars!

Review: Harry Potter & the Cursed Child by John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Title: Harry Potter & the Cursed Child
Author: John Tiffany & Jack Thorne
Publisher: Little Brown UK
Published: July 31, 2016
Hardcover: 343 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

First of all, do not compare this book to any of the previous Harry Potters. It's like comparing apples to oranges and it just wouldn't be fair to the playwrights. Because this isn't an actual book, you won't get those amazing descriptions of the wizarding world that we were fortunate enough for JK Rowling to create. You won't get to go as in-depth into each character and in fact, some characters will be totally left out (like Albus's brother and sister, who exist but hardly ever make an appearance). And the biggest difference is that the focus of this book is not Harry. That may be hard for some of you to swallow, but once you get past that, it's actually a rather great play.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues right where the last book left off. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are older now, more established in their careers, and have children of their own. On the day of Harry's second son, Albus's trip to Hogwarts, he befriends none other than Scorpius Malfoy, son of Draco Malfoy (Harry's sworn enemy, for those of you who have read/seen nothing of the books).

This play is a really quick read and I'm happy to say that I'm impressed with the way it turned out. As with so many pop culture icons nowadays, there is such a thing as beating a dead horse. I thought for sure that this book would be nothing like the originals. That I'd get so frustrated with the plot line or character dialogue that I'd throw it out the window. Fortunately for me, my windows stayed intact.

The play actually goes into the father-child relationships that exist in this new world. Harry & Albus; Draco & Scorpius, Cedric & Amos Diggory; and one other that I can't tell you about without spoiling the book! The entire idea is: who is really the cursed child? Is it the one who's father is insanely famous (I mean, how do you live up to that pressure!)? Or is it the one who's father has an awful reputation as a death eater in world where Voldemort has been vanquished (should you be evil now or good?)? The story deals with adolescence and growing up and learning to make decisions that will affect everyone else more than yourself. Things that we watched Harry deal with as he grew older, and that's so fascinating to watch him deal with as a father.

If you're a fan of the series, I'd definitely recommend these two plays (combined in one book). Nothing will ever live up to the fantasy we enjoyed living/breathing/reading about in Hogwarts, but this is a great second best!

4 out of 5 stars!

Review: The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Author: Agatha Christie
Publisher: Deodand
Published: First published October, 1920!
Paperback, 294 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In her first published mystery, Agatha Christie introduces readers to the heroic detective, Hercule Poirot. This is a classic murder mystery set in the outskirts of Essex. The victim is the wealthy mistress of Styles Court. The list of suspects is long and includes her gold-digging new spouse and stepsons, her doctor, and her hired companion.

I think I can safely say that this is the oldest book to be reviewed on GCR! And I know you're taking a look at this title, and you're thinking to yourself, "Why on earth is Maria reading a book from 1920?!" Well, let me tell you!

My best friend (a true YA Dystopian fanatic) has recently become obsessed with Agatha Christie. She was turned on to it by a friend of hers, who probably was turned onto it from a friend of hers, and so on...Either way, she could not stop raving about this author. Now, I've certainly heard of Agatha Christie, but I had yet to read any of her books. So, why not start now?

I have to say -- I was so pleasantly surprised! This is such a classic murder mystery that you can't help but feel like you're trapped in a game of CLUE. The story starts out with the rich old mistress of Styles Court who has recently married a much younger man. Of course, most of the family hate him, and think he's only after their mother for her money. And then, just a few chapters in, as to be expected, the mistress is murdered! (Dun-Dun-Dun) So...who did it? Was it her greedy stepsons? Was it her new husband? Was it one of the maids?

I've got to hand it to Ms. Christie, though. As a kid who grew up loving Encyclopedia Brown and Sherlock Holmes, I was certain that I'd solve this mystery in an instant. Boy was I wrong! She had me guessing, doubting, and accusing at every turn. And in the end, it was NOT who I expected it to be!

If you have some spare time, and you're looking for something to read that's unlike anything you've read before, give Agatha Christie a try. Either start with this book or pick any of her other famous novels. I'm positive you won't be disappointed!

5 out of 5 stars!

Review: The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

Title: The Glass Arrow
Author: Kristen Simmons
Publisher: Tor Teen (Macmillan)
Published: February 10, 2015
Hardcover, 334 pgs

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder. In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

First off, I need to point out that I am a huge fan of Kristen Simmons. Her Article 5 novels had me captivated throughout each book and I was actually sad when I realized that they had to end. So when I happened to come across this novel, it easily found its way to the top of my "to be read" pile.

The Glass Arrow is one of the most unique novels I've read in a long time. It is set in a world where women are treated no better than the dirt on the bottom of your shoe. They are in the world to serve as toys for men -- to give them children and then to be thrown aside like trash. Through each of the female characters you meet, it's fascinating to watch how the effects of living in such a world play out. There are some who embrace the life they've been brought into. There are others who would rather die than suffer through it. And then, there's Aya -- who doesn't want to go either way. Aya is determined to get out of the situation, no matter what she has to do. She is determined to find her family and escape.

I adore Aya's character. From the very beginning, she is intelligent, introspective, and a hardcore fighter. While she has moments where she's afraid of what might happen to her, she always fights through the fear in order to accomplish her goals. But all the while, she never stops caring for others. She cares about the mute boy she meets while in solitary confinement. She cares about the girls who are trapped with her, even though they always treat her horribly. And she even cares about her female captor -- always wondering what happened in her life to make her act the way she does.

The Glass Arrow is a very quick read, with even a bit of romance thrown in, that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. The concept is new and different, and for that reason alone, you should give it a try. It will be well worth your time!

5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Title: Jurassic Park
Author: Michael Crichton
Published: June 10, 1991
Publisher: Ballantine Books (Random House)
Paperback: 399 pages

GoodReads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

A billionaire has created a technique to clone dinosaurs. From the DNA that his crack team of scientists extract, he is able to grow the dinosaurs in his laboratories and lock them away on an island behind electric fences, creating a sort of theme park. He asks a group of scientists from several different fields to come and view the park, but something goes terribly wrong when a worker on the island turns traitor and shuts down the power.

I know...I know...this is a random book to find on Good Choice Reading!

Jurassic Park is over 25 years old (time flies, doesn't it?) and I've already watched the movie more times than I can count. But one day, while I was sitting on the couch watching the latest remake of the film, I wondered whether the book would be better than the movie. Now, we all know that most books are infinitely better than their films, but Jurassic Park is such a phenomenal movie, could the book actually top it?

Yes, yes it could.

This book is everything you love about Jurassic Park and more. Interestingly, most of the movie stayed quite true to the book, with no major plot points changed. But the book had even more action, more intensity, and more gore!

This book turned me into a true Michael Crichton fan. Don't be surprised if you see more books on GCR by this late, great author. I've already added all his novels to my to-be-read pile! Crichton's writing style is so unique and fun to read. He cuts off his characters in the middle of their thoughts; He keeps his descriptions short and to the point (which allows the reader to really use their imagination to fill in the blanks); and it's just so damn educated. He will blow you away with his facts and figures -- you would think he were ready to go and build Jurassic Park right then and there.

But my favorite part of his writing is the commentary Crichton makes on life and the world, in general. This book focuses on the actual moral implications of creating a park like Jurassic Park. Should we do something like this? Should we be playing God? It really makes you think about every angle and every side.

Seriously, if you like the movie, read the book. You will not regret it!

5 out of 5 stars!

Bonus: I found this on the website for Jurassic Park:  

In His Own Words

I wrote a screenplay about cloning a pterodactyl from fossil DNA in 1983, but the story wasn’t convincing. I worked on it for several years since, trying to make it more credible. Finally I decided on a theme park setting, and wrote a novel from the point of view of a young boy who was present when the dinosaurs escaped. I then sent the book to the usual people who read my first drafts.

Over the years, I’ve come to rely on five or six people who read my drafts; generally they have a range of responses. Not this time. They were all in agreement: they hated Jurassic Park.

I got angry reactions such as, “Why would you write a book like this?” But when I asked them to explain exactly why they hated it, they couldn’t put their finger on anything in particular. They just hated it, that’s all. Hated every bit of it.

I wrote another draft. They hated that one, too. Just as strongly as the one before. Whatever I had done in the latest draft, it hadn’t helped.

I wrote another draft, but the result remained the same.

Finally one of the readers said that they were irritated with the story because they wanted it to be from an adult point of view, not a kid point of view. They said, “I want this to be a story for me.” Meaning for an adult.

So I rewrote it as an adult story.

And then everybody liked it.