"The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"Sometimes you don't look very hard for things you don't believe will or can happen."
- James Dashner, The Maze Runner

Yet again, I read a book thinking it was a stand alone, and it was the beginning of a series. There is only one thing wrong with that: I get to the end...and it's NOT the end! I have no closure whatsoever, and I'm shocked beyond all belief. Upon finishing the book, I literally threw my hands into the air and screamed, "NNNOOOOOOOO!!!" I desperately was longing for more information, but that will come in the following books.

I honestly had never heard of this book until I saw the trailer for it in theaters. At the end of the trailer the words "Based on the novel by James Dashner" appeared. I knew the movie was being released very soon, so I thought "challenge accepted." I finished the book in the parking lot minutes before the film started, so I'd say that's a success.

Thomas was scared. He woke up in a box surrounded by other boys about his age staring at him. He was in a place that seemed vaguely familiar, but he wasn't quite sure about it. In fact, he wasn't sure about anything. He had no memory of anything before that moment. The boys around him told him he was in The Glade, whatever that meant. They had been living there for 2 years, but none of them remembered anything before arriving at The Glade either. How did they all get here? Even more important, how do they get out?

The number one rule in The Glade was to not go beyond the walls. So how do you find a way to escape if you don't try to leave? Turns out, there is a maze beyond the walls of The Glade. Only certain boys, called Runners, were allowed into the maze. They ran through the maze, studied it, mapped it, memorized it, trying to find one thing to get them out. Something inside of Thomas was telling him that he wanted to be a Runner. More than anything.

Soon after Thomas started to understand the ways of The Glade, things began to change. Everything was always consistent in The Glade, so why are things changing? Why now? Why does Thomas start to feel like things are familiar to him? Why does everyone think things are Thomas's fault? Is it? All Thomas knows is that he wants to find a way out and find a way back home, wherever that was.

Read The Maze Runner to find out if Thomas and the rest of the boys escape The Glade.

If you read my reviews regularly, you know that I'm a sucker for good vocabulary. James Dashner had an incredible way with words, and that is one of the things that drew me to his story so quickly. The plot of the story was very interesting, and his attention to detail was fascinating. He would never leave out a single detail.

The Maze Runner was a gripping, action-packed novel that I would suggest for any age. The content was not tainted in any way, and language was very minimal, if there was language at all.

As I mentioned earlier, I watched the movie immediately after finishing the book. Although I felt that key points of the book were omitted from the production, it was still an entertaining and well-made film.

The film has more language than the book, but I still think it is appropriate for most ages. There is violence and tons of action, just like the book, but it is something the entire family can enjoy.

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"The Giver" - Lois Lowry

“It’s just that, without the memories…it’s all meaningless.”

Lois Lowry – The Giver

 

Several readers were demanding that I read this. So, hey…. I read it! I appreciate your suggestions and you all made a very good one! It was especially refreshing after the last book I read!

I understand that the movie released several weeks ago, but I have not seen it just yet. I will probably be going to see it soon, and I will let you know how it compares. Just by watching the trailer, I can tell it's been altered tremendously.

Jonas was a young boy in his community, not unlike all of the other young boys. That was “normal,” though – to be the same as everyone else. It’s how the community functioned. It’s how the community survived.

There was, however, one thing that set Jonas apart from all of the other kids. His eyes were lighter than everyone else’s. He didn’t think about it much because he hardly ever looked in the mirror, but he was aware that everyone else saw that when they looked at him.

December was approaching, meaning he was about to be assigned a career. He would become a Twelve, along with the rest of his classmates, and that is when everyone receives their career assignments. For the first 11 years of their lives, they were observed, and by these observations, their careers would be determined.

It was obvious what some kids would be assigned to because it was clear that they were passionate about one thing. Jonas wasn’t so sure what his assignment would be. He had volunteered in almost every career, and never had a special interest in any of them. To Jonas’s surprise, and the entire communities, Jonas would receive the one assignment that he would have never even guessed.

When I started this book, I was surprised how similar it was to Divergent by Veronica Roth. I never read this book, but I saw the movie. The movie was extraordinary, so I’m sure the book was ten times better. Anyway, the community situations were extremely similar.

I went into this book expecting it to be spectacular, because I’ve only heard incredible things about this book. Several people that have told me about this book read the book several times.

I agree with them! It was a great book; however, I won’t lie – I absolutely HATED the ending! I despised it! I want to shut a book with a sense of closure. I want to be sure of where all of the characters stand, and I want a clear sense of what is going on. When I shut the back cover of The Giver I had no idea what just happened. I didn’t know what to think or what to feel. I just simply... didn’t know.

The book is not a stand-alone. It is the first in a series of four books. That could be the reason that the book does not come to a solid close.

Considering that the book is a young adult novel, it was very insightful and shows that we take a lot of things in our lives for granted. The writing is very simple, but – here again – it IS written for a younger audience.

There really is no age restriction for this book. It really just depends on a child’s reading level.

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"The Man With the Golden Torc" by Simon R. Green

"If we could all see the world as it truly is, all the time, we couldn't bear to live in it...Ignorance can be bliss."
- Simon R. Green, The Man With the Golden Torc

I realize that I read a lot of girly books, so I decided to read a book for all the manly nerds out there. My friend suggested this book to me because he reads a lot, and this book series was one of his favorites. My friend is a total nerd (which I love); however, when the term "elf lord" was used on page 2, I should have realized I was crossing over to the dork side -- hardcore.

To the average world, he was Shaman Bond, but in reality, he was Eddie Drood. Eddie fought all of the things that we think aren't real: ghosts, demons, witches, magic, etc. There is a whole other world that the average eye cannot see, and Eddie, along with the entire Drood family intend to keep it that way.

Eddie has been trained his whole life to do as the family said: protect the world and fight for good. Or so he thought. Suddenly, Eddie was declared as rogue, and he didn't know why. He had done everything the family said. Sure, he did it in a different way than the family would typically do things, but he always did what they wanted him to do. So why were they shutting him out, saying he was a threat, and trying to kill him? With all of the training Eddie has had, he knew he could stay alive, at least long enough to figure out what was going on.

The plot was incredibly interesting, and it intrigued me from the start. Simon Green's imagination shines on each page. There are countless characters, gadgets, spells, magic, and action throughout the entire story. Green added humor in odd places, which made for some good laughs. A lot of the humor was sexual, which I didn't particularly appreciate, because it was unnecessary and irrelevant in most cases. I guess since this is technically a dude book, the sexual humor works for that demographic.

As much as I enjoyed the plot as a whole, I really had to force myself to read the book. I think the plot could have been twisted and turned a little more. Nothing kept me guessing. Some events were random and just really out there. I found myself setting the book down in the middle of a chapter, just to take a break from the "whaaaaaa???" I was constantly thinking.

Because the book is mainly targeting a male audience there isn't much romance, but there is just enough of a hint of a love story to to keep things interesting. There is, however, a lot of fighting and action, so there's that.

Green is English, so his flare of writing is refreshing and colorful. The way he described the world and the situations surrounding the characters is different from the books I am accustomed to reading. It's a great read for the style of writing.

So, for all the male nerds that may stumble across this review,  you may enjoy this type of book. If that is you, there are several more that remain in the series. If you are a special type of female nerd that stumbles across this review, go for it: read the book. But if you typically agree with my reviews: just say no.

For the brave souls that decide to delve into the world of The Man With the Golden Torc, I would say that this book is for anyone 13 and older. There isn't much profanity, and the sexual humor isn't too extreme, but it's not something that anyone under 13 needs to read. I would imagine the book is targeted for those 18 and older, but a younger audience may enjoy it, as well.

Overall, the book gave me mixed feelings, as you can tell. I did the best I could, guys. Maybe some of you can tell me your thoughts on this. Happy reading, folks..maybe..

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"Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett

"It makes you wonder, all the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how."
- Ann Patchett, Bel Canto

This book was not one that was on my "to read" list, but one of my closest friends suggested it for me, so I went for it. I'm always up for suggestions, and I love reading what interests those around me.

For starters, I am not up to par on my music knowledge, and the front cover clearly indicates that music is going to be a major element in the story. I didn't want to ruin the book for myself, so I did not look up the meaning of "bel canto," thinking it would be explained within the story. When it never even mentioned the words, I looked up "bel canto" (Italian) to literally translate to "fine song."

The story begins with a birthday party. There were no clowns or balloons or anything like that. This was a fancy, upscale part for a Japanese businessman, Katsumi Hosokawa. He was the chairman of the largest electronics corporation in Japan, so his party was top notch. Mr. Hosokawa was a huge fan of the opera, particularly a woman named Roxane Coss. She was invited to sing at the party, and for a hefty sum, she did.

As soon as one of her songs ended, the lights went out, and the chaos began. Soldiers were taking over the party, looking for the president of the small Latin American country that was hosting the party. To their surprise, the president was not in attendance, even though he said he would be there. Instead, they took everyone hostage until the government would negotiate with them properly.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. The story tells of all that goes on during their captivity and how so many things changed during those months. Lives changed. Loves changed. Most of the characters discovered things about themselves that they would have never known if they weren't held hostage for all that time. Almost everything changed for the people within the walls of that party.

I won't lie, this book did not make it to my favorites list. I wasn't a big fan. I remember thinking, "Oh, this is finally getting interesting" when I reached page 251. I prefer to be hooked long before I hit that point in a book, especially when that is so close to the end.

The plot had incredible potential, but it just moved slowly. Ann Patchett is an incredible writer. I loved the way she wrote; her language was very fluid, smooth, and lyrical, which is appropriate for the context of the story. I just think more could have been done with the storyline.

Many people disagree with my view on this book, because I saw many reviews where people just ADORED this book. To each his own, of course, but this is not a book that I would typically recommend. Especially because I was so frustrated with the way it ended. I literally had to force myself to sit down and read the book, because I felt like I needed to get it over with. It never sucked me back in, and I never actually WANTED to continue to read it.

As negative as that sounds, I don't necessarily regret reading it, it's just not my cup of tea. Some parts were enjoyable, but I like to read a book that pushes me to turn the page, that I hate to put down. "Bel Canto" was very easy for me to put down.

If you've read this book, I would love to know your thoughts. My friend that gave it to me said it was her favorite book. So, I'd like to know what you guys have to say!

I'd say the content is appropriate for all ages. Anything sexual that is mentioned is understood and left to the imagination. Patchett didn't take anything too far. Minimal profanity is used. I only recall it being used twice, and unfortunately it was the f-word, but I've seen MUCH worse. The reading level is definitely not fit for anyone under 13 I would say, because the vocabulary and writing style is more complicated than a young adult novel.

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"Stripped" by Jud Wilhite

"Too often we mistake grace for weakness, forgiveness for giving in. We see strength only in pointing out sin and stomping on it until it's dead. But in Jesus we find someone who has no paience for those more concerned with enforcing the rules than helping others."

- Jud Wilhite, Stripped

 

This book isn't what you expect when you look at the cover. When you first look at the book, you see the Las Vegas sign, and the title, Stripped. Well, with those togetheAr, I'm sure you're thinking of the stereotypes that define Sin City. The book is about that, but it's about how people are overcoming those sins and finding Jesus.

Jud Wilhite is a pastor at a church in Las Vegas. God called him to move out there, and Stripped tells the accounts of different people he has encountered and the stories they have told him. Of course, since these stories are real and personal, some names have been changed, and some dialogue was fabricated to help tell the stories.

These stories range from adult performers, drug addicts, police officers, and more. Every page reveals God's grace and the power of his forgiveness. It was completely amazing to see how God molded the lives of so many people in this area.

"It is a revolution. And by reaching out to God, you can be part of it...even now. Through God's power and grace, you can become the person He desires you to be. If it can happen in Vegas, it can happen anywhere!"
- Jud Wilhite, Stripped

Stripped is a book that is good for any Christian to read. Many Christians are far too comfortable in their faith, and they seem to forget that we need to reach out to those that we may be scared to reach out to. But if we don't, who will?

It is also a great book for those who are not believers. It shows so much truth of God's promises that He made in Scripture. The entire book is about how non-believers discovered God's love and grace.

God is moving in a mighty way in Las Vegas, a city that most people believe to be consumed in sin. Let's open our eyes: our world is consumed in sin, but that is no match for our Heavenly Father. Like Wilhite said, "If it can happen in Vegas, it can happen anywhere!" 

Stripped is a story that anyone can read, and I strongly encourage everyone to read it!

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What is God doing in your life? Do you have a story of your own? Comment below, if you'd like to share!

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"Maybe Someday" by Colleen Hoover

"My entire body is battling itself. My left brain is telling me this is somehow wrong, my right brain is wanting to hear her sing again, my stomach is nowhere to be found, and my heart is punching itself i the face with one arm and hugging itself with the other."
- Colleen Hoover, Maybe Someday

I waited so long to read this book. Those two months felt like an eternity! Colleen Hoover's Maybe Someday was released in March, but I told myself I could not download it until my semester ended. Therefore, on the first day of my summer, I downloaded it and proceeded to finish the book within two days. Because, honestly, how can you start reading anything by Hoover and actually put it down? I can't, anyway!

Sydney is sitting on her suitcase, in the rain, outside of the apartment that used to be hers (until today), crying. Guess her best friend and her boyfriend were closer than she realized. Oh, did I mention it was her birthday? She turned 22 today. Well, so far, 22 sucks. Her cab finally pulls up, for her to find that she left her purse inside of the apartment where the two people that she really doesn't want to see still are. Great. Now she really can't go anywhere. Crying harder now.

Just as Sydney was about to talk herself into going to get her purse from that dreadful apartment, a girl in a Hooters uniform appears. Weird, what is going on today? The Hooters girl tells her to hurry and get up because she is late for work and she is getting wet. Shocked, confused, and really out of other options, she follows the girl into an apartment just like the one she left, only it had four bedrooms instead of two. The Hooters girl leaves Sydney dripping wet in the living room. A boy comes out of one of the bedrooms, and she is suddenly aware of how see-through her shirt is and how pathetic she must look right now. He brings a blanket and a pillow to the couch for her.

She knows this boy. Ridge is the boy that plays the guitar on his balcony every night at 8 o'clock. She knew he was attractive from across the courtyard, but from across the living room -- WOW. His music is gorgeous, and she could listen to it every day. Okay, she DID listen to it every day. She pretended to go out onto her own balcony to do her homework, but she was actually just going out there to listen to him. She apparently was not good at hiding the fact that she was listening. He caught her, held up a piece of paper with his phone number, made her text him, and they've been talking about music for a couple of weeks now. She has been sharing the lyrics she wrote to his music while listening to him all those nights.  She speaks first, but he says nothing. Okay? Awkward? She speaks again, when she hears her phone. She has a text message. It's from Ridge? Why won't he just talk to me? She opens the message: Ridge is deaf.

Sydney is shocked. She can't believe that this boy is deaf when he creates such incredible music. This just makes him all the more intriguing to her. Maybe someday she will understand the way he hears the music.

Readers, I can't begin to describe to you how perfect this book is! The fact that Hoover chose to make one of the main characters deaf really brings color into the plot, and it's just the twist this love story needs. We can't always be with the one we long for, and Maybe Someday envelopes all of the emotions that comes along with that. While reading this, I noticed that a lot of Hoover's words were things I have thought before, but never knew how to say. She said them with a lyrical beauty, and touched every emotion within me as she did it.

Something unique about this book is that there is a soundtrack that includes all of the songs that the characters wrote together. Ridge and Sydney write songs together throughout the book, as mentioned in my teaser for the story.  Colleen Hoover, along with Griffin Peterson, composed the songs so that the readers could know and feel the songs that characters wrote together. I've listened to the songs, and it really took the book to the next level because hearing the songs makes it more personal than just reading the lyrics. Therefore, I suggest purchasing the soundtrack with the book so that you may hear the songs as they are written throughout the book. Also, it's good music, so it's good to listen to at anytime!

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"Trapped" by Irene Hannon

"He always listens to us, no matter how long it's been since we last spoe iwth him. It's just that we don't always get the answer we want."
-Irene Hannon, Trapped

Laura and her 16-year-old little sister, Darcy, had problems, but what sisters don't?  Darcy moved in with Laura after some family issues, and Darcy wasn't exactly thrilled about it. After giving it a try, Darcy decided to do Laura a favor, and just leave and live with a friend back home. Laura came home from her job at the library to find Darcy's room clean (unusual), and she found a note on the bed, saying that Darcy had run away. Panicked, Laura began to make phone calls while she silently prayed for her sister.

A few days pass with no luck, so Laura decided to hire a private investigator. Laura is aware of the dangers of runaway teens, and the snow storm made her worry for Darcy even more. James Devlin (Dev) was the best PI around, and he would do everything he could to help Laura find Darcy. First, he had to do everything he could to get his mind off of Laura. An agent should not date his client! The sooner he found Darcy, the better; not to mention, he could ask Laura out once the investigation was over.

Laura was completely aware of how attractive Dev was, but she kicked herself for even thinking things like that with her little sister missing! Whatever Laura had to do to find her sister, she would do it. Hopefully, it wouldn't take too long, especially after Dev told her all that could go wrong for Darcy. They had to move quickly.

The snow storm ended up being on Laura and Dev's side. It detained Darcy from leaving the city, so Darcy ended up in a shelter with a girl she met at the bus station. The girl seemed to know the street life, so Darcy trusted her. When the girl was ready to leave the shelter to hit the streets again, Darcy hesitated, not knowing what she should do. She was more comfortable having a friend, but she wasn't sure about leaving the warm shelter. One of the volunteers spoke with her, noticing that she didn't seem to belong with this crowd. He offered to let her stay at his place for a night or two until the storm passed, and he even offered to let her friend join, too.

What does Darcy decide? Do Laura and Dev find her soon? Find out in this romantic suspense novel!

I have to admit, when I heard "romantic suspense," I thought that there was no way that would make sense. I had never heard that combination before, but I was extremely surprised and pleased. This book had me running through pages. I read this book in NO time! I was so into this book, that I would tell my dad about everything that was happening, especially when one of those moments happened where I would gasp aloud. Halfway through the book, I thought that he was getting annoyed, but he came up to me while I was reading and asked me what happened next. He was into it, and he wasn't even reading it! And if my dad is interested, that means it's REALLY good. He is a picky one!

The book alternates points of view frequently, allowing the reader to see every angle of the story, without giving too much away. Even though you see all the sides, you still are on the edge of your seat until the very end. The romance is refreshing and not overbearing. Because it is a Christian novel, the romance side of the book is genuine, fresh, and there are no scenes that make you wish you could cover your eyes. I work in a Christian bookstore, and a lot of the fiction books we sell usually are the same, and I hate to say it, but they are dull. Hannon definitely stands out among Christian authors, creating a story that is truly gripping.

If you aren't a Christian, don't think you should stray from this book. There are times where God is discussed and they pray for Darcy's safety, but Hannon in no way tries to bash the Bible over your head as you read. She uses a gentle touch of grace to show God's love and care in a way that is not overbearing to her readers that are not believers.

Her writing style as a Christian author was not only inspiring, but it was very intelligent. Trust me, you won't want to miss this book!

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