NO ONE CARED is the recently released novella by the author, Chemistry. Featuring fifteen-year old Zaria, a rape victim, Chemistry brings a tidal waveNO ONE CARED is the recently released novella by the author, Chemistry. Featuring fifteen-year old Zaria, a rape victim, Chemistry brings a tidal wave of emotions in less than 100 pages. Zaria was raped as an eight-year old girl and is now struggling with coming to terms with her abuse and being bullied as a teenager.
Chemistry presents readers with a unique view into a topic that few people care to touch. I will admit, it was hard to read at times, but it tugged at my heartstrings and left me reeling.
Over the course of the novella, we follow Zaria through a series of abuse, anger and betrayal. We watch her trying to find herself a midst – and in spite of – her past.
I would highly recommend this novella to parents and teens that are dealing with the effects of rape and/or bullying as both concepts are extremely well fleshed out and or if you are just looking for a quick read that you cannot put down.
Even more, I can honestly say I wish it had been a full-length novel....more
I was initially intrigued by this book because of the fact that it takes place in 1918 – right when Spanish Influenza was sweeping across the world, lI was initially intrigued by this book because of the fact that it takes place in 1918 – right when Spanish Influenza was sweeping across the world, leaving thousands dead in every city.
Cleo Berry is an interesting main character. She is in no way a damsel in distress; she is actually quite the opposite. When her school is shut down due to the epidemic and her brother/guardian is on vacation, Cleo spins a tale too her school and family that allows her to stay home…alone. This is totally unheard of at this time. Cleo shows how difficult it is for a young girl to survive on her own, yet how much she can accomplish when unhindered.
Cleo discovers a passion deep inside herself to help the families and victims devastated by the epidemic. By signing up as a Red Cross volunteer, she is risking her life, health, and everything she holds dear. None of that serves as a deterrent to the deep pull inside of her. As a reader, you see her struggle with every decision and can’t help but let yourself wonder what you would do if you were in her position.
Cleo develops strong friendships with the other volunteers and one of the young medical students. Throughout a novel that has heartbreaking scenes, bittersweet friendships, and new love, we see a girl grow up in a matter of weeks. She learns that it is better to give of herself than shy away and that sometimes the greatest risks really are worth taking.
Despite several graphic scenes, this is one title I would definitely recommend getting as soon as it releases.
The Summer of Letting Go was another phenomenal novel by author Gae Polisner. I fell in love with her previous title, The Pull of Gravity; however, I The Summer of Letting Go was another phenomenal novel by author Gae Polisner. I fell in love with her previous title, The Pull of Gravity; however, I strongly felt like I loved this next book even more.
The main character, Francesca a.k.a. "Frankie", is so easy to relate to and you can totally sympathize with her family's struggle with losing her little brother in a tragic accident.
Frankie soon meets little Frankie Sky at the pool and takes over as his summer babysitter. Frankie Sky is laugh out loud funny, tender, and sweet - everything Frankie needs to cope with her brother's death. I loved Frankie Sky so much that I wanted to pluck him straight from the pages so I could have him for myself. He truly made the book stand out as one of the best I've read this year.
While this sounds like a sad novel (have Kleenex handy!), it's that and so much more. Gae does a wonderful job of creating real characters and a striking, realistic plot that leaves you speechless and breathless, all at the same time. This is a perfect, quick read, and one that you'll really devour in one sitting! GR: Victoria Lucas...more
Anyone who knows me at all can tell you that THE GREAT GATSBY is my all-time favorite book. When I saw that GREAT was a re-telling of the famed AmericAnyone who knows me at all can tell you that THE GREAT GATSBY is my all-time favorite book. When I saw that GREAT was a re-telling of the famed American classic, I was beyond thrilled and couldn’t wait to start reading.
My excitement was short lived, sadly. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the book, as I read it in one sitting. I just had to know how Benincasa was going to pull off the re-telling.
The characters are similarly named, but are many times gender-switched. Instead of Jay Gatsby, we are presented with Jasinta; and instead of Nick Carraway, we have Naomi Rye. The parties in the Hamptons are similarly wild and dramatic, but the love triangle has a very unique twist…it is one where Jacinta falls in love with the untouchable Delilah, introducing a dramatic same-sex relationship.
Benincasa does a great job of developing the characters, but the similarities between GREAT and THE GREAT GATSBY were few and far between. Things felt familiar, but you could honestly forget you were reading a Gatsby re-telling. The writing was wonderful, the plot just missed being…well, GREAT.
This book will likely be an affront to hardcore fans of THE GREAT GATSBY, but those not familiar with the original classic will find this drama riveting and exciting.
In THE SILENT WIFE, we are introduced to Jodi and Todd, a seemingly happily married couple in their mid-forties. Todd is a self-made, wealthy contractIn THE SILENT WIFE, we are introduced to Jodi and Todd, a seemingly happily married couple in their mid-forties. Todd is a self-made, wealthy contractor/builder and Jodi is a part time psychologist, whom sees patients in her home office.
A.S.A. Harrison took a very interesting approach to telling the story and does so by writing each chapter from alternating points of view. This lets the reader make their own conclusions about who is making the "right decisions" in the relationship as they are presented with both sided equally. From Jodi's side, we see a loving and devoted wife who is happy to cook and clean, loves nothing more than to dote on her husband and thrives on keeping their home pristine. Alternately, Todd has grown comfortable in this lifestyle and just a bit restless, leading him to stray to other women. Despite his love for Jodi and all she does for him, he cannot help the temptation by another woman.
When Jodi learns of the indiscretion, she realizes she must keep her life and home together - at all costs. Jodi is a very strong character and Harrison lets her grow as a person as she has to overcome each burden and obstacle she encounters on this journey.
A.S.A. Harrison's writing comes off a little distant in the beginning, as it is written in the third person present tense, but that is soon overlooked as her strikingly intelligent use of words builds a story that becomes impossible to put down. As you progress further into the story, you cannot turn the pages fast enough and Harrison never stops throwing surprises at you until the very end.
I was a bit concerned that THE SILENT WIFE would have a cliffhanger ending and require a sequel, but Harrison tied up all loose strings and the ending was as satisfying as it was surprising.
A.S.A. Harrison is the author of four non-fiction novels. THE SILENT WIFE is her first fiction novel. She passed away in April 2013, before the book's release. --GR.Victoria Lucas...more
Wow! Where do I begin? Not only is this instant "cover-love" for me, it is also described as "The It Girl meets The Exorcist". That alone had me wantiWow! Where do I begin? Not only is this instant "cover-love" for me, it is also described as "The It Girl meets The Exorcist". That alone had me wanting to grab this book immediately.
POSSESSIONS is about a girl, Lindsay, sent to a boarding school following a nervous breakdown. Lindsay thinks she can start a new life here, only to discover eerie happenings, ghostly pranks, and rumors that the school is a centuries-old, former insane asylum for wayward girls - and an operating theater with evidence lobotomies were performed.
Now Lindsay is left to wonder if the events of the academy are real - girls are being possessed by the spirits of these long-dead wayward girls, or if she is losing her mind...again. I will admit, I DO NOT scare easily, but this book thoroughly creeped me out. I found myself turning on the hallway light if I had to get out of bed at night because I was just so on edge. This book is amazing. It is truly hard to find a SCARY book (especially one that is not cheesy), but this one really is frightening.
Plus, the addition of Lindsay's history of a nervous breakdown made all of the events intensified in their significance. As a reader, you wonder if she is truly experiencing delusions or if the eerie, ghostly occurrences really are haunting the academy. You are taken for a wild ride as Lindsay sets out to prove the reality of these horrors and set things straight.
Nancy Holder wraps up the story nicely, but leaves just enough open to make you need the sequel right after you turn the last page of POSSESSIONS. This is the first book in a trilogy – POSSESSIONS is followed by THE EVIL WITHIN and THE SCREAMING SEASON. Go, get it now! It's perfect for this time of year! --GR.Victoria Lucas...more
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