A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King

A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King is a novel about superheroes, very much like a comic book, but in novel form. This uniquely blended novel also features beautiful illustrations of the story throughout the book.

Book Description

“A tour de force debut novel from a former CIA counterterrorism officer, A Once Crowded Sky fuses bombastic, comic-book-style storytelling with modern literary fiction. Supermen stripped of their powers must wrestle danger in a world without heroes.” – A Once Crowded Sky

My Thoughts

A Once Crowded Sky is a novel mixed with the soul of a comic book. King has weaved the two together in a very unique way. He is able to capture the story as a novel, and also add in beautiful illustrations for the characters in the story. I would have liked more of the illustrations (and in color), but I’ll take what I can get.

This is an exciting superhero comic book style story. It features characters that are well formed, and a very readable storyline about humanity that fans of this genre will appreciate. Superheroes that gave up their powers for the good of humanity is the main reason that they made the sacrifice, but you’ll learn about them in inspiring and detailed ways throughout the novel.

I enjoyed reading this book, and imagine that it could be turned into a brilliant movie. If you are a fan of comic books or movies based off those stories, I think that you would enjoy this novel. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of A Once Crowded Sky, Touchstone, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Revolution Was Televised by Alan Sepinwall

The Revolution Was Televised by Alan Sepinwall is a look at twelve of television dramas that changed the way we view TV and society as a whole. This is a great book for fans of these series, and a good guide for good TV series to catch up on.

Book Description

“In The Revolution Was Televised, celebrated TV critic Alan Sepinwall chronicles the remarkable transformation of the small screen over the past fifteen years. Focusing on twelve innovative television dramas that changed the medium and the culture at large forever, including The Sopranos, Oz, The Wire, Deadwood, The Shield, Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 24, Battlestar Galactica, Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad, Sepinwall weaves his trademark incisive criticism with highly entertaining reporting about the real-life characters and conflicts behind the scenes. 

Drawing on interviews with writers David Chase, David Simon, David Milch, Joel Surnow and Howard Gordon, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, and Vince Gilligan, among others, along with the network executives responsible for green-lighting these groundbreaking shows, The Revolution Was Televised is the story of a new golden age in TV, one that’s as rich with drama and thrills as the very shows themselves.” – The Revolution Was Televised

My Thoughts

The Revolution Was Televised is a book about the important television shows that changed our culture. The author has the dream job for fans of TV – he gets to watch it and write about it for a living! I’m not gonna lie, I am jealous. I can only dream of having such an awesome job that would actually pay for everything I need.

The TV critic focuses down on his top picks of shows that changed TV and our culture forever. The top twelve include:  and Breaking Bad.

I am a big fan of quite a few listed, namely The Sopranos, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Lost. I even have those as a complete collection on DVD. As I said, I am a big fan of great television. I have seen the others, at least an episode here and there, and I had of course heard of them. You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard of at least one of these shows.

The sections on the shows capture the history of them, the people involved that made it so amazing, and why it meant so much for our culture. These shows really did change how we view TV and revolutionized what was accepted in our society as a whole.

There are many interesting facts and behind the scenes information that fans of these TV series will enjoy reading. If you haven’t seen the series that you are reading about, it may make you want to go watch it, too. For me though, it made me want to pull out my DVDs of my favorite shows and watch them all over again.

Fans of TV will definitely appreciate this book. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Revolution Was Televised, Touchstone, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Death By Living by N.D. Wilson

Death By Living by N.D. Wilson is a beautifully written book about life, death, and what is in-between. This is the type of book that gets us to look at our life right now and start cherishing the moments we are having right now.

Book Description

“A poetic portrait of faith, futility, and the joy of this mortal life.

In this astoundingly unique book, best-selling author N.D. Wilson reminds each of us that to truly live we must recognize that we are dying. Every second we create more of our past—more decisions, more breathing, more love, and more loathing. All of it slides by into the gone as we race to grab at more moments, at more memories made and already fading.

 We are all authors, creators of our own pasts, of the books that will be our lives. We stare at the future or obsess about the present, but only the past has been set in stone, and we are the ones setting it. When we race across the wet concrete of time without purpose, without goals, without laughter and love and sacrifice, then we fail in our mortal moment. We race toward our inevitable ends without artistry and without beauty.

 All of us must pause and breathe. See the past, see your life as the fruit of providence and thousands of personal narratives. What led to you? You did not choose where to set your feet in time. You choose where to set them next.

 Then we must see the future, not just to stare into the fog of distant years but to see the crystal choices as they race toward us in this sharp foreground we call the present. We stand in the now. God says create. Live. Choose. Shape the past. Etch your life in stone, and what you make will be forever.” – Death By Living

My Thoughts

Death By Living is a book with a deep vision that shows us that we are living and dying all at the same time. It is the one place we will all end up in the end, and something we cannot escape. What we do right now is what sets the pace for our life’s journey, and what happens in the future depends on right now.

The author excellently captures the past, present, and future in everyday situations and objects. He brings in humor to the book in unexpected ways that you will want to read out loud to others to share. It is an brilliant use of prose that is meant to be shared with others.

This book does reference the gospel, but not in the preachy annoying way that some books do. This one is able to be truly enjoyed, and I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Death By Living, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review as part of their Booksneeze program. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan

The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan is the real historical account of the women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II. It was a home to 75,000 people who worked secretly on the project, not even knowing what they were working on for the government. Read about this important and sadly forgotten part of American history in this book.

Book Description

“At the height of World War II, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was home to 75,000 residents, consuming more electricity than New York City. But to most of the world, the town did not exist. Thousands of civilians—many of them young women from small towns across the South—were recruited to this secret city, enticed by solid wages and the promise of war-ending work. Kept very much in the dark, few would ever guess the true nature of the tasks they performed each day in the hulking factories in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. That is, until the end of the war—when Oak Ridge’s secret was revealed.

Drawing on the voices of the women who lived it—women who are now in their eighties and nineties—The Girls of Atomic City rescues a remarkable, forgotten chapter of American history from obscurity. Denise Kiernan captures the spirit of the times through these women: their pluck, their desire to contribute, and their enduring courage.” – The Girls of Atomic City

My Thoughts

The Girls of Atomic City is a history lesson that is interesting, memorable, and shows a part of America’s past that I never knew happened until I read this book. It is extremely well researched and executed to make this a fascinating book that I couldn’t put down.

I really enjoyed how this story was told through the memories of the women who worked in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during the time it was in use during World War II. This made it more readable and personal. The nine women featured in the book represent the thousands that worked there, but their stories are the ones heard, and helped to bring this part of history back to life.

This is a book that all women should read. It represents what some women were doing during World War II, but shows how women were strong leaders and helped to fight the war, too. I enjoyed reading this very much, and will probably read it again in the future. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Girls of Atomic City, Touchstone, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble

Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble is a good beach read perfect to read this summer. This novel is perfect for fans of Southern style chic-lit and those who enjoy a good romance.

Book Description

“Devastated by tragedy during her last project, documentarian Abbie Sinclair seeks refuge with three octogenarian siblings, who live in a looming plantation house at the edge of the world.

South Carolina’s Stargazey Point used to be a popular family beach resort, but the beaches have eroded, most of the businesses have closed, and the crowds have gone. It's the perfect place to hide from the rest of world.

But hiding is harder than she thought it would be. There's a wise Gullah woman who seems to see into Abbie's soul, and an intriguing man on a quest to bring Stargazey Point back to life.” – Stargazey Point

My Thoughts

Stargazey Point is a feel good summer read about a woman who rediscovers friendship, love, and herself. Abbie’s journey from tragedy to a sleepy seaside town is not that original. However, the story is written very well and of course, unique to the characters that live in it.

The characters were all well written and interesting pieces of the novel. However, they were a bit predictable. I did appreciate Abbie’s character starting over and gaining a new perspective in life to get it right this time. Although it wasn’t anything too dramatic or unexpected, I liked it.  

The setting is also a beautiful backdrop to the story, which is detailed beautifully and should not be overlooked. The author does a very good job at making you feel like you are there watching everything unfold in the story.

This is a great beach read that can easily be enjoyed in a weekend. If you enjoy good Southern chic-lit, this would be a great book for you to read. I recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Stargazey Point, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Curiosity by Stephen P. Kiernan

The Curiosity by Stephen P. Kiernan is a thought provoking novel about a man frozen in ice that wakes up a century later. The world has completely changed, but many things have still remained the same. Can society accept him as he is, or just treat him like a science experiment?

Book Description

“Dr. Kate Philo and her scientific exploration team make a breathtaking discovery in the Arctic: the body of a man buried deep in the ice. Remarkably, the frozen man is brought back to the lab and successfully reanimated. As the man begins to regain his memories, the team learns that he was—is—a judge, Jeremiah Rice, and the last thing he remembers is falling overboard into the Arctic Ocean in 1906.
 
Thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, Kate and Jeremiah grow closer. But the clock is ticking and Jeremiah’s new life is slipping away...and all too soon, Kate must decide how far she is willing to go to protect the man she has come to love.” – The Curiosity

My Thoughts

Although there is a love story in this novel, it is also a very satirical look at our times. I really enjoyed reading this story because it is so unique, and incredibly well written. The characters, plot, and overall story is excellent.

This novel is told from the perspective of many different characters. While that does a good job of getting to know the story from different points of view, it didn’t help me to really connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. Sometimes the multiple point of views works, and sometimes it falls flat. This novel’s use of it fell somewhere in the middle for me.

I liked the mesh of real science and science fiction in the novel in regards to the reanimation plot. It makes for a good story, and something similar could very well happen for real in the future. The author’s use of religious protests against it, is also a very real concern with the science behind it as well.

This is a book that I definitely recommend. It is a good read for fans of science fiction, love stories, and anyone who likes to push the boundaries a little bit.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Curiosity, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

True Angel Stories by Diana Cooper

True Angel Stories by Diana Cooper is a book filled with 777 uplifting stories about angels, unicorns, orbs, and much more. Read about these angelic experiences in this book, and also learn how to have your own angelic stories to help you along your journey in life.

Book Description

“A touching collection, this inspirational book of 777 true angel stories explores how angels can transform lives through exercises and visualizations that readers can practice on their own. Stories discuss guardian angels, feathers, signs, rainbows, prayers, numbers and names, unicorns, orbs, and much more, making this the ultimate angel compendium.” – True Angel Stories

My Thoughts

True Angel Stories is an inspiring book by one of the best authors about the angelic realm, Diana Cooper. Each of the stories included in this book are accounts of people’s experiences with angels around the world. They are short, but uplifting and honest accounts of how the angels influence our lives, even when we don’t expect them to.

If you enjoy reading stories from people about their personal angelic experiences, this would be an excellent book for you to read. I enjoyed reading it and definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of True Angel Stories, Findhorn Press, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

City of Hope by Kate Kerrigan

City of Hope by Kate Kerrigan is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s. It is about Irish immigrants, New York City, and the Great Depression.

Book Description

“The heartrending and inspiring sequel to Ellis Island, Kate Kerrigan's City of Hope is an uplifting story of a woman truly ahead of her time

When her beloved husband suddenly dies, young Ellie Hogan decides to leave Ireland and return to New York, where she worked in the 1920s. She hopes that the city will distract her from her anguish. But the Great Depression has rendered the city unrecognizable. Gone are the magic and ambiance that once captured Ellie's imagination.

Plunging headfirst into a new life, Ellie pours her passion and energy into running a refuge for the homeless. Her calling provides the love, support, and friendship she needs in order to overcome her grief—until, one day, someone Ellie never thought she'd see again steps through her door. It seems that even the vast Atlantic Ocean isn't enough to keep the tragedies of the past from catching up with her.” – City of Hope

My Thoughts

City of Hope is the sequel to Ellis Island. However, I don’t feel that you have to have read the first to enjoy this book. The author does a good job catching up the story for the readers, but as with all books in a series, it never hurts to go back and read the previous ones, too.

I really like how this was a historical novel about Ireland and the United States during a period of time that was in turmoil for many of the characters. The author shows her passion about the Irish immigrants during the 1900s beautifully in this book. It isn’t all cheery, there are many sad parts, but it is very real.

As someone who enjoys history and historical fiction, I enjoyed reading this novel. I appreciate the author’s research and passion for both Ireland and the United States during this time. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of City of Hope, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a debut novel that is funny, but also has a very real look at self-esteem, and how society plays a role in it. This story has humor, romance, and inspires us all to live a little bit more today than we were yesterday.

Book Description

“A rollicking, sensuous, feel-good romantic comedy about a grieving young widow who decides to get in shape, and winds up getting her groove back—and a whole lot more!

Holly didn't expect to be a widow at thirty-two. She also didn't expect to be so big. After her husband's death, food was the one thing she could always count on. Now, those extra pounds make flying coach feel like medieval torture—especially when she's squished next to Logan Montgomery. A personal trainer to famous pro athletes, her seatmate is so hot that he makes Holly sweat in all the right (and so embarrassingly wrong!) places.

Though Holly doesn't make the grade on Logan's first-impression meter, he finds himself intrigued by her sharp wit and keen insights—a welcome change from the high-maintenance models he dates—so he impulsively offers to get her back in shape. A little skeptical but ready to make at least one positive change in her life, Holly agrees.

To Logan's (and her own) surprise, Holly turns out to be a natural in the gym, slimming down into a bona fide looker with killer curves—and a new kind of hunger. Before either of them can stop it, the easy intimacy of their training sessions leads to even more steamy workouts away from the gym.

Logan's best friends, professional baseball player Chase Walker and his wife, Amanda, see that this is more than a fling, even if Logan and Holly don't. But can a man whose whole life depends on looks commit himself to a woman who doesn't fit his ideal? Now that Holly's turning other men's heads, does she even need Logan anymore? Are they a couple built to last or destined to fizzle?” – Big Girl Panties

My Thoughts

Big Girl Panties is a funny, feel good kind of novel that is destined (at least in my opinion) to be a best-selling movie one day. It is smartly written with the right amount of humor in it to not be annoying. The sentences aren’t overly descriptive, and it is just a good read all around.

I really enjoyed the character of Holly. She is funny, smart, has some issues, and she puts on her big girl panties and deals with them. Sure, a part of the book is about body image and how she lost weight. However, that is not what made her the woman she becomes in the novel. She regained her self-esteem and became a much healthier and happy version of herself form when you first met her in the story.

I’m very happy with this debut novel by Stephanie Evanovich and can’t wait to see what she writes next! I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Big Girl Panties, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Original 1982 by Lori Carson

The Original 1982 by Lori Carson is the debut novel by the author. This is the type of book that is not only a great read, but also gets us to look at ourselves and wonder “what if”?

Book Description

“It's 1982, and Lisa is twenty-four years old, a waitress, an aspiring singer-songwriter, and the girlfriend to a famous musician. That year, she makes a decision, almost without thinking about it.

But what would have happened if she had chosen differently? Thirty years later, haunted by regret, Lisa revisits her past to reimagine it.

Alternating between two very different possibilities, The Original 1982 is a novel about how the choices we make affect the people we become—and about how the people we are affect the choices we make.” – The Original 1982

My Thoughts

The Original 1982 is a novel about the choices we make in life, and “what if” we made a different choice. This story is written around the same woman, Lisa, but in two different timelines where her big choice leaves her in two very different situations in life.

This is Lori Carson’s first novel, and I was really surprised by how well it was thought out, and beautifully transcribed. The sentences aren’t overly written. They are to the point, and this is something I really like. I don’t need a whole page to describe someone’s shirt or the sunrise. The characters are also memorable and realistic.

You can also take the heart of the story and think back to sometime in your own life that you made a big choice, and think what would have happened if you had done the opposite of your original choice. Stories that leave you thinking about your own life is what truly moves me as a reader, and Lori Carson captured this perfectly.

I highly recommend this novel for everyone to read.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Original 1982, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.