S.T.A.G.S. is the New Secret Society YA Novel

The old adage warns us not to judge a book by its cover which is exactly the opposite of what I did with S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett. The cover grabbed me immediately, with it's chilling juxtaposition of high class decor and the gun scope marking. I was instantly intrigued.

The novel takes place in a fancy English boarding school where the cool kids, a.k.a. The Medievals,  shun technology and opt instead for a weekend of "Huntin' Shootin' Fishin'".  Without giving too much away, this book exceeded my expectations and brought new life into the thriller/suspense YA genre. Despite one gruesome scene, the book was a fast paced read that would find a place onto anyone who enjoys secret society type novels.

Long Black Veil Failed to Grab Me

I usually stick with a book even if it doesn't grab me. This year, however, I made a reading resolution to put the book down if it didn't hook me by the halfway point. Unfortunately the first book to not make the cut for me was the acclaimed novel, Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan.

It sounded like a book I would enjoy. However it never really turned it to what I thought it would be. I was hoping for a thriller but it just ended up being an overly pretentious yawn-fest. Skip it.

Southern Gothic Thriller Hits All the Right Marks

When I started reading the novel The Breathless by Tara Goedjen, I did not know it was geared to young adults. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize it was a YA novel at all until after I finished and I went online to read other people's opinions of the book. In no way am I suggesting that YA books are any less entertaining than other thrillers, but this one really blew me away. As a reader it pulled me right in and kept me at arm's length for the four days it took me to finish.

The book does center around teenagers which is probably why it lends itself well to the YA category but the story is so much more than your typical teenager thriller. Set in and around an old antebellum mansion, the story takes on a strong southern gothic feel immediately. So much so that you often find yourself as a reader forgetting that this book partially takes place in a time of iPhones, social media and selfies. It's haunting, romantic and full of secrets.

The novel works to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Ro Cole while bringing up spells to raise the dead, shady family history and a few genuine scares tossed in for good measure.

This was an enjoyable book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good page turning thriller.

Beautiful Animals

The premise of Beautiful Animals by Lawrence Osborne sounds like the fixings for a perfect beach read. Imagine it's summertime in Greece, two American girls, Naomi and Sam, recently befriend one another and go on a yacht outing one day when they happen to come across a Syrian refugee named Faroud who has washed ashore. In their attempt to help him, the two young women become victims of their own privilege.

It was a slow moving story for me and didn't fully draw me in, mostly because I found none of the characters truly likeable. Two stars for the dreamy descriptions of the Greek Island though.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.

I Am A Boss Bitch And You Can Be One Too...Here's How

It seems like there is a need in today's work landscape to provide women with the tools to not only set goals for success but also to blow those goals out of the water. But how? We all know about leaning in and claiming our spot at the table but some of us need a few more specific tips and tools to become the Boss Bitch we know we can be. Enter Nicole Lapin's new book Boss Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan to Take Charge of Your Career. This book is great for three kinds of working women: those who are learning the basics of being the boss of their own lives and career, those who are in a leadership role at their company, and/or those who have aspirations of being the boss of their own company.

I found the first two sections especially relevant for my career goals, but I think there really is something for every woman here. Lapin presents the info in a fun chatty voice and offers up one of the best business glossaries in the back of this book. She demystifies many of the business words that make us pretend we know what is being talked about and simplifies them. Probably worth the cover price of the book in and of itself.

This book would make a great graduation gift, as well as an excellent addition to any Boss Bitches' book shelf.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.

Lola Flips the Script on Gang Life

I wouldn't normally reach for a novel about L.A. Gangs. It's just not really my forte. But Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love, while mainly being a novel about L.A. Gang life, is not anywhere near your typical gang banger novel. Allow me to explain.

When you think of a a novel about gangs, you, like me, probably think of wife beater wearing guys who sling drugs and carry a weapon 24/7. The key assumption here is that MEN are the ones we automatically associate with gang life. It's just always been that simple. Enter Lola. The novel is  about L.A. Gang life with one big difference: it's about a WOMAN who is the head of the fictitious Crenshaw Six gang. The novel centers around Lola's life as gang leader they never saw coming. A new take on the feminist motto "We Can Do It" indeed.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.

The Moth Presents: All These Wonders

It's been a long time since I read a book that made me feel something long after I had finished reading it. Enter, The Moth Presents All These Wonders, a small book comprised of 45 personal "true stories about facing the unknown" by people of every walk of life. These stories were all read aloud to audiences as part of The Moth storytelling series over a 20-year span.

Every story was different. Some were easy to find yourself relating to (Modern Family, Go The ^&$% To Sleep) while others took the air out of your lungs with an audible swoosh sound (The Shower). There were stories about David Bowie (The Girl From Beckeham) and stories penned by Louis C.K and Tig Notaro. Stories about things both all-encompassing and minute. These stories, though on a personal level were about facing the unknown in one very particular circumstance for its author, also stood out as stories with a universal undercurrent that had the amazing power to pull us under for a little while and when it finally managed to release us, it left us stunned in wonder.

Blogger Note:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. This review is entirely based on my opinion.