Book 21 - Dhampir

Originally posted 02-26-07!

Title: Dhampir
Author: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Pages: 376
Grade: A

Summary: (From Booklist)

Magiere and her half-elf partner, Leesil, have the cleverest con in the land. Magiere claims to be a vampire hunter, while Leesil impersonates a vampire, and in a spectacular show of theatrics, she "kills" him--for a hefty sum, of course. But Magiere's modus hits closer to home than she thinks, for when she faces down a real vampire, she wins. Now fighting her natural calling, Magiere arrives with Leesil in the town of Miiska, where they intend to make an honest living as tavern owners. Unbeknownst to the pair, a group of vampires, led by the nefarious Rashed, resides in Miiska. When Welstiel Massing, a mysterious older man, confronts Magiere, claiming she is "the one," and she has an almost-deadly encounter with Rashed, Magiere discovers her true nature: she is a dhampir, a part-human, part-vampire warrior whose purpose is to battle vampires. The discovery leads to a pulse-pounding showdown with Rashed and his gang.

My thoughts: Less than 24 hours to read. Seriously was far more awesome then I thought it would be. It slightly reminds me of Buffy...and I am by no means the first to make that comparison. Tis awesome and I am looking forward to reading the rest. YAY FOR NEW FANTASY SERIES. (I'm so easy.)

Book 20 - Hell to Pay

Originally posted 02-14-07!

Title: Hell to Pay
Author: Simon R. Green
Pages: 264
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)

In the wake of the war that left the Nightside leaderless, Jeremiah Griffin-one of the last of the immortal human families-plans to fill the power vacuum. But his granddaughter has disappeared, and he wants John Taylor to use his special abilities to find her. Except someone-or something-is blocking Taylor's abilities.

My thoughts: WHERE IS SUZIE??? This book while as entertaining lacked something the rest were always full of, John's actual life. The only friend of his we really saw was Dead Boy...and they only give me Suzie in the epilogue. Tsk tsk. But I still look forward to the next one. And they are still oddly reminicent of Harry Dresden if Harry well killed more...cared less....wore white instead of black and actually didn't get hurt nearly as much. John has the good life...and the girl. LEARN FROM HIM HARRY. Though he lacks a Bob...and I miss his young little assistant girl..she pwned.

Book 19 - Inuyasha, Volume 2

Originally posted 02-10-07!

Title: Inuyasha, Volume 2
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Pages: 190
Grade: A

Summary: (From an Amazon review that totally pwned)

This volume picks up right where its predecessor left off. Inuyasha and Kagome return to the past to do battle with Yura of the Hair, who seems to be all but invincible. Does she have any weaknesses whatsoever? And later on, our heroes meet up with Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's brother - only to discover that he is trying to rob their late father's grave, so that he may find an artifact hidden there and use it for his own purposes. This volume marks the first appearance of Sesshomaru, his toad-like servent Jaken, and Myoga, the flea-like guardian of Inuyasha's father's grave.

My thoughts: Ok, I'm sucked in completely. Inuyasha might have possibly just become my favorite. Why? Well because I love him. And I giggle. And um he is totally in love with Kagome. And really what is more fun than the ability to yell 'SIT!' when he pisses her off and have him just fall. I love it. HEHE!!! I am five.

Book 18 - Two for the Dough

Originally posted 02-10-07!

Title: Two for the Dough
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 312
Grade: A

Summary: (From the bored mouth of Lisha)

Second in the Stephanie Plum series

My thoughts: I officially love these books. I read through them in less than a day. They are easy yet I get sucked in while reading. I laugh throughout. And I honestly think the writing is good. It twists, it turns...if Harry Dresden were female...a bounty hunter...and had no magical skill....he would be Stephanie. Because both of them...just seem to like trouble. Though admittedly Harry can more often than not get out of his own messes. Stephanie calls in Morelli who I love even more. LOVE!!!!

Book 17 - The Wonder Spot

Originally posted 02-10-07!

Title: The Wonder Spot
Author: Melissa Bank
Pages: 324
Grade: B+

Summary: (From Publisher's Weekly)

Bank is back with an equally entertaining first novel, starring Sophie Applebaum, a sarcastic, self-deprecating middle child from a suburban Jewish family who moves from a fish-out-of-water adolescence to a how-did-I-get-here adulthood. Likable Sophie's (mis)adventures in life and love include an attempt to use lyrics from Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me, Babe" to argue against the necessity of attending Hebrew school and a penchant for imagining her future life with men she barely knows (a potential beau's ability to cook fish becomes "a metaphor for the hard things we will face together"). A slightly cynical yet romantic optimism grounds Sophie—and gives Bank plenty of opportunities for clever quips: cribbing a career objective in publishing from a résumé handbook, Sophie diligently copies exercises found in the long-overdue library book 20th Century Typing, including "Know Your Typewriter," and she agrees to a blind date with a pediatric surgeon by noting that she possesses her own "pediatric heart." But this isn't just another urban chick-lit bildungsroman; Bank's work also features the intriguing transformations of the other Applebaums: a grandmother's slip into senility, Sophie's mother's dip into infidelity, a brother's turn toward Orthodox Judaism. Through it all, Sophie never quite escapes the sense of being a "solid trying to do a liquid's job," a feeling as frightening as it is familiar to those struggling to achieve a grownup self-awareness.

My thoughts: It was easy to read. It kept my interest. But it was a book that left me feeling like I'd accomplished nothing. There was no set happy ending and there was no real feeling of completion which well considering it told the life of a girl...not entirely without reason. It just isn't how I particularly enjoy my books. But again I state it was a nice easy read. Simple in way. So for me it was worth the read.

Book 16 - Haunted

Originally posted 02-05-07!

Title: Haunted
Author: Chuck Palahniuk
Pages: 411
Grade: B+

Summary: (From the back of the book)

Haunted is a novel made up of twenty-three horrifying, hilarious, and stomach-churning stories. They’re told by people who have answered an ad for a writer’s retreat and unwittingly joined a “Survivor”-like scenario where the host withholds heat, power, and food. As the storytellers grow more desperate, their tales become more extreme, and they ruthlessly plot to make themselves the hero of the reality show that will surely be made from their plight. This is one of the most disturbing and outrageous books you’ll ever read, one that could only come from the mind of Chuck Palahniuk.

My thoughts: I was grossed out, disgusted, amused, and confused. So it was the normal Chuck experience for me. While I've yet to truly like any book I've read by him this far (and I've only read two,) there is something to them that keeps me reading. So much truth about the sad sorry state of humanity is revealed in every stomach churning word. I fully intend to read his other books, and really if you can handle it, I fully recommend him to all.

Book 15 – Oliver Twist

Originally posted 02-01-07!

Title: Oliver Twist
Author: Charles Dickens
Pages: 285
Grade: B

Summary: N/A (Because I am far to lazy to type it up myself)

My thoughts: I read it fairly quickly, major plus. I don’t know that I have an actual opinion. It was plodding and predictable…character point of view jumped around. It was a typical Dickens novel. I do however always on some level appreciate his way with words and that I can always predict how his story will play out. They never bore me…but they never completely pull me in. It’s an odd thing. I don’t know how to describe it. But, in the end, Dickens was considered one of the best…and I think I can understand that. So yes, read a Dickens novel. It’s a rite of passage. This marks my second. Have to admit I adored Great Expectations more…

Book 14 – Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 10

Originally posted 01-31-07!

Title: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 10
Author: Clamp
Pages: 185
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)
The godlike being Ashura-ô has killed the equally skilled and mighty rival, Yasha-ô. But now Ashura-ô seems depressed. What this means to the country of Shura, none can tell . . . especially the five friends on a desperate journey through dimensions to find the memories of Princess Sakura–memories in the form of immensely powerful feathers. They’ve been racing from world to world, separated only to be united as enemies. Now young Syaoran is at the center of the maelstrom–and only wits, luck, and some help from his friends will save the tiny band from destruction.

My thoughts: I still REALLY love Tsubasa…I will continue to REALLY love Tsubasa. The entire world should totally love Tsubasa more… The Ashura/Yasha broke my heart…and obviously I should read more…seeing as Tsubasa is like AU reality for all Clamp charries ever. And ok…artwork pretty…flying machines..odd… and um Fai/Kurogane YAY!!!

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 9

Originally posted 01-31-07!

Title: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 9
Author: Clamp
Pages: 185
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)
Five friends continue their desperate search for Princess Sakura’s memories, which have been scattered across parallel worlds in the form of magically potent feathers. But this time Syaoran and Sakura are pulled from a tumultuous land where two factions battle over a statue of the God of Calamity–and into the realm of that very god! Now they find themselves on one side of a long, bloody conflict between two gods and their minions. Unfortunately the experienced fighters in their band, Fai and Kurogane, seem to be aligned with the opposition. In a war where the only ending is the death of a god, how can Syaoran and Sakura hope to stay alive?

My thoughts: I still love Tsubasa…I will continue to love Tsubasa. The entire world should totally love Tsubasa…and um Fai/Kurogane forever still. (Even if they are hardly in this volume at all.)

Book 12 - Love Story

Originally posted 01-29-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: Love Story
Author: Erich Segal
Pages: 187
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)
Love means never having to say you're sorry...

He is Oliver Barrett IV, a rich jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law.

She is Jenny Cavilleri, a wisecracking, working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe.

Opposites in nearly every way, Oliver and Jenny immediately attract, sharing a love that defies everything ... yet will end too soon.

My thoughts: I read this book within about 2-3 hours. Which says both that it is that easy a read and it is that good. Somehow I’ve gone through life without knowing well this story. Which is unusually sad and I bless the little old lady at the goodwill who told me I should read it for it would break my heart. It was excellent…and she was right, it was heartbreaking. It is, simply, a love story. One you should therefore be forced to read.

Book 11 - The Book of Ruth

Originally posted 01-29-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: The Book of Ruth
Author: Jane Hamilton
Pages: 328
Grade: B-

Summary: (The Oprah speaks…)
The Book of Ruth is a virtuoso performance and that's precisely why it can be excruciating to read. Author Jane Hamilton leads us through the arid life of Ruth Grey, who extracts what small pleasures and graces she can from a tiny Illinois town and the broken people who inhabit it. Ruth's prime tormentor is her mother May, whose husband died in World War II and took her future with him. More poor familial luck has given Ruth a brother who is a math prodigy; Matt sucks up any stray attention like a black hole. Ruth is left to survive on her own resources, which are meager. She struggles along, subsisting on crumbs of affection meted out by her Aunt Sid and, later, her screwed-up husband Ruby. Hamilton has perfect pitch, so perfect that you wince with pain for confused but fundamentally good Ruth as she walks a dead-end path. The book ends with the prospect of redemption, thank goodness--but the tale is nevertheless much more bitter than sweet.

My thoughts: I didn’t really like this book…but I didn’t not like this book. The writing style didn’t exactly appeal to me. I never really felt I had a complete grasp of the time frame of this novel. And it focused for a long time on Ruth’s younger life…yet you never got a good look at her younger life. I connected with the story more once she became the adult who had been narrating from the beginning. I had a firmer grasp of almost all aspects of the story then. But it’s so very depressing. I don’t really feel a chance for redemption…and so much of her life was wasted by the non-interference of others. While in real life that is often how it goes, in this story it just made me all the more upset. Overall final thoughts…It was alright, just not what I expected.

Book 10 - Sybil

Originally posted 01-29-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: Sybil
Author: Flora Rheta Schreiber
Pages: 414
Grade: A

Summary: N/A


My thoughts: How does one say a book documenting the horrors of child abuse that led to 16 different personalities is a great book, because if you figure it out…that is what I want to say here. This book made me cry. It made me ache for Sybil. It was truly an experience all on its own. Multiple Personalities have always fascinated me…not on the level of ‘oh freak’ but just in a ‘what made it happen’ sort of way. The way the mind shuts down and creates a new person to deal with what the original person can’t cope with…truly the mind amazes me. It’s so very intent on protecting itself. It’s a true story…and it was an easy read. The woman its written by was actually a friend of Sybil’s…she even is well present in the tale itself. There is something about this story that touches me…I don’t really know how to explain it.

Book 9 - Like a Charm

Originally posted 01-29-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: Like a Charm: A novel in voices
Author: 15 various authors; edited by Karin Slaughter
Pages: 336
Grade: B

Summary: (From the inside cover flap)
Desire leaves a man destroyed… A young girl’s curiosity reveals secrets better left hidden… Jealousy drives a woman mad… An obsession with numbers precipitates a deadly revenge… Ambition leads to a curious exchange… An uncanny likeness changes two lives forever… The hand of fate lies buried in the past…

One bracelet, sixteen charms…


My thoughts: The novel appealed to me simply because it was a story written in 16 parts by 15 different authors. It tells the story of a charm bracelet. Each charm has a story. I liked the set up. I liked the feel. I liked some stories better than others. I liked some writing styles better than others. Overall though, I enjoyed it. Plus it was a hardcover that cost me $3 new. So really…win/win for me.

Book 8 - But Inside I'm Screaming

Originally posted 01-28-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: But Inside I’m Screaming
Author: Elizabeth Flock
Pages: 316
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)
While breaking the hottest news story of the year, broadcast journalist Isabel Murphy falls apart on live television in front of an audience of millions. She lands at Three Breezes, a four-star psychiatric hospital nicknamed the “nut hut,” where she begins the painful process of recovering the life everyone thought she had.

But accepting her place among her fellow patients proves difficult. Isabel struggles to reconcile the fact that she is, indeed, one of them, and faces the reality that in order to mend her painfully fractured life she must rely solely on herself.

My thoughts: I liked this novel a lot. It reminded me in some ways of The Bell Jar…and I connected with this book in a way I haven’t a book since that time. Elizabeth Flock has written two novels I have immensely enjoyed. I’m glad I picked them both up on a whim one Sunday before work.

Book 7 - Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 8

Originally posted 01-28-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, Volume 8
Author: Clamp
Pages: 194
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back of the book)
Princess Sakura’s memories are scattered across multiple dimensions–and now she and Syaoran are part of an unlikely group of friends traveling from world to world to find them. Unfortunately the memories have been transformed into immensely powerful magical feathers, and those who possess them are seldom willing to give them up without a fight. The quest takes Syaoran’s odd bunch to a jungle world where helpless creatures are being terrorized by a sacrifice-demanding beast. When Syaoran, Mokona, and Sakura are separated from Fai and Kurogane, each group finds themselves on opposing sides of a conflict that threatens to destroy the future of a troupe of young women performers . . . and possibly the entire world!

My thoughts: I love Tsubasa…I continue to love Tsubasa. The entire world should love Tsubasa…and um Fai/Kurogane forever… That is all.

Book 6 - One for the Money

Originally posted 01-28-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: One for the Money
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 320
Grade: A-

Summary: (From Publishers Weekly)
First novels this funny and self-assured come along rarely; dialogue this astute and raunchy is equally unusual. The gutsy heroine introduced here is Stephanie Plum of Trenton, N.J., a recently laid-off lingerie buyer who has no job, no car and no furniture. She does have a hamster, a deranged grandmother, two caring parents and several pairs of biking shorts and sports bras. Finding work with her cousin Vinnie, she becomes a bond hunter and scrounges money enough to buy a gun, a Chevy Nova and some Mace. Her first assignment is to locate a cop accused of murder. Joe Morelli grew up in Stephanie's neighborhood. Possessed of legendary charm, he relieved Stephanie of her virginity when she was 16 (she later ran over him with a car). In her search, Stephanie catches her prey, loses him and grills a psychotic prizefighter, the employer of the man Morelli shot. She steals Morelli's car and then installs an alarm so he can't steal it back. Resourceful and tough, Stephanie has less difficulty finding her man than deciding what she wants to do with him once she's got him.

My thoughts: It’s the first novel in a series. Which obviously I needed another series. I have to say though; it made me laugh, a lot, through out most of the book. It was a nice, easy read that I completely enjoyed. If one likes Mystery and Sarcasm…by all means pick it up.

Book 5 - The Geographer's Library

Originally posted 01-28-07! Read sometime within the months of December and January!

Title: The Geographer’s Library
Author: Jon Fasman
Pages: 372
Grade: B+

Summary: (From Publishers Weekly)
A young reporter is caught up in a deadly centuries-long treasure hunt in this puppyish but brainy debut, a thriller steeped in arcane lore and exotic history. When Paul Tomm, a reporter for the Lincoln Carrier, a small Connecticut newspaper, looks into the demise of Jaan Puhapaev, an elderly academic found dead in his cluttered house, nothing seems out of the ordinary - until the pathologist performing the autopsy is himself killed in a freak car accident. Various locals and acquaintances offer reminiscences of the late professor that suggest Puhapaev was an extremely complicated (and perhaps dangerous) character. Tomm's discoveries lead him to a lovely young woman, a network of international smugglers and hidden alchemical libraries. Appealing more to the intellect than to the emotions, the book is slowed by the catalogue-like descriptions of precious objects that close many chapters, while the protagonist, however likable, is often too naïve to be entirely credible. Still, some deft plotting and lively writing bode well for the author's future literary endeavors.

My thoughts: The main story was decent. It took a long time to tie back to the beginning and I didn’t quite appreciate the ending but overall I liked it. My favorite part was actually the odd disjointed tales of the items. I really wish those had combined with the actual storyline more…or even been the story itself. There was a lot of potential there. If you like books by Dan Brown, Steve Berry…or those people who don’t make it onto my bookshelf but are in that vein I recommend it.

Book 4 - Running with Scissors

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Book 3 - The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings

Originally posted 11-28-06!

Title: The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Pages: 415
Grade: C

Summary: (Where Lisha just tells you what's in the book....because if you don't know about Poe well psh on you)
This book houses 16 of his short stories, his one full-length novel, and 15 of his poems.

My thoughts: I don't like Poe. I never really have, not at length. Well, that's not entirely true. I have an appreciation for his poetry. I love the way he uses words. It's just when he comes to telling a story...he steals from himself, is overly wordy, and the endings are always a downer really. I must say...Poe is the first writer I've ever fallen asleep to. But allow me to again say...I appreciate Poe for what he represents. It's was a different style and not one I altogether dislike...it's just very much not one for me. His novel however might have been an easier read for me had I not already known so much about whaling ships that I discovered a few things not quite right in his tale. Though...let us find the positive. I loved The Murders in the Rue Morgue and The Purloined Letter...the first of which was actually the one I fell asleep during...marvel at that. I loved the characters being carried over into another story...and something about the all knowing character appealed to me. If I weren't so tired I would find the quote about being able to retrace the end of a conversation back to its origins but sadly I am...so tired. Ah...now do I recommend Poe? Yes and No, I feel one should have experienced Poe in both forms. If you have not read a poem and a short story by Poe you should slap yourself and go do so now. As I am about to go reread the Raven...because um...I have a secret love for the rhythm. Which is not so secret now.

Book 2 - The Darkest Hours (Spider-Man)

Originally posted 11-22-06!

Title: The Darkest Hours (Spider-Man)
Author: Jim Butcher
Pages: 307
Grade: A

Summary: (From the back cover)
Peter Parker's life has hit a peaceful stretch. No evildoers have tried to flatten him in weeks, his marriage to Mary Jane is stronger than ever, and he's enjoying his job as a high school science teacher. Life is good.

Naturally, that doesn't last.

When Peter learns that his old enemy the Rhino is on a rampage in Times Square, he suits up as Spider-Man to stop the destructive villain in his tracks. But he's unexpectedly foiled in his attempts by the Black Cat, a former ally and old flame. The Cat informs Peter that the Rhino is just a distraction -- the real threat comes from a group of Ancients, members of the same race as the being called Morlun, who Spidey defeated in battle years earlier. The Ancients are now looking to exact revenge -- and hope to steal Spider-Man's life force in the process.

To defeat such powerful beings, Spider-Man is going to need all the help he can get, especially from the Black Cat. But what will Mary Jane Parker have to say about that? Peter isn't sure which is worse -- the Ancients trying to drain his life force, or the wrath of a jealous wife....

My thoughts: This is by no means a high form of literature, but Jim Butcher never fails to disappoint me. Quick-witted dialogue and action sequences that keep my full undivided attention has always been his thing. I openly admit to knowing little if nothing about the Spider-Man universe that didn't come from that little movie with Toby in it. But even with that, I've always had a love for the comic book verses and the super heroes. I recommend this book on the grounds that it truly did make me giggle for the first page in. But more then that, it cements to me just why Jim Butcher is the awesome. Therefore everyone...check out Jim Butcher's books. For snark and just a bit of magic, high paced action, and an actual well developed character I highly recommend the Harry Dresden series. Seriously it is love. If you love high fantasy....I really urge you to read the Codex Alera series. They are actually, I believe, his best work. Beautiful. Love fest over now.