Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas Series, Book 1

Publisher: Bantam (April 2012)

466 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a four-book bundle for $31.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Odd Thomas is a quirky short order cook with the ability to see and interact with the paranormal, and though he keeps his gift a secret from most, he tries to use it for the greater good. This book is written in first person and I loved the strange ramblings of the aptly named main character, his voice filled with dry/dark humor and an eccentric kind of insight about the world that was irresistible. His adventures are numerous and constant, and you never know what impossible situation he will find himself in next, or how he will get out of it. Great read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Forever Odd.

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

Odd Thomas (2013)

Anton Yelchin, Addison Timlin, Leonor Varela

Movie Rating: NR

You Know Your Way Home by Suzanne Jauchius

You Know Your Way Home by Suzanne Jauchius

Publisher: Bree Noa Publishing (August 2009)

319 pages, eBook (provided by the Publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is a memoir of a psychic woman's path to self-discovery and recovery from relationship addiction/codependency. This was a well-written, inspirational tale of a woman trying to be true to herself, despite the lack of encouragement from friends and family, and with few available mentors or guideposts along the way. I felt her spiritual journey was presented in a way that holds something for everyone, psychic or not, regardless of religious affiliation, and the accompanying mystical/paranormal anecdotes were great, though not overshadowing.  Great story, that kept me riveted to the end!

The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan

The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan

The Batch Magna Novels, Book 1

Publisher: The Cluny Press (March 2013)

287 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

After the previous squire's death, Batch Magna falls to a distant American relation, Humphrey Strange, with Wall Street ties and intentions to make the village and Manor house into a holiday vacation resort, such imminent forward progress sending the inhabitants of Batch Magna into an uproar as their quiet village life in the 1970's Welsh Marshes is set to be disturbed. Full of colorful characters and vibrant, flowing descriptions of the land and village life, this tale was a joy to read and left me feeling a strong connection to the place and people it described. Who wouldn't want to live among the motley crew of houseboat dwellers along the Cluny River, where life never seems to be dull? Great story, and I look forward to reading the next installment in the adventures of the inhabitants of Batch Magna!

David and Bathsheba by Aida Bode

David and Bathsheba by Aida Bode

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 2008)

133 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is an adaption of the bible story about David and the adulterous affair he had with Bathsheba. It was beautifully written with language reminiscent of the bible itself, delving thoughtfully into the emotional conflict of all the parties involved and the repercussions their actions must have, yet remaining very faithful to the original story. That said, I must admit this is not my favorite bible story. The innocent husband and child were to suffer so David and Bathsheba could fulfill the prophecy and bask in their love now redeemed? As with many bible stories, it brings up more questions then it provides answers, but definitely thought-provoking and puzzling, which is perhaps its purpose. Great read with a wonderful, flowing style.

Warrior Girl by Matt Lazar and Amanda Thomas

Warrior Girl by Matt Lazar and Amanda Thomas

Publisher: Boston Avenue Media (October 2012)

228 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sun Hi is a young, naive Korean farm girl embarking on her first year at Oxford. Just barely off the train she catches the eye of Miles, attractive and worldly captain of the rowing team, and meets her difficult roommate, Marina. Drawn into coxing for the rowing team by Miles, she meets Adam, a less intense male persona who also becomes drawn to the beautiful, quiet girl. This was a great story about a reserved young girl trying to wade through her first year studies, men, roommate difficulties and vicious academic competition, while dealing with an unfamiliar culture, homesickness and her parents expectations. I liked that the villains in this story were all complicated figures with the depth to show a bit of feeling and not just remain figures lurking in the dark, waiting to pounce with perpetual evilness. Sun Hi was a noble character that was easy to like. The use of World of Warcraft as Sun Hi's coping mechanism and Adam's way of getting a bit closer to her, was very creative, and I liked the homey, safety provided to her by the supportive staff at the garden centre. Great story!

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Back Bay Books (April 2010)

625 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $5.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Earth has been methodically colonized by a parasitic alien race, who is able to access its hosts memories and knowledge, while the original person fades away into nothingness . . . in most cases. But, it seems a few determined people refuse to give up to the new soul and remain there, trying to exert their will over their body. Melanie, as a part of the human resistance, is a person who does not just fade away and keeps nagging the occupant, Wanderer, and bombarding her with memories until Wanderer cares about the people she left and wants to return to, Melanie's lover Jared and Melanie's brother Jamie. This was a very interesting story. So many love triangles of so many different kinds, and so many different relationships and associations that are interesting to think about. There is also some exploration of right and wrong and how it can be different depending on where you are coming from, not just a straight-forward, black and white answer. I loved this story! The characters, and the situations they were dealing with, were very complex and definitely kept me riveted! This book is the first in a planned trilogy and I look forward to reading the next installment when it becomes available, as well as seeing the movie version of this story, that is set to come out later this month. Excellent Read!

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

The Host (2013)

Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, Jake Abel

Movie Rating: PG-13

Ellis Angels: The Nurses of Ellis Island Hospital by Carole Lee Limata

Ellis Angels: The Nurses of Ellis Island Hospital by Carole Lee Limata

Publisher: Carole Lee Limata (February 2013)

307 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is a historical novel about the nurses of the Ellis Island Hospital during the 1920's, primarily focusing on a new nurse, Miss Angie, and the world she is immersed into once she begins work at the Hospital. Miss Angie's experiences with immigrant patients and other hospital staff serve to illustrate immigration procedure, prominent health concerns and political pressures of the day. This story reminded me a lot of Jennifer Worth's Midwife Trilogy, in it's tone and organization and I believe anyone who enjoyed that, will enjoy this. The descriptions of the life that the nurses lived and the impact they had on so many new immigrants was fascinating! Great Read!