Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Book Review: Forget Love

by Babsy Tom

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

This book was originally in German. In fact, the author's website is in German. It is translated into English and there are more than a few moments in the story where that is painfully clear. I think that leads to this getting less than stellar reviews.

I can give a lot of latitude when I know this up front. But really, spend a little time and care on translation.

The story starts in the Emergency Room with the main character, Penny. When she later wakes up she freaks out, she can't remember who she is. Then she sees her friends, her ex-husband, and co-worker and can't remember any of them either. As we start to find out more about her, alongside Penny, we all agree that maybe some do-over is a good thing. But she's not as shallow as she comes across.

When she comes home, where she lives with her ex, she realizes her mother-in-law is staying for an extended visit. But being that she doesn't remember their relationship, they do get a new start. And Penny does it right, I was happy to see. As she mends, she uncovers so much. But she can't help herself, even though they are divorced, even though he is in her phone under Asshole, she can't help but desire Tom, her ex. She wonders why she let him go. What happened between them? Can she win him over?

Now don't get this expecting some deep work of literature. I don't think this is a real category, but I would call it pop-romance. It's pretty shallow, not a lot of time spent developing characters. But you can't help but root for Penny and Tom. You can't help but root for Penny as she tries to get back into her life. She has friends who love her and really, Tom still lives in the same house so he can't completely hate her.

I enjoyed this light read. Great for a trip, it goes really fast.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Book Review: The Finisher

by: David Baldacci

This is one of those dystopian type fantasy novels. I stumbled upon this at the Scholastic Book Fair. It was on sale for $9.99 and it was hidden in a corner looking so sad and lonely. Never let it be said I never gave a book a home - lol.

It is about a 14 year old girl named Vega Jane. She is basically on her own. Her parents are in a place called The Care, basically a nursing home and are both unconscious. She has a little brother whom she looks after and a best friend, Delph. She works full-time as a finisher, where she literally finishes projects made of metal, wood or ceramic. She lives in a tiny village that is cut off from anything. They are told there is nothing else and to exit the boundaries is certain death.

But things aren't what they seem. The poor girl is naturally curious, but rarely has her questions answered. They know the founder of their village, but she asks where did he come from if there is nothing else out there? No answer. Her grandfather suffered an "event", but what happened? No answer. What dangers do the "Outliers" present? No answer.

As a reader, you are left with unanswered questions as well. What happened to her parents? How did they end up that way in the Care? Where did the founder come from and what is beyond the village? Is this dystopian or pure fantasy? I'm unsure if this is a series or a stand alone book.

I enjoyed the story, it was engaging to say the least. But the every exciting part left me with more questions than answers, and as I read the last page I was left with a bit of satisfaction at a book well read, but also frustration at what was left unaddressed.

**upadate** I see a rumor there is another book coming in 2015. Maybe some answers!
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