bunnycates

** Originally posted www.bunnycates.com **My Thoughts:This is the continuation of the Dear Dumb Diary series. I think it is geared toward those younger readers who grew up reading Dear Dumb Diary, and aren't ready to give up on the series even though they’ve out grown it. They get to keep reading it, and see the character grow right along with them. If that makes sense.This book is so cute. It follows middle schooler Jamie Kelly and is written through a bunch of journal entries. I normally HATE books written as a journal, but I love it in this series. I think it allows kids to connect with the main character better, and see/feel like “that could be me”.In Dear Dumb Diary Year Two #3: Nobody’s Perfect. I’m As Close As It Gets. Jamie learns valuable lessons about ones “Permanent Record” and the bad things that can happen if/when you try to game the system. She also learns that maybe ALWAYS going along with whatever your friends say, even though you know it is probably wrong, is probably not the best thing to do.In Conclusion:I loved this book. I thought it was entertaining and as a mom, I loved that there were lessons to be learned. My daughter loved it too, she read the book in like 20 minutes.Mom Notes:These books are aimed at middle grade readers. and even though they are a continuation of the first series I don’t think they have to be read in order.Recommended for middle graders, say ages 8+For Students and Parents:ATOS Book Level: 5.1Interest Level: Middle Grades (MG 4-8)AR Points: 2.0

cute.full review to come.

great story. cant wait for the next one.**full review to come**

Finished this up last night and omg this was so good!The "island of silence" scares the crap out of me! Parts of this one had me sitting up in bed all sweaty palmed and gasping for air waiting for the narrator to say everyone was ok! I'm still waiting. :(lol. Such a great story! Can NOT wait for the next book!!!FULL REVIEW TO COME.~B-------------------------Originally posted on www.bunnycates.comMy Thoughts:I don’t know why I am having such a hard time coming up with how I want to write this review. My brain is so weird sometimes.This is book TWO in a series, so if you haven’t read THE UNWANTEDS which is book ONE… You probably shouldn’t read this review.For me, this book was just as fantastical as the first one. The world that Lisa McMann has built with Artimé and Quill is, for lack of a better word, awesome. Even for me as a grown up. Quill is so dark and dreary, by contrast, Artimé is so colorful and ALIVE. Now, we have The Island of Silence as well – which could possibly be the scariest place I have ever read in a book. (umm, and I read A LOT of horror!)The characters are so well developed, that I feel like I know them. I want to be friends with them (or NOT), I want to hug them (or NOT!)… The author has done such an amazing job here. The characters you are supposed to care about you do – and the ones you are supposed to despise, YOU DO! I would not be lying if I said the inhabitants from the Island of Silence could have been plucked from one of my crazy ass nightmares. They SCARED ME. As in: sat up in bed, gasping for air, praying “my friends” got away from them.The story arc was great! There was so much action, mystery, drama, and suspense. I really can’t believe this is a Middle Grade series. It is THAT GOOD.In Conclusion:I can’t tell you guys how much I enjoy this series. I mean, I tried. Above. Obviously. But sometimes a review for a book or series, really just doesn’t do it justice. This is one of those cases, I think. (review of the first book in this series is HERE ) The world building is fantastic, the characters are dynamic (and lovable), and the story just sucks you in. For me, this one is a win/win/win. I did the first two books on audio, and really hope I pick up the hardcopies to have on my bookshelf soon! Mom Notes:This book has some VERY scary bits in it. Even as an adult, the suspense and description of what happens on the Island of Silence was SCARY!! I think I would have to say this one is maybe ages 11-12 and up.FOR PARENTS and STUDENTS:This book is rated:Interest Level: MGATOS Book Level (reading skill level): 5.4AR Pts: 11.0

** Originally posted at www.bunnycates.com **After seeing author John Green’s video on getting himself a treadmill desk, I really started paying attention to how much I sit every day.He was right. I, my whole family – actually, sit a ridiculous amount of time each day! A few days after his video got me to thinking about my fitness, or lack there of – I was contacted by Quill Driver Books and offered this book to review. Coincidence? I think not! lol.According to USA TODAY a recent study showed that prolonged sitting is linked to both breast cancer and colon cancer. Many of us have jobs or pastimes that, lets admit it… require out butts in a chair far too many hours a day. How are we supposed to deal with that? Sitting Kills, Moving Heals: How Everyday Movement Will Prevent Pain, Illness, and Early Death – and Exercise Alone Won’t by Joan Vernikos PhD is a 130 page answer.This book was written by the former Director of NASA’s Life Sciences Division, Joan Vernikos, PhD. , who discusses the effects of gravity and being stationary have on us. It also contains tips on how to combat this problem. This is NOT an exercise book, instead it contains a few simple “activities” you can work into your everyday life.This book is a manual for preventive health care and a guide to living a natural, health-sustaining lifestyle. – page 116I thought this book was a quick read (read it in one afternoon) and I found it to be informative and helpful. I have been doing a few of the activities listed in the “Your Action Plan” section, and my back hasn’t hurt for 2 days. I can’t say for sure the two are related, but I can say I’m not doing anything else different…so…I would recommend this book to anyone interested in finding some SIMPLE STEPS to living a healthier lifestyle. So many of these self help books are really pitches to get you to purchase a bigger product: a certain brand of protein shake or some overly expensive exercise machine *cough, treadmill desk, cough* Not this book. There is no “special equipment” needed and no “special foods” or pills to buy. Its just you, armed with the info, and whether or not you choose to implement that knowledge into your hefty sitting routine. =D Edited to add: I am not dogging on John Green! I love him! Kuddos to him for being proactive with his health and taking steps to better it! I am just using the treadmill desk as an example of overly expensive equipment. At over a THOUSAND dollars, a treadmill desk is not an option for our family. So no hating on me! I

My Thoughts:I’m not sure what to say about this one guys, if I’m being honest. It started out fantastic, old school horror. You know, creepy with out really giving you too much – making you dread what was on the next page. Then, at some point, the book just kind of takes a turn and not only gives you what you have been dreading, but kind of takes it a step further. No, takes it a step too far. Gives you something you wouldn’t dream of, in this case even kind of makes you gag a little.I love horror, the gorier the better – but for some reason, this one was a little further than I could enjoy. And really the scene in specific wasn’t even GORY in a sense of what you are reading, the actual words on the page. However, the content of the thing. *shivers* was just wrong.Hmmm.I’m a long time Stephen King fan, I’m talking 30+ years here guys. I understand the need to branch out into the digital format, I really do. But for me, the long time reader…it seems like these last few shorts (released as digital content only) have been good stories but then there is an element of “what can we throw in here to cause a little controversy, we need to get people talking” I get that, too, I do…I guess. I mean, how else to get press for a short story without spending a shit ton on advertising. So I do get it. And I know this has been in previous books, I just… I don’t know. In Conclusion:Well, I’m not sure WHAT I should say here. I guess, if you’re a horror fan, I say give it a go. I mean, just be warned, especially if you are a Mom… that some content in this story may not only disgust – but offend. In this tiny 60 page span, I: sweated, teared up, and gagged. So…Mom Notes:Not for children. Contains: language, violence,**Originally post on www.bunnycates.com**

**Originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dosXsgO5mdkI discuss this at 10:59 in the video aboveMy Thoughts:I read this book in about a day. And I have to tell ya, according to my reading updates on goodreads… I may have liked this book. Just a little.Being October, I was really in the mood for something to freak me out, and THE TELLING did just that. The story has a strong religious base with that age old battle the we all love – Good vs Evil. Will someone be able to stop it before the 9th Gate bursts open and all Hell breaks loose? Literally.The book has rich characters, I totally loved Zeph. He is the main protagonist in our story and perfect in that flawed, reluctant hero, sort of way. You know that one guy, who everyone knows will save us but he doubts himself so much that he thinks everyone is CRAZY for putting their faith in him. Yeah, that guy. I loved him. He is like that little puppy thats been kicked so many times that it knows better than to trust a person but still for some reason – with those big puppy eyes – he trusts just one more time. The question is, will he get kicked in the face again or will he save the day?! haha..I don’t want to go into a lot of the plot for you, because I don’t want to spoil ANY of the book! What I will tell you is, in my mind, this story reminded me of several of my favorite Hollywood films: The Ninth Gate, End Of Days, Constantine, Invasion of the Body Snatchers… All of my favorite things from these movies, were woven into this book. The action of it, the idea of it, all of it . It was awesome.In Conclusion:Loved this one. It was my favorite read from October. I say pick it up if you’re looking for something that is paranormal scary!Mom Notes:Contains violence and strong religious components. Ages 13+

This book was great, and perfect for a Halloween read! Full review to come...

good stuff. quick read, only took a couple of hours.Full review to come.=D*************************originally posted on www.bunnycates.com************************* Amarok by Angela Townsend is one of those books where you really can’t say a lot about the book – without accidentally spoiling one of the major plot points.It is, like the synopsis states, a story about a girl who runs away from an abusive home life only to be abducted and held captive by a “mountain man”. While in captivity, she befriends a wolf, and the story progresses from there.I loved the characters in this story. I loved Emma (I kept just wanting to step in and save her!), and thought Amarok was as human a character as any of the “people” in the book. I felt the relationship build between the girl and the wolf was very “real” as they were both being held “captive” so to speak, and they bonded to survive. If that makes sense? I’m sorry, you’ll have to read the book to know what I am talking about, I think. LOLIn Conclusion:I really enjoyed this one! It was a fast read (read it in one night), both because it wasn’t very long AND because the action of the story and the writing style just made it whip on by. I didn’t want to put it down, and I think you guys will really enjoy it especially those of you who enjoy suspense drama/paranormal/Indian legend type books!Mom Notes:Contains violence (abduction, etc) and language. (I am not sure if I remember right about language. I am thinking there were a couple of cuss words, but not 100% positive. While I was reading and so into the story I didn’t stop to take notes. So to err on the side of caution, I will say language…) Due to violent subject matter this book would be a ages 13+ book, in my opinion. I wouldn't have a problem with my kids reading it, but I would want to be available to them afterwards (or even during) if they needed/wanted to discuss it.

**Originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **I’ve been sitting here staring at my keyboard for 10 minutes trying to decide what to say about this one. LOL Here’s the thing, this book is being promoted as “true stories”. Is it non-fiction? No one can say for sure. What I can tell you is this:This book is super short, and you can read it in one sitting. I think I read it in like an hour or so. It is tiny.This book is a collection of short stories. There are 9, I believe. “True accounts” of ghost encounters in Madison County, New York.Now, did I like it? Or, will YOU like it?I didn’t NOT like it. I thought it was a fine really quick read. It was not scary at all though. It was ghost stories. Like the ones you would tell around a campfire. “Ten years ago, old so-and-so knew this guy… and he told me that late one dark and rainy night…” type of deal. I was really looking for some scary, and this book just was not that. I didn’t NOT like it though. So will you like it? Depends, I think, on how you go about reading it. You know, I love that Ghost Adventures show and Ghost Hunters. This book was just like that. People encountering ghosts. So if you go into it wanting that type of thing – ghost stories but not “scary”… I think you will enjoy it.In Conclusion:This would be a good read for one of those nights where you just want something you can finish in one night and just a little eery.

**review to come**

** ORIGINALLY POSTED AT www.BUNNYCATES.com **My Thoughts:The Unwanteds is a story about  a boy who is sent to his death at the age of 13.  Harsh, right?I thought the world building was fantastic.  We get an in depth look into not only the world but also the society that inhabits it.  In this world the “royalty” have final say over everything .  In order to maintain this control – those who show any amount of “free thought” are put to death.  The world is dark and grim and here, children are sorted into “groups”  and the Unwanteds are eliminated.   Our main character is Alex, and on his sorting day he is put into the UNWANTED group because he is artistic.  The story explodes when his elimination turns out to be anything but!As much as I enjoyed the world of Quill and then Artime, I loved the characters even more.  Our main character is 13 year old Alex, a little boy, lost – so to speak, who in the end finds not only himself but a new sense of  family.   I wish I had a hard copy of this book to reference certain characters or points in the story, but my copy was an audio book, so I’ll just have to say – I loved the characters, all of them.   Mr. Today was very well developed and was the perfect “father figure”, for the story.  I became greatly attached to all of the side characters, as well.  Being as I listened to this on audio, I absolutely LOVED the character “voices” the narrator added to the story.This story teaches that individuality  is something that should be cherished and not condemned.  That there is a “magic” in everyone, and EVERYONE is special.In Conclusion:I really enjoyed this story!  {GOODREADS UPDATES} I listened to the audio book version.  The narrator was great and his enthusiasm for the story helped draw me, the reader/listener, in.  Can’t wait to start Island of Silence (Unwanteds) by Lisa McMann, which is book two in the series and hope to add them both to my bookshelves in hardback soon.Mom Notes:Great action adventure for middle grade readers.  Younger readers might be frightened and/or confused by this society killing its “Unwanteds”.  Further explanations on death may be needed.  I think this book would be a good conversation starter on death.FOR PARENTS and STUDENTS:This book is rated:Interest Level: MGATOS Book Level (reading skill level): 5.7AR Pts: 11.0

** originally posted at www.bunnycates.com **I actually hadn’t planned on reading this book yet. I just popped it open to see if it was signed, since the author sent it to me directly, and somehow…I got sucked in. Before I realized what I was doing I was on page 30. haha. (My reading updates on GOODREADS)This story follows Mackenzie, a seventh grader, who also happens to be half vampire. All she wants to do is be “normal” and go to her schools Halloween Ball. Unfortunately, her family has some strong traditions for Halloween, being as they are all vampires, werewolves, and MORE. =D We follow Mackenzie as she tries to scheme a way to get to her Halloween Ball in a Princess costume rather than something dead or some other scary thing.I enjoyed the characters, they were all very likeable. Reading from Mackenzie’s perspective actually brought back a lot of memories and feelings from my own school days. I think a lot of kids will relate to feeling like they don’t fit in or are “different”. Queen MV, the mom in this story and coincidently a vampire, was great. My favorite of the entire cast had to be Aunt Wilma, with her one snaggletoof. haha.Story wise, I thought this was a fun read. To me this book was like the Adams Family meets Dear Dumb Diary.In Conclusion:I enjoyed this book. It was a super quick read, and would definitely recommend to middle grade readers.*Just a note: the edition I read did contain a few typos, but the author is doing a revision. They should be taken care of by the time you read this post.

Join us for our first LIVE Book Club, on YOUTUBE. This is our first book! Here's more info abt the club. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naq7GgaXy7c Hope you pick this up and join us at the chat!My review will be posted after the chat.=D

** Originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzfRZaJ20hYMy Thoughts:I'm not really sure how much I can say in my review of Finding Poe by Leigh M Lane, without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it yet. It is just one of those books where if you accidently say too much… there is no point for the other person to read it.  So, with that being said, what CAN I say?This story follows Karina a lady who, leaves her home country and social status, comes to the states with her husband.   She has no idea why he has chosen to come to the US to live in a decrepit old lighthouse, but he is her husband.  *as the song goes… “Stand by your man”, right?*  After many strange happenings, her husband dies, and she finds a letter addressed to Mr Poe.  This sets her on her journey to find Poe and find out what REALLY happened to her husband.It is interesting to note that there are references to many of Poe’s works discreetly woven within this story.   I found myself, while reading, thinking I remembered something from Poe.  So I would pull out my “complete works” and scan through to see.  Yep, yep, and YEP. =DThis story for me was: aggravating (because her husband is a d**k), suspenseful, intriguing, and mostly… entertaining.    A successful homage to the master.In Conclusion:I think, for this review… I will just let my final reading update on goodreads speak for itself…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owd613623ME I discuss Finding Poe by Leigh M Lane at the 7:21 mark Mom Notes:This is a horror suspense novel, and not for children. Contains violence, death, etc.

As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride’s family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?http://youtu.be/Owd613623ME (I talk about Tandem: A Novel by Tracey Bateman at the 1:30 mark.)My Thoughts:I enjoyed this book (see my reading updates HERE) When I picked this book up, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. It was listed as Christian Fiction, but the synopsis was talking about Vampires. In my mind, I couldn’t wrap around that. LOL In the end I thought the book was really good. I didn’t realize it was a BOOK TWO in a series until after I finished, so I fully intend on picking up the first one which is Thirsty: A Novel.This story follows Lauryn, an estate auctioneer whose father has Alzheimer’s, and Amede, a mysterious lady who comes to town with hopes of finding her missing sister. Since this story is more of a “mystery” than anything – I am really not sure what all I can say without ruining the experience for you! For the basics: this story is written from multiple POV. Normally, I hate multiple POV and find it confusing, but it worked well for this book. I wasn’t lost at all, and am glad I got the chance to see both of the main characters POV. It helped me connect to both – and that connection is what held me through to the end of the book. If that makes any sense. LOLFor the lore/Christian Fiction thing – This is where I wasn’t sure how the book being “Christian Fiction” would handle having vampires in it. All I can say is “WELL PLAYED TRACEY BATEMAN”. I think the author did a great job with the story. I am one of those people who hates having religion shoved down my throat, I really do. If I even feel a hint of it in a book, I put it down and move on. I didn’t feel that at all in this book, so kudos to the author. This book is more of a murder mystery thriller than anything.If you’re wondering SPOILER REMOVED FOR REPOSTIn the end: I really connected with the characters, the lore was great, the suspense was dead on, and the mystery… well, I didn’t figure it out. Thought I did, but nope. I was wrong. LOL I say pick this up if you’re looking for some good suspense. Just be warned: this IS a book TWO!