The Party by Robyn Harding

Title: The Party

Author: Robyn Harding
Format: Paperback ARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publishing Date: June 6, 2017
Rating:★★★★





Synopsis from publisher's website:
In this stunning and provocative domestic drama about a sweet sixteen birthday party that goes horribly awry, a wealthy family in San Francisco finds their picture-perfect life unraveling, their darkest secrets revealed, and their friends turned to enemies.

One invitation. A lifetime of regrets.

Sweet sixteen. It’s an exciting coming of age, a milestone, and a rite of passage. Jeff and Kim Sanders plan on throwing a party for their daughter, Hannah—a sweet girl with good grades and nice friends. Rather than an extravagant, indulgent affair, they invite four girls over for pizza, cake, movies, and a sleepover. What could possibly go wrong?

But things do go wrong, horrifically so. After a tragic accident occurs, Jeff and Kim’s flawless life in a wealthy San Francisco suburb suddenly begins to come apart. In the ugly aftermath, friends become enemies, dark secrets are revealed in the Sanders’ marriage, and the truth about their perfect daughter, Hannah, is exposed.

Harkening to Herman Koch’s The Dinner, Christos Tsiolkas’s The Slap, and Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, The Party takes us behind the façade of the picture-perfect family, exposing the lies, betrayals, and moral lapses that neighbors don’t see—and the secrets that children and parents keep from themselves and each other.

Review:
The Party drew me in right from the start. Harding does a marvelous job with setting the tone of the novel with Kim waking up from a deep sleep, only to find her daughter's hands covered in blood. If that doesn't keep you wanting more, I don't know what else will!

Harding is extremely meticulous in her development of the book's characters and the construction of the book's plot. Kim wants nothing more than to continue and maintain the facade of raising the perfect family. Jeff, Kim's husband, conceals secrets of his own that can do noting but damage to his and his family's reputation. We also cannot forget the bond that teenage girls have and their ability to keep even the darkest secrets from themselves and their loved ones.

The events contained within The Party hold as proof that anyone's life can change from one minute to the next. In some scenarios, it could be for the better and in others, it could be a part of the continued downward spiral that rips families and friendships apart. One guess as to which of these two options Kim & Jeff  go through as the events of Hannah's party unravels...

The Party pulls you in instantly. The pace and unexpected twists and turns keep you locked on the story leading up to Hannah's Sweet Sixteen and the aftermath that is left in its wake. If you're looking for your next unputdownable read, this is it!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of The Party by Robyn harding from Simon & Schuster Canada for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I Found You by Lisa Jewell

Happy Book Birthday to I Found You by Lisa Jewell! A thrilling mystery that leads you to cling to every page as you seek out the identity of the mystery man on the beach.

Title: I Found You

Author: Lisa Jewell
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Atria Books
Publishing Date: April 25, 2017
Rating:★★★★







Synopsis from publisher's website:
A young bride, a lonely single mother, and an amnesiac man of dubious origin lie at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell’s next suspenseful drama that will appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty and Paula Hawkins.

In a windswept British seaside town, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on the beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better judgment, she invites him inside.

Meanwhile, in a suburb of London, twenty-one-year-old Lily Monrose has only been married for three weeks. When her new husband fails to come home from work one night she is left stranded in a new country where she knows no one. Then the police tell her that her husband never existed.

Twenty-three years earlier, Gray and Kirsty are teenagers on a summer holiday with their parents. Their annual trip to the quaint seaside town is passing by uneventfully, until an enigmatic young man starts paying extra attention to Kirsty. Something about him makes Gray uncomfortable—and it’s not just that he’s playing the role of protective older brother.

Two decades of secrets, a missing husband, and a man with no memory are at the heart of this brilliant new novel, filled with the “beautiful writing, believable characters, pacey narrative, and dark secrets” (London Daily Mail) that make Lisa Jewell so beloved by audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Review:

I Found You is the second book that I have read by Lisa Jewell. Last year, I reviewed The Girls in the Garden. Similar to her previous book, Lisa Jewell, puts an emphasis on her characters and relies on their ability to drive the story. Alice, a single mom, with three children from three different partners lives in a remote town by the sea. Her daily routine is interrupted when she comes across a stranger sitting by the water. The man appears to have forgotten who he is and what it is that has brought him to this quaint town. Alice befriends the man and attempts to help him through his amnesia, potentially putting her and he children at risk.  As the two dig deeper into the man's life, they slowly unravel a secret that has been buried for almost 22 years.

I was a bit hesitant to read I Found You because I had a hard time relating to her previous work. I am glad I put my skepticism aside. I read this book cover to cover on a while on a three hour flight. Despite my flight leaving at 6am, I could not put it down! The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Lisa Jewell takes you on a journey through two different timelines which eventually meet and unfurl the mystery that surrounds the stranger on the beach.

Fans of mystery/thriller novels will surely enjoy the twists and turns that Lisa Jewell has laid out for her readers. I Found You is a book you'll definitely want to add to your Spring reading list! I'd love to hear from any other readers who have read any of Lisa Jewell's previous novels. Are there any other that you'd recommend? Let me know in the comments!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of I Found You by Lisa Jewell from Simon & Schuster for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wenjack by Joseph Boyden

Title: Wenjack

Author: Joseph Boyden
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
Publishing Date: October 18, 2016
Rating:★★★★★







Synopsis from the publisher's website:

An Ojibwe boy runs away from a North Ontario Indian School, not realizing just how far away home is. Along the way he's followed by Manitous, spirits of the forest who comment on his plight, cajoling, taunting, and ultimately offering him a type of comfort on his difficult journey back to the place he was so brutally removed from.

Written by Scotiabank Giller Prize–winning author Joseph Boyden and beautifully illustrated by acclaimed artist Ken Monkman, Wenjack is a powerful and poignant look into the world of a residential school runaway trying to find his way home.

Review

Like many Indigenous children, Chanie was plucked from his home and forced into a residential school. These schools had a single objective: influence the children to forget their heritage and assimilate into the dominant culture.

"I'm learning my English, me. But I won't lose my tongue." p2

Chanie and two of his friends mustered up the courage to run away from their school to escape the daily abuse and mistreatment. They retreated into the woods. Chanie eventually finds himself stranded and alone. Despite his strong will to see his family again, he was in no way prepared for the harsh Canadian winter.

Every Canadian should have the opportunity to read Wenjack. Chanie's story is heartbreaking and in no way a happy one, but it is extremely important. Canadians should be cognizant of our country's dark past and better understand years of struggles that our Indigenous people have suffered. Our country must now continue along the path of reconciliation for years of injustice.

 "It will take many more years before the intergenerational trauma left in the wake of the grotesque social experiment begins to abate. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission worked timelessly for many years to uncover the truth - and now the tougher part, the reconciliation, begins." p102

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
Format: Audiobook Download
Narrators: Susan Lyons, Anna Bentink, Steven Crossley, Alex Tregear, Andrew Wincott, Owen Lindsay
Publisher:Penguin Audio
Book Rating:★★★★★
Narrator Rating: ★★★★★





Synopsis:
They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

Review:
Where do I even begin with this? Before I downloaded this audiobook, I believed I was a person who: 1) did not enjoy sappy love stories and 2) would not enjoy audiobooks. Let's tackle these two separately.

Sappy love stories are not my "thing"
Before starting this book, I kept telling myself that I probably wouldn't end of finishing it and would likely skip to watch the movie instead. Um... yeah, I was wrong.

Jojo Moyes created characters that seemed so real. Lou's personality, compassion and determination leapt off the pages. She was an extremely loveable character who was quirky and intelligent. Her contrast to Will brings so much depth to the story that you can't help but want to see their relationship evolve and cheer them on, right down to the last chapter.

I also enjoyed the writing. There could have been many moments in the book that could have dragged on and on, but they didn't and I'm glad. The book was concise and straight to the point (kind of like Will) and yet, still had a few moments that would make you chuckle.

Me Before You has definitely made me think twice about saying no to romantic novels. (Note: I downloaded After You by Jojo Moyes while I was still trying to put myself together after this book.)

Audiobook, schmaudiobook
Yet another thing I was wrong about...

Back in August (yes, I've been absent from the blogging world yet again...), I posted about Awe-Inspiring Audiobooks. Me Before You was the first, and definitely not the last, audiobook that I have ever tried. In not so many words, I'm hooked. Having the ability to listen to books on my commute home on the train and in the car have been one of the only things keeping me sane over the past few weeks. For those who say they don't have the time to read I definitely recommend giving an audiobook a try, it may just change your mind.

In closing...
Safe to say, I adored Me Before You and the format that it was delivered. For audiobooks, the actors play as much of a role as the story itself. Me Before You was narrated by a very talented group of people who kept me engaged throughout.

The book... oh this book... it will make you laugh, it will force you to question humanity and it may even make you cry. But, in the end, it's all worth it. I loved it and I truly recommend that you give it a go in whatever format you see fit.

The Illegal by Lawrence Hill

Title: The Illegal

Author: Lawrence Hill

Publisher: Harper Collins Canada
Format: Kindle Edition

Source: Purchased

Publishing Date: September 8, 2015

Rating: ★★★★

Keita Ali only wanted to do one thing - run. He wanted to represent his country in the Olympics, he wanted to be a champion. He believed being an elite runner in Zantoroland would bring him and his family a better life.

"If you won Olympic gold for Zantoroland, every citizen would know your name. The president would give you a free house and a hundred thousand dollars. Later, you could have a coaching job for life. You would be world famous, like the Eritrean American marathoner Meb Keflezighi." p11

Keita's father, a well established journalist, had run into trouble. He was investigating the crimes of the Zantoroland government and was eventually killed. After this, Keita is left to fend for himself. Using his passion for running as his meal ticket, Keita flees or Freedom State. Freedom State is an abundantly wealthy state that once enslaved Zantorolanders.

Once he enters Freedom State, he goes underground, into hiding. He knows that if he is caught, he will be deported and killed. While Keita works to stay hidden, he comes across a variety of characters, all of whom are struggling with their own battles to fit in and be accepted.

This was the first book that I've read written by Lawrence Hill. His words were masterfully put together and resulted in a story that flowed and was engaging all through out. The Illegal is a story of survival, not only for the main character, Keita Ali, but for his supporting cast as well. Each character had their own story to tell. A few were born into wealth, while others struggled to live a happy and fulfilling life. Despite their role, each one was so well crafted that they were easy to relate to and understand.

"Be calm, and be strong, and be sure to take care of yourself. You have a full life ahead of you to live, so do everything you can to have that life and to live it lovingly." p47

Overall, I enjoyed The Illegal. It is more than deserving of the awards it has won. I think those who read the book will gain a deeper understanding for the struggles that immigrants and lower class citizens have to go through in order to make a living. I believe it will also inspire others as they read about the obstacles and injustices that Keita is forced to live with.

Image Source: CBC.ca

Canada Reads

The Illegal is being defended in this year's Canada Reads competition Canadian Olympic medallist and author, Clara Hughes. Does it address the topic of starting over? Most definitely. Having to flee your home and make a living in a foreign country definitely fits the bill. In my opinion, this is the most well known out of the five books and it has the most recognizable panellist behind it. The question is, will it all be enough to win Canada Reads?

Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar

Title: Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You
Authors: Kunal Nayyar
Publisher: Atria Books
Publishing Date: September 15, 2015
Genre: Non-Fiction









Synopsis from the Simon & Schuster website:

In the spirit of Mindy Kaling’s bestseller Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, a collection of humorous, autobiographical essays from Kunal Nayyar, best known as Raj on CBS’s #1 hit comedy The Big Bang Theory.

Of all the charming misfits on television, there’s no doubt Raj from The Big Bang Theory—the sincere yet incurably geeky Indian-American astrophysicist—ranks among the misfittingest. Now, we meet the actor who is every bit as loveable as the character he plays on TV. In this revealing collection of essays written in his irreverent, hilarious, and self-deprecating voice, Kunal Nayyar traces his journey from a little boy in New Delhi who mistakes an awkward first kiss for a sacred commitment, gets nosebleeds chugging Coca-Cola to impress other students, and excels in the sport of badminton, to the confident, successful actor on the set of TV’s most-watched sitcom since Friends.

Going behind the scenes of The Big Bang Theory and into his personal experiences, Kunal introduces readers to the people who helped him grow, such as his James Bond-loving, mustachioed father who taught him the most important lessons in life: Treat a beggar as you would a king. There are two sides to every story. A smile goes a long way. And, when in doubt, use a spreadsheet. Kunal also walks us through his college years in Portland, where he takes his first sips of alcohol and learns to let loose with his French, 6’8” gentle-giant roommate, works his first-ever job for the university’s housekeeping department cleaning toilets for minimum wage, and begins a series of romantic exploits that go just about as well as they would for Raj. (That is, until he meets and marries a former Miss India in an elaborate seven-day event that we get to experience in a chapter titled “My Big Fat Indian Wedding.”)

Full of heart, but never taking itself too seriously, this witty and often inspiring collection of underdog tales follows a young man as he traverses two continents in search of a dream, along the way transcending culture and language (and many, many embarrassing incidents) to somehow miraculously land the role of a lifetime.

Review:
Last month JG and I were getting ready for a short trip to Washington D.C. and instead of planning out my outfits for our lunch with PoTUS (didn't really happen....will likely NEVER happen...) I was more concerned about which book(s) I was going to take with me. Luckily, Kunal Nayyar arrived on my door step (his book, not the man himself) and saved the day. Thank you Catherine! Kunal and I started to get acquainted as soon as we passed airport security.

Yes, My Accent is Real is a collection of autobiographical essays and is filled with many (hilarious) reflections of Nayyar's life leading up to his big break. I have to confess, I was once a fan of The Big Bang Theory, but life has gotten in the way of our relationship. Raj, Kunal Nayyar's character on the show was and still is one of my favourite characters. His medical condition, selective mutism, has always been quite intriguing and I'm happy that Nayyar addresses it in his book. We also get a look into Nayyar's privileged upbringing in India, his close relationship with his parents and his struggles to attain his "American Dream".

If you're looking for dirt on your favourite Big Bang Theory character, this book will likely disappoint.Yes, My Accent is Real is, however, a fun and engaging read written by an author that is genuine and intelligent. The book is filled with many moments that will make you laugh out loud. Tip: Do not read this book while watching the safety video on a flight. The look the flight attendant gave me was not so pleasant as I chuckled through the "How to put on your life jacket section".

I thoroughly enjoyed Kunal Nayyar's debut novel and I hope it won't be the last.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reading copy of Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You from Simon & Schuster Canada for review. All opinions are my own

Rating: ★★★★★

Armada by Ernest Cline

Title: Armada
Authors: Ernest Cline
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Publishing Date: July 14, 2015
Genre: Fiction








Goodreads Synopsis:
Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure.

But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little escapism, right? After all, Zack tells himself, he knows the difference between fantasy and reality. He knows that here in the real world, aimless teenage gamers with anger issues don’t get chosen to save the universe.

And then he sees the flying saucer.

Even stranger, the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada—in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders.

No, Zack hasn’t lost his mind. As impossible as it seems, what he’s seeing is all too real. And his skills—as well as those of millions of gamers across the world—are going to be needed to save the earth from what’s about to befall it.

It’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. But even through the terror and exhilaration, he can’t help thinking back to all those science-fiction stories he grew up with, and wondering: Doesn’t something about this scenario seem a little…familiar?

At once gleefully embracing and brilliantly subverting science-fiction conventions as only Ernest Cline could, Armada is a rollicking, surprising thriller, a classic coming of age adventure, and an alien invasion tale like nothing you’ve ever read before—one whose every page is infused with the pop-culture savvy that has helped make Ready Player One a phenomenon.

Review
I have read/heard a lot of really great things about Ernest Cline's previous book Ready Player One. The book’s storyline sounded like something I would enjoy and is still sitting on my never ending TBR list. When Random House Canada gave me the opportunity review a copy of Armada, I was super excited.

Similar to the main character, my childhood was filled with memories of videogames, sci-fi movies and action figures. This is likely why I was able to easily connect to Zack and his journey to save the human race. There are an abundance of pop culture references, which I LOVED. They are often used to explain/help visualize the characters’ actions and reactions or to describe settings. Some readers may not enjoy the book as much if they don't pick up on them. But, if you do, it makes Armada that much more amazing.

Overall, I found Armada to be a fast paced and thrilling coming of age story. It was really hard to put down and now that I’m done, I can’t stop raving about it. Armada is the perfect read for gamers, geeks and anyone in between who appreciates a down and dirty alien apocalypse.

Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of Armada from Random House Canada for review. All opinions are my own

Rating: ★★★★★

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Title: Nimona
Author: Noelle Stevenson
Publisher: Harper Collins
Source: Purchased
Publishing Date: May 12, 2015
Genre: YA, Graphic Novel, Fantasy







Synopsis:
Nimona is an impulsive young shape-shifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

Nemeses!
Dragons!
Science!
Symbolism!

All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson, based on her award-winning web comic.

Review:
I was introduced to Nimona when it was listed as a Featured Read on The Savvy Reader's 50 Book Pledge. I have never read a complete graphic novel, so I thought this would be a great start. I was not disappointed. I read the book in under two hours and enjoyed every page.

The pages are vibrant and filled with beautiful graphics. The story is easy to follow and at times can be laugh out loud funny. This book has made me an instant fan of Noelle Stevenson and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting into reading graphic novels. Nimona was definitely a great starting point for me.

Rating: ★★★★★

The Truth And Other Lies by Sascha Arango

Title: The Truth and Other Lies
Author: Sascha Arango
Publisher: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Canada Books Inc.
Format: Trade Paperback (ARC)
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller






Synopsis:
On the surface, Henry Hayden seems like someone you could like, or even admire. A famous bestselling author who appears a modest everyman. A loving, devoted husband even though he could have any woman he desires. A generous friend and co-worker. But Henry Hayden is a construction, a mask. His past is a secret, his methods more so. No one besides he and his wife know that she is the actual writer of the novels that made him famous.

For most of Henry’s life, it hasn’t been a problem. But when his hidden-in-plain-sight mistress becomes pregnant and his carefully constructed facade is about to crumble, he tries to find a permanent solution, only to make a terrible mistake.

Now not only are the police after Henry, but his past—which he has painstakingly kept hidden—threatens to catch up with him as well. Henry is an ingenious man, and he works out an ingenious plan. He weaves lies, truths, and half-truths into a story that may help him survive. But bit by bit the noose still tightens.

Smart, sardonic, and compulsively readable, here is the story of a man whose cunning allows him to evade the consequences of his every action, even when he’s standing on the edge of the abyss.

Review:
The Truth and Other Lies had me hooked from page one. This is one of those books where the main character is corrupt and a genuinely terrible person, but you secretly root for them anyway. The story itself is heavily fictional and has more than a few moments that are hard to believe, but is captivating nonetheless.

I greatly enjoyed this book and it has become one of my favourite thrillers this year. It is a beautifully written, dark and twisted thriller that will leave you wanting more. The twists and turns are shocking and as the story goes on, it becomes harder and harder determine the truth. I'm definitely looking forward to more books from Sascha Arango.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a great thriller/mystery novel. For those who decide to pick up this book, find a comfy spot and settle in because you will not want to put it down.

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Truth and Other Lies from Penguin Canada. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Title: Extraordinary Means
Author: Robyn Schneider
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of Harper Collins
Publishing Date: May 26, 2015
Source: Publisher
Genre: YA








Lane was an exemplary high school student. He was member of the model U.N. and was enrolled in a number of A.P. classes to prepare him for his number one college pick, Stanford University. Unfortunately, his plans were derailed when he was diagnosed with an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Like many teenagers diagnosed with this devastating disease, Lane has been sent to Latham House. Latham House is a combination of an advanced medical centre and boarding school.

On his first day, Lane recognizes a girl he met at a summer camp years ago. He remembers Sadie as a shy person who kept to herself. However, the girl he once knew has completely changed. She is outspoken, sarcastic and utterly fascinating. Sadie and her group of friends are completely different from the other residents at Latham House. The group breaks the rules, obtain illicit items for fellow residents and in doing so, live life to the fullest. After spending days and weeks together, Lane and Sadie start to fall in love. Unfortunately, as their love blossoms, their friends' health begin wilt.

Extraordinary Means is a witty story about love, friendships a hope for second chances. I enjoyed this book because the characters were real. They were flawed, made mistakes and were easy to relate to. I saw pieces of my teen aged self in each of the characters. These flaws also made the story a bit more believable.

Another aspect of the book that I greatly enjoyed was the author's creativity when it came to technology. Each of the students are given electronic bracelets that allow them to unlock doors, track their health statistics and location while on Latham grounds (think Disney Magic Band crossed with a Fitbit and GPS locator). I thought the concept of these bands was very imaginative and may actually exist one day, if they don't already.

Extraordinary Means was well written and thoroughly researched. The inclusion of a new, incurable tuberculosis strain was very inventive. It allowed for all of the characters to be secluded and quarantined. Schneider's descriptions of the symptoms that the residents suffer from were vivid and believable. Lastly, the potential for a cure helps keep readers at the edge of their seats while they wait to see if it will arrive on time. This is the first book that I've read by Robyn Schneider and after reading it, I immediately purchased The Beginning of Everything because I enjoyed her writing style so much. I hope it's just as great.

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Extraordinary Means from Harper Collins Canada (HCC Frenzy) as part of the HCC First Reads program. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Title: Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books
Format: Trade Paperback (ARC)
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary




Synopsis (from publisher's website):
An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey's daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother's gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she's never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

Review:
This was a fun Young Adult debut for Sophie Kinsella. She is able to weave together light humour and sensitive topics that are relevant to the book's intended audience.

Bullying. We are made aware that the event that has triggered Audrey's anxiety disorders are related to bullying. There are very little details provided about the actual incident. As a reader, this is very frustrating. But, I can also appreciate that Kinsella wants to keep parts of Audrey's life private. Doing this was a great way to keep the focus of the book on Audrey's condition and road to recovery.

Mental health issues. Kinsella is very specific when she writes about the symptoms of Audrey's anxiety disorder. She focuses on the baby steps needed to improve Audrey's situation. Finally, Kinsella also highlights the support that Audrey's family and friends provide her as she works on getting better.

Screen addictions. Audrey's brother Frank is hooked on Land of Conquerers, an online computer game. He plays for hours on end. When his computer privileges are revoked, he finds other ways to entertain himself through smartphone games and video game consoles. Though this is a minor plot topic, I think Kinsella does a great job in highlighting how much time young people spend staring at screens. However, I do think Audrey mother blows things way out of proportion when it comes online gaming.

Finding Audrey is a great book to take with you to the beach or on a picnic as the weather warms up. I'm really looking forward to any future novels she decides to write in this genre.

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Finding Audrey from Random House of Canada. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install

Title: A Robot in the Garden
Author: Deborah Install
Publisher: Random House Canada
Format: Trade Paperback (ARC)
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Genre: Fiction






Synopsis:
What would you do if you found a rickety robot sitting under a tree in your back garden? 

For floundering 34-year-old Ben Chambers the answer is obvious: find out where it came from and take it there to be fixed, even if it means risking his marriage in the process. Determined to achieve something for once in his life, Ben embarks on a journey that takes him and the endearing robot, Tang, to the far side of the globe...and back again. Together they will discover that friendship can rise up under the strangest circumstances, and that Artificial Intelligence can teach a man what it is to be human.

Funny, touching, charming, wise and a bit magical, A Robot in the Garden is a gem of a first novel, perfect for anyone who has ever found it difficult to connect with the world.

Review
A Robot in the Garden is an adorable story about a man and his robot. After finding Tang in his garden, Ben goes on a mission to to find out where he comes from. As they circle the globe, Ben becomes increasingly attached to his new friend. Tang is like a child. Constantly learning from his surroundings and throws Tangtrums when he doesn't get his way. His vocabulary is also evolving although he makes up words and phrases which he calls Tanglish.

A Robot in the Garden has become a new favourite of mine. As I neared the end of the book, I was constantly looking at how many pages I had left because I didn't want it to end. I hope Deborah Install decides (if she hasn't already) to do a follow up to this book. I would love to find out what Ben and Tang are up to now. I whole heartedly recommend A Robot in the Garden to anyone who enjoys a great story about a budding friendship. The graphic below pretty much sums it up.

Image provided by Random House Canada

What would you do if you found a robot in your garden?

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of A Robot in the Garden from Random House of Canada. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

Title: In the Unlikely Event
Author: Judy Blume
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: June 2, 2015







Synopsis:
The new adult novel from the beloved and bestselling Judy Blume, based on true events.

When a series of passenger airplanes crashed in Elizabeth, NJ within a three-month period in 1951-1952, Judy Blume was a teenager. "These events have lingered in my mind ever since," says Blume. "It was a crazy time. We were witnessing things that were incomprehensible to us as teenagers. Was it sabotage? An alien invasion? No one knew, and people were understandably terrified." Against this background, Blume uses her imagination to bring us the lives of three generations of families, friends, and strangers who will be profoundly affected by these events, either directly or indirectly. But life goes on and Blume digs deep into her characters--we see them coping not only with grief but with first love, estranged parents, difficult friendships, familial obligations, divorce, career ambitions, a grandparent's love, a widower's hope, and everything in between... Most importantly, it is filled with the same warmth and authenticity that have won her the hearts and minds of readers of all generations.

Review:
I was a fan of Judy Blume as a child. When I found out she was publishing a new adult novel, I couldn't wait to read it. I stayed away from reviews and even avoided reading the synopsis until I had the physical book in hand. I was shocked to learn that the three plane crashes that occur in the story were based on real life events. Learning this only added to my excitement to read it because it's obviously an event that affected Judy Blume who grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Looking at the size of the book, I didn't think I would get through it so quickly. I was so engrossed in the story that I breezed through the 400+ pages like it was nothing. It took a bit for me to get the hang of the writing style as the book alternates between the POV of a variety of characters. However, once I got used to it, I found the character's connections to each other quite intriguing.

Even though Judy Blume writes about fictional characters, I don't think she's too far off from how people reacted during these difficult times. Each character was believable and relatable. Through the pages of In the Unlikely Event, we see how each of these crashes directly and indirectly affected the fictional residents of Elizabeth. Their heartbreak and outpouring of compassion for each other made for a rollercoaster of emotions. The book has readers experience how one character's decisions can cause a ripple effect and impact another, unrelated, character's fate.

Judy Blume did not disappoint with her latest book and it is one that I will cherish for many years to come.

Disclaimer:  I received a finished copy of In the Unlikely Event from Random House of Canada for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Title: Luckiest Girl Alive
Author: Jessica Knoll
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Canada
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: May 12, 2015




Synopsis:
HER PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE

Luckiest Girl alive is a gripping story about Ani FaNelli. Ani has a glamorous job, a Manhattan zip code and is engaged to a wealthy man from old money. It's everything she's ever dreamed of. However, Ani also holds a deep, dark secret from her past life. She has the opportunity to finally set it all straight, but doing so may cause her perfect life to come crashing down.

Review:
I had this galley sitting in my Kindle library a couple weeks before it was published. I'm always weary of books that are tagged as "The Next Gone Girl". I finally gave in, and I'm glad Jessica Knoll's book lived up to the hype.

Luckiest Girl Alive is narrated by a grown up,Ani FaNelli, and her fourteen year old self known back then as TifAni. Adult Ani works for Women's Magazine, a highly regarded publication, where she is a successful columnist. Ani is constantly sought after by ambitious young women looking to get their foot in the door and kickstart their careers. My first impression of Ani was that she was shallow, self absorbed and materialistic. Fourteen year old TifAni on the other hand was insecure and only wanted to fit in with the "cool kids". Several unfortunate events occur during TifAni's first few months at her new private school causing a change in her attitude, confidence and demeanour.

Jessica Knoll did a great job keeping me on my toes. Just when I thought I had Ani's story figured out she threw in a few more twists and I realized I couldn't have been more wrong. There are definitely similarities to The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Those who have read either of these two books or enjoy mystery/thriller novels should definitely consider picking up Luckiest Girl Alive.

Disclaimer:  I received a digital ARC of Luckiest Girl Alive from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

The Shore by Sara Taylor

Title: The Shore
Author: Sara Taylor
Publisher: Bond Street Books
Publishing Date: May 26, 2015
Genre: Fiction





Synopsis:
Welcome to The Shore: a collection of small islands sticking out from the coast of Virginia into the Atlantic Ocean. Where clumps of evergreens meet wild ponies, oyster-shell roads, tumble-down houses, unwanted pregnancies, murder, storm-making and dark magic in the marshes. . .

Situated off the coast of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, the group of islands known as the Shore has been home to generations of fierce and resilient women. Sanctuary to some but nightmare to others, it's a place they've inhabited, fled, and returned to for hundreds of years. From a half-Shawnee Indian's bold choice to flee an abusive home only to find herself with a man who will one day try to kill her to a brave young girl's determination to protect her younger sister as methamphetamine ravages their family, to a lesson in summoning storm clouds to help end a drought, these women struggle against domestic violence, savage wilderness, and the corrosive effects of poverty and addiction to secure a sense of well-being for themselves and for those they love.

Together their stories form a deeply affecting legacy of two barrier island families, illuminating 150 years of their many freedoms and constraints, heartbreaks, and pleasures. Conjuring a wisdom and beauty all its own, The Shore is a richly unique, stunning novel that will resonate with readers long after turning its final pages, establishing Sara Taylor as a promising new voice in fiction.

Review:
The Shore was a unique book, nothing like I've read before. It was a collection of linked short stories that came together to form a novel. Each story is a vignette that relies on previous or future chapters for additional context. The book's timeline spans over 250 years and focuses on two families a long history on The Shore.

At the beginning of the book, there is a family tree. This is a very important resource which I highly recommend you bookmark. I found myself referencing it at least once per chapter. Each story focuses on the lives of the female family members and we meet each of them at different points in their lives. Since the stories are connected, we also get a chance to see the ripple effects of their decisions through the generations that follow.

The Shore was a very compelling book which I read in only two sittings.  This book is not very light hearted and at times can be gut wrenching. This because of the struggles the women of The Shore must endure. They are subject to starvation, neglect, sickness and emotional and physical abuse. If you find any of these topics difficult to read about, then proceed with caution. Given the topics, I would recommend this book to adult readers. It's a great book to take with you to the beach or on a road trip because of the way it's put together. The Shore is a wonderful debut from Sara Taylor and I'm really looking forward to her future work.

Have you had a chance to read The Shore? I would love to hear your thoughts on both the context and format.

Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of this book from Random House of Canada for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Harmless by James Grainger

Publisher: McClelland & Stewart, a division of Random House of Canada Limited
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: May 5, 2015

Synopsis:
A group of old friends reunite at a remote farm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, they unwind beside a bon fire with the help of some alcohol and drugs. The reunion rekindles old flames and uncovers tension between the guests, specifically between Joseph and Alex. The tension rises when two teenagers, Franny, Joseph's daughter, and Rebeccal, Alex's daughter, go missing without a trace. The two men must put aside their differences and work together as they search for their daughters.

Their survival skills and and parental instincts are put to the test as their search brings them to the vast woods behind the farm.

Review:
I was excited when I received my copy of Harmless and started reading it as soon as it arrived. My first impressions of the book was that it was written very well. I appreciated the detailed description of the farm and started to get a sense of who Joseph was. It was clear that he had a distant relationship with his daughter and was clueless as to how he can even begin to mend it. As the next couple chapters went on, I lost a bit of interest in the book. New characters were constantly getting introduced and it was difficult to understand where they fit in the story. There were times I had to re-read pages because I started mixing characters up. I was actually fearful that this book would end up in my DNF pile. I read some reviews on this book and it appeared that I wasn't alone in my feelings. However, many of these reviews mentioned that when the search for the girls began, that's where the book took off. This was enough motivation for me to pick the book up again and I'm glad I did! Once the search Franny and Rebecca began, it was hard to put down. The emotions that both Joseph and Alex were feeling leapt off the page and made for an enjoyable read. For me, it really brought into question of what makes a man, manly? Is the true definition someone like Alex - Type A personality, resourceful and fearless? Can someone like Joseph, a tech savvy urbanite also be masculine? These questions kept running through my mind as I followed Joseph and Alex through their search in the woods. Although I did not love the beginning, the middle and end of the book were fantastic. I think the book may appeal to a more masculine audience, but it's definitely worth the time for any readers who enjoy mystery and thriller novels.

Meeting the author:
I remember while reading parts of these books, I had wondered where the author's inspiration for Harmless came from because it felt so real. Lucky for me, I was given the chance to have this question answered. Last week I attended an author reception hosted by Random House Canada and James Grainger happened to be one of them. One of the topics he covered in his presentation was how Harmless came to be. A few years back he experienced his own scare when he was unable to locate his daughter who went missing in a large park. He described the feelings of fear that he experienced and said, "my heart was replaced with a stopwatch" with each second ticking by. He was overcome with such relief when his daughter jumped out of her hiding spot a few hours later. These emotions are definitely felt as you flip through the pages of his book when Joseph and Alex are in the woods searching for their missing daughters. James' presentation and the conversation I had with him afterward, really helped put things into perspective.

Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of this book from Random House of Canada for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Falling into Place by Amy Zhang

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Canada
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: Purchased
Publication Date: August 29, 2014

Synopsis:
Falling into Place starts off with the main character, Liz Emerson, attempting to end her life. She drives her Mercedes off the road and down a steep hill. To her surprise, she survives the fall and is rushed to the hospital in grave condition. Readers then get a glimpse into Liz's life leading up to the day of her accident. We learn that she is one of the most popular girls in her school but, she is also a bully. She uses her popularity to get her way without a second thought to the consequences of her actions.

This is a story about how one person's actions cause ripple effects which can lives of the people around them in an instant.

My thoughts:
If you enjoy books where you fall in love with the main character, this book is definitely not for you. Throughout the book we meet the various people whose lives Liz has graced destroyed. She lives her life with no remorse for her actions no matter how devastating they may be to the people around her.

Although you are meant to dislike the Liz, her supporting characters are all so relatable. Readers will be able to empathize with at least one of them as each character is provided a fairly deep backstory. This is a book that I will not soon forget. Amy Zhang's story makes me believe that Isaac Newton was such an incredible genius that his Laws of Motion can be used outside of the realm of physics and applied to human relationships:

First Law

A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity, unless acted upon by a force.

Second Law

Force is equal to the change in momentum (mV) per change in time. For a constant mass, force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma).

Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Falling into Place was a fantastic book. The book is beautifully written. It transitions between past and present with ease. After reading this book, it rendered me speechless. Amy Zhang takes you on an emotional roller coaster with a story that will strike you right to your core. I already cannot wait until the release of her next book, This Is Where The World Ends. It already sounds so good!

For more information about Falling into Place by Amy Zhang, click here. To learn more about +HarperCollinsCanada visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @HarperCollinsCa.

Rating: ★★★★★

Hello, I Love You (ARC Review) by Katie M. Stout

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: June 9, 2015

Synopsis:

The book begins with our main character escaping her life in Nashville to attend boarding school, in South Korea. Grace is the daughter of record producer and millionaire, Stephen Wilde. She is also the sister of Nathan Cross, country music's brightest star. Early on we learn that Grace's decision to complete her senior year of high school in South Korea was because of her brother's breakdown and her mother's constant tendencies to blame her for it.

Grace hopes for a fresh start where she can finish the year without anyone discovering her true identity. All she wants is to distance herself from anything related to music. Upon arrive at her new school, she encounters her roommate Sophie. Grace gets her things unpacked and joins Sophie to the cafeteria to meet her twin brother Jason. It turns out Grace's attempts to distance herself from music are squashed on the first day as she discovers that Jason is the lead singer of a famous Korean Pop (KPOP) group. Grace is physically attracted to Jason, but she cannot stand his attitude.

What follows is a story of friendship and heartache as Grace struggles to find herself in this new and unknown territory.

Review:

I requested and downloaded this title from NetGalley without reading anything about it beforehand. I've done this a few times before with Young Adult titles and have been pleasantly surprised. I wish I could say the same for this book.

Hello, I Love You is your typical teenaged love story filled with laughter, heartbreak and maybe a happy ending. I found a few moments quite hilarious, specifically the parts where we find Grace trying to find her footing amongst all the various Korean customs, traditions and pleasantries. Outside of this I did not enjoy this book. Grace's character is on a mission to escape her life back in America. After reading the first chapter, I was hoping to see her character grow as a result of her living on her own in a new country. As the book went on, I didn't feel as though her character was really learning anything. There was no major epiphany (maybe there was, but hard to discuss that without spoiling the book) to show that she's made any positive changes to her life. As for the other characters in the story, normally there's at least one that I can relate to. All of these characters were a bit of a stretch. Maybe it's because I'm not rich or famous...

If any readers decide to pick up this book or if you've read it, I'd really like to get your thoughts on it. Maybe I missed something...

Disclaimer: I received a digital Advanced Reader Copy of Hello, I Love You from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★★★★★

My Fight Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Publisher: Regan Arts
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Publication Date: May 12, 2015

I have been a Ronda Rousey fan since I watched her debut at UFC 157 on February 23, 2013 when she defended her title versus Liz Carmouche. I remember watching the pre fight trailers thinking she is going to be a star. Fast forward two years and she's still on top.

Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey is highly known for her superiority in the Octagon. She is the Undefeated UFC Women's Bantamweight champion and an Olympic medallist in Judo. Ronda was also recently given the title of "World's Most Dominant Athlete" by Sports Illustrated. Aside from her MMA career, we have also started to see Rousey appear films including Expendables 3 and Furious 7. She also has a part in the new Entourage movie that will be premiering next month.

Rousey's debut book, My Fight Your Fight, is an open and inspiring memoir on what it takes to get to the top. The book begins with a forward by UFC President, Dana White. His respect for Ronda is very evident as you read through the pages. He believes that she is a role model for women and girls. Dana also calls Rousey a "game changer" on more than one occasion.

"Ronda has changed the world of sports, and by the time she's done, she may change the world as well." - Dana White (p. xv)

In My Fight Your Fight, we get an in-depth look on what it takes to become a champion. Ronda's sheer determination to come out on top in combination with the (sometimes tough) love and support of her parents has been a formula for success not only in the octagon, but in life as well.

"Life is a fight from the minute you take your first breath to the moment you exhale your last."

My Fight Your Fight is a phenomenal book, one of the best I've read this year! The book was motivational and at times quite hilarious. The style of writing fit perfectly to Ronda's story. It almost feels like you are reading a really long letter from a longtime friend. I would not hesitate recommend this book to anyone. But, I think aspiring athletes who are looking for motivation and/or a manual on how to succeed in their sport may enjoy it a bit more than others.

Autographed copies of My Fight Your Fight are available now at Indigo.ca

Rating: ★★★★★

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: Purchased
Publication Date: August 29, 2014

Synopsis:
Day One
The Georgia Flu explodes over the surface of the earth like a neutron bomb. News reports put the mortality rate at over 99%.

Week Two
Civilization has crumbled.

Year Twenty
A band of actors and musicians, called the Travelling Symphony, move through the territories of a changed world, performing concerts and Shakespeare at the settlements that have formed. Twenty years after the pandemic, life feels relatively safe. But now a new danger looms, and it threatens the world every hopeful survivor has tried to rebuild.

Moving backward and forward in time, from the glittering years just before the collapse to the strange and altered world that exists twenty years after, Station Eleven charts the unexpected twists of fate that connect six people: celebrated actor Arthur Leander; Jeevan, a bystander warned about the flu just in time; Arthur's first wife, Miranda; Arthur's oldest friend, Clark; Kirsten, an actress with the Travelling Symphony; and the mysterious and self-proclaimed "prophet."

Sometimes terrifying, sometimes tender, Station Eleven tells a story about the fragility of life, the relationships that sustain us, and the beauty of the world as we know it.

Review:

"If hell is other people, what is a world with almost no people in it" (p.148)

The world has ended. The cause? The Georgia Flu. The epidemic wipes out hundreds of people on Day 1, and that's just in Toronto. With the setting of the story being in my home city, Toronto, I couldn't help but be drawn in.

As I continued to read on, I found Station Eleven to be a gripping tale about a post apocalyptic world. It was very character driven and showed that even after civilization has ended, humanity will find a way to honour past inventions and preserve our literary past.

This book has been the recipient of various awards since it was published last year and in my opinion, each one was well deserved. I thoroughly enjoyed Mandel's spin on the end of the world because her focus is not on survival, it's on what happens after you've achieved it. Station Eleven is a captivating and thought provoking book that I would highly recommend to all.

This is the first book I've read by Emily St. John Mandel and has easily become a new favourite of mine. I'll definitely be looking out for some of her past books to add to my TBR. If you have any suggestions, please leave me a note in the comments.

For more information about Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, click here. To learn more about +HarperCollinsCanada visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @HarperCollinsCa.

Rating: ★★★★★