I show you my books; you show me yours... vol.4

I'm in Texas now, probably stuffing my face with as much TexMex as possible.  But, I can't miss this link-up.  It's my favorite link-up ever because, well, you know, book nerds unite!  Because I'm vacationing and family-ing, I may not read all the links immediately. I WILL read them because I love seeing the input from other blogging readers. I encourage you to do the same. 

 

Now, here's what I've read since our last link-up...

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta - I loved this book. So much love. I loved these characters (many are the same from Marchetta's book Saving Francesca that I reviewed here).  The author captures the spirit of the Sydney suburb and culture so well, all the while getting the reader to become emotionally invested in the characters.  I wanted to know what happened but didn't want it to end. Marchetta needs to write more! 5/5

 

You by Caroline Kepnes - Jana read this, and we share some similar tastes in books, so I thought I'd definitely read this one.  The book is intense and provocative, most of the characters are severely flawed and damaged, and many scenes gave me the heebie jeebies.  The downside to the book is I found myself with about 100 pages left to read thinking, "okay, I got it...now, let's just get it over with already".  Wanting a book to end isn't a good thing.  I don't know why I reached that point.  I still enjoyed the intensity and anticipation involved, but I was ready for it to be finished.  I still recommend it if you like reading about creepy, psychotic stalkers.  3.5/5

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum - I read this for The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge - The book bounces back and forth between a German woman living in Germany during WWII, and her adult daughter, professor of German Studies who lives in America.  I had high expectations for this book, and I was disappointed.  The daughter's character was flat to me.  There was one storyline that was completely unnecessary and lessened the enjoyment; it didn't work with the character development at all.  This book examines atrocities of WWII and looks at the desperation of women living in German towns. The things the maternal character experienced and lived through were extremely painful and scarred the rest of her life. I'd prefer if the book focused completely on her and less on her daughter in the aftermath. There are better books out there about this time period.  2.5/5 

The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence - In recent years, I've read a few books with awkward narrators that have proven to be endearing and enjoyable. It took me a little longer to get into this one, but it definitely won me over.  Highly intelligent, socially awkward Alex Woods in not your average teenager.  He has no father or grandfather figure in his life and no one that he considers a friend (except his neurologist that he meets after being diagnosed epileptic, an astrophysicist that he meets after being hit by a meteor, and a librarian or two). He develops such a relationship and friendship with a neighbour. The story takes the reader on a journey examining issues such as morality, mortality, loyalty, and how far would you go for something you believe in. 4.5/5

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King - I don't read much Stephen King because I'm not really into fantasy/paranormal. This isn't that. A goodreads reader's choice winner for 2014, this is a straight up thriller with a retired detective, an unusual group of helpers, and a disturbed antagonist. Seriously. This bad guy is a total whack job.  Some of his thoughts and actions are so disturbing, they are really uncomfortable to read.  But, a demented, disturbed bad guy makes for a good thriller/mystery.  There were some far-fetched moments, but I was willing to go there for the sake of the story.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Apparently, it's the first of a trilogy.  I look forward to reading the next two books. 4.5/5

Paper Chains by Nicola Moriarty - I don't even know how I feel about this book. At times, I rolled my eyes. Other times, I wanted to slap some sense into these women, the both of 'em.  Then, my heartached and my heart swelled.  Stories of friendship, family, faith in oneself and faith in others, parental love, spousal love, and new love...this book has all of that and more. I was endeared, at times; and I was annoyed other times. I got all kinds of feels. 

The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper - This author has 5 or 6 books. I've read two. I will read them all. His characters are dysfunctional and flawed. So much so that it is difficult to decide if you really, really like them or are absolutely annoyed by them.  As the book states: "I find that most people worth knowing are fucked up in some way or another.”  I couldn't agree more, and I enjoy Tropper's characters and writing style immensely. 4.5/5

Let me know what you've read lately. Any of these?