Salih Altintren Altintren itibaren 27110 Marbeuf, Fransa itibaren 27110 Marbeuf, Fransa

Miss Zailckas writes an engaging first book but I can't help but wonder how much she can reflect on her past with an air of wisdom when the past is not that far behind her (early 20s writer writing about teen years through ... that's right, early 20s). An eye-opening memoir though, and good for any parent to read.

I'm still fairly new to reading Contemporary but this has to be my favorite by far that I have read. It's such a amazing story, you get a mix of so many different things in the story. And the writing is stunning. I can't get over how much I loved the writing in this book. The main focus, as you can tell from the description at the top is the Guarneri competition, and just Violin in general. But there is so much more to the story than just the musical aspect, and it's all done in a way that blends everything together nicely. The main characters of the story are Carmen and Jeremy, they are both wanting the same thing which is to win the Guarneri. But there are so many twists and turns between them, most of which I can't actually talk about due to spoilers, but trust me when I say that the side story between them with the romance and everything else that goes on between them is beautifully done. I really loved Yuri (Carmen's violin teacher) and also Clark (Carmen's Stepfather) I really wish Clark had a bigger part in the story, I really enjoyed the role he played for Carmen and the little things he did. But as always there were also characters I hated, Diana (Carmen's Mom), the Glenns (Carmen's Grandparents) and there are a few others, but these were the main ones. But again, I don't want to go into any detail because I want you to see why I didn't like these characters by reading the book. Full review on my blog: http://justin941bookblog.blogspot.com...

4/20/12: Some of his descriptive terms are difficult to understand. '...his dark mantle trailing him as if he were a bridegroom come to enter his final covenant.' When this phrase was used to describe the movement of Maldea/Quietus' cape, I was stumped. Still am. Oh, and '...the depths of the morning stretched above.' So, is it the wee hours of the morning, or late morning, or what? 4/26/12: Despite the occasional obscure descriptive term, this book was enjoyable. The dialogue felt natural, and I liked the characters. I do wish the author had delved more into the struggles of the characters, and exposed more of their motivations. Despite this flatness, the story line was entertaining, and seemed to progress logically or naturally. Don't know that I'd read the rest of the series, but it was a good book.

Book review American Assassin is a classic tale of revenge and the avenger with a new twist on it. Mitch Rapp was an all-star lacrosse player and a world class athlete. When tragedy strikes in his life caused by a terrorist group in the Middle East Rapp turns his life and skills over to the government to avenge the death of his girl friend. Mitch Rapp is a strong character who is introduced at the beginning of the book. When a CIA member recruits him off the streets thinking he has the “stuff” to get through and cause some damage to the enemies of the U.S. Rapp’s world gets flipped. Not having any military training Rapp is automatically disliked by his commanding officers. Going through one of the most mentally and physically challenging training that the United States can muster up Rapp is getting molded into one of the United States top assassins. As Rapp goes through training being tested by every little thing he does whether he knows it or not, the book shows his true character as he goes through these tests. A strong confident young man who has witnessed tragedy and is greedy for revenge, not taking crap from any one Rapp shows up as one of the top recruits when he completes a mission by himself without the aid of his commanders or fellow assassins. Pg. 183 paragraph 1 ”he made all the right decisions. He took care of our problem and made it back here on his own he’s a natural…..” This shows Rapp has the stuff their looking for and that he’s exactly what they need.

Discovery: I really liked the second book in the Kowalski series (my review can be found here) and Joe and Keri were absolutely adorable in their few scenes. I’m glad I managed to find a copy of this book at my library. + Realistic storylines. This is one of the few contemporary romance novels I’ve read that nailed modern-day relationship and career issues. Joe and Keri’s post-college break-up is understandable, as are the situations they find themselves in a few years later. Keri is a focused career woman, but ball-buster she is not, which is a refreshing and welcomed change. Joe’s family aren’t picture-perfect people and I loved that this novel didn’t only tell me about Joe and Keri but about the people that helped them to become who they are now. I also appreciate the care Shannon Stacey took in bringing the two of them together–it wasn’t too rushed or too slow. + Supporting characters. I mentioned that the novel didn’t just focus on Joe and Keri and I think that’s one of its biggest strengths. The Kowalskis are a boisterous and loving family, which make them a delight to read about. I’m glad that Shannon Stacey didn’t underestimate her readers–each of the Kowalski siblings have believable flaws and problems that they all have to work through. None of these problems are solved in one fell swoop either. Did I mention how much fun it was to read about them? I started giggling more than once reading this book and it was great. + Writerly things. I have a soft spot for books with characters who are writers, and I’m so happy that this book did not disappoint. Both Joe and Keri seem involved and passionate when it comes to their craft. I’m especially enamoured with Keri’s career choices and the fact that she knows what she can and cannot let herself do. - Terry Kowalski-Porter. I understand that she had issues of her own, but she was often the biggest damper on the fun I had reading this book. Those issues are resolved by the time the next book comes around, but judging this on its own, the scenes with Terry were the most difficult to get through. After 20-something years, she still hasn’t gotten over Keri “abandoning” her for other friends? It’s hard to believe. Recommendations: This was a really fun, enjoyable romp of a book and most readers will have a great time watching Keri and Joe fall in love. Rating: Very Good.