December 30, 2016

Audio Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender


Title: Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Kate Alender
Narrator: Johanna Parker


When Alexis's little sister Kasey becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis thinks she is just being her usual weird self. Things get weirder, though, when their house starts changing. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner blasts cold air.
Kasey is changing, too. Her blue eyes go green, she starts using old-fashioned language, and she forgets chunks of time. Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey's shoulder. The formerly gentle child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. 
Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister - but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?


To the point review: 
Creepy and fun and enjoyed it.  

Let me explain:
I love creepy books.  I've said that many many times when reviewing book.  This is one that I've seen for awhile.  Many of my students read it and loved it! They kept telling me I needed to read it.  I'm glad I finally listened and did.  In terms of the creep factor it was good.  Not the scariest thing I've ever read, but it did have the wanting to yell out "don't go in there" feel.  A feel times my heart raced because I wanted Alexis to stop and get out!

The story also had some nice twists and turns that I didn't see coming.  A few things I thought I had figured out I didn't, so that was nice.  It kept me guessing which is always good.  

I liked Alexis a lot.  She was strong and determined.  I like that she was trying to put things together and figure out what to do.  I do wish she would've accepted help more, but I get why she didn't.  If I was in Kasey's place I would hope Alexis was on my side! 

Thoughts on the audio book: The narrator did a nice job.  I struggle with female narrators sometimes because I've found they have a tendency to sound whiny and that bothers me.  This narrator didn't have that.  She kept the story moving and definitely added to the creepiness.  

Best for:  People who like to be kept on suspense. 
Best for ages: Around 12 and up.  I had many middle school students who read it.  
Best stick-with-you image: There was a scene where Kasey just kind appears behind Alexis and that was super creepy! 

December 27, 2016

Audio Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher


Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Narrators: Debra Wiseman , Joel Johnstone


You can't stop the future. You can't rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret. . . is to press play.

Clay Jensen doesn't want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made. Hannah is dead. Her secrets should be buried with her.

Then Hannah's voice tells Clay that his name is on her tapes-- and that he is, in some way, responsible for her death.

All through the night, Clay keeps listening. He follows Hannah's recorded words throughout his small town. . .

. . .and what he discovers changes his life forever.
 




To the point review:
Read this book to remind yourself that everyone is going through something and a small gesture can change that.  

Let me explain:
I know that this book has been around for a long while, but I'm only just getting to it now.  I really wish I had read it sooner! It was very good.  Serious - but very good.  When I first started listening to it I thought - "This should be a book all high schoolers need to read."  I still feel that way although I understand it's not a book for everyone.  I just thought it should be something every kid should read because it helps you see that you do not know what is going on with someone and that what you say can have a larger impact (both for the good and bad) than you ever thought.  Hannah was struggling so much.  At first I was was kinda frustrated and just wanted her to be stronger, but as the story went on I understood more and more the place she was in.  It was heartbreaking to know that nothing was going to save her in the end.  

The character of Clay was very real.  I think we could all relate to him - anger at Hannah, anger at himself, sadness, frustration with everyone around him that was involved, unbearable grief that he hadn't done more knowing that he did was he did with what he knew at the time.  My heart hurt for him.   

Thoughts on the audio book:  I think I'm glad I experienced this book this way because the voices of Clay and Hannah were done by different people.  Since Clay was listening to the voice of Hannah it brought her and the story more alive and stronger I think.  

Best for:  People who can handle a very serious and difficult topic
Best for ages:  14+
Best stick-with-you image: Clay at the end of the book walking down the hall

December 11, 2016

I'm Done With Classes!!!

Hello from the other side! The other side of 2 years of classes to become a school media specialists! I'm done! I'm done! I'm done!  
I can't believe that I won't be in any more classes!!! 
Now I do still have to do my practicum, but much of it will come directly from my current job as a media specialist. There will stuff I'll need to track, but NO HOMEWORK! NO WEEKLY CLASS! 
I'm so very very excited.  

It also means I'll have way more time for reading and blogging again.  I've missed it so much!

I have decided to not pursue switching over to a new blog.  I tried, but I feel so much of  "ME" in this blog that I just couldn't do it.  That does mean that I'll be reviewing all types and levels of books.  And guess what - I think that's ok! 
If you like YA, you'll find that here.  
If you like MG - here too.  
Picture book?  I'll share them!  
It's my love of books and reading that brought me here, and that includes all types of books! 

Reviews coming up soon:
Audio books of (I've been listening to a ton): 
Jackaby
13 Reasons Why
Dead Girls Don't Die
Perry's Killer Playlist

Picture Books:
Wolfie the Bunny
Night Animals
Ada Twist Scientist

AND MORE!

Thanks for still following.  
And if you want more check me out on Instagram.  Many times I'll throw book sharing up there because it's quick and easy!  You can find me as jilltheowl.