tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86083262456319021202024-02-19T00:54:14.876-06:00KiriBear:The Contemplations of an Aspiring Author, Chef, & Single MomRecipes, Parenthood, Poetry, Reviews, and Contemplations of Life with the Spice of my Multi-faceted life observations and twisted sense of humorBrittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-24559858526070598172017-11-02T15:08:00.000-05:002017-11-02T15:08:52.427-05:00Rebels <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26118981" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Rebels" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439846646m/26118981.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26118981">Rebels</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9830676">Sarah Noffke</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1568782613">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
Oh man so much to say.... most of my reasons for a 3 star rating are spoilers.... <br />
<br />
Defects was so amazing, and it's not so much that Rebels wasn't amazing as that Em didn't seem as strong and independent as she was in Defects. Em as a character felt younger and more naive' to me. I find the title very fitting and this book was a lot like LOTR II where there is a massively long movie gearing up for war, but it just is a LOT longer than it needed to be. <br />
<br />
Rebels felt as if it was trying to fill space for me without really much foreground action. I can appreciate what will come and I am honestly very excited to see the culmination of all that has happened come to fruition in Book 3-Warriors. <br />
<br />
Overall the biggest issue I had while reading this was the slower pace and the logistics. I didn't feel as though there was a lot of care being taken with the planning and moving around with just Vider's senses they would have been detected and thwarted long ago. Also why has Em never leached Zack? Why is Em so naive when she admits things and then goes on like she didn't. All the screaming and no one does anything about it. Not very convincing. We have more Ren though at least, so it would be interesting to see what he has been up to this whole time. <br />
<br />
Overall I have to leave this book with a 3.5 stars... Given the ending... which I am not happy about Sarah.... you know why... it was just so wrong to pull that one on us, especially after you even sent me those photos to feed my obsession. I can't wait to move on to Book 3 and see where all this planning led. PS. Why is there a horse on the cover ;) It's beautiful, but why?
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1568782613">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-74534532276678270872017-09-20T09:55:00.000-05:002017-09-20T09:55:52.328-05:00Girl, Interrupted<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68783" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Girl, Interrupted" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353635648m/68783.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68783">Girl, Interrupted</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4376">Susanna Kaysen</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/911777856">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
Having first seen the movie, I have been interested in checking this book out for years. I was very excited to randomly come across it as one of my library's staff picks.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize that Susanna had written this book about herself prior to reading it It definitely adds a new dimension to the story, that is an added benefit. <br />
<br />
Overall it is well written and an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the way that Susanna was able to assess herself and the world around her, making her intelligence apparent even through the pages. <br />
<br />
The most complicated part of reading the story was the timeline shifts between chapters. Sometimes she would mention an event (such as a death) and then a couple of chapters later that person would be talked about in a present tense. <br />
<br />
Definitely worth the read. 4.5 stars for me.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/911777856">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-55501811264418391082017-09-08T22:39:00.002-05:002017-09-08T22:39:26.110-05:00Fangirl<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fangirl" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355886270m/16068905.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905">Fangirl</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4208569">Rainbow Rowell</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1590630101">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
I must say that I went into this book expecting it to be maybe a 3 star read. I would have never picked this book up on my own, but my group voted on it for this month's read and I am very happy that they did. <br />
<br />
I love how REAL the characters were in this book. Cather (Cath) and Wren are identical twins who have just entered into their Freshman year of college and Wren wants to break away from having to do everything together. She wants to meet new friends and be more independent. Cath is an introverted girl with a bit of social anxiety disorder. The twins have a lot of opposition between their personalities. <br />
<br />
Although this story is written about twins, I could see a lot of the difference in personalities between my sister and myself. There were so many relateable parts of Cath's personality to me. There were time in the book where I laugh and even a time when I had tears run down my face for Cather. <br />
<br />
Many realistic issues are faced in this book to include familiar upset, and disorders throughout each family member. The whole book revolves around Cath's fanfic writing for another created story that is interwoven within the book. You get to know the characters within this story and within the canon and Fanfic of Simon Snow's world. <br />
<br />
I left this book wanting more of a wrap up ending, but hoping instead that it means we will see more of these beautifully written characters. Superb job, I definitely connected with this book. 5 Stars for me.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1590630101">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-86663345126768595762017-09-06T13:47:00.000-05:002017-09-06T13:47:22.107-05:00Shadow and Bone<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Shadow and Bone" border="0" src="http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1339533695m/10194157.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157">Shadow and Bone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575289">Leigh Bardugo</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2063056301">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
Well I actually picked this up because when I went to begin Six of Crows, I felt like I needed the back story. Life got very busy and I actually had to check it out twice from the library before I can fit it in. I finally allowed myself to take a short break from my many obligations in life and sit down and at least get started on it. So I did... And then I read the entire thing. <br />
<br />
I just couldn't seem to stop reading it. I was completely wrapped up in the story and the characters and it grabbed me. It was a welcome relief from real life and I couldn't believe it was over so quickly. Now I need to pick up book two. <br />
<br />
In the first half I was kind of apprehensive because it was starting to feel like a multitude of other books, but then BAM! Leigh Bardugo said "I tell my OWN story." And then the end came far too soon. I must say that I am now a new fan of hers and can't wait to read more. I hope she upholds this high standard int he rest of her novels. <br />
<br />
********************SPOILER ALERT************************<br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview2063056301"><span class="spoilerContainer">Thank
goodness this wasn't another stupid love triangle that made
"forgetting" about someone when you are away from them okay blach! Thank
you for letting Alina find her confidence and truth of her heart
quickly before too much damage was done. Also I feel personally betrayed
by Genya. I REALLY want her to NOT be a "bad guy"! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2063056301">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-2982014589233263612017-08-23T12:41:00.002-05:002017-08-23T12:41:56.506-05:00Intercrossed<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26565628" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Intercrossed" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1451270001m/26565628.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26565628">Intercrossed</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8546938">Milly Ly</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1629409355">3 of 5 stars</a> <br />
<br />
There were a lot of elements to enjoy about this book. I loved the characters and Milly has definitely mastered a lot in terms of dialogue. She was able to convey a lot with the dialogue.<br />
Unfortunately this led to my main complaint about the book. Other than the dialogue, there are quick snippets to let the reader know the timing of events and that things have happened. There were a lot of unanswered questions for me. <br />
<br />
This book feels like it is a really amazing start to something, that is just not quite finished yet. I love this creation of the world and that characters are great, but I want more depth to the world, more background information, more descriptions of locations and a better grasp of the timeline of events, because the dialogue of the story had it feeling very unrealistic in the romance of the book. I'd love to have this added in, and to have the ending action not feel quite so rushed, and have a bit more development as it was the start of a good action scene. I do enjoy the world that has been created and would like to continue along with the characters. <br />
<br />
Overall I have to leave it with a 3 star in it's current state.<br />
<br />
**I received a copy of this book from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18083767-read-review-9-intercrossed-by-milly-ly-17-copies-left">For Love of a Book</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1629409355">View all my reviews</a> Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-55740409496621852472017-02-10T21:38:00.000-06:002017-02-10T21:38:10.881-06:00The Cannibal's Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1nJbgh5FPc2iYZNN_FzDItP6px1X-eo27CkwfGEiLjaox04KXFFSaWvD-VA13ZMWs18k0JSzunh3VQvLwMKDQz1O8sFxVdmIDd9K9gTAHNltHvWz4Rfxfo29iZhvwnk1XDim9NHgb9k/s1600/cannibal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1nJbgh5FPc2iYZNN_FzDItP6px1X-eo27CkwfGEiLjaox04KXFFSaWvD-VA13ZMWs18k0JSzunh3VQvLwMKDQz1O8sFxVdmIDd9K9gTAHNltHvWz4Rfxfo29iZhvwnk1XDim9NHgb9k/s320/cannibal.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23839309">The Cannibal's Daughter</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7953066">Mitchell Nelson</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1695411812">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
The Cannibal's Daughter was an unexpected delight. I mean that in the sense that it excelled at it's B rate horror/thriller category and witty side bar thoughts in Caroline's head. <br />
<br />
The book starts out with The Cannibal killer being executed in prison.... only to show up to antagonize his daughter, Caroline in a search for $11 million daughters that have been hid along a treasure hunt of clues. <br />
<br />
Caroline is just your average every day person, bored and unfulfilled in her life post high school and working at a coffee shop, so even though her she is scared by this man who is supposed to be dead and a serial killer, she can't help thinking a cut of the money would be worth the trouble. <br />
<br />
The book carries you on a wild goose chase and a lot of action with b-movie type gun/shovel battles. There are some unexpected twists and I loved the double thoughts that trailed Caroline and her actions. <br />
<br />
Worth the read if you have ever had an affinity for B movies. 4 stars
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1695411812">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-91295283601897683462017-02-01T07:59:00.000-06:002017-02-01T07:59:10.536-06:00The 5th Wave<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The 5th Wave" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359853842m/16101128.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128">The 5th Wave</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3377941">Rick Yancey</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1588303876">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
I'm not even sure what to write in a review about this book.... Let me just say that this book IS AMAZING! It deserves, 5, no 10, no ALL the stars.<br />
<br />
I loved this book. I loved the characters, it was beautifully written. I love the way the Book was broken up into parts for different experiences and points of view . Cassiopeia is easy to love as a badass dystopian character. <br />
<br />
Although the ages of this book make it young adult, if you are into thriller or sci-fi, it has none of the cutesy young adult themes that may make you think twice about it. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! <br />
<br />
I can't wait to read more in the series, one of the best alien novels I've read EVER. Heck, one of the best novels I've read ALL year! <br />
<br />
I had many theories and thoughts, many of which were correct, but some that weren't but it was not predictable. The 5th Waves takes you on a ride and you don't ever want to get off! 5 Stars easily!
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1588303876">View all my reviews</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>5th Wave:The Movie......</b></h3>
<br />
WTF. Seriously. Did whoever wrote the script even READ this book? The movie was akin to a REALLY Long trailer and lost all essence and emotion of the story. You destroyed this story. What a waste. The characters weren't badly cast, but they truncated every scene and changed intricate details, and WHY? WHY oh Why? Please do not just this story based on this horrible rendition that was portrayed in the movie. This book is SO MUCH MORE!
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-72424172285058138672017-01-12T09:09:00.000-06:002017-01-12T09:09:04.635-06:00Dark Matters<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27427049" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dark Matters" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446674752m/27427049.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27427049">Dark Matters</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14595504">Michael Dow</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1499292950">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
Dark Matters is a brilliant start to a new trilogy. In a book that began as a kickstarter project I had a keen interest in it and had heard good things from others, leaving me with high expectations.<br />
<br />
I am happy to say that my expectations were certainly met. Dark matters is a spectacular new science-fiction thriller that captures the future of our world from three distinct and vastly different view points. This book hits the ground running and never lets up!<br />
<br />
The three main characters that he reader follows are Rudy, Monique and Jonas. Rudy is a newly promoted CEO or the world's first trillion dollar company and become privy to the nefarious existence of a group known as the Consortium. Monique was left with an extremely large inheritance that causes her to want to give back and be charitable in life, and also to have the means to pursue the urging of her ever present visions. Jonas is a scientist who funds his dark matter research efforts with grants from his companies efforts to locate asteroids worth the effort of mining for resources from Earth bound companies. Three vastly different individuals, who cast three vastly different lights to the events going on in around the world.<br />
<br />
It was hard to put this book down and not know what was coming next. I can't wait to continue on with this trilogy and hope that subsequent books bring as much action and intensity. An easy 5 stars for me.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1499292950">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-7673822607667672262016-10-18T12:29:00.002-05:002016-10-18T12:32:15.868-05:00The Amber Project<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28497458" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Amber Project" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1452381397m/28497458.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28497458">The Amber Project</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13828892">J.N. Chaney</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1549989233">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kiribear.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Check out my blog to see Reviews of Book and Movies, and check out some Recipes!</a><br />
<br />
The Amber Project opens us up to a futuristic world, about 200 years after the spread of a toxic gas known as the Variant (which spread in 2157). The gas steadily spread across the globe killing all living things it came into contact with and drastically changing the atmosphere. The sky is now purple, the grass is now blue and there are some predators who managed to adapt and change, but little is known about them. <br />
<br />
An underground city was established and cordoned off and sealed from the Variant. The population is controlled by 3 main sections, the military/education, scientific and the matron. The three bodies must act together in order for there to be any order in this new world. The matron is in charge of all of the mothers that birth the population. Children are made through contacts and a mother must have the right genetic coding in order to be eligible to be a mother. Women see mothering as a sign of honor and stability and began having children as early as 14. <br />
<br />
Once children reach the age of 7 they are taken from their homes (only run and managed by their mother and any possible siblings) and placed into the education system. Mara is one of the mothers with almost perfect genetic coding which causes her to be chosen for a specific scientific program, allowing her to fuse new experiments with her eggs to produce a possible child that can exist on the surface of the Earth with the Variant. This child is named Terry. <br />
<br />
If you want to know more, than you must read the book. Suffice to say that the book is loaded with a devastating new world, political intrigue and power struggles as well as the troubles of growing into one self with the added side effects of being a scientific experiment. <br />
<br />
The story is told through multiple points of view to give a brilliant all-around look into the world. In addition, there are answered questions through the release of past and current audio files and text to help the reader understand what has happened and is happening in the futuristic Earth. <br />
<br />
Chaney has managed to brilliantly fortify a place within a genre rife with half-hearted attempts of literature and created a gripping new series! I can't wait to read on. This was an easy 5 stars and hard to put down. <br />
<br />
** I received a copy of this book for free with the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18062304-read-review-book-listings">For Love of a Book Advanced Reader Opportunity Program</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1549989233">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-35554798738095542442016-09-07T13:44:00.001-05:002016-09-07T13:44:15.290-05:00Unseemly<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29104461" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Unseemly" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1455576761m/29104461.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29104461">Unseemly</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6505947">Jason Parent</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1591584003">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
Unseemly is a short story/novella written by Jason Parent featuring a legend about an obscure Scottish Island. Peter is here for a black market payday, and another grave robbing experience. Although his true passion is archeology, he learned long ago that honest money didn't pay his bills.<br />
<br />
He has come to the island to meet up with past unsavory partners that have teamed up on other undesirable jobs. This one features an academically researched legend into the sidhe. Against all of his intuition and instincts he continues along with the job. <br />
<br />
This was a quick read and very exciting. An enticing fantastical horror story that ended abruptly. Made me feel like I was reading a more in depth "Are You Afraid of the Dark" tale. 4 Stars! <br />
<br />
** I received a copy of this book for free with the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18062304-read-review-book-listings">For Love of a Book Read & Review Opportunity Program</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1591584003">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-83736729546487339082016-08-26T10:03:00.000-05:002016-08-26T10:03:43.382-05:00The Light Between Oceans<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13158800" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Light Between Oceans" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336683021m/13158800.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13158800">The Light Between Oceans</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755257">M.L. Stedman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1651561967">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
If you are a parent in any sense of the word, I find it safe to assume that you would be hard pressed to read this book without being swept up in some kind of emotion. <br />
<br />
Stedman has beautifully articulated the Light Between Oceans, but it's a rather painful read. The topics are extremely sensitive and it's hard to determine whose side you are on. This book deals with VERY real issues that have no right or wrong answers. <br />
<br />
The Light Between Oceans lives on in the grey of life, in between the white and the black of the decisions that may be right or wrong. I felt tears roll down my face a number of times, for a child, for a mother, for a father in many different capacities and through the eyes of several characters. <br />
<br />
Worth a read for the realism and the way that the tale is told. I wish the end would have told more of what came to pass in between, but I suppose it decided to just tell what needed to be told. A solid 4 stars for me.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1651561967">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-74557302824984950152016-08-19T08:11:00.000-05:002016-08-19T08:32:48.681-05:00Review: The Girl on the Train<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Girl on the Train" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1462023471m/22557272.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272">The Girl on the Train</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1063732">Paula Hawkins</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1623493767">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
The Girl on the Train starts out in a painful rendition of the mind of a blackout alcoholic. I can't say that this first section of the book is easy or enjoyable to read, but I must commend Paula Hawkins or her chilling rendition of the realities of the disease known as Alcoholism. <br />
<br />
Once Rachel is established, you travel through the minds of 2 other women to get a more complete telling of the story. This psychological thriller is chilling in it's regard to human emotion and mentality. <br />
<br />
It will keep you guessing and hoping for and against certain information to be exposed or outcomes to be revealed. This is a book the exposes aspects of sociopathic and psychopathic tendencies. It does such a good job that I was personally affected due to experiences with both in my own life. It was very chilling to say the least to see how something can so easily spin out of control in life. <br />
<br />
Amazing job creating this environment to make the reader feel such, and makes me highly suspicious that she has experienced many of these personalities in person. 5 Stars for a brilliant creation.<br />
<br />
This book is currently being made into a major motion picture as well! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1623493767">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-90853822949654009102016-08-05T14:41:00.000-05:002016-08-05T14:41:39.990-05:00Girl Through Glass<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25817032" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Girl Through Glass" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1441801114m/25817032.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25817032">Girl Through Glass</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4639982">Sari Wilson</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1537161179">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
It is hard to classify this book as anything other than about dance and about life and as they merge into one. Sari has woven a tapestry that blends with reality and had me wondering what parts of this book were truly fictitious. The raw emotion and passion of the young girl can be felt through t the pages, just as the loss of self can be felt in the woman.<br />
<br />
There are events that you can feel unfolding, and yet they still shock you in a way you were perhaps not prepared for. Beautifully written, and well presented.<br />
<br />
For any lovers of coming of age, of finding and losing yourself, of soul searching, of dance, of new York, of teaching and of looking outside yourself to find fulfillment in something more. It was painful at times and yet hard to put down. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for it's raw emotion bursting through the pages.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1537161179">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-144920064391199062016-07-28T09:30:00.000-05:002016-07-28T22:40:57.176-05:00Girls on Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXIrgsdwxknp2odZMO_yqTxmAQ-U0HgVKWAS5H4LB7OeGKo5SnAJ7M_sfGZyIJ8XBFqAK8eMenAgV69fYGm5eq7y9DVqr0ZFhDeZCC5WCu36mNeegIRpfo0S5dW0ZZPDxzNzabAoCg3M/s1600/girls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXIrgsdwxknp2odZMO_yqTxmAQ-U0HgVKWAS5H4LB7OeGKo5SnAJ7M_sfGZyIJ8XBFqAK8eMenAgV69fYGm5eq7y9DVqr0ZFhDeZCC5WCu36mNeegIRpfo0S5dW0ZZPDxzNzabAoCg3M/s320/girls.png" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26074200">Girls on Fire</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21981">Robin Wasserman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1694702121">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
I sped through this book and had a hard time putting it down. The events were kind like watching 48 hours or a crime scene, unsolved mystery, 60 minutes about teenagers all rolled into one. Robin Wasserman wove a tale of dark reality was that was to believe was non-fiction while I as immersed within the pages.<br />
<br />
Hannah Dexter aka Dex, and Lacey both live on the fringes of the high school social scene. Did I say fringes... what I meant was that they don't fit in for vastly different reasons. Hannah, because she harbors a lot of feelings of injustice and just doesn't have the right look, and Lacey because she is the new girl in a small town, who brings big city Grunge attire and an extreme obsession with Kurt Cobain (the book is set in the early 90s). Lacey takes Hannah and gives her new confidence as she becomes Dex, the trusty sidekick. A hatred of the ultimate mean girl Nikki bonds them together in a girlhood crush on life and hating anything the "plebs" may deign to do or like.<br />
<br />
I can honestly say that on the outside look in, that EVERY one of these characters is despicable in some way. Probably Lacey's mom the most for me, with the small glances we get into her selfish thoughts towards motherhood that made me want to beat the crap out of her. Nikki was a CLOSE CLOSE second, especially with the "sleepover" incident.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of harsh realities of small town, overly religion, teenage life on these pages. A lot of topics that parents don't ever want to think about happening to their child or have their child out doing. Unfortunately, we can all hide under the blanket of suburbanite life or we can face the fact that things like this will happen to some kids. I wanted to smother my child and home-school him after reading this. <br />
<br />
**Sensitive topics such as drug use, underage drinking, "satanic" rituals, rape, emotional abuse and death do occur in this book so be prepared. <br />
<br />
With all of the horrors found within, this is also a book that feels so real it is scary. Such as the author either personally experienced these horrors from some point or was privy to someone who did. The book is written that fantastically that to give it anything less would be a travesty... 5 stars for me.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1694702121">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-9119884753875826622016-07-09T20:59:00.000-05:002016-07-09T21:00:12.567-05:00The Assassin's Blade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5UbdeoVxAE_kMhfQ2bj7sjuO71hTHhnS15_df2HkULIprZSxV1ShuBdun0zo5pkJBqFwWaNBmBGrfv1Pgqyb8rY3dHljtOO345yKdTUaY67XcefSNfIDQCJ9UJXNtQUNck3CxXbl2xE/s1600/assassin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5UbdeoVxAE_kMhfQ2bj7sjuO71hTHhnS15_df2HkULIprZSxV1ShuBdun0zo5pkJBqFwWaNBmBGrfv1Pgqyb8rY3dHljtOO345yKdTUaY67XcefSNfIDQCJ9UJXNtQUNck3CxXbl2xE/s320/assassin.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18243700" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18243700">The Assassin's Blade</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047">Sarah J. Maas</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1639655375">5 of 5 stars</a> <br />
<br />
Integral back story into the humanization of the legend that is Celaena Sardothien. These 5 novellas delve into some of the adventures before the Throne of Glass Book 1 and before Endovian mines. <br />
I loved being able to get to know Sam on a more intimate novel. I previously read Books 1 and 2, and it helped explain SO much of the thoughts and feelings that Celaena has had and dealt with. If you didn't hate Arobynn before with slight references you will be hard pressed not to after this and yelling at Celaena to connect the dots! <br />
<br />
My 2 favorites were 0.3 The Silent Assassins and 0.4 the Underworld. If you are into the Throne of Glass or thinking about getting started, I HIGHLY recommend this book. the order of the books DO matter and should be read in their designated order for maximum enjoyment. as they build upon and reference points within other stories at time. You will have an even more intense love for Celaena and the intricate world that Sarah J. Maas has so brilliantly created. 5 stars as a combined novella book for me.<br />
<br />
<i><b>My reviews of each individual short stories:</b></i><br />
<br />
<a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13415554-the-assassin-and-the-pirate-lord" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass, #0.1) </span></a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047">Sarah J. Maas</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1648114495">4 of 5 stars</a> <br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"> <span id="freeTextContainerreview1648114495">The Assassin and the Pirate Lord is a delightful short story that occurs before we first encounter </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1648114495">Celaena in Throne of Glass. It gives the reader a bit of a backstory for her when she worked in the Assassin's guild and let's us get to know the character of Sam. It was a nice short story and my main complaint is that it ended too quickly. I loved the way that we got to see how </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1648114495">Celaena's character shows through even at the height of her cockiness. 4 stars</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="item"><span class="fn"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18333581-the-assassin-and-the-healer" itemprop="url">The Assassin and the Healer (Throne of Glass, #0.2) </a></span></span>by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047">Sarah J. Maas</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1648114413">4 of 5 stars</a> <br />
<br />
The Assasin and the Healer was another great gem to this collection. It was a fairly short installment that showed the readers a possible character that could pop up later in the series with the Healer. (I have not read past Crown of Midnight as of yet). It was a great woman empowering and having Celaena teach self defense. Very short but sweet. 4 Stars<br />
<br />
<span class="item">
<span class="fn"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13419891-the-assassin-and-the-desert" itemprop="url">The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass, #0.3)</a></span>
</span>
<span class="by smallText">by</span>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047.Sarah_J_Maas" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Sarah J. Maas</span></a></span><br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1648114287">5 of 5 stars</a></span></span><br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"> </span></span><br />
The Assassin and the Desert really stood out to me after reading the first two novellas. My favorite one so far! The trials and determination that come through on Celaena were inspiring. It was nice to see a softer side of her with Ansel and to get to know more about the beautiful horses. I loved the Silent Assassins and the constant comparison with her own guild. In another life Celaena would have easily led a very happy life among them. The fighting movements were spectacularly written. 5 stars!<br />
<br />
<span class="item">
<span class="fn"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13546173-the-assassin-and-the-underworld" itemprop="url">The Assassin and the Underworld (Throne of Glass, #0.4)</a></span>
</span>
<span class="by smallText">by</span>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047.Sarah_J_Maas" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Sarah J. Maas</span></a></span><br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1648114324">5 of 5 stars</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">The Assassin and the Underworld truly opened up the past of Celaena,
explanations for many of her emotions abound. I just felt sick about
where it was heading and can't believe Celaena hasn't yet figured out
who her final betrayer is. I don't want to give up any juicy details,
suffice to say that this was a splendid read. 5 stars! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span class="item">
<span class="fn"><a class="bookTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13565676-the-assassin-and-the-empire" itemprop="url">The Assassin and the Empire (Throne of Glass, #0.5)</a></span>
</span>
<span class="by smallText">by</span>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433047.Sarah_J_Maas" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Sarah J. Maas</span></a> <span class="greyText"></span></span> </span></span> </span></span><br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1648114306">5 of 5 stars</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">This book disgusted me. In a beautifully written way. it disgusted me in
the despicable actions and decisions that can be made from greedy human
nature. Celaena still shone brilliantly throughout it. And she makes
you want to stand with her and by her side and fight for her. Don't miss
out!
</span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1639655375">View all my reviews</a></span></b> Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-83114315208634763122016-06-04T23:00:00.000-05:002016-06-04T23:00:18.165-05:00Salt to the Sea<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25614208" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Salt to the Sea" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1455652350m/25614208.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25614208">Salt to the Sea</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3407448">Ruta Sepetys</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1626173978">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextreview1626173978">Tears, there will be
tears, hope, nail biting, all of these things. For this is a book
beautifully written by the talented Ruta Sepetys. She follows the
journey of 4 main characters in the winter of 1945, Joanna, Emmilia,
Florian, and Alfred... Refugees are traveling in the midst of WWII to
avoid a Soviet advance. <br /><br />I experienced this book through audio
book. I am not a fan of audio book, but I don't think this book could
have been more beautifully told than with the 4 amazing voices that took
on the souls of these main characters and brought them to life with
immense skill. So in praising this book I must also praise the readers:
Jorjeana Marie, Will Damron, Cassandra Morris, and Michael Crouch. <br /><br />This
subject matter is heavy but the story is worth knowing and
experiencing. Experience the war through the eyes of Teens. 5++ Stars. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1626173978">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-621947775620530112016-06-03T12:01:00.000-05:002016-06-03T12:01:16.878-05:00Hell On Heels<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18159866" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Hell On Heels" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410146138m/18159866.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18159866">Hell On Heels</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6981885">J.A. Coffey</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1082890443">5 of 5 stars</a> <br />
<br />
Book 3 in the Southern Seduction Series and finalizes out the trilogy of the main 6 characters of Coffey's story and I must say that she has "nailed" it again... Slight pun intended. <br />
<br />
Jess & Matteo will forever be my reigning couple, but the passion between Stan and Caroline was steaming up my kindle... Although I loved the men in the other books, I felt an affinity to Stan the most. Having learned to harbor somewhat of feelings of disgust for the pain he caused Jess and his rumored affairs, Coffey did an amazing job of humanizing him. <br />
<br />
Stan seemed the most complex of all of the men and his character was well developed and his internal battle of emotions came across the page beautifully. Caroline is second only to Jess for me, and I loved her fiery personality. This book had more humor than the others and I enjoyed the ride immensely. <br />
<br />
Another entertaining and delightful read from the Southern Seduction series, I hope to revisit these characters again in the future. Don't miss out on an easy 5 star read. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1082890443">View all my reviews</a> Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-18292887294884714082016-05-17T14:04:00.000-05:002016-05-17T19:04:02.753-05:00House of Leaves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyItMFceSLfVNFdWmHk6Dgg8uPC4UOGLLrM9ImTAHNc390LYNmzClBjQ8fXzro_-OR3LAn5vYzZTivWKmOTfY1jVJRdFI2SgGqs2MhPgFa3mxNwDxirNjzHBdFvvkQGDSBwKinpFZnh74/s1600/House_of_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyItMFceSLfVNFdWmHk6Dgg8uPC4UOGLLrM9ImTAHNc390LYNmzClBjQ8fXzro_-OR3LAn5vYzZTivWKmOTfY1jVJRdFI2SgGqs2MhPgFa3mxNwDxirNjzHBdFvvkQGDSBwKinpFZnh74/s320/House_of_leaves.jpg" width="242" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/337907" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/337907">House of Leaves</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13974">Mark Z. Danielewski</a><br />
<br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1591579600">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm truly not even sure what to say about this book. Never before have I read ANYTHING like this, and in a way I hope I never do again. But do not take that as my regret at having read it in the first place. The amount of work that went into the creation of this book was immense.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I found myself constantly blurring the lines of fiction/non-fiction, going back to read what it was classified as and not sure if it was real or imagines. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlnvoVql-PU7dc766R1q_WxeEviKscRUmZEFeDk_6h9crGlizeK2UnsqW4RJl3tX5TqovWpg1KcD93ER94n-UhFef5fBhmhVkJKdYLfSKm-_sY05ZwJSmDPi7ukVVhJ-thfRIuvrJU-8/s1600/house-of-leaves-sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlnvoVql-PU7dc766R1q_WxeEviKscRUmZEFeDk_6h9crGlizeK2UnsqW4RJl3tX5TqovWpg1KcD93ER94n-UhFef5fBhmhVkJKdYLfSKm-_sY05ZwJSmDPi7ukVVhJ-thfRIuvrJU-8/s320/house-of-leaves-sample.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This book is so many things: Crazy, witty, horrific, imaginative, intellectual, a mash of so many things, I really don't even know what to classify it as. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It touches upon the paranormal, the mythological, architecture, math, science, spirituality, abuse in all forms, good and bad passions, the imagination and what can come from it and a house that attunes to all who enter to find the darkness which knows no light.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are 3 stories and more within this tome. The story of Navidson's Documentary and how it was made and those involved. Zapano, a blind man who worked up until his death to compile this story of the completion of Navidson, and then the unlikely Johnny Truant whose footnotes cause loads if entertainment and unrelated adventures during his own compilation of the works of those before him.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ify2aOnvxY_q72Rcpw5uwjtQ0BysJrNBs7cSQY-qaeyZ4XmqiHmLpB4ahnEiT6m2cIL7yTna4gzOGyh8QkBlxTShmgWFuMhtqgkstVnkNRnW1oFWZLCVUBbOseyot-jiWe_NueGLSPU/s1600/79c29f3aa0157b0013afd41c22c9e7d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ify2aOnvxY_q72Rcpw5uwjtQ0BysJrNBs7cSQY-qaeyZ4XmqiHmLpB4ahnEiT6m2cIL7yTna4gzOGyh8QkBlxTShmgWFuMhtqgkstVnkNRnW1oFWZLCVUBbOseyot-jiWe_NueGLSPU/s320/79c29f3aa0157b0013afd41c22c9e7d4.jpg" width="231" /></a><br />
This is one of those books that could never be recreated and should be read once for the sheer curiosity of it, but it's not one you are likely to want to keep close to you in life, for it must travel on to others, and be shared as a contemplative genius of being put together. Those prone to fright from a simple horror/psychological thriller may want to shy away from this one... or let their curiosity get the better of them. 5 stars for originality alone
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1591579600">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-34921011017706368482016-05-10T17:18:00.000-05:002016-05-10T17:35:01.596-05:00Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSaX3k6TuaG0L6-8HPZHOpHlPuGu6rnPJMEUyvoNcDRbGBx1cEjrAy5rXADHcW5azzXaLWzRGbM8Y0AjxUEhUE8BAy7eATeeHITT0RM-6_mpJ6laKEeWYitPlN6aprZTrmZbOCU6AvUY/s1600/harry+potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSaX3k6TuaG0L6-8HPZHOpHlPuGu6rnPJMEUyvoNcDRbGBx1cEjrAy5rXADHcW5azzXaLWzRGbM8Y0AjxUEhUE8BAy7eATeeHITT0RM-6_mpJ6laKEeWYitPlN6aprZTrmZbOCU6AvUY/s320/harry+potter.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3">Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1077326">J.K. Rowling</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1576054991">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
I had started this book years ago and could not male it through to the end. That was long before the movies came out. I ended up revisiting this book after a "blind date with a library book" in which the book was wrapped in paper with a short blurb on the cover so I decided to give it another go.<br />
<br />
Just the beginning reminded me why I had put it down in the first place, it just was a lot of mean people and young kids as main characters, not really my cup of tea<br />
<br />
I forced myself to press through and by the time that Hogwarts comes around it does luckily pick up. Overall tough I must say that 3.5 is the most that I can award it. The ideas are original but not necessarily ones that I like. The audience is very obviously the middle grade reading crow 11-17ish. The chants and songs are original but also annoying, not really anything I would want to be repeated. The ideas are what pushes me through this book.<br />
<br />
I do like the mystery woven throughout but wish there was less immature squabbling between the characters to get through to rally get to the meat of the story. Even on the "good" side there is a lot of wishes to carry out harm and even death to other barely known characters, which seems a bit extreme to me for this age.<br />
<br />
I have repeatedly heard that this series does get better with each book, so one day in the future I will find myself int he 2nd book, because I do feel that this series ha potential if it can get more lively. Lots of great ideas here though.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1576054991">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-51597597717787088802016-03-09T18:45:00.000-06:002016-03-09T18:45:51.535-06:00Review: IA: Initiate<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22040649" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="IA: Initiate" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399263371m/22040649.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22040649">IA: Initiate</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8059188">John Darryl Winston</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/925223962">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
This is the story of Naz, but it is also more than just about one single character. John Winston has created an almost dystopian-type world, that doesn't seem to be so different than a poor neighborhood. If that neighborhood were to be somehow cut off from the rest of society. As I read this book, I couldn't help feeling that there was a vortex around the area that was not escapable.<br />
<br />
Naz is an underrated hidden kind of smart, but also has immense dreams that seem to come true in his sleep... without his control. His sister, Meri has soaring intelligence that pushes Naz to live his life for her and push for he to have a better life outside of their neighborhood.<br />
<br />
The opening of the book leaves many intriguing questions for the reader, especially in terms of Naz's parentage, and what sort of experimentation may have been going on while he was still in the womb. <br />
Naz faces many challenging issues such as gangs, and foster care and new schools, but he also finds solace in his sister and in chess, and learning how to be a better person and keep himself away from negative peer pressure.<br />
<br />
Overall this was a great read, I was left with a lot of questions and would have liked a bit more character development outside of Naz, but perhaps that was intentional. I really wanted to know more about the place they live and why they were there, I hope this will be revealed in later novels. Solid 4 stars for me. A great debut novel!<br />
<br />
I received a copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/925223962">View all my reviews</a>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-22280660634165679672016-02-23T07:31:00.000-06:002016-02-23T07:46:10.714-06:00Geisha, A Life<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/522534" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Geisha, a Life" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359402937m/522534.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/522534"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Geisha, a Life</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/617"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mineko Iwasaki</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My rating: </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1544672502"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 of 5 stars</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book was a solid 4 star read for me. Whereas Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha was meant to entertain, Mineko Isawaki's Geisha, a Life was meant to inform.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mineko Isawaki is most notable for being one of, if not THE most famous Geisha in Japan's history. This autobiography is told from her own view of the traditions and trails that she faced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mineko does a brilliant job of taking the reader through the grueling daily schedule she had from a young age as well as giving a lot of historical background to her life and the life of a Geiko (female artist). She dispels much of the rumors of geishas being little more than pleasure companions. I love the detail she gives on traditions of a geiko as well as the intricacies associated with each year and season and the symbolism and immense cost of each important occasion and dress of a geisha's career. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book is drastically different from memoirs of a Geisha and makes you wonder how both of these stories are about the same thing. This is definitely not a re-read of Memoirs of a Geisha and stands on its own If you are interested in learning more about geisha, and as known in Kyoto as geiko, I highly recommend giving this book a read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1544672502"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span> Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-11209111100165860562016-02-13T15:18:00.001-06:002016-02-13T15:23:52.800-06:002016 Steamy Valentine's Playlist<div style="text-align: center;">
For your listening pleasure this Valentine's Day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLBZPpgtMzc65pzGO8-3PEUxb7GUSeukUV" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXMrWHmm9GGLWyM0CwpIlgXk6SbZEykSD4aFaNw9llLR89ufu9uWKALlFLtRNvCTGlRZ41t5rCwqNRMjz6fQQxNPLXKf2NC8njHBD2bYA_GueSb4_D0L0qhXjtHJwzuRnsGYJdwMd1-4/s1600/IMG_20160128_130719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXMrWHmm9GGLWyM0CwpIlgXk6SbZEykSD4aFaNw9llLR89ufu9uWKALlFLtRNvCTGlRZ41t5rCwqNRMjz6fQQxNPLXKf2NC8njHBD2bYA_GueSb4_D0L0qhXjtHJwzuRnsGYJdwMd1-4/s640/IMG_20160128_130719.jpg" /> </a> </div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-6570233672251469862016-02-01T09:33:00.001-06:002016-02-01T09:33:28.029-06:00Empaths and SociopathsI went through lower levels of this in my youth, as a "fixer", and I went through many great years of freedom and enlightenment. After giving birth to Liam, my confidence in myself and in life was not as high as it could, especially in my appearance. Many old feelings of inadequacy were coming to the surface in many aspects of my life. Liam was my anchor, but I was still especially vulnerable. This allowed an opening for the most vampiric individual that I have ever come across. The complete relationship is beyond the comprehension of most people who have never experienced the horror of dating a true sociopath. Although this article describes the individual as a narcissist, I believe that they actually encountered someone much worse, a sociopath. As empaths, we must always be on the look out for those that would take advantage of our nature. I am glad to have survived the horrific experience, and am not intrigued that anyone's mind could be as twisted as this person's were. Many things occurred during and because of that relationship, and even know I cannot openly speak of them with many, it is hard for others to truly understand what that experience entails.<br />
<br /><br />
This is a good read, and definitely being written from someone still feeling the pain of these wounds. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/06/the-toxic-attraction-between-an-empath-a-narcissist/">http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/06/the-toxic-attraction-between-an-empath-a-narcissist/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In general terms I
would consider myself to be an ambivert, who tends to identify more on the
introvert side, but can adapt when needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This morning I came across one opinion of the traits of an
empathy... I have often described myself as becoming more introverted
every year and so #25 jumped out at me. The reality of it was so glaring
that I knew I was doing this, but didn't really even look at what was truly
causing this. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Like with all things, there are variations of the empath personality type. Some people will identify strongly, others will only recognise themselves in a few of the following traits:<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>1. Feels calmer when alone, and, in relationships, requires distance and regular periods of solitude.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>2. When in the company of others an empath struggles to work out whether they are feeling their own emotions or the emotions of those around them.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>3. Struggles to remain present as the chaos of emotions around them pushes and pulls on an empath’s own thoughts, feelings and emotions.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>4. Often says yes to others without thinking of their own needs.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>5. In relationships or friendships, very often puts other people before themselves, as though everyone else’s pleasure and happiness is more important than their own.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>6. Relationships can often move too fast and can become intense very quickly as the empath connects on a deep, intimate level very quickly due to the ability to absorb other people’s energy and emotions.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>7. An empath will often take full responsibility for how others treat them and for anything that goes wrong in relationships. They have a great amount of compassion and can clearly see other people’s emotional baggage and so they make many excuses for why people behave as they do, and this is very often to the detriment of an empath.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>8. Tends to connect with people who are suffering and often wants to heal others or try to make the world a better place for them.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>9. Can find themselves taking on and absorbing other people’s problems and being used as a sounding board or dumping ground so that others can offload their emotional baggage.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>10. Instinctively knows when someone around them is not being truthful.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>11. Sometimes empaths just know things, without having any idea of where they gained the information. When trying to work out the truth from a lie it can seem as though the information has been presented forward so that it can be used to help make a decision. The empath should only trust the information if they are highly skilled at reading themselves and others accurately and if paranoia or other information is not clouding their judgement.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>12. An empath’s mind is an inquisitive one and they are constantly searching for answers and theorize and philosophise constantly.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>13. An empath who is highly in tune with themselves and skilled at reading others will often be able to pick up on someone else’s thought processes even if they are thousands of miles away.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>14. Connects very strongly to the animal kingdom and identifies very easily with the emotional and physical pains that animals go through.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>15. Is often most at peace and feeling harmonious when spending time with nature and roaming around the outdoors.</em></div>
<div id="taboola-mid-article-thumbnails-stream">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>16. Can feel the energy surrounding physical things and will often choose clothing or material purchases based on the energy that has attached to them.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>17. Very creative and highly imaginative, writing, art, music, painting, dancing, acting, painting, building and designing are a few of the traits that empaths very often are passionate about.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>18. An empath will likely get distracted easily when they are doing things they don’t enjoy and will quickly zone out or day dream when placed in situations where their mind is not stimulated.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>19. Can struggle to fully relax in the company of others and really let their hair down and have fun, unless they are extremely comfortable and at ease with those surrounding them.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>20. Prefers their living space to be clutter free and minimalistic; chaotic surroundings make for chaotic minds for an empath and they have enough inner sensations happening without cluttering their psyche further.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>21. Finds it very difficult to be around people who are egotistical or enjoy putting others down to make themselves look better. Empaths will often come to the defense of those that have been rejected or bullied in any way.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em> 22. Crowded places are emotionally overwhelming and downtime is required after social gatherings.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em>23. Highly sensitive to sounds, smells, bright lights and the feel of certain fabrics.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em> 24. Regularly suffers with fatigue and can feel drained following interactions with others.</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<em> 25. Can become shy and withdrawn as a method of self-protection. This can result in empaths becoming introverts as a way of avoiding the emotional and physical pain that often stems from interactions.</em><br />
<br /><br />
*Interestingly enough I wrote this at the beginning of August 2015, and little did I know that I would end up living with a narcissist/psychopath in less than a month. See previous blog post: <a href="http://kiribear.blogspot.com/2016/01/emotional-abuse-is-part-1.html" target="_blank">Emotional Abuse Is.... Part 1</a></div>
<br />Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-17769103083185419582016-01-26T20:26:00.001-06:002016-01-26T20:32:10.087-06:00Emotional Abuse Is...... Part 1Emotional Abuse Is.... part 1 written in October 2015, but I am only now able to post this, Part 2 to follow soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finding another girls underwear in your live in boyfriend's underwear drawer, confronting him about it and by the end of the argument he makes you feel like it was your fault for finding them and you are in the wrong.<br />
<br />
<br />
Taking two days to even ask about the underwear because even though you know this is the end, you don't know if you are really ready for it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Leaving out details such as finding the underwear from people you would normally tell everything to because you know how it sounds and you aren't ready to face that because some part of you still wants to find a way for this to all be a big mistake, and you want to hide in denial.<br />
<br />
<br />
Knowing deep inside that something is wrong and still needing validation, even with validation from phone proof, instead he says he would be sorry for the video chats with another woman he says he wants to be in bed with that went on in the living room while you were in the bedroom and somehow the argument gets turned around on you for violating his privacy and being nosy.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finding phone messages make you feel so physically ill you actually stand over the toilet wondering if you are about to throw up. <br />
<br />
<br />
Going through your phone/email/chat to find someone that is not close to situation to talk to about finding phone messages so that you can hear the truth and have it laid out to you, but not actually have to act on it. <br />
<br />
<br />
Rationalizing that the person is going through a lot and things will get better.<br />
<br />
<br />
Another person making you feel crazy and second guessing your intuition.<br />
<br />
<br />
Having someone throw your help back in your face and make you feel like a bad person for caring and wanting to do things for them. <br />
<br />
<br />
Violating another person's privacy to get information because you still NEED to see them bold face lie to your face about a woman (another one), from their past that is sending emails about planning their future together as recent as less than a week ago, and him telling you that he hasn't spoken to them in over four months.<br />
<br />
<br />
Reading another woman's messages and feeling as thought she is a kindred spirit with the way that they echo your own thoughts and insecurities because you can read in her words that she also feels a wrongness with the same man.<br />
<br />
<br />
Having someone manipulate your words and turn them against you, constantly calling you untrustworthy and a liar to the point that you start to question yourself and revisit situations in your mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
Loving someone else's children with so much of yourself that you try to look past the other person's faults because it is not their children's fault and then having your parenting techniques constantly criticized and having them tell you that they hope their daughters never turn out like you. <br />
<br />
<br />
Spending more than one second wondering if this person even likes you. <br />
<br />
<br />
Hearing your words and descriptions of incidents spoken allowed and knowing how wrong it is, but still rationalizing and envisioning a future with this person.<br />
<br />
<br />
Beginning to avoid talking to people the closest to you altogether, so that they won't know how bad things are, because you still feel like you need to protect this person.<br />
<br />
<br />
Having to write this in the first place at a low point to be able to come back and reread and stay strong and remember that you are an amazing woman, that you allowed this man and his children to come into your life with open arms and a welcoming home to try to do everything for them and have all of your efforts thrown back in your face.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zUD7pdnMQRdPDG3Vv2PpHONyVeBobGBKxIuBWPz66Bqw_gE1lpe0aYGvSbzszkAwyIPFfxe7xYrNOvB_pQPM6OoxaZhQ6Bl-tQ1ydPQnU0YlDd5r0dETOMi0OdadEQcs-3vBPkIpYlU/s1600/McCannBrittanyW4A4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zUD7pdnMQRdPDG3Vv2PpHONyVeBobGBKxIuBWPz66Bqw_gE1lpe0aYGvSbzszkAwyIPFfxe7xYrNOvB_pQPM6OoxaZhQ6Bl-tQ1ydPQnU0YlDd5r0dETOMi0OdadEQcs-3vBPkIpYlU/s320/McCannBrittanyW4A4_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608326245631902120.post-4247084565740290442015-12-30T10:50:00.000-06:002015-12-30T10:50:26.624-06:00One Little Piece
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One Little Piece</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brittany L. McCann</span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9/27/2015</span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It starts out so
small</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You almost don’t even
notice</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The change is slight</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Invisible on the
outside</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To pinpoint its cause</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is practically
impossible</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One day it hits you</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is something
gone</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it’s only one
little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing big or major</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An infinitesimal
shard</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easy to replace</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will it ever come
back?</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knowing not where it’s
gone</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A tiny morsel is all</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pain starts to
shine</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A pinpoint of dark</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a place meant for
light</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The can damage its
whole</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Merely because of the
absence of</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will it ever be mended?</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This now missing
piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After all its size is
miniscule</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A microscope can
barely glimpse it</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And yet without its
presence</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This one little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can eat away at the
whole</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somehow I must find</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This one little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That has gone missing</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just one little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Such a small little
piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet still a vital
piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This one little piece</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This piece of my
heart.</span></div>
Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854021802341843979noreply@blogger.com0