Read Your Way Homewood

   This book is an excellent, in-depth analysis of the Joker's many iterations and a quick read. It includes spotlights on different writers, artists, their treatment of the character, and a great introduction by Mark Hamill. There are so many continuities in the DC Comics Universe, so it's nice to have a large volume about one of the most famous comic book villains of all time.  The book delves into the Gold, Silver, & Modern Ages of comics, including the Comics Code Authority's control over the writing of comic book villains. Unsurprisingly, sales dropped when the Joker was just a joker. The book also talks about the film, television, and video game portrayals of the character. It's certainly an enjoyable read with beautiful, full-color pages. With the Batman vs.   Superman: Dawn of Justice  &  Suicide Squad  films coming out next year, it's nice to brush up on the history of the Clown Prince of Crime.  ...

Title: Making Up Your Mind by Jill Mansell Pages: 479 Summary (provided by Jill Mansell Website): Lottie Carlyle isn’t looking for love when she meets her new boss, Tyler Klein. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable – sometimes – kids in an idyllic village in the Cotswolds, on good terms with her ex-husband and with friends all around, she’s happy enough with her lot. But Tyler’s perfect for Lottie and quickly she falls for him – and he for her. Unfortunately, there’s a problem. For reasons that are totally unfair, Lottie’s children HATE Tyler. When a rival for Lottie’s affections comes on the scene in the shape of charmer Seb, the children adore him, and he’s certainly a distraction. But he’s not Tyler – and he’s not even at all what he seems. Lottie’s got a problem – but thanks, in classic Jill Mansell style, to a tobogganing accident and a delicious series of mix-ups, all will be revealed and true love will find a way. - 

Title: The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas Pages: 496 Summary: For fans of fantasy novels and the television show Avatar: The Last Airbender Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training. Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life. (Summary provided by Amazon) Review: Great book! Humorous and fu...

Title: The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes Pages: 464 Summary:  A woman contracts a rare illness that changes the course of her life. Review: This is an outstanding book!! It's fun, has romance in it, is real, and ends in the best way. I recommend this book!!!

Title: Some Enchanted Eclair by Bailey Cates Pages: 336 Summary: Katie Lightfoot is back to solve the murder mystery of the movie assistant. I'm a huge fan of the series but this one was too predictable and had too much couple drama and pushed the credibility of the series by adding in a medium. Not bad but not one of the better ones in this series.

Title: Sense of Deception by Victoria Laurie Pages: 368 Summary: Psychic and FBI Consultant Abby Cooper is back. After being charged with contempt of court, Abby finds herself in a cell with a woman on death row. While incarcerated and with the aid of her psychic guides, Abby learns that this woman was wrongly convicted of murdering her nine year old son ten years ago. She, her partner Candice, her husband's employee Oscar have less than two weeks to solve the murder and find away to get this woman of death row.  An exciting and fun read with great emotional depth. Fans of the series will not be disappointed and new fans will be eager to catch up on the series.

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed—and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of..

Title: Pretty Guardians Sailor Moon by Nako Takeuchi Premise of Series: Usagi is an 8th grade student and is fourteen years old. She is loyal, clumsy, a terrible student, and crybaby.  She discovers, after meeting Luna the cat, that she is a Sailor Scout and is tasked with saving the universe. Her journey begins when she saves her best friend and accepts her new responsibility. The second book in the series: Ami is a genius who has transferred to the same school Usagi attends. Usagi befriends her hoping that her grades will improve. Both girls are caught by a monster and it is at this time that it is revealed that Ami is the second Sailor Scout. Ami is Sailor Mercury and is happy because it means she has a finally made a friend and has a purpose outside of studying. Third book introduces Rei. Rei is a miko and has psychic abilities that allow her to sense the presence of evil.  Her path crosses with both Ami and Usagi when ...

Title: The Road to Happiness* Is Always Under Construction by Linda Gray Pages: 272 Summary:  Legendary actress Linda Gray, best known for her role as Sue Ellen on the most amazing show ever Dallas, has written a book.  Those looking for a Dallas tell all will be very disappointed, there is nothing catty, petty, or spiteful to be found in this book. Instead Gray provides a look at the situations in her life that provided her with the best opportunity to grow into the person she wanted to be. Throughout the book, she shares her stories, her experiences, lessons learned and how when applied to her life she found she was taking the steps that would bring her closer to the person she wants to be. I found this book to be similar to sitting down with someone you admire and leaving with many pearls of wisdom after laughing, crying, and connecting.

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of novels based solely around romance.  If romance is involved in my fantasy or sci-fi or historical novel, bring it on.  A straight up romance is not my cup of tea, however.  That being said, this book was not my cup of tea.  Not entirely. The story centers around Luka and Dora, two young kids growing up in Croatia who are inseparable. That is until Dora’s parents move the family to Paris.  What follows is essentially a tale of star crossed lovers.  The reunite only to be separated, etc, etc.  As I neared the end I found myself increasingly annoyed with both of them, but mostly with Luka.  Aside from the move Dora’s family makes when she is a child, all the couple’s problems are brought on by them, in various ways.  Being honest again, most of the problems are brought on by Luka.  He seemed likable enough, but in the end he just grated on my nerves. The book is not without it...

Under Heaven  (Under Heaven #1)   by   Guy Gavriel Kay   *Audiobook Review* Cinematic and sweeping, this fantasy-tinged story had exciting martial arts battles, tension filled political machinations, a smattering of romance, a butt kicking female warrior, a wolf spirit, and too many other cool things to mention. The fantasy elements were subtle, the drama believable. After all, when a man goes to honor the memory of his father by burying the bones of the dead, and a princess naturally gifts him with the unheard of sum of 250 truly priceless horses, the task of staying alive becomes pure drama. Assassins, protectors. Love, hate. Family, enemies. Trust, betrayal. This audiobook was really quite enjoyable. - Miss Kelly

This book should have been a magazine article, rather than the attempt at a full-length book.  Lots of white space, lots of repetition.   And the theory on the best way to tell stories is not compelling. by Amy

I have greatly enjoyed de los Santos fiction for adults and was pleased to see that she and her spouse co-wrote a book for children.  Very nicely done. by Amy

I'm not going to say anything about this special treat -- the last book written by Terry Pratchett.  Don't want to spoil the fun. Amy

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by   Neil Gaiman *Audio Book Review* An interesting, haunting read. Not a horror story, but definitely spooky in many parts. This book would have been better if Neil Gaiman (amazing author) had not tried to be Neil Gaiman (sub-par voice actor). The story was good, characters good, plot good. All exactly as I expected. It is a stand alone novel (I think) and that is good because I don't think I would have been intrigued enough for another foray into this world. But the audio-book suffered from the voice. Not really his VOICE per-se, but his READING style. Lots of pregnant pauses on words that really didn't need them. Not every word is fraught with meaning, Neil! "There were too many memories in that house. In the bricks......and the pipes.....and the wood......" I mean, with a sentence vocally emphasized like that, you'd think that the bricks, pipes, and wood played a major role in this plot, and that you should b...

100 Cupboards  (100 Cupboards #1) by   N.D. Wilson   For the tween set, this mildly scary (actually, thrilling rather than truly scary) is a great world hopping fantasy read. There are definitely formulaic portions to the plot (kid doesn't feel special, turns out to be really special) but there are lots if very nice character moments. The family that the main character stays with is fun. The three girls are different from each other, but not stereotyped, and the dad is surprisingly engaging. Should appeal to girls and boys, an advanced 8 to 14 - Miss Kelly

Etiquette & Espionage  (Finishing School #1) by   Gail Carriger   Fun! I like this series a lot. When I picked up the first one, I didn't know that it was steampunk style. I thought I was getting burned out on the whole steampunk craze, but turns out, I was just burned out on BAD steampunk! Not too heavy handed, supernatural elements well done, interesting characters. Like it! The names, though. I listened to the audiobook (loved the voice artist by the way) so I don't know the proper spelling, but, the names! Dingleproops? Pillover? Really? Hahaha!  I wasn't sure if they were supposed to make me laugh in the way that they did, but in no way did they detract from my enjoyment. - Miss Kelly

Title: Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell Pages: 320 Summary: The premise of this novel is actually interesting. The story centers around the creation of the fictional character Monica. Monica was created when author P.J. Wallis and her younger sister were children and had a hard time making friends. Years later, P.J. Wallis is in need of a bestselling book and remembers her beloved character Monica. Instantaneously, Monica and P.J. are the toast of the town and are soon being courted by Hollywood to make the Monica series into movies. Enter the model SondraBeth. SondraBeth is from a rough background and is looking for her own big break. Soon, as Monica, she is the new queen of Hollywood. Both P.J. and SondraBeth are living the glamorous life but are quickly brought back down by betrayal and bad romantic relationships. After years apart the friends reconnect with the shared desire of being rid of Monica. Review: A solid premise but the characters never are fully developed...