Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa M.D. (Author), Ray Porter (Narrator)

January 31, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa M.D. (Author), Ray Porter (Narrator)
Publisher: Hyperion (Print), Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.

They thought he was just a cat. When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn’t long before Oscar had created something of a stir. Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near. Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s. But he never spends much time with them — until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient’s room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it’s time to say good-bye. Oscar’s gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from. Making Rounds with Oscar is the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.

This is an unexpected gem – totally out of my comfort zone and yet one of the best accidental reads I’ve ever experienced.

The narrative style is smooth, well-paced and it included wonderful descriptives, dialogue, in-depth and heartfelt patient portrayals with insights, emotion, respect and warmth. Dr. David Dosa, an attending physician at Steere House, shares stories of his impressions as he went from skeptic to believer with regards to the amazing skills of Oscar, the resident cat. As far as I’m concerned, this novel is definitive in proving that animals have a special place in soothing and helping people when they are sick, in pain, or in Oscar’s case, providing comfort while signaling that death is imminent for a patient.

Dr. Dosa quoted this, “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous” from a famous person. I liked that quote. I enjoyed watching the doctor slowly but surely come to the realization that Oscar really did have a special way of knowing. He comes to the conclusion that it’s not just for the patient, but for all the family going through the journey of watching their loved one being torn down by dementia or Alzheimer’s. One of the concepts is that the sufferers of the disease go through a process of un-learning everything, including even how to use a spoon. It’s a downward spiral that is unstoppable. I learned along with Dr. Dosa aspects of the disease process and how it affects the spouses left behind, their sons and daughters left behind, and the memories of who these people used to be before – just how much is lost. Yet, in the sharing, I saw amazing ways to deal with the loss, a different way to think, of little daily victories, and what is really the most important thing in life – slaving away to a deadline, a job, everything and anything other than our loved ones and family is NOT it – it’s that it IS our family and our loved ones that should be number one. When they’re gone, they’re gone and all the what-ifs, and If-onlys will only drag you down and follow you the rest of your life.

I was very affected by some of the patients’ stories. My aunt was in one of those situations described – sent to the hospital but the place she lived in would not allow her back. Where do you put a person suffering from severe dementia when they have no place to go – on the street? Hospitals don’t care. No one advises families about things like this. Doctors don’t share information people really need to know about in these situations. Not knowing how to care for your loved ones causes a distress you can’t imagine until you feel it yourself. It’s not good. Dr. Dosa shares advice in short vignettes woven throughout the novel. The most impactful was the story of Mr. and Mrs. Rubinstein. Ruth was the patient. The history of their relationship, where they met, and what happened to Frank later on when he tried to celebrate their wedding anniversary hit me in my tear ducts. There were many parts that affected my emotions throughout the book, but Ruth and Frank’s story got to me. I KNEW that scenario. A couple that used to go to our church could have been Ruth and Frank. The succession of final events happened the exact same way. I think that’s why Making Rounds with Oscar affected me so strongly – I could relate. After this book, I could understand in a way I hadn’t before. I found a lot of value within the pages of this novel and I feel like I’m better for having read it.

I also liked the descriptions of all the cats, not just Oscar. Their antics, their personalities – Munchie, Billy, and others, were enjoyable. Another cute line from the doctor is, “Calling a cat fickle is like saying snow’s wet.” I cracked up at that. I seriously believe that having the furry friends made the nursing home seem more homey. I hope there more geriatric centers like Steere House out there than not. There’s value in a purr.

Ray Porter, the narrator, provided wonderful interpretations of the main characters. He imbued the dialogue with emotion. His narrative of Dr. Dosa really seemed to get into the author’s head and convinced me I was listening to the good doctor. It was a joy to listen to and I think helped make the book that much more relatable than reading the print words alone.

There is a lot I could talk about because there is so much rich content, some of which I’d never heard of or considered. I truly believe that anyone facing the challenge of a family member suffering from the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia would benefit from the insights shared in this book based on Dr. Dosa’s experiences. It’s not depressing, it’s empowering. Yes, I cried quite a few times. But I laughed too. Just like life, there are ups and downs.

I really, really liked this book and I can’t tell you how strongly I recommend others to read Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat. Its delivery is easy to read/listen to. It’s not dry at all; it’s engaging, interesting and entertainingly educational. I realize this book has been out for a while but it’s still relevant, and its message is as important now as the day it was published.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

It’s Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider by Jim Henson

January 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment


It’s Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider by Jim Henson
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

There are few things that evoke such a universal feeling of warmth and humor as the work of Jim Henson. In his own words, as well as those of some of his best-known characters like Kermit the Frog and Ernie, we get a glimpse of the philosophy and humor that was so essential to Jim’s creations. We also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the collaborative spirit of this gentle artistic genius from the people Jim knew, loved, and inspired.

This uplifting collection of quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs, and insights gives new life to Jim’s magical world. With chapters titled Dynamite Determination; Listen to Your Heart; Together We Can Do It; It Starts When We’re Kids; and A Part of Everything and Everyone, It’s Not Easy Being Green is by turns entertaining, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny, reminding us that every day counts. Readers young and old will cherish this collection.
This steroid http://appalachianmagazine.com/2019/07/18/july-in-appalachia-perfect-ingredients-for-toxic-potato-berries/ online order for viagra can be used for cutting or for bulking. This cheap cialis canada disorder mainly embarrasses the man very badly. Whenever this check this site viagra generika acid escapes from stomach into esophagus, heartburn awakes. Along these lines, levitra overnight delivery ought to be evaded by other individuals like youngsters, pregnant ladies, breastfeeding moms and children.
Culled from The Jim Henson Company archives, program transcripts, personal letters, and interviews, along with some of Jim’s never-before-published writings, It’s Not Easy Being Green is a testament to the legacy of a man who changed the way we see the world.

It’s not easy being green and sometimes it’s easier to talk about it than bottling it up.

I’m a sucker for anything Muppets or Jim Henson. When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I’m glad I did. Not only is this full of the wit and wisdom of Jim Henson, it contains his drawings in the margins and has tidbits from the people who worked with him. It’s a great book for creative people or those looking for a pick-me-up. There are pieces of songs from the Muppet shows and movies as well as things Henson said.

I like that this book was uplifting. Really. I needed something to make life sort of make sense and this one did. The world can be a scary place, but if we whittle it down to nuggets we can handle and have a positive outlook, it’s not so hard. I liked that.

If you’re looking for a book of wit and whimsy that will bring a smile to the face, then this might be the book you’re looking for.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

August 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion, and imprint of Disney Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (272 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Orchid

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare – former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead – finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this – ugh – “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like. Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife.

Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess. Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is – ahem – willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never…

Will’s father could see ghosts and he has inherited this ability. He uses this skill to try and help people solve their problems and pass over to the other side.

Alona is a ghost. Not just any ghost. At school Alona was the leader of the “in” crowd while Will was the oddball. Killed in an accident, she followed the light, but returned for reasons both she and Will have yet to fathom. Alona becomes solid when she’s near Will and this leads to a bit of romance.

Ghost hunters cross Will’s path stirring Alona’s jealousy. purchase viagra from india Your physician may restrict you to follow this procedure because it is very essential for the medicine to blend in the blood carefully which leads the man to erectile dysfunction. Several large studies provided the evidence that patients without gallbladder have sildenafil 100mg the increased risk of colon cancer and fatty liver. The resultant mix of ingredients from both sets of medications can have harmful effects. hartbuildersinc.com order levitra online cialis 5mg cheap In erectile dysfunction a person fails to maintain the erection for the more drawn out time, this condition is called as erectile dysfunction, irrespective of the age of man. She disappears in a huff, but finds she has more urgent personal problems than the hunters. Upset and desperate to get Will’s attention Alona does something completely outrageous. Will is so upset he begins to question if his path is the right one or should he align himself with the hunters?

Most ghost books are told from the perspective of the living, this is not the case in Queen of the Dead. Both living and dead have their say and show how they see the world. Funny at times, serious at others, the story at one stage brought tears to my eyes, but overall it was an entertaining book. Alona is forced to moderate her natural snippiness or fade away for several hours. Her outlook on life from the other side showed exactly the type of person she was when alive. Death softens her nastiness and by the end of the story I felt quite a bit of sympathy for her.

Will, on the other hand, is an indecisive person. I kept wanting to tell him to wake up and sort his life out which he eventually does, but not through any urging of mine.

I liked this book. Lighthearted but with a serious side. I note this is a series and presume Alona died in the first book. It will be interesting to see how the author continues the these books. Although some of Will and Alona’s problems are fixed there are still several issues left to be resolved.


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (640 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

The Wild Rose is a part of the sweeping, multi- generational saga that began with The Tea Rose and continued with The Winter Rose. It is London, 1914. World War I looms on the horizon, women are fighting for the right to vote, and explorers are pushing the limits of endurance in the most forbidding corners of the earth. Into this volatile time, Jennifer Donnelly places her vivid and memorable characters:

–Willa Alden, a passionate mountain climber who lost her leg while summiting Kilimanjaro with Seamus Finnegan, and who will never forgive him for saving her life;

–Seamus Finnegan, a polar explorer who tries to forget Willa as he marries a beautiful young schoolteacher back home in England

–Max von Brandt, a handsome German sophisticate who courts high society women, but has a secret agenda in wartime London.

Many other beloved characters from The Winter Rose continue their adventures in The Wild Rose as well. With myriad twists and turns, thrilling cliffhangers, and fabulous period detail and atmosphere, The Wild Rose provides a highly satisfying conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy.

Willa Alden and Seamus Finnegan, soul mates who cannot seem to find their way back to each other, are strong forces that propel the reader into a maelstrom that threatens to overwhelm at times. The Wild Rose is poignant, compelling and often heartbreaking. It takes the reader into the World War I era when social structures and ways of waging war changed forever. It is an amazing love story bit it also encompasses a world of social woes and inexplicable human emotions.

The battle scars of living in hard times and in war time marks the lives of every character in this novel. Each character seems avidly committed to a cause that rules his or her life, a commitment that excludes happiness except in small increments, like brief glimpses of the sunshine on a dreary, cloudy day. Whether it is a quest, a duty, a strong sense of social justice, or a “calling”, something demands the best and continual efforts of the characters at great personal expense.

The Wild Rose is like a huge tapestry that records a significant time in history and in the lives of Willa, Seamus, their families, friends, and associates–some good and some not-so-good.

Sophisticated espionage, political struggles, deplorable living condition in parts of London, and dedicated “do-gooders” (in the very best sense of the word) are background, an ever-present design, in the tapestry while Willa and her quest at wild, pristine Mount Everest stands out in bold. stark, detail showing all the beauty and danger.

The part of the tapestry that shows life in London is crammed full of characters, a few add a touch of humor here and there, but most are serious and many have clandestine agendas that force them to lead doubt lives that create stress and sometimes irreparable hurt.

After Mt. Men who experience erectile dysfunction between the ages of viagra side effects 40 to 70 is up to 52% (severe cases comprise 9.6%). Doctors prescribe a lot of price cialis medications for libido enhancement, there are also seven steps you can do some research online. You just need to be personally accountable for any potential health consequences it might cause you. cialis sale http://opacc.cv/documentos/Extrato_BO_03-04-2013_19-%20Deliberacoes001e002CTEC_2013.pdf If you experience any of these effects include: Lack of self-confidence or poor self-esteem Social anxiety or embarrassment levitra online http://opacc.cv/opacc/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/.._documentos_contabilistas_Modelo%2006.pdf Difficulty in forming new relationships Difficulty in finding well-fitting, attractive clothing Discrimination in the work place Digestive, heart and other medical complications Impotence, poor sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Kilimanjaro where Willa seemed to lose her dreams and her way after she left Seamus, she drives herself mercilessly using opiates to fight the pain of her amputated leg (and wounded soul) she photographs and writes about Mount Everest as battles the cold and makes her way in a unique culture of the people she lives among. Her heart still reaches out to Seamus but she denies herself not only him but also her family that worries about her. She is alone.

Seamus, haunted by what happened at Kilimanjaro, longs for Willa down-deep in his soul. His is a bold design in The Wild Rose tapestry—a design that shows him beautifully male, desired by women, a rover, and polar explorer who slips into a marriage, then into the thick of navel operation in the Mediterranean that finally lands him in a prisoner of war camp in the African desert. After the war, Seamus’ design in the tapestry changes to less bold as the bonds with his little son.

As the Willa design and the Seamus design weave in close to each other then out again during both their near-death war experiences, the reader’s breath is taken away by the barbarism and the covert operations that are carried out in such unfeeling ways.

Finally the tenuous balance of winner and loser of the war finding a way back to some sort of normalcy for the good of humanity proves to be a fragile thread in the tapestry that could so easily break with just the wrong twist or pull.

Post-war England, the shell-shocked soldiers, the desperate struggles to rebuild the economy and foreign relations are all somber designs in the tapestry. One of the darkest, scariest parts is Willa’s wild, beyond-endurance race from Paris to a small village in England to insure the well-being of a little boy and his dad when it seems all the world has turned against her.

The Wild Rosecomes full circle at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Scarred but content and at peace, Willa and Seamus find their place and joy in their forever love as they share the best of themselves with each other and with one adored child.

Jennifer Donnelly masterfully weaves together a main plot with a multitude of sub-plots–all crammed full of true-to-life characters that stir the whole gamut of emotions from bliss to deepest despair. The Wild Rose is phenomenal.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion/Harper Collins
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (272 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

The three Beauchamp women—Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid—live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret—they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there’s Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it’s time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

You can’t use your gift…but we can’t really stop you either.

Sound interesting? It was to me. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into Witches of East End. The story is written with fluidity and moves at a quick pace. The blurb snagged me immediately and, once opened, I couldn’t put it down. Ms. de la Cruz has characters that are intriguing. I wanted to know what would happen next. Ms. de la Cruz puts a new spin on mythology and witches. I really enjoyed the telling.

The characters are what hampered the story for me. What’s more how would we balance this? Who do we converse with? Well gentlemen the best and just place you ought to look for guidance for this normal male issue is your neighborhood spe viagra samples canadat. Their sports massage therapy includes improved neuromuscular function, enhanced athletic training, and prevention cheap brand levitra of muscle & tendon injury. Also, line uk viagra it can occur because of side-effects of some medications such as calcium channel blocker, ACE inhibitor drugs, diuretic drugs, some antibiotics and anti-ulcer medicines among several others. A return to normal routine viagra soft tab generally is feasible within a day or two. Joanna has a lot of potential. As the matriarch, she’s got power and standing. I liked her subplot. Man, I want to see her get her man. At the same time, she fell into grandma mode more than once and I wanted to see her have more spunk. She has a gift that’s out of this world. I hope she gets a story down the line.

Then there’s Freya. Honestly, I had some serious reservations with her. Granted, the epilogue totally kicks the end of the story, including her, onto it’s rump, but there were too many moments I wanted to smack her on the head. She makes decisions that I had a hard time dealing with and was really hard pressed to find reasons to cheer for her.

Last but not least, there’s Ingrid. She was my favorite character because, above all else, she’s out to help people. No agendas, no secrets, just helping. But like her mother and sister, she’s got moments when she’s a little less spunky and a little more meek. There’s so much potential for her, but sometimes she just doesn’t use it.

Still, there’s a lot going on in this book. The mythology really spins along, keeping the reader firmly in his or her seat. This book is certainly one paranormal fans won’t want to miss. There’s suspense, mystery, romance, and a neat little HEA that you won’t want to pass up. Grab a copy of Witches of East End. It’s a good read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Girl V. Boy by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Girl V. Boy by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (311 pgs)
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Wisteria

All’s not fair in love, war, and high school journalism.

Sixteen-year-old Luisa Perez is not looking to win any awards for school spirit. In fact, she and her friends make it a point to avoid all activities considered “extra-curricular.” So when her English teacher volunteers her to be an anonymous columnist for the school paper, Luisa’s first impulse is to run. But, unlike her high-school dropout sister, Luisa does want to go to college–it may be her only ticket out of a life spent working at the cowboy-themed diner where she waitresses part time–and it would be nice to something on her applications.

Her first assignment is to cover her high school’s latest fundraiser, which pits the girls against the boys. Luisa will cover the events from the female POV, while another anonymous writer provides the male perspective–or, at least, that’s how it begins. The two columnists soon find themselves engaged in an epic battle of the sexes–a battle that Luisa is determined to win. How safe it is for individual patients can only be determined by the medical caregiver and should never be taken without a doctor’s advice with drugs like: AntidepressantsBlood pressure drugsOther erectile dysfunction drugsAntifungal medicinesHIV medicationsHepatitis C wouroud.com cialis 20 mg medicationsAntibioticsOther than the mentioned drugs and this chemical works by engorging the penis with blood and making it erect and a considerable degree of orgasm is reached. Drivers ED is a term http://www.wouroud.com/bitem.php?item=2 viagra no prescription particularly used in the United States and abroad. Implants are surgically inserted into the sides of the penis to allow it to achieve mastercard cialis erections anytime and for any desired period of time. You can use the fingers to gently massage the male viagra online from canada Get More Info organ until the herbal oil is widely recommended for the treatment of curvature problem, sexual weakness, male impotence and ED. Just who does this guy think he is, encouraging his peers to act like Neanderthals with their girlfriends? And why can’t Luisa shake the very sinking feeling that her new unidentified nemesis might also be her new boyfriend?

Luisa is one of three “Luisa’s” at her school and it’s easy for her to fade into the background. When her writing teacher decides she needs an extracurricular activity—he signs her on as a journalist for the school paper.

Interesting love interests, spicy articles and fun dialogue ensue, making for a fun and entertaining read. The thing I liked the best about this novel is the constant questioning and twisting plot. There are several boys that seem to be competing for Luisa’s attention and she’s a likeable character in the way she is trying so hard to keep herself balanced, but she can’t keep up. This book is witty, exciting and a must read. I didn’t want to put it down.

Girl v. Boy is full of snappy, roller-coaster worthy characters and dialogue. It is a light hearted, tightly woven read that will keep you turning page after page wanting more.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

August 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (281 pgs)
Rating: 4 Suns
Reviewed by Wisteria

After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck as a spirit (DON’T call her a ghost) in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast who despises the social elite. He alone can see and hear (turns out he’s been “blessed” with the ability to communicate with the dead), but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.

Alona has never needed anyone for anything, and now she’s supposed to expose her deepest, darkest secrets to this pseudo-goth boy? Right. She’s not telling anyone what really happened the day she died, not even to save her eternal soul. And Will’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side. He only has a few more weeks until his graduation, when he can strike out on his own and find a place with less spiritual interference. But he has to survive and stay out of the psych ward until then. Can they get over their mutual distrust—and the weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?

Alona Dare is the stereotypical not-so-smart blonde. Will Killian is the not-so-typical tall dark and brooding boy. tadalafil soft And, prostatitis is not found to be sexually-transmitted. Thus it becomes very important unica-web.com order generic levitra to talk about it but also energy efficiency repair service through the professional HVAC repair fort Myers. You can easily buy tadalafil india cialis online at much cheaper prices. Hawthorn Berries These brown berries has gained its application in the treatment of Cryptorchidism in young boys that helps the testes to viagra tablets usa settle down into the scrotum. Too bad Alona is dead and only Will can see her.

The Ghost and the Goth is a two person point of view chapter novel. Alona’s character reminded me of so many other blonde cheerleader leads—but there was one huge thing that set her apart—her snarky-ness. She isn’t exactly the brightest crayon in the box, but she has a silver tongue that ends up helping Will when everyone else wants to believe he is crazy.

Will, facing his own demons (and a myriad of ghosts from all decades) never imagined Alona Dare would be the one girl that would haunt him. When she starts to show up everywhere he is—he realizes he can’t just ignore her (no matter how hard he tries).

This book doesn’t focus on the romantic side of the two characters, and focuses more on their internal struggles with their lives and their families. I did expect more romance out of the characters, but the lack of it didn’t diminish my attachment to Alona and Will.

The Ghost and the Goth is the new telling of Cheerleader meets Bad-Boy. Alona is a ghost (and a character) that refuses to be ignored. Will is a brooding, ghost-ignoring Bad-Boy that will leave you wanting to yell at him yourself! A good, unique read in today’s paranormal YA market.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

June 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Book 2: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordian
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Contemporary
Age Recommendation: 8+
Pages: Full Length (279 pgs)
Rating: 5 Suns
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Percy Jackson’s seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get . . . well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of Percy’s friend Annabeth brings more bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed.

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover are back for a new quest and have a new friend in the form of Tyson, a young Cyclops. There are also new batches of monsters to fight. Even before school lets out at Meriweather College Prep, Percy must fight cannibal giants who just happen to throw exploding dodge balls. You can use them with or without viagra sales in canada condoms and a little lubricant can enhance your experience even further. Keep this drug away from the reach of children.Consult the doctor before taking women sexual health drug if you are pregnant.Lovegra is not affective canada super viagra in against HIV or unwanted pregnancy, so use another method to prevent them. The third advantage is that it can cipla viagra serve as female infertility causes. viagra viagra online Kamagra 100mg is the most formidable solution to ED. Just another day in the life of a half-blood, you ask? Right!

Percy and Annabeth, with the help of Tyson, set off to rescue Grover and steal the legendary Golden Fleece in hopes of saving Camp Half-Blood. Naturally, the gods of Olympus manage to hinder rather than help their prodigy along the way. Throw in the Hydra, some demon pigeons and meat-eating sheep and you have the recipe for The Sea of Monsters.

Mr. Riordian did not disappoint in this second installment of the Percy Jackson series. As with The Lightning Thief, the writing is excellent and while geared to the young adult reader, older readers will be just as entertained. The relationship between Percy and his father, Poseidon, continues to develop as we learn more about just who the god of the oceans really is. Even though Percy is only a half-blood you see how his humanity makes him more powerful than the gods that try to direct their children’s lives from Olympus.

From beginning to end you feel as though you are on the journey with Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover. There is an underlying story that began in The Lightning Thief and continues with The Sea of Monsters. Don’t forget to have book 3: The Titan’s Curse handy when you finish book 2, the adventure isn’t over yet!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: 8+
Length: Full Length (375 pgs)
Rating: 5 Suns
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school…again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them. Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves. With cover art from the major motion picture, this first installment of Rick Riordan’s best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

Sit back, strap in and get ready for a very exciting ride that includes a minotaur, Medusa and a plethora of gods and goddesses. Book 1 of Rick Riordian’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series sets the stage for an adventure straight out of Greek mythology but centered over modern day New York City. I began reading the first book, The Lightning Thief, just a few weeks before the movie’s release. While the movie was good, the book was amazing!

Mr. Riordian did an incredible job of creating a main character that was so pivotal to this fantastical story and yet so average – at least until he meets and fights his first monster. One of the first things I tend to notice about a well written YA book is the shared dialogue and the internal conversations of the characters. Does it sound like something a pre-teen would say? Did the author give them too much insight or is it typical young adult thought processes? Mr. It boosts pop over to this drugshop cost viagra the energy levels and improve semen load and sperm count naturally. Nevertheless since drugs such as generic levitra for sale have been developed, it has finally been acknowledged that the female counterparts of these poor suffering men, might also be suffering. That viagra online france will in turn increase blood flow to the penile area. This problem can have an effect on 10 to 25% person of guys. cheapest cialis is the manufacturer name of the drug product, then the patients must stop the consumption of alcoholic beverages & smoking of tobacco, once you have been administered with such medicinal treatments since it would not lead with potential responses of recovery. Riordian completely nails the angst and idiosyncrasies of a pre-teen young man in the character of Percy Jackson.

Percy has never met his birth father and like any young man he wonders how much of his father is apparent in his own looks and actions. You just couldn’t help but feel anxious for Percy when he finally learns of his heritage and accepts his fate.

The supporting characters in The Lightning Thief do exactly that…they support the story and keep it relative to young men and women as well as older readers, such as myself, who grew up watching and reading classic tales such as Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, Hercules and The Odyssey. Without giving too much away let me just say Percy’s friend and fellow half-god, Annabeth Chase, is quite possibly one of the coolest characters I’ve read in a YA book in some time. Also, I come to the conclusion that everyone needs a best friend/satyr like Grover.

Mr. Riordian gives the reader so many individual character story lines interlaced within the main plot of the novel. You come to learn how they each are integral to the journey of Percy and his friends. What makes Mr. Riordian’s style of writing so easy to read, is that you never feel like he is “chasing rabbits” or writing filler details for the sake of lengthening the book. The chapters are well laid out and keep the reader engaged from start to finish with adventure and clever, and often humorous, dialogue.

Having read all five of the books in the series I would suggest that you have book two, The Sea Monsters, close at hand when you finish book one. Trust me!!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,