Book #14 "Beat the Reaper" by Josh Bazell

I took a chance and bought the book by just looking and the lovely cover. I won't lie....the name caught me too. I started reading it with no idea what the plot was going to be like or anything and was a bit shocked at first with the gangster mob theme.

I stuck it out through the first chapter and found it to be quite entertaining. Throughout the book there are little easter eggs that keep your interest peaked at all times. It grabs your attention with crazy, I mean CRAZY scenes within an emergency room. Things you never would think about a doctor or nurse doing or what they think when treating you. I was shocked and grossed out with some gory parts and actually skimmed a few paragraphs that were too much to handle. Beware, and from me that is a huge caution! I would recommend this to the strong stomached that can handle the gruesome hospital scenes.

Apparently its going to be made into a film with a possiable lead of Leonardo DiCaprio. Should be and interesting movie to check out. I also recommend you checking out the "Beat the Reaper" website it has a spectacular web design. 

Book #13 "Allison Hewitt is Trapped" by Madeleine Roux

I don't know about you guys but this year is flying by! I'm keeping on track but to any serious commitment there are the ups and downs. This book was awesome and gave me a huge jump in motivation! A debut book for Madeleine Roux developed from a experimental fiction blog with many followers. I desperately hope its not the last and she has many more to come.

A roller coaster ride of survival through the zombie apocalypse that you never expect to have so many twists and turns. The blog style writing with reader comments only makes it better. I really love the style of writing she as throughout the book. I'm really, really hoping for sequel or at least another book in the same zombie survival style.

That another wonderful female author of zombie apocalypse to add my collection!

Book #12 Faithful Place by Tana French

This is the second book by Tana French I've read and really enjoyed. A powerfully packed mystery with tough subjects such as social classes, abusive childhoods and sibling rivalry.

A tragic tale, brilliantly told, loving but bittersweet and told with such brilliant truths that you'll be a mess well before the end. I highly recommend this to any mystery reader. 

Amazon has a great interview with French about the book here.

Boot #11 A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

I will not lie, the cover is what attracted me to this book. I do judge a book by its cover. I always find great books this way. It usually gets me out of my comfort zone and into a new genre. This read was awesome, it keep me addicted page after page. I even forgot that I was on lunch at work and was jerked back into reality when someone walked by and I jumped, lol. Very funny and dark read.

Here is the breakdown in a series of words:

Beta Male
Super Sarcastic
Loses Wife
Becomes Death
Raising Baby Alone
Collecting Souls
Thrift Store Owner
Friend Named Minty Fresh (7ft tall Black Guy)
Fighting Forces of Darkness

So, I'm now on a waiting list at the library for all of Christopher Moores book.

Book #10 Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Wow, sorry I've neglected you...your such a special blog and I know, I know, I've been away to long but I'm here to make it up to you with this wonderful read!

I found this book on the Chicago Public Library website in a program Chicago has called One Book One Chicago. A twice annual book club that has been around for 10 years! This springs book is Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. CPL also sets up many events revolving around the book. This spring, so far, has been amazing with several appearances by Neil Gaiman and many other influential authors. I've attended two lectures already and was surprised on the huge turnouts and quality of the lecture.

This book was great, a coming of age story set in a fantastical underworld below London. It has amazing characters that will keep you entertained throughout.

Book #12- The Hamdmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Terrifying.  Completely, absolutely, terrifying.

This is an amazing piece of work, reminiscent of  Orwell, and takes place in the future when a militaristic theocracy has taken over the US. 

Atwood brings up many different issues, probably more prevalent and pressing in 1985, but still appropriate almost 30 years later.  It brings up issues of gender, sex, social hierarchy, religion, race, politics, and tries to get to the root of human morality.  I think this is definitely a good book to read for anyone who is politically aware.  However, it is still completely, absolutely, terrifying.