This book was just OK. The first few chapters really drew me in and made me want to read more, but the ending was such a big let down. It moved quickly, but had such a disappointing ending.

What fun I had reading Strange Planet by Nathan Pyle - A MUST READ - an intelligent comic relief - with a play on words that made me smile from beginning to end - that I constantly found myself giggling - I never imaged I would enjoy a Graphic novel and I certainly did! It wasn't a mystery and it wasn't a who-did it and I couldn't put it down

Historical Fiction based on the life of an Indian Princess, Goes First, of the Crow tribe. It takes place in the 19th Century. Kathleen Grissom created a book where you are immersed in this woman’s life in the west. She explores the relationship between tribes and the growth of the west. Changes for her tribe and other tribes were made because of her bravery.

This was a complex read for me. Chosen by my book club, and I am in the end, so glad they did. I initially had a hard time adjusting to the language, and the pattern of writing. This for me require a slow contemplative read. I developed a deep respect for the author. Taught me much about the times, especially the plight of women. Behind this complicated soap opera are themes around issues of second chances, class issues, social mores, cultural aspects of the time, and integrity. I can’t say I loved it but I can say, it was a remarkable novel, and I am glad I read it. I am also glad I did not live during that time.

Julia's life has been turned upside down by her husband's murder. She then inherits a villa in Italy from a woman who is unknown to her. Julia decides to make the trip to Italy to find out who and why this woman would leave her the villa. As strange things start happening, she begins to think that she's in danger and is there a connection to her husband's murder?

"After Happily Ever" by Jennifer Safrey was a combination: "The Real Housewives of ______________" and "Fairy Tale Horror Stories"

Wild Dark Shore is a climate fiction novel that intertwines the themes of climate change with personal and emotional journeys. It is a very “heavy” novel with both environmental issues, and emotional issues. Lots of triggers in this one. It is set on remote completely isolated frozen, Shearwater Island. The Island was set up, with labs and homes, (in addition to the lighthouse that serves as home to the Salt family) to save seeds so that in case of a catastrophe they can be planted to provide food to the world. The Island is being overtaken by the ocean, the facility is decaying and no longer viable. The scientists have all left. Only the Salt family, dad and three children remain on the Island to pack these seeds to relocate them. The story explores the dynamics of the family left on the Island and Rowan, a mysterious woman who washes up on the shores. The novel explores ethical actions in the face of climate change. It also explores themes of life, death, grief, love, suicide, sacrifice and mental illness. Wild Dark Shore examines the interconnectedness of life and death, hoping, I think, to encourage readers to consider the moral responsibilities humans have towards the environment and each other.

Art therapists focus on helping individuals build psychological skills and emotional intelligence . An art therapist's goal is to help individuals discover an outlet for often complex and confusing feelings and foster self-awareness and growth. Lenni is lonely and lively and is one of the novel's protagonists. The lively Lenni has a reputation for causing trouble and frequently wanders around the hospital without permission. Lenni has a deep innate desire to help people. Over the course of the novel, the dynamic protagonist goes from lonely to loved and overcomes her fear of death.

The Giver, is about a person who holds the memories of the true joys and pain of life in the world that is described as a futuristic one. And the twist is that he is the ONLY one who has this capacity to keep memories, and saves his world from the pain they might bring. The novel follows a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who experiences shocking truths, revelations, and hidden philosophies about the world around him as he has been SELECTED to be the next GIVER. The one who shall hold the memories for the entire world around him. Memories of joy, love, happiness, enjoyment, safety, danger, sorry, surprise, admiration, disgust or fear. The writing is so lucid that when you read about an emotion (Memory - in case of this book), you visualize all the small elements that go into making and feeling an emotion. The innocent and ingenuous way that the young protagonist tries to understand the new JOB profile he has been assigned is very thought provoking. A very GENIUS book!

Another intriguing historical mystery by this author. Haven, a researcher of shipwrecks discovers something called the Amalfi Curse. We learn about it through two timelines , the present and 1820s. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Highly recommend.