Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

If you have not already had the chance to read Caroline Kepnes' YOU, hurry out and get yourself a copy. You will need to read the first one to make sense of just who Joe is in the novel. What makes this man tick is both twisted and seductive at the same time. First I must offer a warning, dear readers, about the graphic nature of what is featured in this novel. It is not for the faint of heart!

"YOU is a terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age. You is a compulsively readable page-turner that’s being compared to Gone Girl, American Psycho, and Stephen King’s Misery." 

I know that grabs your attention, so I will continue with my caveat. There is foul and graphic language, and detailed descriptions of horrific events. All this to tell you that I really enjoyed reading them! There were times I thought to myself, "I should not be enjoying this as much as I am." These two novels were delicious, and I devoured them like a Sprinkles Red Velvet cupcake. Joe is the quintessential bad guy who looks good. While listening to the audio version of YOU, I was utterly mesmerized by Santino Fontana's narration of Joe's character, and I couldn't wait to finish the story. When I was finished, I could not contain my excitement at the thought of Joe's story having a continuance. Caroline Kepnes' portrayal of this crazed man is unparalleled in modern literature. These are two hot books that you should read, but consider yourself warned! Page-turning reading is up ahead.

You by Caroline Kepnes 

Super Soul Sunday: Audiobook Edition

Audiobook Spotlight: Intentional Living

This audiobook spoke to my heart, because I have been in a period of odd transition. I am in the limbo of my job, and I feel a little like a buoy out in the middle of the ocean. I am holding my place in the world, but I do feel a little like I am floating along, without a greater purpose. I will start this year with a grateful heart, but more than that-in 2016-I will start. I will live my life with intention and be more focused on what it is that sets my heart ablaze with love, excitement and enjoyment. I am creating a "happiness habit" (see work by Sean Achor) that helps me to see, on a daily basis, the love and abundance I am surrounded by every day, every minute, every hour. John C. Maxwell is a master at his craft, and this audiobook is a great way to turn your life in a new direction. Absolutely a game-changer!

Synopsis

"We all have a longing to be significant. We want to make a contribution, to be a part of something noble and purposeful. But many people wrongly believe significance is unattainable. They worry that it's too big for them to achieve. That they have to have an amazing idea, be a certain age, have a lot of money, or be powerful or famous to make a real difference.

The good news is that none of those things is necessary for you to achieve significance and create a lasting legacy. The only thing you need to achieve significance is to be intentional. And to do that, all you need to do is start. You can't make an impact sitting still and doing nothing. Every major accomplishment that's ever been achieved started with a first step. Sometimes it's hard; other times it's easy, but no matter what, you have to do it if you want to get anywhere in life.

In INTENTIONAL LIVING, John Maxwell will help you take that first step, and the ones that follow, on your personal path through a life that matters."

Happy Listening!

Saturday Kid Reads: Audiobook Edition

Saturday Kid Reads: Babe Ruth

Baseball's best slugger, Babe Ruth is the star of this audiobook, read by Nick Sullivan and written by author Matt Christopher. For those looking to satisfy the new non-fiction Common Core standards, this audiobook will satisfy this need. If your theme is teaching students to overcome obstacles, then listen to Babe's story. George Herman "Babe" Ruth helped his teams win more than ten pennants and seven world championships, but winning requires hard work, grit and perseverance. This audiobook is also available in print format to assist students who may need a printed companion to this book. If you are looking for a similar story of overcoming obstacles, check out this inspirational story out of Apricot Farms. It's Chris's story and it is so amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9S3n_tILKo  

Super Soul Sunday: Audiobook Edition

Audiobook Spotlight: The Power of I Am

This Super Soul Sunday (all credit due to Oprah for coming up with the title) is brought to you by The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen. As I sit and watch the show, and all of its wonderful spiritual leaders speaking words of truth that my heart and my brain begin to understand the world more acutely-I find myself grateful for my journey and the possibilities that 2016 holds.
Whatever follows the words "I am" will always come looking for you.

So, when you go through the day saying:
"I am blessed"...blessings pursue you.
"I am talented"...talent follows you.
"I am healthy"...health heads your way.
"I am strong"...strength tracks you down.

Joel Osteen reveals how THE POWER OF I AM can help you discover your unique abilities and advantages to lead a more productive and happier life. His insights and encouragement are illustrated with many amazing stories of people who turned their lives around by focusing on the positive power of this principle. You can choose to rise to a new level and invite God's goodness by focusing on these two words: I AM!

I have heard much criticism of Joel recently by church-going people who believe his opulent lifestyle makes him hypocritical. While I have pieces of that argument that I whole-heartedly agree with, I also think that most of us, given the money he earns would live similarly. I know that he has started from small roots, and has spread enormous wings in the world, and his influence is far-reaching. You cannot argue with the word spoken on this audiobook. It was uplifting and encouraging, and I felt rejuvenated and encouraged listening to it every day to and from work and other events that I had going on. I would highly recommend this audio to those who are looking for a new focus in 2016.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for this audio title which was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Happy Listening!

Mystery/Thriller Books are the New Black

The cyclical "I cannot find anything to read" blues has hit the Simons' household in a bad way. A few times a year I'll rifle though my stack of galley's, read about 25 pages, and run off to do housework. HOUSEWORK! (in all caps) It's not that the book is awful, it's just that it came into my life at the wrong time. I'll usually give them a second chance, but if I'm speaking honestly, I don't often post about them because they just weren't right for me. So, to spice up your winter reading list, I'm throwing out some incredible Mystery/Thriller books that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to turn those pages. They contain graphic content, so if that is not your thing, then you will want to scroll on past, my friends. I promise you that after reading one of these titles, you will be snuggled up cozy, and tight for a warm winter's nap, and also hoping that people in the real world are nothing like the characters in these books! Happy Winter Reading!

Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin

in a dark, dark wood by Ruth Ware

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Eeny Meeny by M.J. Arlidge

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Amazing Audio Titles: September Edition

As my anniversary of my audio listening birth quickly approaches, I wanted to share with you some wonderful titles available in audio format for your listening enjoyment. I was a print book devotee for many, many years before transitioning to e-book formats. As I began to receive more books than I could possibly keep up with, I knew a sure way to double down on my book consumption was to listen to audiobooks. I am in love! I am finishing books at a very quick pace, and I feel free to embrace books I normally would not have tried. The narrators make a huge difference! Without further ado, here I some titles I think you will enjoy...

Historical Fiction

Written by Jami Attenberg

• Narrated byTavia Gilbert
• This novel was wonderfully narrated by Talia Gilbert, who breathes life in to a beautifully written novel about Maizie Phillips. Reading back through her diary, readers are transported back to a time when Maizie was young, wild, and free. The story is truly a remarkable one, and to reiterate, the narrator does a superb job bringing Maizie's story to life. 
• Synopsis:

Meet Mazie Phillips: big hearted and bawdy, she's the truth-telling proprietress of The Venice, the famed New York City movie theater. It's the Jazz Age, with romance and booze aplenty - even when Prohibition kicks in - and Mazie never turns down a night on the town. But her high spirits mask a childhood rooted in poverty, and her diary, always close at hand, holds her dearest secrets.
When the Great Depression hits, Mazie's life is on the brink of transformation. Addicts and bums roam the Bowery; homelessness is rampant. If Mazie won't help them, then who? When she opens the doors of The Venice to those in need, this ticket-taking, fun-time girl becomes the beating heart of the Lower East Side and, in defining one neighborhood, helps define the city.
Then, more than 90 years after Mazie began her diary, it's discovered by a documentarian in search of a good story. Who was Mazie Phillips really? A chorus of voices from the past and present fill in some of the mysterious blanks of her adventurous life.
Inspired by the life of a woman who was profiled in Joseph Mitchell's classic Up in the Old Hotel, Saint Mazie is infused with Jami Attenberg's signature wit, bravery, and heart. Mazie's rise to "sainthood" - and her irrepressible spirit - is unforgettable.
©2015 Jami Attenberg (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Young Adult

Written by Virginia Boecker

Narrated by Nicola Barber

Although this book is Virginia Boecker's debut, she does not disappoint. The book is a fabulous listen, and when it comes to YA, I can be quite fickle! Infusing some bits of historical fiction into this novel provides engagement for the listener, and a story that you will enjoy, and won't mind walking the dogs while finishing. 

Synopsis

Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight but what you fear.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: He will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past - if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Virgnia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice that will leave listeners wanting more.

©2015 Virginia Boecker (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Personal Growth

Written by John C. Maxwell

Narrated by Chris Sorenson

At just three hours, this audio will provide listeners with advice and practical tips to help start you off in the right direction. Listeners can engage every day with succinct lessons, stimulating questions, and inspiring quotes. If you are looking to begin with a committed plan to help your life become more inspired, this audio will suit you. I walked away with some easy-to-implement tips for my life. 

©2015 John C. Maxwell (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Happy Listening!

I'll Give You The Sun

I'm in love with this cover art!

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson was a book that I nearly gave up on. It was one of those reads that you don't know whether to love it, or leave it. I strongly considered leaving it, but I am thrilled to tell you that I loved it in the end. My perseverance (or stubbornness) prevented me from quitting this book. Thank Clark Gable! The two siblings in this book have lives so tightly wound together that they are inextricably linked to one another, even through tragedy. In the end, my heart swelled, and I felt satisfied. I found this under Young Adult, though I doubt I'd have put it there myself. Beautifully written.

"Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world."

Tales of the supernatural, same love, and art weave together a beautiful story by Jandy Nelson. Check it out!

Jandy Nelson
Twitter @JandyNelson

Audio Mania!

It is no lie when I tell you that for most of my life I was unable to focus on listening to an audio book for longer than a minute. The energy it required to have me complete two tasks at once (driving and listening) was too much for me. I love reading so much, and once I started driving, I thought it would be a fantastic way to continue "reading" when I couldn't physically hold the book. I tried and tried. Book after book was rented from the public library, only to be returned a week later. I would hand over my failure while the media clerk sifted through to make sure I didn't hold on to one of the CD's. She didn't need to do that. They were all there. I never made it past CD #1. I was pretty frustrated with myself that I couldn't remember what I had just read, and drifted off into Never, Never Land every time a narrator's voice would blare out over the speakers. I gave up trying after a while and thought it best to listen to music in the car. Short attention span was how I justified it.

Years passed by with maybe a check out or two a year. I never truly gave up. I always thought the next year would change my brain. Make me somehow competent enough to listen and remember. Every year I repeated the same sequence of events. Check out audio book. Return a week later. Wait for clerk to count CD's. Wash, rinse, repeat. Again, I cursed the short attention span.

On a spree of reading a series of self-help books, I read in one of them that you could make anything happen that you truly set your mind to. Your determination and fortitude could generate the results you desired. With that in mind, I purchased an audio book payment plan, and loaded my phone up with a few titles. I also checked out an audio book from the library. I trained myself to listen every single day, and to repeat the events as they happened, as an exercise in active listening. 1 hour turned into two, into three, and soon all I was doing was listening to audio books. In lines, in the car, during my lunch break, walking through the store. I bought an auxiliary cable for my car, so I could listen non-stop whenever I wanted.  Pretty soon, I was adding a book a week. I did it! I accomplished the very goal I thought to be impossible. I used to think that self-help stuff was a bunch of horse shit, but it worked!

So here I am, preaching to all my fellow book readers who have short attention spans. It can be done. You say audio books aren't for you? Well, I will give you a list of some of the best ones to add right now. This, from the biggest critic. If it is even slightly boring-it's out! Now I don't loathe my commute far to work, or driving everywhere taking my kids to their practices, and myself to teach Spinning and Pilates classes. Happy Valentine's Day!

Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers



The Martian by Andy Weir



The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd



Any you could add to the list?

The Martian by Andy Weir

This audiobook was so far from what I normally choose it may has well have been on Mars rather than on Earth, a click away. I knew this particular book was being made into a movie, and my audiobook selections this year are going to be all of the books I am interested in reading that are being made into movies.

In The Martian, Mark Watney (who will be played by Matt Damon) and his crew are on a NASA mission on Mars when something goes terribly wrong. While completing an exercise on the Red Planet, Mark is struck with an antennae which punctures his suit. His crew, thinking he is dead, leaves the planet after an exhaustive effort to save Watney. Turns out Watney is far from dead. This botanist is made of the tougher stuff, and manages to survive for much longer than anyone else could have. The question that remains for the reader is whether or not Watney will be saved. He has NASA, JPL, and the American people rallying for his safe return to Earth. Will Watney be able to survive the number of Sols required to survive life on Mars? If you are into Science Fiction, I doubt you'll find a story more engaging. I continued listening to the book, even though the first half hour was a little dry for my taste. The one drawback for me would be all the Science lingo, even if it was fictional. This book definitely earned 5 stars from me! Incredible narration on the audiobook.  

See who would be playing your favorite character in the movie version of The Martian.