Goodbye, Garbage!

I don't read a lot of nonfiction. When I do, it's usually about the craft of writing, about someone inspiring, or about some way to improve myself and my life. I was recently inspired by The Law of the Garbage Truck by David J. Pollay. 

The basic premise is that by not letting others dump their "garbage" (negativity, fear, etc) on us, we can be better, happier people. Some words from the book jacket:

* Avoid getting dumped on by rude, thoughtless, and angry people

* Stop reliving the negative in your past, and fearing the future

* Focus on what you can control, not the negative things you can't 

* Gain the courage to enjoy every day, do what you love, and make a difference

Two quizzes really opened my eyes to how I was living my life and how I was letting others influence me. I try very hard not to burden others with negativity and drama, so I was pleased when I got a good score - "dump a light load" - on "Are You a Garbage Dumper?" However, I was shocked to see the "heavy load" of garbage I accept in my life on "Are You a Garbage Accepter?" - "Almost every day you are set back by the negative behavior of others and bothered by the things you can't control. You let too many Garbage Trucks dump on you, and you create too much of your own garbage." Whoa!

So, I'm trying to do better, be better, with all of that. And I think it's working, too, at least most days. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you're anything like me - soaking up way too much garbage, whether that of others or of your own making. 

* I received nothing in exchange for this mini review/recommendation. I enjoyed the book, learned from it, and wanted to share it. *

Summer Reading - The End

Back at the end of June, I wrote about my favorite books of the summer up until that point  in time - Summer Reading - Part I. Here's the wrap-up - from the end of June until August 28th - of the some of the best books I've read this summer -

*****

That Night by Chevy Stevens - I'm not sure she'll ever be able to top her first book, Still Missing, but this thriller comes very close.

*****

Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary - Sarah was one of the first online writers/bloggers I "met" more years back than I care to admit. A few months ago, I saw an ad for her book on Shelf Awareness and promptly added this gripping, compelling mystery to my TBR list. Add it to yours - you won't be sorry.

*****

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown - this YA novel is an utterly heartbreaking story of loss and an amazingly hopeful story of love. This is my new favorite Jennifer Brown novel and easily one of my favorite books of the year so far.

*****

Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf - I read this with my heart wedged up in my throat. If you ever saw a news story and thought something along the lines of "How could he/she do that? That would never happen to me" or "I would never let that happen," think again. Accidents - terrible, horrifying accidents - can and do happen to the best of us. This novel reminds us of that, and shows how healing and hope can still be possible.   

*****

Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work by Tim Gunn (with Ada Calhoun) - A big part of the reason I enjoy watching Project Runway is Tim Gunn's always dapper, always encouraging presence. I use his catchphrase - "Make It Work" - for everything from writing to making dinner. This is a fun read, not only because it's got behind-the-scenes stories of Project Runway, but also because it's full of wisdom and humor and heart.   

*****

Have you read any of these? Do you think you'll give one or two of them a try? What have you read and loved this summer?

Recommended Reading - February 2014

It was an awesome month for reading, as you'll see from the Standouts below. And I've decided, since I'm coming across so many great books, to scrap the monthly Recommended Reading posts and just write mini book reviews here whenever I read something I love. I will no longer have to wait to rave about a book! And you will no longer have to wait to add a great read to your TBR list. (Don't grumble about how big that TBR pile is already. You know you love adding to it!)

*****

Books Read in February: 9

Total Books Read in 2014:  15

Standouts:

Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner - Lisa Gardner is one of my go-to authors for suspense/thrillers. I know that when she has a new book out, I'd better set aside some time because I will be hooked - forget cleaning, forget cooking, my husband and the tortoises are on their own. This particular novel has a fascinating character who has a genetic condition that causes her to feel no pain, and Gardner is excellent at feeding the reader information without lecturing. And although the character of Boston Detective D. D. Warren is a recurring character, the novels work as stand-alones. Next time you're in the mood for suspense, go find one of Gardner's novels. You'll be glad you did. 

*****

You've Got a Book In You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams by Elizabeth Sims - Yes, I know. Most of us need another book on the writing craft like we need another empty notebook, another mug of coffee, another rejection. But this book's subtitle - "a stress-free guide" - is absolutely true. This is a fresh reminder of how much fun writing can be, if we'll only let it. (I actually met Ms. Sims once or twice, and her enthusiasm for writing is absolutely evident.)

***** 

The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh - What really drew me into this novel was the voice - atmospheric without being heavy-handed, dark and foreboding yet subtle. It is a mystery and a love story, and a very good reminder of how secrets can dig deep and take root in the fertile grounds of family dynamics.

* I received an ARC though a Random House giveaway. This novel will be available March 2014. *

*****

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2) by Laini Taylor - If you haven't yet read Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1, then do so. Now. Go wander the streets of Prague with Karou and Zuzana and Mik. Meet Brimstone and Issa and Thiago, Madrigal and Akiva and Razgut (who is one of the creepiest characters I've ever met.) Then read Days... where the story continues, where love and war and friendship and sacrifice are all layered and complicated and complex and the usual definitions of monsters and angels are frayed and unravelling right before your eyes. Then…wait with me until April for Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #3). Arrrrrgh!

*****

What have you read and loved recently? Have you read any of the Standouts? Do you plan to? I hope so!

Recommended Reading - December 2013

Well, December saw the end of The 2013 Goodreads Challenge, and I am thrilled to say I accomplished my goal of reading 100 books in 2013. I also learned a few things along the way….

The challenge was a great reminder of how much I love to read. I'd gotten lazy - leaving the TV on, checking email more than necessary, surfing the web. The challenge brought me back to my books and my books back to me.

But toward the end of the challenge, reading started to feel a little like homework, and that I didn't care for at all. So, for The 2014 Goodreads Challenge, I'm going to aim for 85 books to give myself a little wiggle room, a little time and space to maybe get up off the couch and go outside…without a book in hand. Gasp!

*****

Total Books Read in December:  12

Total Books Read in 2013: 101

Standouts:

Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson - If I was going to go all geek fangirl on an author (okay, another author), it would be Ms. Jackson. This novel is a love story taken to another level, offering up love in different forms - hopeful and hopeless - and baring its complexities, including its rawness and its sharp edges, its softness and its strength.

*****

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley - This novel is a great reminder of how, when those cracks develop in the foundation of our lives, of our families, they're so easily and insidiously filled in with lies and secrets and silences. I'm a big fan of Ms. Buckley's first novel, The Things That Keep Us Here, and this one has all the same tension, suspense and deep family dynamics.

I received an ARC through the BookBrowse First Impressions program.
The novel will be available February 2014.

*****

Swimming in the Moon by Pamela Schoenewaldt - I'm a sucker for good historical fiction and this second novel by Ms. Schoenewaldt did not disappoint. We're immersed in Lucia's world whether it's in Naples or in Cleveland, the villa or the boarding house, the vaudeville stage or the union hall. Lucia is a true heroine, one you will root for, cry with, and cheer on with every turn of the page. And the ending - even though you'll need tissues - is perfect.

*****

And speaking of tissues . . . .

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Must. Have. Tissues. Handy. That's all I'm going to say about this one since I am late coming to this novel, there's already been a ton of reviews and there's a movie in the works.

*****

Have you read any of these Standouts? Will any of them make your To Be Read list in 2014? What have you read lately that you've loved? Taking part in any reading challenges this year?

Recommended Reading - October

October is almost over, but I believe you can read dark and creepy novels all year long. Hmm... unless that's just me?

And for those of you who enjoy a good historical-mystery-love story, look no further than the list below....

*****

Books Read in October:  6

Total Books Read in 2013:  78

Standouts:

Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly - Fast-paced and twisty, this novel takes an already terrifying premise and proceeds to bump it up a few more notches. Add good writing and well-drawn characters to the mix and you've got a novel you won't want to - or be able to - put down.

*****

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King - It's no secret around here that I'm a huge fan of Stephen King. More suspenseful and creepy than outright scary, this novel is full of King's usual complex characters, who really are the heart and soul of the story. It helps a bit for background's sake if you've read The Shining, but I don't think it's necessary in order to enjoy this one.

*****

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes - I'm going to start this mini-review with a complaint, if you can even call it that. I enjoyed the "historical" aspect of this book so much so that I practically groaned every time I was taken out of it to spend time in the "present day" part of the story. That's not to say the present day story isn't good because it is, absolutely. I just fell in love with Sophie's story and was positively desperate to find out what happened to her! This novel's got it all - history, mystery, love, sacrifice, power, pain, hope. Don't miss it!

*****

Do any of these Standouts sound good to you? Have you read anything lately you'd recommend? If you're participating in a reading challenge, like through Goodreads, how on track are you? I'm a few books behind, but this is one goal I love striving for!

Recommended Reading - September

I cannot wait to dive into the piles of books I've got waiting for me - fiction, nonfiction, purchased books, ones from the library, ebooks, novels, novellas, stories, big names (hello, Stephen King!) and debut authors! Whew!

Here are some of my Standouts from September - 

Books Read in September:  10

Total Books Read in 2013:  72

Standouts:

Night Film by Marisha Pessl - if you're in the mood for a dark, creepy, complex novel, this is it. Although I found it a little long, I loved how Pessl used almost a mixed media format, including the protagonist's notes and pages from old newspaper articles and screen shots from websites. Pessl also does a fantastic job of creating memorable and unique characters. (Nora is one of my favorites.)

*****

Hate List by Jennifer Brown - this is one of Brown's older titles, and it's already been nominated/won numerous prizes and received acknowledgements all over the place, and deservedly so. I enjoyed her more recent work better, but Hate List is an important read and extremely well done.

*****

Charm and Strange by Stephanie Kuehn - if you like dark, layered YA novels, definitely check this out. There's something about it that draws you in and compels you to keep going even though the closer you get to the truth, the more you want to close your eyes so you don't have to see it coming.

*****

What are you looking forward to reading over the next few months? Do you plan on checking out any of the Standouts? What are you currently reading? Any recommendations?

Recommended Reading - August

I don't know if I was channeling my inner student this past month or if I was just nostalgic for those Summer Reading Lists because I found myself reading a lot of Contemporary Young Adult novels, a genre I rarely read. But I tell you, the Standouts below should be - if they aren't already - on school reading lists everywhere.

Books Read in August:  11

Total Books Read in 2013:  63

Standouts:

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick - this is an uncomfortable and unsettling book to read. It pulls us and pushes us to places we don't really want to go, but we will because we want to know what happens. My heart hurt for pretty much every character in it. An excellent read.

*****

Right Behind You by Gail Giles - another difficult, emotional read but it feels less raw, less gritty than the one mentioned above. It is so well done that I made a note of the author so I can hunt down more of her work. And because I was just so blown away by the brief summary of the novel, I'm sharing it right here:

When he was nine, Kip set another child on fire. Now, after years in a juvenile ward, he is ready for a fresh start. But the ghosts of his past soon demand justice, and he must reveal his painful secret. How can Kip tell anyone that he really is--or was--a murderer? (Goodreads)

*****

Thousand Words and Bitter End by Jennifer Brown - these are two books I wish every teenager - not just the girls! - would read. Thousand Words is about "sexting" and Bitter End is about teen dating abuse, but both novels are really about choices and decisions - good and bad - and taking responsibility.

*****

Have you read any of the Standouts? Will you add any of them to your To Read list? How did your summer reading go? Read anything fantastic? Read something that disappointed you? 

Recommended Reading - July

Most of July was a tough one for Standout books. Either that, or I'm getting too picky. I read a number of books that I liked. That's it. Liked. I enjoyed them but then put them in the donate pile. I also started a bunch of books that I didn't finish.

But, by the end of the month, my Standout drought was over! I was swept away by an historical fiction novel, creeped out by a thriller, and I absolutely fell in love with a contemporary YA book.

*****

Books Read in July:  10

Total Books Read in 2013:  52

Standouts:

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - I had this book sitting in my TBR pile for quite awhile, and I'm kicking myself that I didn't pick it up sooner. I enjoyed everything about it - the story, the writing, the characters, the way the past and the present day story lines paralleled each other yet managed to bring everything together at the end. Also, I was fascinated by the "orphan trains," a part of US history with which I was unfamiliar. In the back of the edition I read, the author included some of her research and actual photos from the time. If you enjoy coming of age novels, US historical fiction of the 1920s on, and "nice" reads with some humor and lots of hope, definitely pick up this book.

*****

The Never List by Koethi Zan - I read this book with my heart in my throat and with a creepiness that crawled over me time and again. It's a taut, suspenseful psychological thriller that will keep you reading...but only with the lights on. It's definitely a dark read, but I was relieved that it wasn't nearly as graphic as I was afraid it was going to be. I thought the author did a great job of giving the reader just the right amount of horror, of terror, without going over the line.

*****

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - I loved loved loved this contemporary YA novel. It was smart and clever and funny and sweet without being goopy. It reminded me of what it was like to be young again. This book was so well written that the story existed not only on the page but also off the page - in what was said, in what wasn't said, and in what was happening among the characters. [And if you don't believe me, check out M.J.'s review. She is totally right about everything, especially the novel's ending.]

*****

How about you all? Have you read anything wonderful so far this summer? Or are you kind of experiencing a Standout drought? Plan on reading any of the books mentioned above, if you haven't already?

Recommended Reading - February 2013

Even though I'm behind in my Goodreads Challenge, I'm happy with my progress (12 books read toward the goal of 100), and I am really enjoying the many different books I'm reading.

Unfortunately, though, I've started a handful of books only to stop reading and start feeling disappointed. I took a chance on buying a few hardcovers I'd heard good things about - yeh, gift cards! - only to regret my decision. One of novels became plodding and heavy-handed, while the other started out with a great narrative voice but once the characters started talking to each other, the dialogue came across as stilted and forced. But it's all just my opinion and, even though I was kind of annoyed at using my gift cards, I re-framed it as supporting a couple of debut authors. I didn't care for the books, but I'll pass them on to someone else, someone who might just love them.

*****

Books Read in February:  6

Books Read 2013:  12

Standouts -

Kings of Colorado by David E. Hilton - this coming-of-age novel reads like a cross between Stand By Me (The Body) and Lord of the Flies. It's raw and heartbreaking and bittersweet and if the first sentence doesn't pull you in, the voice will.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - this novel is like a fairytale for adults. I curled up with it and a cup of tea, and I was lost in a different place (the Alaskan wildness) and a different time (the 1920s.) It's a love story about love in its many forms - between an older married couple, for a child, for friends, and for the wild, brutal, beautiful place where the story takes place. If you're looking to lose yourself in a book, this is the one.

*****

Have you read either of the Standouts? What were you thoughts? Think you'll pick up one of them? What have you read and loved lately? 

Recommended Reading - January 2013

We're a little over a month into 2013 and, as always, I'm excited about all the new books and stories and authors to discover. It's been a good month for me in terms of reading. I joined GoodReads - check out the sidebar then, if you want to, come find me and friend me or whatever they call it over there. I'm also making progress - even though I am a bit behind - on my goal to read at least 100 books this year.

*****

Books Read in January:  6

Standouts:

The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon - I've enjoyed all of her books, but this is her best yet. I was freaked out by page five! The creepiness and suspense never let up, but it's really the excellently drawn characters that take this story to the next level.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova - I could kick myself for waiting so long to read this. To be fair, I read Left Neglected first, was blown away by it, then made a note to read pretty much everything else Genova wrote/writes. One of my favorite things about her books is how she takes these sad, frustrating, terrifying situations and delivers them with tight, crisp, clear prose so that there is little to no melodrama and over-sentimentality. Pretty much the only weeping done is by the reader. Have tissues handy.

*****

Have you all read anything that blew you away lately? Are you looking forward to anything coming out in the next few months? (I'm looking forward to new novels by Lisa Gardner and Jodi Picoult coming in February!)

The Off The Shelf Challenge: September Recommendations and Progress Report

I've got 21 books left to go to reach my goal of 50 in The Off The Shelf Challenge. I'm considering dropping the number/level from "On a Roll" to "Making a Dint" but the competitive part of me says "Hell no!" so, for now, I'll keep "rolling" along.

As I look at the standouts below, it appears I'm on somewhat of an historical fiction kick. How about you - do you enjoy historical fiction? Any particular time period? Did you read anything amazing over the summer? 

September - 

Challenge Books Read:  6

Non-Challenge Books Read:  1

Year to Date - 

Challenge Books Read:  29

Non-Challenge Books Read:  25

Total Books Read:  54

Standouts in September:
The Sea Captain's Wife by Beth Powning - in the 1860s, women sometimes joined their sea captain husbands on year long journeys around the world. When Azuba Galloway joins her husband, Nathaniel, one safe, constant life ends and another - exciting, adventurous, terrifying - begins. I lost count of how many times my heart rose into my throat as I read this novel. Not only during the scenes on the high seas but also during the quieter moments - as Azuba tries to decide between a landlocked life and one at sea, as she contemplates her future and that of her family, as she struggles to keep her marriage alive and strong. At its heart, this novel is a love story - the love that exists between husband and wife, among a family, and for one's home - whether house or ship - and his or her place in it.

When We Were Strangers by Pamela Schoenewaldt - twenty-year-old Irma Vitale leaves her Italian mountain village behind for a new life in 1880s America. From the very first page I rooted for Irma. Throughout the novel, I cheered for her, wept with her, feared for her, and triumphed with her. When I finished the novel, the book was done but Irma's journey and her impression on me continued in my mind. She is an unforgettable heroine. If you enjoy historical fiction, and in particular the female European immigrant experience in America, pick up this novel. 

The Off The Shelf Challenge: August Recommendations and Progress Report

We were preparing for the arrival of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaac this past weekend - putting outside furniture in the garage, buying bottled water, checking on batteries, etc. And, of course, one of my biggest priorities - the book light. I don't care if the power goes out, if the wind howls, if the rain lashes against the windows, as long as I can read, I'm okay. Fortunately, our area received little damage, and I put my book light away unused. Oh, but I still read!

I'm almost halfway to my goal in the Off the Shelf Challenge! How is your summer reading going? Anything you'd like to recommend? Read either of the standouts below? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Happy Reading!

August - 
Challenge Books Read:  3
Non Challenge Books Read:  4

Year to Date - 
Challenge Books Read:  23
Non Challenge Books Read:  24
Total Books Read:  47

Standouts in August include:

Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison - have you ever read a book that just blew you away, that made you want to weep because you're pretty damn sure you are never going to be able to write something that good, ever? Yeah, well, for me this is that book. It's a dark, disturbing story about a girl named Bone and her family, all of whom still haunt me weeks after I turned the final page. Here's just one example of the sharp, stunning writing:

Greenville, South Carolina, in 1955 was the most beautiful place in the world. Black walnut trees dropped their green-black fuzzy bulbs on Aunt Ruth's matted lawn, past where their knotty roots rose up out of the ground like the elbows and knees of dirty children suntanned dark and covered with scars.

The Secret River by Kate Grenville - this is historical fiction at its best. In 1806, London, William Thornhill is about to be hanged when luck intervenes, and he and his small family are instead sent to New South Wales (Australia.) Although his life has been spared, he must now learn what to do with it, how to survive, in this rough and rugged place. When Thornhill decides owning land is the answer, he doesn't give the Aboriginal people a second thought. He will pay any price for what he wants but the cost, in the end, will be extremely high and everyone involved, including the reader, will be left wondering if it was all worth it.

Do You Have a System?

Pretty much every person I exchange gifts with during the holidays is getting at least one book. At least. (The only exception is my friend's little boy who is getting an awesome dress-up train engineer costume. I figure there are plenty of books in their house already since I've been giving his sisters books since they were young.)

When I come across reviews of picture books my little niece and nephew might enjoy, I make a note and then check out those books closer to birthdays and holidays. For the older kids I know, I look back at the MG and YA books I read. This is a little harder because I mostly read "dark" YA and that's not really their thing. I usually get them each a gift card to a bookstore and put it with one book I read that I think they might like, usually a classic, like the first Little House Book, or an award winner, something they might not have picked on their own. 

During the year, whenever I read a book I think someone might like, I jot down the title. It's usually no problem to find a book for my sister and my aunt since we tend to lean toward similar stories. My mother is a little harder because she tends to like "lighter" books but I usually have a few go-to authors for those. My husband guides the choices for my Dad since they like a lot of the same things. I would have to say my brother-in-law is the toughest to buy for, only because he likes more literary novels and I don't read as much of them as I probably should.  

Some recent/previous hits included:

* Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell. My sister is a big fan of historical fiction and she really enjoyed it.
* The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My mother is loving this. I actually gave it to her ages ago but she's just getting to it now.
* City of Thieves by David Benioff. My brother-in-law liked this one so much, he went and read Benioff's other novel.

Do you all have a system for giving books as gifts? Anyone have recommendations for any of the people on my list? Or for me to read? You know I'm always open to suggestions...even if my to-read list is almost as long as Stephen King's newest novel.

Book Recommendation: The Artist's Way, Part II

I ended the last post with a note about how comparing our work to others' forces us outside of ourselves and what we can do. Julia Cameron takes it further by talking about originality - "...each of us is our own country, an interesting place to visit. It is the accurate mapping of our own creative interests that invites the term 'original'. We are the 'origin' of our art, its homeland. Viewed this way, originality is the process of remaining true to ourselves."

This book helped me rediscover that it's okay to mull, to doodle, to sit and not-think and to let my imagination take me where it wants to go. I'm so tired of feeling like I'm forcing everything, wrangling it into a corral (or into an outline.)  Cameron says, "All too often, we try to push, pull, outline and control our ideas instead of letting them grow organically. The creative process is a process of surrender, not control." Whoo hoo!

Probably my favorite comparison/description in the whole book is this  - "Ideas, like stalactites and stalagmites, form in the dark inner cave of consciousness...Let them grow in dark and mystery. Let them form on the roof of our consciousness. Let them hit the page in droplets. Trusting this slow and seemingly random drip, we will be startled one day by the flash of "Oh! That's IT!"" 

I hope you all enjoyed this book recommendation. Please feel free to leave comments about what you've read here or let us know if you've already read The Artist's Way and your thoughts on it.

Book Recommendation: The Artist's Way, Part I

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is one of those books that should have a permanent home on your bookshelf. It's not a writing manual; it's a creative manual. It's a 12 week guide to living an artistic life, no matter who you are.

Now, in all honesty, I didn't follow the program. I ended up picking and choosing what worked for me and what I needed to hear and acknowledge. My copy of the book has so much underlined and starred that it's a wonder I can actually read the text. My point is, don't let the "12 week" part stop you from reading this book. I learned so much from it that I'm doing this "review" in two parts.

"One of the most important things we learn during the twelve weeks is to give up our ideas of perfection and to see a new perspective, to change our focus from product to process." The practice of the Morning Pages really drove this home for me. Basically, it's three pages, written in long hand, of blather. Of stuff you need to get out of your head. Of stuff that's bothering you, angering you, saddening you, blocking you. The Pages are not pretty; they are not art. They are freeing.

The section on Perfectionism really spoke to me - "Perfectionism has nothing to do with getting it right. It has nothing to do with fixing things. It has nothing to do with standards. Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead. It is a loop - an obsessive, debilitating closed system that causes you to get stuck in the details..."

As artists, we must learn to face loss - loss of hope, self-esteem, money. (Rejection may as well move into my house, it's here so often. And it's not a pleasant house guest.) But Cameron makes the point that while most losses are acknowledged, artistic ones often aren't and they become "scar tissue that blocks artistic growth. Deemed too painful, too silly, too humiliating to share...they become, instead, secret losses."

I'll end Part I with this thought - how often do we compare ourselves with others? We see so-and-so getting ahead and we wonder why them and not us. But Cameron says we can't afford to think like this because it takes us out of and away from ourselves, our ideas and choices. We are then defining our creativity in someone else's terms.      

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book, if you've read it, or on what you've read here. And please come back tomorrow for Part II...

Don't Miss STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens

Have you ever read a book with a story so terrifying you wanted to put it down but it was so well written you couldn't?  Still Missing by Chevy Stevens is one of those books.

Forget reading the first half of the book in bed, at night.  Unless you enjoy having nightmares, that is.  But the book itself will keep you up at night for different reasons - it's horrifying, creepy and suspenseful, it introduces you to a woman you will not soon forget, and it will have you crying and cheering (sometimes at the same time!) for her as she struggles to find some semblance of herself again. 

And the end?  A reward unto itself. 

(Hmm, can you tell I liked this book?)