RRR presents... THE SUMMER OF FALLING IN LOVE by Liz Davies - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a stop along their current promotion featuring the latest release from author Liz Davies.  It's a wonderfully titled novel that'll have you daydreaming away and when paired with that ridiculously adorable cover, it's all set to steal your heart.  Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice is...

The Summer of Falling in Love

by

Liz Davies

About the book...

The thought of having a dog hasn’t crossed Theo Martin’s mind. It’s not that he doesn’t like dogs – he does – but the idea has simply never occurred to him.

It has occurred to his mother though, and when she decides to buy him a puppy because she thinks it will “liven him up a bit”, his life is turned completely upside down and not for the better as far as he’s concerned. But when he discovers that having a cute dog on the end of a lead attracts a great deal of female attention, he soon changes his mind. All kinds of women stop to pet the pup and while they coo over Poppy, they talk to him. A lot. And for Theo, it looks like his love life is taking a very welcome turn for the better.

But what about Josie Wilde, his dog sitter?

Forced to employ someone to walk his dog when he’s in work, he finds himself increasingly attracted to her, but unfortunately Josie’s interest in him appears to be purely professional. As the summer unfolds and he falls head over heels in love with the sweet and vulnerable pup, he finds himself falling for Josie.

For Theo, it’s not so much ‘love me, love my dog’, but more like ‘love my dog, love me, too’. Please…?

AMAZON  US  |  UK

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Okay, first things first, that cover is to die for!  I just want to ooh and aah all day over it!  The beautiful colors, the gorgeous summer day depicted, and that darling little poochie!  (Hi Poppy!)  If I had no idea about the story within and no prior experience with the author's works, the cover alone would have stopped me in my tracks.  Now, let's make heads or tails regarding the story itself...

It was actually quite unusual, at least according to my own reading history, because the leading character we're living through...is a man!  Okay, so I guess now that I think about it I've read quite a few Contemporary Romances or Romantic Comedies that guide us through the story from a male viewpoint, but it's also usually balanced out by a woman's perspective with alternating chapters.  Here, it's just you and Theo...but you know what?  It TOTALLY works!  He's a rather self deprecating gentleman who doesn't have all that much experience with the ladies, isn't NOT content with his life (exactly), both loves and loathes his job (Maths teacher), and was SO the last person you'd ever expect to be a dog owner.  So when Poppy is quite literally dropped into his arms, you could only cringe at the potential disaster about to unfold.  The thing is...Poppy isn't just a cute little ball of fur.  She's a learning moment, a loving moment, a reminder that there are other things in life besides obligations, and beauty to be found in even the smallest things.  Of course, she IS a puppy, so she's also a great reminder of how to clean the floor (and often), dinner should be served at a table (preferably not pupper height), play time is not something that can be done without (unless you want a wide awake pup at midnight), and the learning curve between new unexpected friend and beloved companion...but hey, they bring so much joy into our lives, what's a little inconvenience now and then? That's exactly what Theo is about to find out and then some...

I loved how the author wrote the lead character.  I love that he was unusual and against the grain without it being a show or to make a point.  He was funny and fun, but always himself, even in his most awkward moments.  It was great fun watching him fall in love and all the antics described regarding Poppy are totally relateable for dog owners.  I can't tell you the number of times I knew what was coming because, yeah, I'm a dog owner, so been there, done that, but it was heart warming, charming, and smile inducing.  In the end, his journey may not have taken years, but he made great strides in his life and in love, and I couldn't have been happier to be there for every step.

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About the author...



Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.


SITE  |  TWITTER | FACEBOOK



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

The Keeper of Dawn by J.B. Hickman

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when the need to read strikes and yet you're dumbstruck for inspiration; no worries, I've SO got you covered!  ^_^

Today was one of those rare FULL days off for me, not just from online life but from work life....only happens about 2 days a month. *sigh*  Cie la vie, we do what we have to do...at least until we finally find that dream job that makes work an immeasurable pleasure (*ahem* any readers in the publishing industry, a ready willing and able interested party right here!), but that's beside the point...we're here to talk books and books is what we shall discuss.  The title on the roster today was a recent finish as in the day before yesterday that simply won't be silenced, though some of the voices in the novel were.  It's a read that absolutely reminded me of one of my favorite movies and yet still managed to keep things interested with its own twists and turns.  Like a lighthouse in a stormy night, allow me to illuminate today's book of choice...

The Keeper of Dawn

by

J.B. Hickman

Groomed for greatness, 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne is sent to boarding school against his will. With a self-absorbed mother, an estranged father, and an older brother on the other side of the world, only the unlikely friendship with his grandfather can lure Jacob back home. But home feels like a distant memory from the shore of Raker Island, the isolated campus of one of the Northeast’s elite boarding schools.

As the surrogate bonds of a cloistered all-boys school fall into place, Jacob finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction—growing up in their fathers’ shadow. But when tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret.

Sound familiar?  It should.  For those that have seen the movie, the synopsis and the story itself will SCREAM 'Dead Poets Society'...BUT, and this is the important thing to remember, it still keeps its individuality by throwing in a few twists, turns, and interesting characters that were definitely not in nor shadowed by its predecessor.

Carpe Diem

For those of you that haven't seen the movie, let me enlighten you.  Takes place at an all boys school where over privileged sons are sent to be straightened out and molded into the future of our great country...or simply spitting images of their old man ready to take on the world in their father's footsteps by choice or by force.   Sounds delightful no?  Oh, but it is...and there is more. Any time a number of boys or girls are gathered together in an environment lacking of direct parental influence, bonding occurs; a boarding school is no different.  They create their own semblance of a family for better or worse with the usual mix of lifelong pals and those black sheep that really should be put out to pasture.

There's personal problems to address, inadequacies to overcome and for some...and this is the real kicker in the book...memories to be unearthed that may repair a mind but shatter a soul.  It's a real humdinger if ever there was one.  The fact that I had to go back and read a beginning portion after everything was said and done should speak volumes in and of itself...and what it would say is that the ending has some BIG revelations that you really only connect distantly to the beginning of the book and that's a GOOD thing.  It speaks well of the authors ability to keep you hanging on and yet not spill the beans until he is good and ready.  Considering the all male cast, I'm surprised at their ability to keep the secret hidden that long as well as the depth at which the emotions run.  Sometimes writing in a male voice can be seen as cold or at the very least less feeling oriented, but Mr. Hickman does so with majesty and ease while leaving the manliness of his cast in tact.  It was great seeing the connections they made both in the public arena as "the Headliners" but also on the most personal levels that could be obtained and especially the "catch-up" at book's end.  Who are we catching up with?  Ah, wouldn't you like to know.  ^_^  Sorry guys, you'll have to read it to find out but trust me, it's well worth the read.

Speaking of that all male cast, there are several we get to know better than others and some that no matter how well you think you know them, will continue to surprise.  A quick roll call will reveal Jake (our main narrator), Chris, Roland, and Derek; four boys whose connections are few at first but whose acquaintance becomes a life long bond that will help to define them all.  Despite the difference in the level of craziness that resides in each of their lives, they honestly get each other.  Is there any greater feeling?  Not many, especially when you're pretty much "imprisoned" on a island for all intents and purposes.  They each have mountains to climb both set before them by family and by their own dreams; some are simply more tragic than others.  Though not one of the gang exactly, I have to make mention of Benjamin.  It wouldn't feel right not too.  He was a home schooler that made it to this prestigious school and was determined to gain the knowledge and life experiences not afforded at home and because of a few less than savory characters (*cough* Loosy-Goosy...you sir are just ugh!) he doesn't last.  It's a tragedy for many reasons especially since he seemed to be such a good kid but that's the ugly side of same sex societies...cliques are THAT much more terrifying and ruling.  Anywho...before this paragraph becomes a who's who, suffice it to say that the lads rule the day with adults mainly starring in cameo appearances but DO watch out for Max.  He may seem older than dirt but he knows more than he lets on and is a pretty cool guy.

So, did I enjoy the book? Definitely!  Despite all that I have coined as "reflections of DPS" (that's 'Dead Poets Society' again), it was a welcome read that really transcends the ages.  It shows how ones past is never that far behind but it does not have to dictate how our futures will be.  It reminds us that the path our lives take is truly up to us in the end but that everything we experience, everything we take in and make our own will go into the final product...for better or worse.  So, where does that leave us...with a GREAT story I'd recommend for older teen readers and beyond (brief mentions of drinking, darker emotions, acting out and suicide)...and especially DPS fans.  It serves as a reminder to choose who we take into our inner circles wisely and to live today like it was the only day that ever mattered because we never really know just how many we have left and with whom they will be.  Something to think about...

Author J.B. Hickman

Review copy received courtesy of author J.B. Hickman.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as his forthcoming works, be sure to visit his official website or like him on Facebook.  This book was released October 2012 and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  Prefer an instant buy option?  It can also be picked up on his website,  Amazon and several other online retailers.  Quick note, if you're thinking of this for a book club pick be sure to check out his discount offer for book club purchases!

Until next time...happy reading!

Two are better than one, but three can still be fun...

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're in need of a bookish break...because seriously, there are only so many backwards thinkers you can take before more than your TIME breaks. *-*

Yes, it's been one of THOSE days to a degree but I'm going to take the path of enlightenment and rise above it all...in other words "fake it til you make it" in the real world and spend a little quality time with all of you as the day permits online.  Sounds good to me, how about you?  ^_^  Anywho, the day actually fits quite well with the books I'm featuring, as do my reactions to it both for better and worse.  They are actually book 2 and 3 of a Middle Grade/Young Adult trilogy (book 1 of which I reviewed once upon a time) that definitely stands apart in today's publishing arena.  How so?  Well, it's the story line that really does it.  It's not in the here-and-now, it's not dystopian, it's not paranormal or even fantasy per se.  It harkens back to a time when mankind lived simply, days were filled with the goings on of immediate life as opposed to that of the distant future and the internet was a far cry from existence.  (Whoa...are you okay there?  I think I saw you swoon... ^_^)  It's a change of pace from the usual hubbub and one WELL worth the read.  If you would please, allow me the pleasure of re-introducing you to this series by author Alan Richard Shickman via today's BOOKS of choice.  First up is book two...

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

In this installment, Zan-Gah and Dael's lives are returning to their normal pace within the Bo-Caro tribe until tragedy touches their world once again.  Dael's wife dies in labor along with his newborn child reigniting the flames of turmoil and destruction within him.  He embarks on a quest to alleviate his pain the best way he knows how...vengeance against the Wasp people that caused him so much harm during his previous captivity.  Little does he know that the angry steps he takes on this fateful day will lead him not to justice and salvation but to imminent destruction of not only himself but all that he cares for.

It's a harrowing tale that really puts Zan-Gah's brother in a new light.  Despite the fact that my description merely makes a passing mention of the kinder brother, he is in fact a key player in this tale.  He's just not as fiery as his brother, though the secrets he harbors and his lack of action will be his undoing to some degree as well.  Hey, no one is perfect but family is family and sticking by each other was big in those times.  In fact, it was often the most of what some families had...too bad this one is crumbling fast.  Lucky for us though because it gives readers a chance to see brotherly love in action as well as responsibility and consequence.

I enjoyed seeing Zan-Gah's battle to do right by his brother while still protecting the tribe he calls home.  I loved the fact that Pax didn't squelch her true self to become a traditional wife AND that Zan-Gah respects her all the more for it.  I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing her become the hero for a spell in the book, something you'll have to read for yourself.  It was brave of her on many counts and that's not something expected of the women in her new tribe.  ALSO, I have to give a brief mention to their friend Rydl who's smarts are JUST as big as his heart...and also introduces us to a character with different "interests", something not normally tackled in stories set in this time period.  Additional points for originality!  Moving forward...let's check out book three...

Dael and the Painted People

This time around, the narrator position shifts to Dael but wait, what's this?  He's a kinder, gentler soul than previously seen (well, at least until you reach the later part of book 2, but I'll let you read up on that to see just how that astonishing change happens) and with Sparrow in tow, he's seeking out a tribe previously encountered on his journey to the Beautiful Country...the Painted People.  Think of them as human rocks because really that's what they resemble when in full camouflage mode.  They paint their entire bodies red with the red rock from the area they live in as a display of their connection to the Earth...but that's not the ONLY difference between the tribes.  This one is run by the WOMEN.  Yep...the women.  They are the ruling party within the group, hunters, archers and the like.  Oh, the men folk help out too but they are the consulted part not the determining party.

Though Dael sought this tribe out in peace, discord tends to follow him wherever he goes...almost like a ghost as penance perhaps for his past deeds.  *ponders*  Whatever the reason, his lot in life at this point seems set and he's about to make an enemy out of a formidable man of the tribe.  Did he deserve his distrust and foolish acts of jealousy?  No; in fact he did everything he could to discourage it, even borrowing a trick from his former enemy now friend Rydl but some people just won't listen.  They are poisoned by what's in their minds and will hear nothing that is said to their hearts no matter how true.  Sad really...I think they could have gotten on well together, even learned a thing or two but well, let's just say that after the ends are met, it's doubtful he'd be good company.  *ahem*

I love how the author introduces us with ease to a new people once again.  He gives us something to build on so we know their history and inner workings but without creating the need for a history book to be written on each.  The connections they have with other tribes is realistic as are their reactions to events that transpire.  I have to say it, it's a well rounded ending to a GREAT series.

Author Allan Richard Shickman

So...in conclusion, this is definitely a series I'd recommend to Middle Grade readers and older that enjoy adventure, a little history and all the quiet (and loud) ponderings of the mind.  There is much to be learned here besides hunting, fishing, weaponry and social ladders.  There's friendship, understanding, forgiveness and love at its heart too.  A well balanced read for boys AND girls that will keep you turning pages straight til the end...and then perhaps wishing for even more.  Hmm...maybe Rydll will get his own story telling about when he was back with the Wasp people or Pax or...

Review copies received courtesy of Bonnie at Earthshaker Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this series, be sure to stop by the official website.  The entire collection is available now in print, ebook and audio formats so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or online outlet near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

What's in a name...

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to bring the bookish fun to you every day of the week...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 Today we are celebrating the book birthday of another fascinating read brought to my attention by Leyane over at FSB Associates.  (THANKS!)  It's the latest addition to the Young Adult genre via the folks over at Merit Press from an author whose previous works explored the world through prose.  (Hmm, that might explain the one character's chosen method of expressing his darker issues…interesting.)  Up front, the cover is curious and the read is definitely good....but boy oh boy the topics it covers; whoo!  Hard, to say the least….the very least that is, but I digress.  Let's properly meet today's book of choice....

The Namesake

by

Steven Parlato

From the publisher...

While he may be the smartest boy at St. Sebatian's Academy, Evan has no idea why the father he's named for committed suicide. A searching story of a boy's too-early coming of age
 The Namesake begins when Evan is asked to "write about what he knows" for college essays, by teachers sure that such a gifted artist will get a full scholarship. What Evan knows is not as much as what he doesn't know, however. He doesn't know why his father chose to hang himself on Easter morning while he and his mother were at church, and what the secrets of a small town can tell him about his father . . . and himself. Hoping to finally uncover the truth, Evan and his best friend, Alexis, dig into the town's past only to discover its dark roots . . . and that some secrets are best kept hidden.

This is a story where the title’s meaning plagued me like a case of the measles; my own fault because I have that “have to know” sorta nature.  I was constantly trying to figure out exactly what it meant.  I mean to define the word namesake (according to Google) in its simplest form it is “a person or thing that has the same name as another”.  Okay, cut and dry; the connection is that the son is named after the father.  Whew….mystery solved; or rather not.  You see, there’s more here than meets the eye (surprising, right? ^_^) and whatever you think you’re seeing is probably not what it seems but something entirely earth shattering buried under several layers of  guise.  In a word…it’s GOOD.  In two words, it’s REALLY GOOD. 

The writing will keep you hooked the whole way through as will the connections you forge with the characters…mainly Evan and Lex.  Evan is our lead narrator and the son of the deceased trying to figure out not only life in general (raise your hand if you’re sharing his boat in that instance) but also why his father took his life in his own hands and called it “over”.  True, they had grown apart somewhat; but what teen boy and father don’t.  True, his mother and father both were having troubles, even trying a trial separation to sort things out; but marital strife is common (unfortunately) and not insurmountable to the point of death.  The pieces just don’t add up and though Evan is not the most analytical person to walk the earth, he does let his heart be his guide…meaning that knowing WHY is of the utmost importance.  There’s no note, will or recent conversation to mull over…but what there is unlocks so many unseen doors that the journey back may be just as harrowing as the truths uncovered.  They say every journey begins with a step; in this case, it will begin with the turning of a page.

I have to admit, the issues dealt with are what made this a hard read for me; not in the “I-can’t-read-this” way because as I said, the writing wraps itself around your mind and won’t let go, but in the “I-want-to-read-this-but-geesh-if-I-could-only-throttle-a-few-of-these-people” way.  To put it bluntly, it’s a classic case of “mother knows best”…and no, I’m not insulting your mother or even insinuating what happens was purely the mother’s fault; it’s just adults being adults to the extreme.  How to put this without ruining it for you…hmm….*ponders*  It’s a situation of listening but not understanding (though I surprised myself by suspecting some of what actually occurred well before any big reveals).  When one is presented with a situation we either find unfathomable or undesirable, denial is the minds escape…the problem with that being the only acting force is often times we are put into a state of inaction thereby stymieing us from solving the problem or ending the terrors at hand.  THAT’S the infuriating part here…that’s the part that makes you want to scream WHY DIDN’T YOU BELIEVE….WHY DIDN’T YOU LISTEN…WHY WHY WHY?!  There…I’ve said my piece.  Moving on…

Lex is Evan’s best friend and if he had his way, potentially more…but even she does not get off scot-free.  Her past is tinged with sadness deeper than the Atlantic and wider than the river Nile…again through no fault of her own.  As hard as it would be to read her story, at the same time I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to get to know her character better.  The glimpses we see of her with Evan and through Evan display a spunky girl with a mind of her own that walks to her own beat…despite all she’s seen.  She’s strong as she seems but even the hardiest flower has its weak points and she is no different.  Thank goodness for friends because just as Evan needs her, she depends on him.  It’s a good give and take relationship that’s sweet and nourishing to both souls in all the right ways; something the lives in this story truly need.  That being said, each character contributes something to this work from the bully who isn’t (or maybe is still) to the authority figures that miss the mark…but try to forget them; you’ll be hard pressed. 

In summary, it’s an exercise in creativity the really shows how when the right idea meets the right mind, amazing things can happen.  This story invites you into the lives of a few, reaches out to many and shows us that even in the darkest of abyss’ there is light …and no, it’s not a train.  There is something to be learned from every encounter both good and not, if only we will open our hearts and minds to the possibility.  Sometimes what might be uncovered is beautiful, a Rembrandt amongst idle hands sketches; other times it’s a backyard special masquerading as a Picasso…but there are brush strokes of truth in each and they are equally important.  The vivid images created here are startling, sad, moving and many more emotions in-between but the overall effect is a masterpiece. Recommended read for older teens through adults due to content…it’s not explicit however the issues and ideas dealt with are not something I’d want a younger reader exposed to; life is hard enough without introducing wee little ones to the darkness that can reside in the human soul.

ARC for review courtesy of Leyane at FSB Associates.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their upcoming promotions, be sure to visit their official website or sign up for their newsletter.  To check out more of the titles out now and coming soon from Merit Press, a division of F+W Media, Inc, be sure to visit them online.  Seeking more about the mind behind the work?  Author Steven Parlato is reachable online via his website and Facebook page. 

Until next time…happy reading!

The Downside of Being Charlie by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when nothing would satisfy you more than chomping down on a nice big serving of...literature.  ^_^  What can I say?  I am to please.

Today we are looking at a Young Adult Fiction title that released last year from an author that knows her subjects well...could have something to do with her former calling in life (she was a high school teacher!) if I had to guess.  It takes a look at life through the eyes of a teenager with all its ups, downs, arounds and throughs and manages to pull back the curtain on some sensitive subjects you wouldn't anticipate at first glance.  Trust me, there is more here than meets the eye even if the cover has us looking directly into our lead character's.  Without further ado, today's book of choice is...

The Downside of Being Charlie

by

Jenny Torres Sanchez

About the book...

Charlie is handed a crappy senior year.  Despite losing thirty pounds over the summer, he still gets called “Chunks” Grisner.  What’s worse, he has to share a locker with the biggest Lord of the Rings freak his school has ever seen.  He also can’t figure out whether Charlotte VanderKleaton, the beautiful strawberry lip-glossed new girl, likes him the way he likes her.  Oh, and then there’s his mom.  She’s disappeared—again—and his dad won’t talk about it.
Somewhere between the madness, Charlie can at least find comfort in his one and only talent that just might get him out of this life-sucking place. But will he be able to hold his head above water in the meantime?

To put this one "simply" is to undermine the many currents running just below the surface...but in a phrase, it has great depth.

When I first started my read through of this novel, I thought okay, so it's a story about a formerly heavyset boy, how his life may or may not improve now that he's svelte and his continuing struggle to remain on track.  Yep, all of that IS in there...but there is MUCH more than first perceived by you OR me and that "muchness" is what makes this one of those hidden diamonds in the rough.  Let's dust off a layer or two of mystery to bring its true luster out shall we?

As previously stated, there is MUCH more going on than first meets the eye.  Much of the mentioned MUCH is a disintegration of everything Charlie's come to know...starting at home.  His family life is in shambles though he doesn't fully understand the magnitude of it all just yet.  From his relationship with each of his parents to their communication and interactions with each other (or lack thereof)...the foundation of this home is unstable to say the least.  Could anyone really blame him for having a hard time of things?  I can't...though his initial methods of coping were DEFINITELY questionable.  I was happy, proud even, when he reached out for help instead of furthering the damage done to both his life and his self worth.  He certainly gets brownie points from me for not only seeking out someone that could help but sharing his pain with others through his talent (photography...he's got a knack for capturing things you might not have seen at first).  It wasn't the easy thing to do by any means but cathartic exercises good for the soul often aren't...hats off to you Charlie.  Moving onward through his list of woes...  

His friend count is down to pretty much one, at least in the true friend department, and the value of that friendship will really shine as shtuff begins to hit the fan.  Yes, Ahmed is an unusual friend in that he marches to his own drummer, or rather croons to his own "Rat Pack" (yes...he's a Sammy Davis Jr fan to the max), but a true one nonetheless.  Is he perfect?  No.  Does he try?  Yes...and you know what, that's what REALLY counts.  You can't make someone share all their personal thoughts, ponderings and happenings with you even if they do carry the BFF moniker, but being there and being receptive to them when they decide to open up again, that's where you separate the rare gold (true friends) from the fools haul (many acquaintances).  Ahmed is a true friend, of that you can be certain.  Last but not list on the woe list...school.

Senior year was to be the icing on the otherwise tasteless cake for Charlie.  He'd suffered through being a freshman, taken it in stride as a sophomore and made it through being a junior; this year with his new lease on life was suppose to be a cakewalk.  Unfortunately, even the best laid (even if unexpected) plans can go south and although it seems like yet another trial to be suffered through and something he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy, it works out for the best.  How so?  Well, the "trial" is his forced association with a pariah of the school thanks to shared lockers but in all honesty, I don't think ill of Tanya Bates.  Wanna know my personal thoughts on her?  Oh come on, you know you do.  (^_^)

I think she's severely misunderstand but thinks highly enough of herself not to give a rats rear end what others think.  Does that help her in the friend department?  Decidedly no.  Does it help her survive the DAILY bullying she endures (albeit not totally in silence because she can certainly dish back what she's being served)?  H to the E to the double L, yes....and sometimes in high school that's all you can really hope for.  I was actually sad for this young lady because I can only imagine how much of their antics she's had to put it with through the years but since the story is not focused on her (though that would be an interesting read too I'm sure...perhaps another writing prompt for the author ^_^), we don't really get to learn a lot of her back story.  By book's end, she can add two people to her "not-friends-exactly-but-definitely-worth-investing-some-time-in-getting-to-know" list...though I won't say who or why.  It's a BIG blow up that I actually wish was BIGGER for some (*ahem* Mr. Delancey *-*) but it serves its purpose for kicking things into gear.

That my friends is just the tip of the iceberg though as Charlie navigates the ups and downs of teenage-dom with a family life that is currently less than ideal...but it's not all bad.  Along with the pain comes a few realizations like he is MUCH better at his chosen craft (photography) than even he imagined, new teachers (aka one Mr. Killinger) are not always here to destroy your day because sometimes they actually care, and while the prettiest girl in school would look great on your arm, if her heart doesn't match or her mind isn't in the same frame as yours, you're probably best finding a new field of vision.

All in all, a realistic portrayal of a young man making his way through life.  It's not pretty, it's far from perfect, but with a little help from his friends, of both the personal and adult variety, and a humongous serving of self confidence mined from the very depths of his soul, things may not turn out so bad after all; in fact, it may even greener on the other side as the saying promises.  A great read for teen boys (AND girls!) and beyond;  for the younger set, it will give them someone their own to really connect with and learn from...for the older souls, it serves as a reminder that there are no true secrets in families and what you do affects the whole lot.

ARC for review courtesy of Seta at Perseus Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to visit them online.  To discover more about the author herself, stop by her site and say hello, check out her current thoughts on her blog, like her Facebook page, or follow along on Twitter!  This book was released in 2012 via Running Press and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  Need help locating a copy or prefer to order online?  Here's a link or two to get you started...Indiebound, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

OH!  One more thing...I was nosing around the author's site and she has ANOTHER book coming soon...this year in fact potentially titled Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia.  The synopsis sounds absolutely appealing to me (*adds to wish list*), how about you?  Just CLICK HERE to take a peek and share your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time...happy reading.

Anteater-Boy by Dean Ammerman

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when the holidays have surrounded you with friends, family, food…and of course, great reads!  Why?  Because…we’ll help you whittle down the list from “oh-my-gosh-which-do-I-choose” to “totally-manageable”…even if we do add another title or two along the way ^_^.

Today’s book is one of several recent reads that falls into the Young Adult category, starring a male lead character.  Yep.  I’ve had a rash of them recently; strange when a lot of this groups voices tend to be female but AWESOME for expanding that list of titles you have at the ready for male readers (not that girls can’t read them…case in point…but guys tend to have a harder time sometimes finding books they relate more fully, you know?).  Anywho…the one I am featuring today had me in a quandary for quite a while.  How so?  Well, I could NOT for the life of me figure out what the title had to do with the book, and even after Aurora’s quick explanation in the opening chapters, I had to keep reminding myself when I’d stumble upon this random ponder once again.  For me, it was a bit of a stumbling block but my fair readers don’t let it be yours because the read is certainly worth the fall.  Today’s book of choice is…

Anteater-Boy

By

Dean Ammerman

About the book…

The school year is coming to an end and high school freshman Zak Dale wants a summer job to earn some money. His fish-eyed science teacher, Dr. Cyrus B. Fletcher, has a job opening but wants Zak to clean the science classroom, improve his grades, and deliver an award-winning speech to get it.
 As Zak tries to prove he’s the best person for the summer job, he helps his best friend Miles search for the holy grail of junk food, falls in love with the beautiful and mysterious Mia Holmes, locates his missing grandmother, neglects his bladder-challenged dachshund, and takes a journey through the American Revolution with Darius Brown, his substitute history teacher.

Basically it’s a story about those perceived to be at the low end of the totem pole we call “high school” and how fabulous it can be to consider that the only direction to go is UP.

Zak (with no C) is a curious lad though you’d probably pass him by in your random hallway trudge.  He’s not a stand out drawing attention to himself.  He’s not a jock scoring the winning touchdown, goal, point or what have you in any team sport.  He’s not even the top honors winning student in his classes.  He’s just…him; an average “Joe” looking to make the best of his teenage years with a few close friends, possibly the girl of his dreams, and a killer summer job if he plays his cards right (or is Mr. Fletcher isn’t just using him, which I’m pretty sure he is…).  One, maybe two outta three ain’t bad, right?  Though down in the mouth about his own abilities, I admired Zak for his never-give-up attitude and the gumption to take a stand for the injustices that he sees…even if asking for a little help or considering the consequences of his actions never really crosses his mind.  He has a heart of gold and ideals to match making him a great friend, a great PERSON indeed.  Now on to our next mark maker…Mr. Darius Brown…

Ha!  I bet you thought I was going to mention his friend Miles who creates a science project presentation that blows the lid off the junk food industry (even if its deployment does turn stomachs a bit) or Aurora who’s acidic quips could melt the paint off a Volkswagon (sorry girl but really…lose the tude!), but no…I’m going with Mr. Darius Brown.  Who is he?  The short answer…their substitute History teacher; long answer…someone who in a very short time makes a BIG impression on these young minds.  How so?  He makes them THINK.  He CHALLENGES them to consider things bigger than themselves and reconsider those things that have been spoon fed to them.  Do I agree with EVERYTHING he taught?  No…as Mrs. Lincoln wasn’t really “trival” when all is said and done, at least in my book…but guess what?  Did you ever expect a YA Lit book to make you think about things like that?  Betcha didn’t…and neither did I…and that’s my point exactly. 

It takes a teacher like this to draw the thinkers out of a class, the ones that may not have considered themselves in that category ever before in their lives.  Taking things OUTSIDE the box can reveal a myriad of connections that weren’t easily seen before making it easier for those that were previously struggling to create that chain of recognition and understanding.  It opens a whole new world of discussions to be had, points to ruminate on and injustices to right…and whether your world is freshman year of high school or the wide wide spaces of the free realm, there’s much to be learned and much more to conquer.

In conclusion, you’ll laugh, shake your head in disbelief, marvel at the surprise turn of events and root for several characters as their cool factor rockets up the charts.  In other words, this book will take you places familiar and make you consider things you’ve never dreamed all whilst providing you with personable characters, realistic situations and edible gray matter…which I definitely DON’T recommend eating (~eww, but definitely creative~).  It reminds us that throughout the course of our lives we’re going to go through a lot of changes physically, mentally and emotionally…and the growing doesn’t end with our school years.  It’s a continual process, something that we should be thankful for because it allows us to be the best “us” we can be; to rise above the herd so to speak.  If we get it wrong the first time, there may be harm done, it’s true but we are extended a second chance to make things right with the dawning of a new day, the turning of the hour, even the ticking of the seconds hand on the wall clock of your mind.  The important thing is to learn from our mistakes, to not allow history to repeat itself and to surround ourselves with those we can count on. 

Review copy received courtesy of author Dean Ammerman.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, feel free to visit the book website, like it on Facebook or check it out over on GoodReads.  To pick up a copy for yourself, seek thee out a local bookstore or online retail outlet of your choice…a few to get you started:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble.  Recommended read for young adult readers and beyond.  Oh and we have it on the author’s word that no anteaters were harmed in the writing of this book…whew! (^_^)

Until next time…happy reading!

WAT!: The Stuttering Tattoo by Greg Logsted

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that aims to feed your need to read every day of the week.  It's Groundhog Day!  Any guesses as to whether the little furry weather predictors will see their shadows today?  I don't know about you, but I'm hoping we get a few more weeks of winter.  Spring/Summer is fine and all...but I LOVE the cool weather (and live in FL, go figure...).  Anywho, today's post might be giving you a little whiplash ala Groundhog Day (the movie) style with the author's work featured...but look again.  It's not the SAME person as last week...they just happen to be connected to them.  How?  Marriage of course...and you gotta love author couples that support each other's projects equally...especially when they are this good! But I'm getting ahead of myself...allow we to introduce you to my bookish find because really....

 

WAT!

 

The WAT! MEME stands for 'What A Tease!'.  It exists to showcase those samplers and book excerpts that you've read and wish to highlight to some degree on your site...yet you have not had the chance to read the entire book for a review....thus, the "tease" aspect.  Have you run into this problem as well?  Feel free to "borrow" this MEME and post away!

Now on to today's feature...

 

 

The Stuttering Tattoo

by

Greg Logsted

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

From the author's site...

Steven Bishop is extraordinarily ordinary. He goes to school. He rides his motorcycle. He stutters. His best friend is a former Colombian cartel hit man turned cook/construction worker. You know, ordinary. All that changes the day Becky Moore walks into his classroom. Becky is dazzling, enigmatic.

One day Steven gives Becky a ride home on his motorcycle. There, they discover a severed arm, one of the fingers of which still has an unusual ring attached: a circle, in the middle of which is a heart, at the center of which is a bold number 37. While comforting Becky, Steven discovers a tattoo at the base of her neck: it is the same symbol. And so begins a thrilling descent into a world of crime and murder, a ride wilder than any Steven has taken before.

 

 

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Opening with a daydream typical of most teenage boys....*ahem* _shakes head_...we meet Steven, Steven Bishop. No, that's not the stutter referred to in the title, but a means to get his attention from the clouds of fantasy land to math class. Moving along, our main character isn't the star of his class or captain of the football team, nor does he talk much (a way of avoiding ridicule for his speech impediment....kids - heck, people - can be so mean!)....which leaves him in a clique all by his lonesome. At least until Rebecca Moore walks in...

New student with apparent devil-may-care attitude, Becky (as she advises the class she prefers to be called) is not your average "beauty"...she's a rebel with a penchant for collecting collateral damage. Seriously...first day of school and we're talking a tire slashing!?! I'd recommend steering clear of her to our friend here....but I believe he is too enchanted by her "charms" to listen to reason. *reads more of sample* Yep, definitely done for. But there's more here than first meets the eye....and saying that after reading an excerpt only is a fairly big deal.

It seems there is some back story of a reason for Steve's downward spiral relating to his mother's departure....not death, but something as shocking in a sense that threw their family dynamics out of whack. Speaking of shocking, the turn of events by sample's end? Whew!

 

 

Final thoughts...what a tease!

The reference to Steve looking like Johnny Depp to which he replies "that old?" (okay, THAT makes ME feel old...) and the hot-and-potentially-heavy make out scene turned grotesque ala Saw (think body parts...and I'm not talking still attached to a living, breathing body...*-*), though at different ends of the spectrum, work well.  Another book from a male perspective (something to note for those seeking suggestions for reluctant boy/teen readers) that seems to have a lot of potential, if I do say so myself.  I wouldn't be too surprised if this one ends up on my TBR shelf soon. 

 

In the mean time, feel free to check out the extended preview via Amazon. 

 

Special thanks to author Lauren Baratz-Logsted for the heads up on this book.  (THANKS!)  For more information about Greg Logsted, feel free to check out his official website.

 

 

So...questions?  Comments?  Thoughts?

Is there something YOU'VE been teased with as of late?

Feel free to share any and all...

*grabs wish list and pen*

 

 

Until next time....happy reading!