Read this for my "book club podcast" I'm REALLY glad I did! www.justfourgeeks.com/dds3
595718
for my review listen to our Audio Podcast The Dewey Decible System.
www.justfourgeeks.com/dds3
Very enjoyable book!
2399970
I heard about this book on the Best of Friends podcast and from the author's verbal description was very intrigued. I am SO glad I decided to buy it and read it. I laughed HARD at this book and I almost never laugh at books. The stories about Hot Karl's mom were my absolute favorite. The book did take a very dark turn at the end, but it was real and well-earned. Like Jensen said on BOF, if the description of the book even remotely intrigues you, read this book!
3294322
I picked up Astro Van as soon as I heard about, being a long-time listener of the writer's podcasts.  I had a backlog of reading on my Kindle at the time, and so I let it linger.  Last week, I picked it up, and I absolutely blew through it.  Each night I hung on for just a bit more before going to bed, and when I finished last night, I clicked the "Next" button a few times, hoping that my Kindle was lying, and there was more to read.

There were a few minor flaws in the story-telling, but I only remember them in passing, as my brain was constantly saying "Don't worry about it, just tell me what happens next!"
2720127
I loved it! I'm a big fan of the Just Between Us Youtube channel, so I was very excited when they announced they were writing a book. I read the whole thing in about three days, it's a wonderful story about being best friends who start the transition into being adults. That transition sucks, and they handle with a humor and reality that it lacking from most teen/YA books. Honestly it reminded me of losing some of my high school friends when I got to college, and I wish I had this book to remind me to save some of those relationships. I'm definitely tell my friends to read this, excellent job Allison and Gaby!
938905
* This review is of the audio book.

I've been wanting to re-read this for a LONG time now! So glad it finally happened! It continues to be an awesome and cute read.

I love Evie. She's the girly girl everyone underestimates. She's witty, funny and fascinated with the "normal" world like it's nobody's business. When she finally get's to know a high school locker I had tears in my eyes because of how hard I was laughing. I love her enthusiasm when it comes to doing regular things, that for her weren't even a possibility until a few weeks ago.

Lend is THE hottie. If you're wondering about why I emphasized the word "the" here's the answer: He can literally "transform" into ANY guy he wants. Be it a celebrity, or an enemy. The idea is just so absurd that it becomes #awesome. It also made it possible for him and Evie be on "equal" ground.

I didn't remember a lot of detail when I finally went to re-read this so a lot of the plot twists still surprised me and/or devastated me. Still can't believe the people who died, actually died. I wanted everyone singing 'Kumbaya' by the end of this novel and it just wasn't possible...

Audio Book Review:

This woman's voice was EXACTLY what I pictured Evie sounded like. It's like a mix between a pretty b*tch and an extreme girly girl. I. Loved. It. I found myself smiling at odd times and losing track of what was happening because of how perfect her voice was. Her name is: Emily Eiden.

P.S. Emily Eiden should have narrated the audio books for the Sweet Trilogy By Wendy Higgins. I haven't finished the third book in the Sweet Trilogy because of how, I'm sorry for how I'm going to put this but, orgasmic Erin Mallon sounds. From the sounds of it Book #1 and #2 were OK, but I couldn't stand Book #3.
856056
I don't know if I could have read the print version of this book. I think it would have been a little much for me. As it stands, I downloaded the audio from the library. I had some work to do and an audiobook makes the time go so much faster. I'm beginning to think this narrator is in a lot of books, but goodness, he does a great job at everything. Everyone has a unique voice. It was so fun to hear the Scottish brogue being pronounced correctly. By correctly, I mean better than what I would have pronounced in my head if I were reading the book. At one point in the story the main character laughs and the narrator aced it! I wanted to keep rewinding that part to listen to it over and over. 5 stars for the audio alone!

While I enjoyed the narrator and his voices, I can't say I can say the same about the actual storyline. Of course, I didn't read the synopsis, so I didn't know what the story would be about. I just (really) liked the cover and the book was available to download so I went with it. My problem is that the story is really, really ridiculous. And I know that whoopie is kind of a blase thing to most people, I personally didn't agree with the main character and her reason for going to Scotland. I wanted to give her a lecture on self respect. But it's a book and she made up her mind to do it.

At any rate, she comes across Drusten and everything between them happens over what, two or three days? Couldn't have been much longer than that. Things between them happened wayyyy to fast. And no, I don't mind love at first site. I just think that there should be something there to make the story interesting. This one lacked that something. And am I the only one who thought that the moment they hooked up seemed too rushed and contrived. It was like, hey I need this for the plot, soooo let's make it happen. Then it happens and oh look we're out of time. You'll know what I'm talking about when you read it.

I did enjoy the clothing store scene. I thought that was pretty funny seeing him react to modern times. I'm pretty sure I laughed out loud with that one.

I was surprised at what happened but then I was happy with how things turned out (for the most part - who did the dusting?). I like my stories to end happy, and this one was certainly a happy ever after.

All in all, I'm glad I listened to it because now if I see the Phil's name as the narrator, I know that's a sign for me to jump all over that! And I will be adding my review for the next book in the line, his brothers story. I don't see myself listening to any more of these kinds of stories though. Twice is enough!
q
2593920
*** I RECIEVED IF YOU'RE LUCKY ON NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THANK YOU TOO ALGONQUIN FOR THE OPPERTUNITY TO READ AND REVIEW IF YOU'RE LUCKY ***

Now I was really surprise how much I loved and enjoyed If You're Lucky, because I saw a lot of mix reviews about it. But I didn't let that detour me to read it. And I am so glad and happy that I give this book a chance. This book is not for everyone, but I really loved and enjoyed the mystery and mental illness concept of this book. Which I thought the author did a really great and honest job about the mental illness that Georgias has. I thought she was totally spot on about the mental illness, because I have mental illness as well not the same as Georgia but pretty close the same diagnosis. And the way how Yvonne Prinz wrote how Georgia was going down hill with paranoia, seeing hallucinations, hearing voices and becoming psychotic. I thought was absolutely honest and true. Georgia was not taking her medicine trying to figure out the mystery of how her brother Lucky died, did Lucky truly drowned or was he killed? I totally love the mystery twist of the book as well. It is really easy to figure out the truth on how Lucky truly died while reading through this book. And the ending was a bit rush but I was totally satisfy with the ending. I absolutely loved and enjoyed Yvonne Prince writing style and her ideas for her books, that I will absolutely continue on reading more of her books in the near future!
4457089
This book was a surprise to me as it was chosen for our book club and we really enjoyed it.  The author was able to link up via Facetime with us and that added tremendously to our experience of the book.  Darcy shared her creative process with us and we all enjoyed learning about how she created such compelling and interesting characters.  Our book club liked it so much and thought that it would lend itself well to a great screen play.  While this particular genre is not always one I personally seek out, it was so well written, fast paced and interesting that I enjoyed it greatly.  We hope Darcy will continue to create more stories with her protagonist Dr. Gordon B. Gray!
1418215
I checked out the audiobook version of this story, and also picked up the hard copy in case I decided to read the book instead.  I picked up the book a few times, but am so glad I also chose to listen to the story being narrated.  Atwood is amazingly creative with her storytelling, but there were a few parts that she could easily have left out to make the book a little more compelling.  The narrator also did a wonderful job with all of the voices and various accents, and really made this book a winner in my eyes.
I was one of a few people that did not like The Handmaid's Tale at all, but I'm so glad that I decided to follow someone else's recommendation regarding this book, and give her another try.  If you're a fan of her work, by all means, pick up the actual book, but if you have never read anything by her and aren't sure if you will enjoy her writing style, the audiobook version is your best choice.  It's a virtually painless way of getting the full effect of the book, and makes the not so interesting parts much easier to take.  I have copies of Cat's Eye and The Robber Bride at home, but I think I will definitely see if I can get ahold of the audio versions to start me off.  In my opinion, there's a little something in there for everyone - what a great book!  I can see why it won the Booker Prize.  If you're thinking about reading it, by all means, pick it up!
3132982
I actually reviewed this book on Audible.  I am rarely inspired to do that but this I really enjoyed this book. I mostly listen in my car and was having trouble getting of my car to go to work because I didn't want to stop listening.  It is funny and creepy at the same time.  I love how social media is woven into it.  I really liked Joe, even though I had a pretty good sense he wasn't going to be making good decisions.  In Audible, the narration was awesome. The narrator did a great job with the female voices, especially the New York accents.  My sister and mom are reading the book now.
2893141
First of all THIS COVER!! Yes, Im a bit obsessed with it. Its beyond gorgeous and I cant help myself I just want to stare at it for days and days. So much love for this creepy, beautiful, eye-catching cover!!

These Shallow Graves ended up on my doorstep, and with that gorgeous cover, how could I say no to reading it?! It just so happened I also had received the audiobook version from the publisher right before that, so thats double the reason to read it! I was able to flip back and forth between the hardcover and audiobook depending on which I wanted to read at the current time. I love being able to do that!

Historicals were never my thing before this year but since I started venturing out into this genre a few months ago, Ive found quite a few books that Ive really enjoyed! These Shallow Graves was a bit aggravating at times simply because it IS a historical and the way they used to treat women and look down on them was tough to swallow. I cant imagine what women that lived in the 19th century had to go through, but reading about it makes it sound pretty darn horrific. And thats what makes Jos character even more appealing. Back when women were supposed to be meek and mild and basically speechless, we get to read about a character whos feisty, has spunk, and isn't afraid to break a few rules. I loved it!

Why is it, she wondered now, that boys get to do things and be things and girls only get to watch?
I loved the Victorian New York setting and this incredible cast of characters. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. Yes, its on the longer side but it never dragged on or felt extremely long. The pacing was pretty perfect and the story was engaging throughout. Another great historical read to add to my list for this year!! This is definitely one worth the read if you're interested in a YA mystery set in older times with a very interesting story that will have you hooked. It wasn't quite as creepy as I had expected, but it was still quite enjoyable. This is my first Jennifer Donnelly read, but it won't be my last!

Audiobook Impressions:
Ive found that when it comes to YA Historical, I really enjoy listening to the audio. Since this is a newer genre to me, hearing the characters brought to life brings this story to another level. With this one, I did switch back and forth between the audio and the hardcover. I found though that I preferred the audio over reading it myself, since Kim Bubbs, a fantastic narrator, took it all up a notch. I would definitely recommend going the audiobook route with this one!

(Thanks to Random House Delacorte & Listening Library for the review copies!)
1826674
I just finished this book. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! This would be perfect for a women's book club. I, of course, read it while he watched the game(s) and read certain parts out loud. Like Jenna's hubby, mine still thinks that I'm cute. A truly great read!
2251836
I loved it!  My book club read this month and had a great discussion.  There were many issues to talk about and I would highly recommend it.
877391
This is a book that Ive been wanting to read for many years and never got around to it.  My local library was removing books from shelves and discarding this in audio so it seemed like the perfect time to finally get around to it.  Well, Im very glad I did, that I can remove this title from my TBR list.  And, sorry I waited so long to do so!  I also was able to borrow this title via librarys online service, as an ebook to supplement my listening to it.  A couple of the discs, being old, were scratched so then I switched to the ebook.
Ive taken a few days to think about this and have to comment that the narrator, Tom Stechschulte was very good.  Its a book that I think will stick with me for a while.
3194047
I received "A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet" for my birthday last week!  To be honest, I had not heard of the author or her blog yet, but I was glad to get a new book to read, and just from the synopsis on the cover, it looked like it would be a good one!  I haven't had very much free time to read, but yesterday, I stuck the kids in the kiddie pool and started reading the book.  And kept reading!  And every spare moment I had throughout the rest of the day, and then until 2AM, I read the book from cover to cover!  She is just hilarious through-and-through...what an awesome and beautiful storyteller.  I wasn't ready for the story to be over when it was, but I spent my free time today enjoying the blog, too!  If you want your heart to be completely warmed, read it! Be prepared to call or write all of your loved ones and tell them how precious they are to you afterward! :o)  I thought that it was only I who would pack the van to the rafters with cooking gear and drive 7 hours with two preschoolers to spend all weekend cooking a birthday/anniversary/baby shower meal for 30 relatives and friends!  Just to be with my family and loved ones who I know won't always be here, to show them how much I love them. She reaffirmed that all of that effort is totally worth it, and I'll keep doing it as long as I am able because I love them all more than life itself.
84139
If my book club hadn't chosen it, I wouldn't have kept on reading past the opening. It starts off with Eleanor basically saying, "No one asks you what you do if you work in an office," and then she describes her dull work at the office. Since I like plot, I would have put the book down after a quick look, just as most people ignore Eleanor at first glance.

However, my book club and the knockout audiobook actor, Cathleen McCarron, kept me in the story, and soon I was laughing at the way Eleanor navigated through the world, and nodding in recognition at the way she expected people to pay her back. I pieced together the backstory pretty quickly from the clues, so I wasn't blown away by the ending, and felt ambivalent about the final twist, which has been done before. But her descriptions were dead on, right down to an ugly baby in a pram punching the air. It was the first time I'd read a book mentioning testicular cancer, and my first thought, as a doctor, is "That's a very curable form of cancer." The next moment, Eleanor is pointing out that very thing. I was delighted.

I was touched by Eleanor's honesty and determination and Raymond's sheer kindness, and I absolutely loved Raymond's mum. I would re-listen to the chapter just for Raymond's mum. I wish my mum would make me delicious homemade soup and say "Sorry, hen," and then I'd help her take down her laundry. It made me think that we're all longing for tenderness from our mums.
967470
Honestly an amazing book. I'm do glad this came in the mail so quickly and I can't even put it down. Highly recommend it to anyone who has listened to the podcasts :)