Stalker by Lars Kepler

from goodrerads

5 stars

I don't know what it is about Nordic Crime novels, but I can't get enough. I try to read a variety of things, you know, to keep things fresh. But, I think if I was stuck on a desert island and only had one genre of books to choose to have with me, it would definitely be Nordic Crime. Perhaps I like it so much because I secretly (okay to anyone who knows me it really isn't that secret) wish I lived in Norway or Sweden. I think their government set up is neat, the landscapes are amazing and come on, ABBA is from Sweden. How much cooler can Sweden get. It is the birthplace of IKEA, another love  obsession of mine.

I think I really like these novels because they are creepy but not in a horror movie way just in a ick way. I love how the main characters have complex back stories (at least the ones in the series I have read do). They are not your run of the mill beefcake cop. They have troubled pasts, issues they are trying to get over themselves, secret lives. I like that. It makes it all the more real.

So, if you haven't picked up a Nordic Crime novel in awhile I definitely recommend it. I really like the Department Q series, the Rebecka Martinsson series, and of course the Joona Linna Series.

Synopsis

There is a serial killer on the loose in Stockholm. Joona Linna, comes out of hiding and is on the case.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. I had been waiting a while to read it. It had been on order at my library for a long time and I put it on hold so long ago that it got to the point where I wouldn't have been able to delete it or freeze it or anything. (I didn't know the that could happen). The publisher must have been pushing back the date. But after the long year or so of having it on hold I finally got to read it and man, it was worth the wait. It was definitely Lars Kepler at their finest.

This book was a perfect blend of character development, twists, and creepiness. Just when I thought I knew how something was going to happen, a twist happened and I was like whaaat?! In some books the amount of twists and turns would definitely get annoying and old, but in this book they were awesome and kept you on the toes. They held your interest.

The book was suspenseful and scary. It was little bit graphic in the mode of murder but nothing that made me feel too icky. I may never look into my backyard at night in the same way again, but other than that I am not loosing too much sleep over some plot points.

I liked how the beginning wrapped up the previous book. It allowed all the characters to move on. I wasn't sure how they were going to wrap it up because they could have gone down a completely different path and story line with the characters. In the end I am glad they did what they did, it made everything that much more believable.

I wished there was more about Joona's personal life, but then it makes sense that there wasn't. He is just getting back into the swing of things and hasn't established a personal life again yet. So I'll just wait for the next book.

This was a thoroughly engaging, edge of your seat book. Definitely read it. While it is in a series you don't need to read the other books to enjoy this one. Though you should read them because the rest of the books are pretty awesome too!

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

from goodreads

4 stars

When you were younger did you ever see other kids' parents and wish they were yours? It might have been the cool mom, or the industrious mom. It might have been the kid who had the coolest clothes or had their hair crimped. (Remember the crimping phase?) The briefest glimpse we got of other people's mothers made us envious and wish our mom was as awesome. For surely those moms never made their kids eat their vegetables or tidy their rooms. It was probably all fun and giggles.

As we grew up and as a parent ourselves we realise that there is no perfect mom. They all have issues and struggles. They are all going to insist on eating vegetables and tidying rooms. Sometimes when we see kids with all the cool gadgets that is often a way for the parent to make up for time away or feelings of guilt or to make the kids be quiet while the parent gets on with their life.

We all have our moments of parenting glory and parenting embarrassment. I know I will not be honoured for the mom of the year award... probably ever. And you know what that's okay. I know I am trying the best I can in the moment and that's all that can be asked of me or anyone. And I know, or at least hope, that someday my kids will understand that and then in their eyes I will be the awesome mom they always wanted.

Synopsis

Coraline feels a bit neglected by her always working, weird food eating parents. She discovers a mirror world with the perfect mother... or so she thinks.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I am a bit late on the Neil Gaiman scene, but I definitely need to read more from him.

As a parent reading this book it helped to show life through a child's perspective. Sometimes when we become an adult we forget what it was like to be a kid, or sometimes adult concerns overwhelm us that we forget to take a moment and just be and let our kids be kids. This book helped me think about the actions I do each day and ask myself, Am I being neglectful? Am I meeting their emotional needs?

This book was a great way to show kids and adults alike that things that seem perfect aren't always what they seem. We all have problems, some just show more than others.

I liked the whole quest part that Coraline must go on. The goal she had kept her focused and kept her from getting distracted. The rock with the hole in it that helped her see clearly helps us know that when we are unsure about something there is always a way to see clearly.

This book offers great insight to the modern family. Yes work is important, yes our own interests are important, but kids and their likes and dislikes are just as valid an important. We need to find a balance so that everyone can feel loved and heard.

This is a great book. I would think kids 9 and up would enjoy it. Their are some creepy bits and some of the pictures in my copy where a bit creepy (even for me), but it is definitely worth the read.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

from goodreads

3 stars

This weekend is the long weekend, which means we are half way through our summer. It is kind of hard to believe. I had such plans and I don't think I have done any of them. But, since I have a newborn I guess I can give myself a bit of slack. It is hard to create a magical summer for your kids when you are sleep deprived and barely able to get out of bed in the morning. Next summer can be the magical one.

Synopsis

The protagonist is just going through the motions of life. When he meets Tyler everything changes as they create the Fight Club.

My Thoughts

I knew a bit about the story going into this read. I have not watched the movie but I knew about the ending. Because of this knowledge I read looking for clues and hints that showed the ending.

This is not a typical book I would pick up. I don't really like senseless violence or living in the confusing crazy world of others. I found this book very hard to rate as somethings were fantastic but in the end I just didn't like it.

The author did a superb job showing the confusion and agitation of someone going through an identity crises as well as showing the brutality people can inflict on others. He was able to craft a unique story in a unique way and it worked. I liked how he left the ending open. Things weren't wrapped up neatly. There were still some questions, but, again, this worked.

I also liked how they made soap. I found that intriguing and a bit out there but a neat side story. How else were they to fund everything?

I just really don't like senseless violence. The idea of violence for fun is repugnant to me. The whole vigilante thing was really disgusting. All the things that they did and the manipulation they used bothered me and I did not enjoy reading it. All these things combined made the story feel hopeless as there seemed to be no way out. No way to change.

I also found the story to confusing at times and repetitive. This was most likely to show the mind space of the character, which is fine, but as the reader it grates on you.

All in all this is not a book I would read again and I am not going to look for any that are similar or in that genre. One was enough for me. The chaos in the book just didn't do it for me in as a reader. I did appreciate how the author showed his characters state of mind. I did appreciate the writing, just the subject matter was not something I would gravitate to.

The 13 Days of Halloween by Carol Greene Illustrated by Tim Raglin

from goodreads

4.5 stars

Well, Halloween is coming up this Saturday. I am still making some last minute tweaks to the kids costumes but for once I am feeling like we are ready.

Miss V is going to be Little Red Riding Hood. I made her a red and white tutu style skirt and a nice warm fleece hood and cape. Hopefully the cape will help her stay a little warm when they are out on Saturday. Halloween can be pretty chilly in Canada.

Miss G is going to be a ballerina witch cat, the last time I checked. Hopefully it all works out for her and she will be happy with the result.

With Miss P I totally thought we would have an extra year of putting her in whatever costume we wanted, but nope. She is determined to be a dinosaur/dragon. Luckily my friend has a dragon costume lying around and I think it will be perfect. Seriously, how did my 2.5 year old get so opinionated?!

I am looking forward to a nice quiet Halloween. Our neighbourhood is an older one so there aren't as many kids. Last year I think we got 15 kids at our door. So, it should be a nice time of reading and relaxing while my husband take our our kids and I wait for whoever drops by.

Yay for Halloween!

Synopsis

A nicely dressed, gentlemanly ghoul gives gifts to his friend.

My Thoughts

Well here is another book where they take a familiar song and change the words around to be a fun Halloween book.

I loved the illustrations and the toads. The toads were probably my favourite.

I loved how everything worked with the tune so we could all sing along. My kids liked seeing all the different gifts. Miss P especially liked the spiders and the worms. She also liked the lady's dresses. Every time we turned the page she would exclaim "ooh pretty dress". She likes her dresses, what can I say.

All of us were a bit disappointed at the end when we don't get to see what the gift is that the lady gives the the man. I tried to make it fun by saying "oh, we get to use our imaginations. What do you think she gave?" But the kids weren't buying it. My husband even exclaimed "Laaame!"'

This is a fun book that will definitely get you in the creepy and fun Halloween spirit. Happy Halloween!!

The Halloween House by Erica Silverman Illustrated by Jon Agee

from goodreads

5 stars

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And it seems to be especially true when it comes to books written for specific holidays. Why reinvent the wheel when you can take something beloved and make a few tweaks to come up with a great holiday tale.

I am definitely one of those people who will take a song and change the lyrics to come up with something to fit the situation. I must say that seems to be a talent all on its own. It can be hard to fit things into the rhythms and rhymes.

So hear to all the original creators of songs and rhymes and stories that allow the rest of us to use our creative juices. We wouldn't be able to do it without you.

Synopsis

Two men on the run from the law decide to hide in a mansion. Yet what they meet there is not what they thought.

My Thoughts

This book is awesome! Not only do my kids love it, but I love it too.

It is a play on the song "Over in the Meadow" and the rhymes fit the song perfectly. I would sing the song but it was still a bit too cheerful for the book so I changed the song to its minor key form and it definitely helped the story become a bit more eerie.

In this Halloween house they meet werewolves, vampires, worms, skeletons, witches and more. The illustrations really helped the story come alive. I loved seeing the scared expressions on the faces of the convicts as they were running from monsters and dancing with skeletons.

I especially love the last picture of the book. I won't tell you what it is but it definitely completes the book.

If you are looking for a fun book to get you into the Halloween spirit this definitely is the book. It was such a delight.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

from goodreads

4 stars

Growing up I watched a lot of movies from the 40s, 50s and early 60s. I love them! Black and white, technicolour, musicals, film noirs, I watched them all. I especially loved and still love Alfred Hitchcock. Like seriously, how could you not.

Some of my favourites aren't his most popular but they are still great, such as The Trouble with Harry and To Catch a Thief.

I know when I was young I saw Rebecca, but I didn't remember much if anything of the story line or anything. All I remembered is that the housekeeper was creepy. Now that I have finished the book I think I am going to have to rewatch the movie. Perhaps a Hitchcock marathon is in order.

Synopsis

After a whirlwind engagement and marriage our narrator arrives at the home of his husband, Manderly. Once there the presence of his first wife, Rebecca, can be felt everywhere in an almost oppressive shadow.

My Thoughts

This was a confusing read, but ultimately I really liked. It seemed to have me go through a bit of an emotional roller coaster with me going from feelings of indifference, to exasperation, to anger, to relief, to sorrow, to hope.

The settings were great and you could picture things to clearly. I don't know if it is because of the style or if because I have seen the Hitchcock movie version before but I pictured the scenes of the book in black and white.

For most of the book I felt so sorry for the narrator. Here she was this young, innocent, inexperienced girl who was not sure of herself or her new station in life. She really needed her husband to be a bit of a mentor for her and he was not. It bothered me that Maxim, her husband, seem so indifferent and didn't notice how uneasy she was. It also bothered me that she didn't gain gumption to sort herself out and do things her way. Both those points eventually got rectified but it was almost painful to see the narrator go through such sadness and awkwardness.

While the narrator was going through her awkward period the book sort of dragged a bit, but once the boat went ashore the book picked up and was quite exciting and intense.

This book helps to illustrate the importance of not keeping secrets, especially from spouses. It shows the importance of having a belief in your capabilities and not feeling put upon by other people. It can be hard to do but so essential. It is also a book that shows the importance of choosing the correct spouse and not settling for crazy.

This was a great gothic read.

Monster Mash by David Catrow

from goodreads

5 stars

Growing up we were making the transition from records to tapes to cds. My family had a collection of very interesting records. There was a Smurf record, a Muppet compilation, and my favourite one with spooky songs. This was my first interaction with the song Monster Mash. You cannot hear that song with out wanting to do your best 50s dance moves.

Now I get to pass that song on to my own kids, and they like it because it is about monsters and it is just fun. While listening to a cleaned up sound version isn't quite as nostalgic as listening to a scratchy record, this song still brings me a lot of joy and usually kicks off a dance party.

Synopsis

Illustrator David Catrow takes the beloved song Monster Mash and brings it to life through his fun illustrations.

My Thoughts

This book was so much fun. Nothing is better than trying to make your spookiest voice while reading it. My husband is the champ. He is so good at spooky accents.

When we got it out I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't know it was going to be the song Monster Mash. I was thinking they were going to try create monsters in a mashup or something. So when my oldest kept singing Monster Mash and then my middle daughter kept asking about the Monster Mash song I was a bit confused and was like what is going on. But then when I finally read the book myself it all clicked together.

This was a great book. The illustrations were just perfect for the song and it got you in the spooky groovy feeling. It was just so much fun.

So if you love the song, you will love the book.

Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody by Ludworst Bemonster aka Rick Walton, Illustrated by Nathan Hale

from goodreads

4 stars

I don't know about the timing of things in retail. I can't find a bathing suit in July but I am able to find my Hallowe'en costume. How can that be right? When I was visiting a friend in Michigan a couple weekends ago we went to Hobby Lobby (that store is dangerously awesome) and they were already having sales on their Christmas decor! What is going on!

Well, at least the library waited until last week to bring out their Hallowe'en books. That is a bit better. So to help get me into the Hallowe'en spirit I got out a whole bunch, so you will be seeing a lot of Hallowe'en books over the next little bit. Happy Hallowe'en in a month!

Synopsis

A clever and spooky tale inspired by Madeline. But instead of little girls it is little monsters.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. It made me laugh and smile. The similarities in style to Madeline were spot on which made this book all the more awesome. I loved how it was "twelve little monsters in two crooked lines". Awesome.

Where the book fell from a full 5 for me was the ending. It seemed to fall a bit flat. It was almost as if the author was like, "well we need to wrap this up, lets just end it now". I don't know it just was weird and left me feeling lacking. The rest of the book was so spot on perfect that you can almost forgive the strange ending.

So if you are looking for a book to get you into the Hallowe'en spirit pick this one up. It is a hoot!

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

from goodreads

3.5 stars

This past week the kids have been kind to me. They have let me relax in my bed and read for about 20 minutes before getting up and starting my day and the tasks of feeding them and coaxing them out of their pyjamas. If that isn't
luxury I'm not sure what is.

I'm not sure what it is about summer reading that always fills me with nostalgia, but I always seem to be more excited and really want to craft a great summer read list in my head. I don't feel this kind of pressure/excitement any other time of the year. Though, my Christmas holiday reading takes some thought. I guess summer is always the time for adventure, when anything can happen. It is the time when you don't always have set schedules and can let any day be an adventure.

Now being a busy mom means that I can't spend all day reading, though wouldn't that be heaven? But, I can fill the bulk of my day with the sweet sweet words of an engaging story, and that is awesome. Next year, I really need to get a hammock. Now that would be summer reading bliss.

What's on your summer reading list?

Synopsis

Vida Winter, a recluse author, hires Margaret Lea, a shy biographer and helper in her father's rare book shop, to write her life's story. More is revealed and healed for both of them than thought possible.

My Thoughts

Well, what to say about the Thirteenth tale? The first half drove me crazy. I almost stopped reading. Well, I did stop reading because I had to return my copy to the library. Then my book club friend loaned me her copy. So after a three week respite I picked up where I left off and thoroughly enjoyed the last half. I don't know if the story just picked up there and I was able to like the characters a bit more or if I was just in a different head space. But there was a vast difference for me. The first half I would have been rating it a 2.5 but the second half was a clear 5.

So what did I love about this book? I loved the love of literature that oozes throughout the pages. This is definitely a great book to read for the literary lover. She has some amazing quotes about how books just hook you and can become part of you and your identity. (I really must start writing them down so I have them while I'm writing the review.)

I loved, but was also somewhat puzzled by, the ageless quality of this book. I have no idea when this book was set. It could have been set in anytime, and I think that is what makes it such a great read that will stick with you. It is timeless.

I loved some of the twists and turns that were found in the second half. The story really had you going all the way until the end.

I couldn't stand the whole situation of Vida's story in the first section. The whole situation and characters were so abhorent that it made it hard to want to keep reading. None of the characters really had any kind of redeeming quality and I just didn't know why I should care about knowing about them and their life.

So while it was a bit of a mashup in feelings about this book, I did enjoy it. The second half more than made up for the dismal first half. So if you are able to slog through the first 180 pages the ending will be worth your time and effort. If you can't slog through it, no worries, I almost gave up too.

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

from goodreads

4 stars

Lately I have been in a children's book reading mood. They just seem to be the books I have been gravitating to. Does that happen to you?

Sometimes it is a Nordic crime fascination and then next it is classics. Well for me it is now children's books, and man they are good.

Synopsis

Molly and Kip are orphaned siblings who have secured employment at the Windsor house in the Sourwoods. While there, they encounter a dark force that helps them realize the danger of greed, but at what cost?

My Thoughts

This was a great book. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew that it would be creepy just from looking at the cover, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be scary creepy, or silly creepy, or just plain old creepy. It was creepy but with a great story.

While the back of the book talks of how it deals with the moral of not being greedy, it also is a tale about the definition of honesty. The greed is dealt with through the tree. The tree can grant your hearts most sincere desire but at the cost of your soul. I like how the author shows that the thing you could be greedy of does not necessarily have to be monetary gain. It can be having familial connections or regaining affection that was lost, or simply having a good story or fantasy world to escape to. It shows that we need to do things in moderation and that if we want something we need to work for it, otherwise the price might be too high.

Honesty, though not mentioned by other reviewers, is also a moral that is discussed. The character Molly is a natural storyteller, yet she uses stories to shield her brother Kip, and the Windsor's daughter Penny, from the truth. The book looks at when is a story actually a lie. It makes you look at your intentions, even for the white lie. Sometimes people need to learn hard truths and if we constantly shield them from that truth and brush it off, are we really shielding them for their benefit or ours? It was a really neat discussion point.

I loved the characters in the book. Each character was pivotal, even if they were merely a secondary character. Everyone played an essential role in the plot. It was nice not to have random characters thrown in. They all seemed well thought out.

My favourite character was Kip. I loved how stalwart and brave he was. He seemed wise beyond his years. And I loved how true he was to himself. While the tree might have been able to grant his wish, he knew he would be dependent on it forever and that he was happy with himself as he was, even if he was lame. That takes a maturity that most adults don't even have and it was just beautiful watching it unfold.

I also loved the character Hester. Even though she played a small role, I loved it. She is the kind of spunky old person I want to be when I reach that certain age. I was a little shocked about what happened to her, but I don't want to give it away, so that is all I'll say about that.

This is a great book to introduce kids to the supernatural/suspence genre. (I guess some might classify it as horror, and maybe it is, but I don't think I would classify it as such.) There is just enough scariness to put you on edge but not so much that you will have trouble sleeping.

This would be a great book for ages 10 and up.

The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock Bill Peet

from goodreads

2.5 stars

Man it is blustery out there today. School buses in the country around us were all canceled. Unfortunately, living in the city, I still had to brave the elements to get my kiddies to school. Thank goodness for my chariot stroller. That thing goes through snow like a hot knife goes through butter. We are on our sixth winter with it and it is still in amazing shape. I love it.

Synopsis

Prewitt Peacock does not have the nicest of tails. One day his tail decides to grow and become wild. The other peacocks have a problem with that and give him an ultimatum. Either the tail goes or Prewitt does.

My Thoughts'

This was an alright book. But it was kinda weird. It has a great message of "be proud of who you are and looks don't matter", but it was still strange. The dream sequence kinda freaked me out.

I picked this book up because of the author. Bill Peet worked for Disney and was part of the story development and animation process for many films. His movies are among my favourites. The drawings are classic Bill Peet. I could almost see them in animation form. The story to me just felt lacking. It was okay but for me it just didn't have that special quality about it.

My kids liked the book well enough but, they were not asking for it to be read again and again. So, in my view that means it was a sort of a meh book for them too.

If you do decide to pick up this book, I would say you would be enjoy the illustrations and the nostalgia of Bill Peet.

Flee, Fly, Flown by Janet Hepburn

from goodreads

4 stars

After a beautiful long weekend it is now a very gray and wet week. I was awoken today by crazy hard rain and wind blowing. My only thoughts were, of course it is raining and probably will stay raining when I take the kids to school. It always rains at either drop of time of pick up time. What's up with that.

By the time it was time to go to school the rain had lightened to a light drizzle and no wind. Much more preferable.

Now, I love rain. I know it is important and I love that it gives us puddles to splash in. I just don't love it when I have to be standing outside waiting for kids. I want to enjoy it on my own terms. Usually that means curled up with a caf-lib and and blanket on my couch with my latest read. That's the kind of rain I am talking about.

Synopsis

Lillian and Audrey live at Tranquil Meadows. While other residence seem to enjoy their time there Lillian and Audrey are plotting their escape. When they finally make it out their trip is almost doomed, until they meet a young man named Raine who agrees to drive for them.

My Thoughts

This was  a beautiful story. It is told from the vantage point of an octogenarian who has dementia, the beginnings of Alzheimer's. This sometimes makes the story seem a bit confusing as it shows that she herself is confused. But, it was also great to have her view point and understand how people suffering with that condition feel and think and how frightening and frustrating it must be for them.

As I have travelled the same route as the characters it was kind of fun to picture it as I went along. I could actually visualize where they were and how desolate Northern Ontario can be. It has lots of rocks, trees, and lakes, and to me the trees are all scraggily. Not the nice, thick lush trees of the south. But, some people may prefer the scraggily trees, and that's fine too.

I love the character of Raine and wished that he could have been fleshed out a bit more. He seemed like a decent guy, yet, you are still not quite sure, so I wished that could have been explained a bit more.

While I was reading this, the story really hit home. My parents are quite a bit older. My dad is 80 and my mom will be turning 74 in November. My father is suffering from dementia and I know what a toll it takes on not only him, but my mother, and then slowly trickles down to us, but not as much as what my mom gets. And things are starting to slip for her too. This book helped put a voice to what my parents are going through, that I don't always get to see, or what they are not telling me. (I live quite a distance away and don't get up to see them as often as might be helpful.)

I love how the book shows these elderly people as people who still have hopes and dreams. They have the desire to be loved, appreciated and respected. I think to often we see people's limitations and think that is all there is. Usually there is a lot more going on under the surface than we realize. We don't need to patronize them as if they are completely helpless. It can be a hard line to walk.

The ending was sort of open ended. I hope that the old girls made it to the coast. That would make me super happy.

Despite some feelings of repetition, some awkward plot moments and the need for some meatier character construction this was a great read. I highly recommend it.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

from goodreads

5 stars

How do you choose what book to read? Does the cover influence you in your choice? I don't necessarily consider myself to be a real visual person but, I must admit that, covers do play an important role in my books of choice. Or they do when, on those rare moments of mommy freedom, I am able to go up and down the stacks at the library and browse, hoping to find a new favourite.  Sometimes an intriguing cover does produce an intriguing story. Other times, well let's just say the old adage, you can't judge a book by it's cover applies, but in the opposite sense. Cover good, book bad.

Some of the books that I have chose purely by their cover and loved are The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz and this one that I am currently reviewing. I am not quite sure what it was about those covers that intrigued me, but I am glad they did. What books do you love because of the cover?

Synopsis

This is the story of Hansel and Gretel like you have never read before. Gidwitz weaves their characters through eight tales by the Brothers Grimm.

My Thoughts

I loved this book! I am so glad the cover caught my eye. I happened to be walking through the juniors section on the way out of and bam, I saw it and I was like, hey, that looks interesting. (I also got the second one out, not as good as this one though, but I think I will read the third one eventually.)

I love how the author seamlessly bridges the different tales together using the characters of Hansel and Gretel. If you didn't know you would think they really were the central characters in the real tales. The jump from tale to tale do not feel awkward at all and actually pushes the story along.

I like how he doesn't hide or sugarcoat the goriness of the original fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. If someone's head gets chopped off, that's just what happens. Gretel at one point cuts off one of her fingers. That's what happens in a Grimm fair tale.

While some might find the author's interjections throughout a bit annoying, I loved it and thought it really engaged the reader and made the gruesome parts a little less gruesome and shocking. Some people, and possibly children, get disturbed by vomiting and body mutilation. With the author warning about it, it helps prepare the reader, and with that preparation they are able to handle it a bit better.

This was just such a fun book. I read it in a day. I can't wait until my kids are a bit older so we can read it together. I think this book would appeal to a mature nine year-old and up. This would also be a great book for boys (if you are looking for something for your son to get into) as it has some pretty gross, yet cool things in it. I just loved this book!!!! I may even read the original Grimm stories. If the tales in here are any indication of their work their tales are pretty interesting.

The Shining by Stephen King

from goodreads

1 star, but really should probably be like a 3.5-4 ish

Scary movies and I don't mix. Never have, probably never will. I remember watching the original Psycho when I was a teenager and asking to sleep with my mom for about a week after. Some scary movies I have been able to handle, like Saw II. Friends in University wanted to watch it, so I went, I feel asleep during it, so it didn't haunt me like others. I can't even watch Criminal Minds anymore. There is was one episode where a killer was dressed all in black waiting in the dark for the lead FBI guy to come home and then stabbed him severely. I was nursing my second child at the time and I had to ask my husband to escort me to her room. Seriously, that was a bit embarrassing. Books can have the same effect but not nearly as bad as seeing in a movie or show. For me, I can imagine a scary scene a lot less intensely if I must. You miss all the gore and ickiness. You can still get creeped out, but you are allowed to get creeped out on your own terms.

So, with the Shining... I got major creeped out and scared, and I didn't even get to the really scary parts. I got about 80 pages or so in and had to stop. I was having really freaky dreams and had to pluck up my courage when I had to do a night feeding with baby number 3. It doesn't help that the baby's room is at the complete other end of the hall from my room so I have to pass a hallway of doors, o.k. like two doors but still scary. Anything could be lurking in that bathroom.

So to be honest with my rating system I have to give the Shining an one star. But King has a fun writing style and I probably would have given it higher if I could actually get through it.

If you want to try a Stephen King but are like me, and a bit of a wimp, try The Stand. I read it for my book club last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Kinda long, but definitely not creepy.

Synopsis

Here is the Synopsis of The Shining from goodreads.

Danny was only five years old but in the words of old Mr. Halloran he was a 'shiner', aglow with psychic voltage. When his father became caretaker of the Overlook Hotel his visions grew frighteningly out of control.

As winter closed in and blizzards cut them off, the hotel seemed to develop a life of its own. It was meant to be empty, but who was the Lady in Room 217, and who were the masked guests going up and down in the elevator? And why did the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive?

Somewhere, somehow there was an evil force in the hotel - and that too had begun to shine.