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The Wanderers
The Wanderers
Meg Howrey | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Initially, I had received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review, but did not read it in the allotted time. I finally borrowed it from my local library to sit down and read it.

This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.

I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
  
The Deadly Highway
The Deadly Highway
T. Harrogate | 2020 | Thriller
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Surprisingly enough this book did offer some twists at the end that I was not expecting, thought the chapter names are dead giveaways (0 more)
upon finishing this book I discovered that the people this book is best suited for would possible struggle with all the errors, making it unreadable to them. (0 more)
Good Book but a lot of errors
The Deadly Highway by T. Harrogate is a decent book, but I feel like it is still in the early stages of publishing. It could still use quite a bit of work. The book also escalates very quickly, even for it being a short book.

Lucy’s father is an alcoholic and because of his choices the two of them live in a one room apartment on the poor side of town. Her father has forbidden Lucy to interact with the others living in their neighborhood in an act of denial about their situation. These rules have left Lucy feeling alone and isolated to the point that she feels she can not take it any longer. Mix that with the cramped, dirty living conditions, and her father’s drunken anger and Lucy decides to run away.

As she is leaving home Lucy runs into two other teens who live close by called Julia and Graham. The two question Lucy on where she is going and decide to run away with her. Graham quickly becomes the leader of the group and they plan for him to steal a car. Unfortunately for the girls it is already too late by the time they discover what Graham is doing with the owners of the cars. By the time they make their discovery Graham has the girls completely under his control and they are just along for the ride.

Surprisingly enough this book did offer some twists at the end that I was not expecting, thought the chapter names are dead giveaways. At the same time the book itself was not quiet what I expected and was mostly enjoyable. I also liked the word of warning at the end of the book for those that still believe things like this can’t or won’t happen to them. Unfortunately this book needs edited again and closely at that. Frequently words are completely left out, sentences restart in the middle, or the wrong word is used entirely. There are also multiple timeline errors and consistency problems with things such as names. I also wish there was just a little more detail and background into the lives of all three teenagers.

Due to the content of this book it is best for mature young adults and adults. The simplistic language and writing style, along with the short page count makes it ideal for those who struggle with reading or don’t read often. This book dose contain murder and rape although nothing goes into detail. I rate this book 2 out of 4. Originally I was going to give this book 3 with its saving grace being its simplicity. However, upon finishing this book I discovered that the people this book is best suited for would possible struggle with all the errors, making it unreadable to them. Overall the book is good but its hard to read in its current state, it still needs a lot of work.

The Deadly Highway | Book| Austin Macauley Publishers
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/
  
Deadly Outbreaks
Deadly Outbreaks
Alexandra M. Levitt | 2013 | Medical & Veterinary, Science & Mathematics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Important, interesting, freaky and even a little terrifying
A fascinating look into the Centre for Disease Control and their role in dealing with some serious but highly interesting, insane real life outbreaks. Each chapter discusses fatal cases which in itself can be turned into a film. From deadly ice cream, to an epidemic of newborns dying at a hospital - these are important cases that need addressing and for further public awareness. As vital as this book is, it's filled with scientific jargon and requires concentration. A great read.
  
Grace is back in California wrapping up things to move to England when she gets involved in a movie based on her life. But the production seems strange, even to an outsider. Meanwhile, someone is trying to kill Peter back in England. It was great to get a new chapter in the life of these characters after several years off. Doesn't quite live up to the earlier books, but I hardly cared.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-docketful-of-poesy-by-diana.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
BT
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
Mary Roach | 2008 | Science & Mathematics
8
7.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fascinating stuff! Vast amounts of sheer geekery about sex, science, and the intersection thereof. If you're looking for sex tips or salacious reading, look elsewhere. If you're looking to howl with laughter without being able to explain WHY to most people, this is your book.

Okay, one might glean the occasional sex tip, but I don't think they're anything that common sense couldn't tell you. And you'll have to wait for the very last chapter for the best bit.

I'll be adding more of Roach's diverse works to my to-be-read stack soon!
  
I am, I am, I am: Seventeen Brushes with Death
I am, I am, I am: Seventeen Brushes with Death
Maggie O'Farrell | 2017 | Biography
6
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a collection of 17 near death experiences which are well written and engaging. Each chapter is illustrated at the start by showing us the body part which nearly caused the death of O'Farrell, I thought this was a nice touch. Sometimes I fumbled a bit whilst reading through this book and ultimately got a bit jumbled in places too. I think the confusion would of been solved if the incidences were written in chronological order. It felt a bit too all over the place rather than a good, smooth read.
  
Lies You Never Told Me
Lies You Never Told Me
Jennifer Donaldson | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
6
7.4 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won this ARC from a Goodreads Giveaway and had been looking forward to reading it. However, I was pretty disappointed with this book, with all the great buzz that had been created so far. I would give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. For all the drama I felt like it really lacked excitement until the last three chapters and it still was wrapped up extremely quickly once you reached the part that was a real page turner. I did enjoy the chapter switch from each character narrative.