Three For The Money by Janet Evanovich

What could be more fun than riding along with Stephanie in whatever car that she is currently driving trying to find people who have failed to appear in court and broken their bond agreement. In this installment of the series, Stephanie is on the search for Mo, a candy seller who is beloved by all of the people who live in the burg. It should be an easy case for Stephanie but of course it isn't. This series is brainless mind candy but so much fun to read. I'm sitting in the breakroom at work laughing while I'm reading this and at the same time I am being thankful that I am the only one in there because otherwise I would look like an idiot. But you can't help but laugh at the situations that she gets herself into. Plus add Lula into the mix (who is my favorite character) and it is a wild and crazy ride. I recommend this series because it has been fun to read and hope that the next one is as fun as the first three books.
Challenges: Numbers Challenge
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Reading Update: I'm currently in the midst of Gods of Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson which is really good so far. I'm curious to see where the author is going and I really like what I've read so far. My son starts kindergarten the middle of next week so I've been trying to keep my mind occupied lest the waterworks begin early. That being said I am hoping that I get a good portion of this book read or even finished by this weekend. Of course that would mean that the Olympics don't distract me which they have been. Hope everyone is enjoying watching the Olympics and reading as well :)

Two For The Dough by Janet Evanovich

This is the second in the famous Stephanie Plum series. I say famous because it seems live EVERYONE is reading this series. Guess I gotta join in, huh? I always enjoy a good laugh and these books do it for me. The situations that Stephanie gets herself into have me laughing so hard that I"m practically in tears. I love these books so far!

In this one, Stephanie is on the hunt for Kenny Mancuso. It should be an easy case for Stephanie but things are more complicated than she realized at first. With some help from Grandma Mazur and Lulu (back from the 1st story), Stephanie is working hard to catch Kenny before he puts her and her family in danger. This story was just as fun as the first in my opinion! Can't wait to get started on the third book!

Challenges: Numbers Challenge, Casual Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("E" Author)

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Wow! Can I just leave it at that? This was such an amazing book but at the same time it was such a difficult subject to read about. I found myself reading this book in smaller doses...which wasn't all that bad in my opinion. I've been hearing mixed reviews about this book and I can understand why. (Can you tell that I just finished this book..my thoughts are all jumbled)

First, a brief synopsis of the story: Peter, a young high school student, goes on a shooting spree and kills ten students along with injuring numerous others. This is the story of what led up to the shooting as well as the aftermath that follows. Picoult takes on the toughest subjects and writes, doesn't she?

In my humble opinion, she did an amazing job! This was a difficult book to read BECAUSE I'm a parent. The idea of a school shooting terrifies me. The thought of either of my kids being bullied..something I don't want to consider. Which are two reasons why other readers might not have enjoyed this book as much as I did. (speculating here :P) Add to the fact that Picoult makes the reader see BOTH sides of the story even when you don't want to..well...personally I think this is the mark of a great book and a great author. I definitely recommend this one!!

Challenges: Numbers Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("N" Title)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Sidenote: I loved seeing Jordan and Selena back from Salem Falls (another good book by this author)

Numbers Challenge

I joined my third challenge which is the numbers challenge. It's pretty easy and just requires me to read five books with a number in the title. I picked five books that are on my TBR list so that helps knock a few off. Yay! Of course, after reading reviews of what the other participants read for this challenge I'll probably end up adding ten more books to my list.. ;)

Here is my list:

• Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Piccoult
• Three by Ted Dekker
• Thirteen Reasons Why (also young adult challenge)
• I Have Lived A Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson
• The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan

Alternates:

• Two For The Dough by Janet Evanovich
• Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis