Friday, September 30, 2016

Reading Right Now! (85)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...


--The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse #2) by Cassandra Rose Clarke-- I'm really liking this one so far. It's the sequel in a duology that started with The Assassin's Curse, it's about a pirate named Ananna, who is linked by accident to a magical assassin named Naji. She saved his life, which in turn cursed him, and now he must protect Ananna from danger or feel vast amounts of pain. I feel like I did a bad job at explaining that. Anyway, Ananna and Naji are now a team, on a mission to break the curse.
This second one picks up with them still being stranded on a magical island that they can't get off, and things go from there.
I think this series is a lot of fun. Ananna is a pretty tough pirate who can take care of herself, which really stresses out Naji. I love books about pirates and assassins! I'm about 60% through this and am having a lot of fun. I wish this wasn't the ending of the series though. I'm kind of sad that the publisher Strange Chemistry went out of business, because they published some pretty fun and interesting books. 
So I'm pretty sure I'm going to finish this this weekend.

What I Hope To Read Next!

 

-- Alex + Ada: Volume 1 by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn-- This is about a boy who gets a robot for his birthday, I think. In a way, it kind of reminds me of the manga Chobits, but I'm thinking it's not going to be as dirty. If you've read any volumes of that manga, you know it's highly inappropriate :D 
I've had this one out from the library for awhile and figure that it's high time I read it, so I can return it. I hope I like it.
--After The Woods by Kim Savage-- This one is calling to me on the it's pretty much October, so I need to read alllll the scary books level. I believe it's a kind of thriller about a girl who escapes a killer and what happens after. I'm not sure if that description is 100% accurate, but that's all I've got. Hopefully I like it!

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! Tell me what you are reading. Also, can you believe October is pretty much here? Where has this year gone?

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Review: A Thousand Nights (#1) by E.K. Johnston

Title: A Thousand Nights (#1)
Author: E.K. Johnston
Published by: Hyperion
Released: October 2015
Source: Library

Summary: To be married to Lo-Melkhin is to be given a death sentence. He has been married 300 times before, and all 300 wives have ended up dead. Some survive just one night, others a few weeks, and very rarely will one live more than a month. Lo-Melkhin travels from village to village picking out wives, and this is the time he travels to hers. She knows he'll pick her sister, she is the prettiest of the tribe, and losing her would hurt everyone, so she decides to take her sister's place. The impossible happens, she survives one month, then two, then three. She also discovers secrets about Lo-Melkhin. She might be the one to end his vicious cycle once and for all.
My Thoughts: This book was very different from what I was expecting, but very enjoyable. It has a lyrical, magical writing style to it. There's just something about it that keeps you reading. It's almost like the magic that permeates the story seeps out, and entraps the reader as well. It's a very unique experience.
I was interested from page one, and couldn't wait to see how our main character would survive and change a kingdom in the process.
For those that are all about finding diverse books, or reading only diverse books, I think this one would meet the criteria. I'm the type of reader that loves to read anything and everything, I'm not going to throw a book aside just based on the race of the main characters. I think that's silly in all the extremes, but I know diversity has been a major topic lately, so I'm putting it out there that this book has diverse characters.
I really did enjoy this one. I won't say it's my favorite of favorites, but it was sort of a refreshing, different read. It was a unique and interesting experience. It's a book that doesn't scream YA, which can be refreshing from time to time. I'd definitely give it a read, it was good.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Mystical and Magical.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Review: Arata: The Legend, Volume 2 by Yuu Watase


Title: Arata: The Legend, Volume 2
Author: Yuu Watase
Published by: Shogakukan Inc. / VIZ Media
Released: 2009
Source: Library

Summary: The adventure continues with two misplaced Aratas and no ideas of how to switch back. Arata, stuck in the ancient land, is sent to a prison island where no one ever escapes. The island is ruled by a mysterious entity, who randomly takes prisoners who are never seen again. Arata needs to escape this island to fulfill his promise made to the dying princess. Finding a way off is going to be hard, but he's determined.
My Thoughts: Another enjoyable volume. Still not one of my favorite Yuu Watase series, but it has potential. Things got a little more interesting in this volume, with Arata's powers and the powers of the other Hayagami Masters.
The panels could be a little confusing to keep up with in this volume. There is a lot of action going on and I found it a little hard to follow from panel to panel. There was a lot of busyness within the panels that made it tough to keep up.
Love the artwork, as always. Yuu Watase is one of my favorite manga artists/creators for a reason :D
I do wish we got to spend more time with the other Arata, in the modern world. I would imagine it would be fun to follow his fish-out-of-water journey.
Excited to read more and see where it goes!
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5
Arata and Arata and Some Confusion

Friday, September 23, 2016

Reading Right Now! (84)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...


--The Great Hunt (Eurona #1) by Wendy Higgins-- I'm over halfway through, and enjoying it well enough. It's pretty much about a princess, a beast terrorizing a kingdom, and hunters in a competition to kill it. Whoever kills the beast gets to marry the Princess. This has mixed ratings on Goodreads, and I can understand why. A lot of people aren't crazy about how heavily the romance plays into the book, I can understand that.
I'm not hating this though. I like Wendy Higgins writing. I would maybe like a more believable build up of the relationship, but that's not enough of a reason for me to hate it.

What I Would Like To Get To Next


--The House by Christina Lauren-- I think it's a ghost story, that's enough of a reason for me to want to read it.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Review: Arata: The Legend, Vol. 01 by Yuu Watase

Title: Arata: The Legend, Vol. 01
Author: Yuu Watase
Published by: VIZ Media, LLC
Released: 2009
Source: Library

Summary: Two Aratas in two different time periods switch places. One Arata lives in an ancient world with guardians and magic. He is the last of the Hime Clan, who's girls are destined for the throne. Since there are no girls left in the family, his Grandmother dresses him up as a girl and sends him to the Princess, to stall for time while she looks for another Hime Clan girl. The Princess is gravely injured while he is there, and everyone thinks he did it! Arata must flee for his life.
The second Arata lives in the modern world and has just started at a new school. He hopes this school will be better than his old one.
Through a weird incident, the two Aratas' switch places, and jump into each other's problems.
My Thoughts: I love Yuu Watase! Her stories are always a lot of fun and I love her artwork.
This first Volume had a lot going on. It could be a little confusing at times. I'm excited to see where everything goes.
I do wish we could have spent more time with the Arata that got sent to the modern world. I imagine he experienced quite the culture shock.
If you're a fan of manga, I definitely recommend giving this series a shot. Yuu Watase can create some fun, magical stories.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Fun!

Monday, September 19, 2016

Review: Vengeance Bound by Justina Ireland


Title: Vengeance Bound
Author: Justina Ireland
Published by: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Released: 2013
Source: Library

Summary: One dark night, when Amelie feared for her life, she invited in the Furies. She took her revenge on those who had wronged her, but the Furies deal with her wasn't done. She's been possessed by the Furies, compelled to carry out their work of punishing the wicked, which turns out to mainly be men. Forced to change her name and leave everything she knew behind, Amelie, now Cory, decides that she needs to keep hold of her humanity by going to high school. She's starting to slip with the Furies, their needs have become her needs, and she's afraid that she eventually won't be human at all. The urge to hunt consumes her, but she just wants to be a normal girl.
My Thoughts: What I liked about this was the cover, (just look and appreciate it for a bit) and the concept, everything else was just meh.
The whole idea of being possessed by The Furies was kind of cool to contemplate. The Furies were vicious, they wanted to punish ALLLL the men. This book had the vibes of I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells and maybe also Dexter, but there was something just off about it at the same time.
I never really got the main character Amelie/Cory. It seemed like she wanted to fight and free herself from this possession, but she was weak at sticking to that. It seemed like she didn't really want to exert the effort to try. She liked playing the poor little old me card a lot, which didn't really make me like her character. It was also hard to pinpoint exactly who she was. It seemed like she was always putting on an act. Even though I knew I was supposed to, I couldn't really sympathize with her character, I definitely never liked her character. She was just too all-over-the-place for me.
I liked Niko. He was a cool guy. Attractive and what-not.
I did enjoy the ending of the book. That had a little bit of a satisfying zing to it.
This book was just an eeh for me. I didn't really love it, didn't find myself speeding through it to witness the ending. The concept I liked, I just wish it could have been a story I enjoyed more.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5
Cool Concept, Meh Story.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Reading Right Now! (83)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...


-- Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2) by William Ritter -- And I'm loving it! It's going to get 5 stars, pretty much knew that from the first page. For those that don't know, Beastly Bones is the sequel to Jackaby, a book that I read and loved maybe last year. The premise is that our main character Abigail Rook becomes the assistant to a wacky detective of the supernatural, Jackaby. Working for Jackaby, Abigail gets to experience all kinds of things while keeping Jackaby in check.
This sequel opens up with a strange case regarding murder, uncovered fossils, and mystery!
I love this series so much. It is awesome. I recommend it to everyone and anyone. I fully expect to finish this this weekend. I'm on page 228 and it's not that long of a book.

What I'm Thinking of Reading Next!

 

--Death Note: Volume 6: Give and Take by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata-- I need to continue on with reading my Death Note, they are always great fun!
--The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins-- This is the first book in a duology and it just looked interesting to me. It's classified as fantasy. Something about a beast that has to be hunted, a king that promises his daughter's hand in marriage to who ever catches it, and a handsome hunter who enters the picture. Sounds good, right?

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you Reading? Let me know in the comments below!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Review: Walk On Earth A Stranger (Gold Seer Trilogy #1) by Rae Carson

Title: Walk On Earth A Stranger (Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
Author: Rae Carson
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Released: 2015
Source: Library

Summary: Leah Westfall has a secret talent, a talent that must remain hidden for her family's safety. She can hear the call of gold. When gold is near, it will prick at her senses, and lead her to it like a beacon. Keeping it hidden seems like the best way to lead a normal-ish life. Her normal-ish life is turned upside down when tragedy strikes her family. She makes a decision that she can't stay in Georgia, and with the California Gold Rush reaching a fevered pitch, Leah decides to make her way there. She joins up with a wagon train heading to California. The journey is exciting, dangerous, and really just beginning.
My Thoughts: This book was great! I enjoyed reading it so much. It gave me a lot of nostalgia vibes, made me remember my childhood reading Little House on the Prairie books. I find wagon trains and the pioneers that traveled in them across the country just fascinating. I've always enjoyed history, I think it make me appreciate living in the time that I do. Life was so hard back then, death seemed to be more present. This book would be perfect for a history fan, someone that enjoys a romp through a fictional past.
When I first picked this book up, I thought I was going to get a Western. I don't really know why I thought that, but I did. So I was kind of surprised that this was a pioneer read, I just wasn't expecting that. It doesn't have that rough and tumble vibe of a Western, but it does deliver on a very exciting, journey story.
Leah's ability also doesn't play as big an impact as I thought it would. Her ability is definitely important, but it's not the sole focus of the story. I'm interested to see where things go with that angle.
As soon as I read the first paragraph, I was swept into the story. I loved it, didn't want to put it down. I'd never read anything by Rae Carson before, but I'm definitely going to be reading more now. I just loved her writing. The best kind of story, to me, is the one that's fun to read. Getting swept up in a book is the best feeling, and this one did that for me.
If I was going to offer up any criticism, it's that this book didn't really have an ending. I get it, that this book is only the first in a journey, and it definitely felt that way. I really can't wait to see what happens next.
This book was so good. I really enjoyed every moment of it. I can't wait to see where it goes next, what happens next, and how much gold Leah will find in California. I recommend this one for sure, a lot of fun and worth the read.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4.2/5
Loved it!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Books You Want To See As TV Shows

So I'm finally doing another Top 5 Wednesday! This week's topic is the Top 5 Books You Want To See As TV Shows. I picked some books, and here they are...

 
  

5. The Hero's Guide To Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy-- I think this one would make a really fun cartoon. I'm thinking Nickelodeon, in a true cartoon style. Like Spongebob Squarepants, CatDog, or The Fairly Oddparents. This series just has so much humor and I think that would play well into a cartoon. And I love cartoons, so I would definitely watch it!
4. Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones-- This one would be fun because the whole book series is about people with powers having to hide their abilities, and committing heists/crimes to make money. It just has a lot of cool elements that I think would make a great TV show. This series needs more BOOKS and LOVE!!
3. Gone by Michael Grant-- This would make such a crazy, intense, action-packed show. It would be Lord of the Flies on steroids! I feel like Under the Dome kind of barreled in and unfairly took it's spot. I love this series, so much.
2. Jackaby by William Ritter-- How fun would this be!?! Mucho fun is the answer. This has a great mix of the supernatural, humor, and a really kooky detective. I love the books, so of course I'd love this as a television show.
1. Altered by Jennifer Rush-- I feel like this would be a great action show for TV, plus it would have a plethora of cute guys. This is another series that I love, that I wish I had more books from. It would be an awesome CW show, if they did it right.

So that's my Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Books You Want To See As TV Shows. What would your picks be? If you want to join in on the Top 5 Wednesday fun, you totally should. Each Wednesday is a new, fun topic to contemplate and consider. Check out all the other Top 5 Wednesday-ers Here!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Review: The Cage (The Cage #1) by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Cage (The Cage #1)
Author: Megan Shepherd
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Released: 2015
Source: Library

Summary: Cora wakes up in the middle of the desert, turns and sees the mountains, turns again and sees the ocean. Where is she? One minute, she was riding in the car with her brother, the next she's here in this desert. Her first discovery is a dead body on the beach, the next is a boy named Lucky. Turns out, there are four other teens in this strange place, a place that's definitely not Earth. Cora and the other teens have become an experiment, captured by aliens, and placed in a type of human zoo. Cora is determined to escape and get back home. She's hoping to convince her alien captor to help her.
My Thoughts: I love Megan Shepherd's The Madman's Daughter trilogy, and I vowed to read whatever else she decides to write. So, The Cage was next on my list to read. Megan Shepherd didn't disappoint me with The Cage, but The Madman's Daughter Trilogy still remains as my favorite.
The Cage was weird, that's the best way I can describe my feelings for it. The general plot reminded me of a dream I had once, a strange, strange dream. 
Cora was placed in a no-win situation. The human zoo wasn't a fun place to be, especially with all the inhabitants kind of losing their minds, but escape didn't seem plausible to me. She's been captured by aliens, so it might be kind of hard, impossible really, to get back to Earth. But I applaud Cora's determination to try, no matter that I'm pretty sure she's stuck in alien land forever.
The other thing that made this book weird was Cora's attraction to her alien caretaker. I didn't get that. I didn't find anything attractive about the Caretaker, and it was weird seeing Cora be so attracted to him. I was more Team Lucky, because he was human, and not a metal skinned, black-eyed thing.
So, I enjoyed this, kind of. It was such a weird read for me. I liked it because it was Megan Shepherd, it was a fast-read, and I was curious to see what would happen next, but it was so, so weird. I'm definitely interested in checking out the sequel, because that ending wasn't really an ending. If you're looking for something different, then I would recommend it, but be ready for the strange.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Strange

Friday, September 9, 2016

Reading Right Now! (82)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...


-- Promise of Shadows by Justina Ireland -- This book is about Zephyr Mourning and her life as a rogue Harpy. She was thrown into Tartarus for killing a god, which she is not supposed to be able to do. That's pretty much all I know about it at this point. 
So far, I'm just eehh on this one. I haven't hit the 100 page mark, so I could enjoy it more as it goes on. I won't say it's bad so far, it just hasn't really captured my attention 100%. I also didn't really connect to the beginning of the book. It felt like I was thrown into a middle of an ongoing story, and I would have liked to witness the beginning of that story. I like how it's a Greek Mythology inspired thing, that's fun.

So that's it. I'll keep my Reading Right Now! post short and sweet for this weekend. I don't think I'll be able to get to anything else. What are you Reading Right Now!? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Review: Baby Doll by Hollie Overton

Title: Baby Doll
Author: Hollie Overton
Published by: Redhook Books
Released: July 2016
Source: Library

Summary: At 16 years old, Lily Riser was kidnapped. For eight years, she was raped, beaten, and hope seemed a stupid thing to have. During her captivity, she had a baby, who became her light and whole world. Then the day comes where her captor makes a mistake, he forgets to lock the dead bolt. Lily manages to escape, go home. Lily tries to live again, pick-up where she left off, but she finds that her family isn't the same as when she left, and neither is she. This is about what happens to Lily after, behind the headlines. How to live after so much time lost.
My Thoughts: This one was an interesting read for me. The topic is something just so scary to think about, but also hopeful, because Lily is free from a real hell-on-Earth. How do you jump back into a life that has been lost to you for eight years? A life that has gone on without you, family that is not the same as when you left it? That idea is just very sad, and interesting to think about.
There's this weird mix in this book of hope and sadness, love and loss. Picking up the pieces of life was just very interesting reading.
My pros for this book is that it's an incredibly fast read. It has short chapters that you just can't help but flip through, four character perspectives to read from, and this urgency of what is going to happen next. It didn't take me very long to read this book at all.
Where I had the most difficulties is in connecting to the characters. It was this weird mix of sympathy, but at the same time, I don't understand why you're doing the things you're doing. I had the least amount of trouble with Lily. I felt so bad for her, everything that she'd been through. I also felt bad for her because she can't just jump back into the family that she left. Everything that she'd held onto while captive wasn't the same when she got out. 
I did have questions over some of Lily's actions. Mainly how she could be so okay with going out in public during the media frenzy. All the real life cases I'd ever seen, people who escape from situations like that, tend to stay out of the public eye. I also questioned her ability to meet with her captor again after such a short time. I don't know if I'd have been strong enough to do something like that, and I don't think many people would. Especially a man who has beaten and raped you for years, that would take a superhuman amount of strength.
The mother Evie was probably the least interesting character in the whole thing.
Getting the kidnapper Rick's point of view was messed up, but at the same time interesting. He's such a vile guy.
Abby's was the point of view, and person, I struggled with the most. I didn't really like her. I didn't really understand why she did the things that she did. I tried so hard to sympathize, and remember she'd been through something awful, but that didn't combat the feeling that she was just unpleasant to be around. She's hateful, mean to those that love her, makes really dumb decisions. I didn't really look forward to reading Abby's chapters. I wanted her to be rational.
So this one was a mixed bag. I liked it, but questioned it at the same time. I wouldn't say this was a book that you need NEED in your life, but if it sounds good to you, I wouldn't say not read it. It was an average read. I liked it, but I had my problems with it.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Cannot Compute.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Review: Y: The Last Man: Volume 5: Ring of Truth by Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra, and Jose Marzan, Jr.

Title: Y: The Last Man: Volume 5: Ring of Truth
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Penciller: Pia Guerra
Inker: Jose Marzan, Jr.
Published by: VERTIGO
Released: 2005
Source: Library

Summary: They've made it to San Francisco, Finally! Dr. Mann is preforming various tests on Yorick to find out why he survived. There are still people after them, and it's easier to catch up when they are staying in one place. Agent 355 has to deal with some rogue agents. There is a ninja that has been silently stalking them. Yorick's sister, Hero, is also on their tail. Danger lurks around ALL the corners. We also discover just why (maybe?) Yorick survived that awful day, when all the other men died.
My Thoughts: Another fun volume in the series. Every time I pick up a Volume, I have fun. I really enjoy Yorick's sense of humor. I guess, if you've gotta be the last man, you might as well make jokes about it. 
Agent 355 is one awesome lady! Love Ampersand's monkey antics. I'm still a little iffy about Dr. Mann though. 
So in this Volume, Yorick meets some new people then leaves them. Some old adversaries come into play. Yorick's crazy sister finds them. And just more crazy stuff goes down.
This is a fun comic series to read and I can't wait to continue on with it. I'm halfway to the end now. I can't wait to see what happens next.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
I Like It!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Reading Right Now! (81)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 
(It's the same book, Goodreads just has the covers weird. The folder is on the outside and the Shadows in the Asylum font peeks through the black space in my physical copy. I just wanted you guys to get the full affect)

--Shadows in the Asylum: The Case Files of Dr. Charles Marsh by D.A. Stern- I saw this book on AmandainPA 's youtube channel. I really like her channel. She reads a lot of great thrillers and mysteries that I want after having seen them on her channel. This was one of those books. I'd never even heard of it before she talked about it. Apparently, this author also wrote The Blair Witch Project, which I'm intrigued by. I think the book came out after the movie, but don't quote me. I also was just eehh on The Blair Witch Project movie, mainly because I found the main girl character to be super annoying. Anyway, that's not what this is even about.
So this book is about a therapist named Charles Marsh who is treating this patient named Kari Hansen. Kari is suffering from extreme and debilitating delusions, where shadow people are always after her and just about to get her. Dr. Marsh starts looking into her past, when her breakdown and problems occurred, and starts getting wrapped up in her story. It seems to involve ancient Native American myth and creatures.
The major selling point of this story, for me at least, is that it is told entirely in emails, documents, transcripts, journal entries and picture forms. It has the coolest set-up ever. Visually, it is the most awesome thing to flip through. Because not only is it in document form, it looks like the documents are right in front of you. Papers stained with coffee, pages folded, darkenings from photocopied pages. It just adds that extra oomph, of this is cool and so much fun to read.
I'm definitely enjoying it. I'm getting more pulled into the story at this point. It hasn't scared me yet, but we will see. I don't know if I'm the most easily-scared when it comes to books. Movies can scare me without even trying, even a clown in the woods picture, slightly out of focus, can cause me to have trouble sleeping, but books really have to be freaky to get me freaked out.
So, I hope to read this one and get farther in it this weekend. Maybe finish and move onto something else.

If I do finish, I would like to get to these books next...

 

-- Wytches: Volume 1 (issues #1-6) by Scott Snyder and others- This is a horror comic book and it looks pretty creepy. All the artwork inside is pretty dark toned, and I'm thinking that's what the story is going to be like too.
-- Bluescreen (Mirador #1) by Dan Wells- I am a fan of Dan Wells, ever since I read his I Am Not A Serial Killer series, so I want to read more by him, and this one looks good. I still need to read his Partials sequence, but I'll get to that eventually.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! for this Labor Day weekend. What are you Reading? Let me know in the comments below. And if you've read any of these books, tell me what you thought of them.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Review: With Malice by Eileen Cook

Title: With Malice
Author: Eileen Cook
Published by: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Released: 2016
Source: Library

Summary: Jill wakes up in a strange situation. She's battered and bruised, her leg is in a cast, and she can't remember what happened in her life for the last few months. Jill can't remember the academic trip she took to Italy. She can't remember the accident that the Italian police want to question her about. They seem to think it wasn't an accident at all, but something she did on purpose. Someone died in that accident, and Jill just wishes she could remember if it was her fault or not. Jill finds herself in a very precarious position, being blamed for a crime she can't remember, and in danger of being extradited back to Italy to face charges for it. She's sure she didn't do it, if only she could remember.
My Thoughts: I recommend going into this book blind. Don't read the synopsis on the book jacket, let yourself be in the dark just like Jill is, I think that adds a little more fun to it.
I really enjoyed this book! I flew through it, constantly questioning what the truth was. Who did it?!?! What happened??? Who's guilty??? So many questions, which is exactly what I want in a mystery thriller. I like trying to figure out the crime, seeing if I can figure it out before the character does.
One of my favorite parts of this book where the police interviews, witness testimonies, news show clips, and all the other little extra bits. It just felt like I was getting intimate access to the case. The whole rest of the time, we are with Jill, and Jill doesn't know anything about her time in Italy and what led up to the accident. With the extra tidbits, the reader gets to learn more and see what the rest of the world is saying while Jill has been kept in a kind of isolation. It was just very fun and engaging.
It also had a little bit of that true life Amanda Knox thing going with it, but only in the sense that an American girl was being pursued by the Italian police for a crime that it didn't look like she committed. 
The ending made me realize that I know nothing. It will definitely throw you for a loop, at least that's what it did to me.
I thought this book was a lot of fun. Very mysterious, engaging, I need to know what happens next. It's an enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it!
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
What happened in Italy???