Merry Christmas, fellow book lovers!

This is probably my favorite Grant County book so far. It focuses a lot on the character of Lena, who I have always found intriguing. Definitely a page turner. Now to decide if I want to read the next book in the series or take a break from Sara Linton.

This book got pretty crazy, and at times the history got a bit confusing, but I'm not sure if that was just because I was rushing and not giving my full attention. This one ended with several surprises, and I'm looking forward to beginning the third book!

I did not expect to like this, honestly. I kept hearing about the series, and kept thinking it was not for me. I ended up loving it and ordering the rest of the books. I had intended to put the book in my classroom library, but there are some steamy scenes that I think might be .... too steamy? Do other high school teachers have this in their classrooms?

My students were asking for more dystopian stories, and although this may not traditionally fit, I think they will like it. This story follows the story of two people brought together over and over again through the ages. I enjoyed that it started in the future and worked back to before the Vikings. Definitely enjoyable and appropriate for high school students.

This book was tough to read, honestly. This book deals with love in it's most basic form and how it can change with time. This is also a book about family and what that really means. Mixed in with drug abuse, child abuse, neglect, mental illness, rape, and murder, is a story about two people who always find their way back to each other.

This one was tough just because of the weighty topics, but overall, I enjoyed it. It is a bit graphic and has some language that may not be appropriate for all young adults, but this could be therapeutic for the right reader.

I have read several of Diane Chamberlain's books. This is probably my least favorite. It was very slow at times, but the story was good, although a bit predictable. If you are interested in reading her books, I suggest Necessary Lies to begin with!

This book is so much more than a murder mystery. It is about what makes us human, what creates community, and our connection with the world around us. The writing is strong and creates such a strong sense of place, that perhaps more than any other story, the setting becomes a main character. I understand why so many have chosen this for book clubs, as there is so much to discuss and ponder.

Wow! This book was really tremendous! It is graphic and there are parts that may be too much for some readers, but if you enjoy Slaughter's writing, this may be her best. As a psychological thriller, it kept me invested, but was unique about this story was that she wove beautiful descriptions of family and love and loss throughout. Definitely recommend!

This is the second book in the Grant County series. I liked this one a lot, the continuation of the relationship between Sara and Jeffrey, the development of Lena and Sara's family. This was pretty graphic, so some readers may be triggered, but it was a well-done psychological thriller. I can't wait to read the third one (once the other patron returns it to the library - late!)

I'm on a Karin Slaughter kick it seems. This one was a bit slow in the beginning but really picked up. Not my favorite by her, but still a great read!

I have heard a lot about the Grant County series, so I thought I would give it a shot. I enjoyed the characters here and the pacing. I have the next two books lined up after I finish one of her more recent books, The Kept Woman.

1. Tie between Shatter Me and Sookie Stackhouse series.
2. Tartar sauce
3. Crowded places, centipedes
4. Just one - he is the best!
5. Happy FriYAY to you!

I know some readers do not like the portrayal of bisexuality in this book, but I think the flexible labels and confusion is relatable for young readers, thus making it an important book for classroom libraries. I like the structure of the book - divided into three parts and reflective of the personalities of the narrators. I enjoyed it.

This book, set in rural Appalachia, creates a strong sense of place and community, telling the rich story through the perspectives of various characters. I really enjoyed this - though I think she could have done more to establish WHY different parts of the book were told from different perspectives.

I LOVED this book. I really enjoyed the characters, the relationships between the characters, the plot and twists, just all of it. So good!

This is a great psychological thriller. I enjoy stories that deal with the realities of mental illness, and this included those in an authentic way. Definitely a good read!

This is a page turner! I unfortunately had read some reviews that kind of spoiled the ending, but I still enjoyed it. A quick read!

This was a story full of characters that I really enjoyed despite their flaws. I think the author did a tremendous job of creating characters I will keep with me. I also think this story of a teenage daughter trying to save her addicted mother is one that a lot of my students will enjoy and some may relate to.

Now that summer is here, I get to spend time in my office! These are my new bookshelves. And for the puzzle lovers, I have a puzzle table under the main part of my desk that pulls out. I love it!

I picked this book because of the true crime podcast aspect, and there were parts of this that I liked. However, I did not connect with any characters and the ending was just not well done.

I enjoy magical realism, and this certainly fits into the genre. I really enjoyed her writing style and her characters, but there were some parts of the plot that didn't completely come together for me. I would still recommend it!

School is out for the summer! Which means I can now get started on my stack of books! I am currently reading "Bone Gap," have two books to pick up at the library, "The Sound of Gravel" on the way from Amazon, and these books to read for my classroom!

This was a quick, heavy read that I think my students will love!

I loved the podcast and diary format of this book!