Review (Becky): Artemis Fowl The Time Paradox

Title: Artemis Fowl The Time Paradox (#6)
Author: Eoin Colfer
Pages: Audiobook
Ratings: Three stars: I'd stay friends with this book on Facebook.



Goodreads Summary

After disappearing for three years, Artemis Fowl has returned to a life different from the one he had. Now he’s a big brother, and spends his days teaching his twin siblings the important things in life, such as how to properly summon a waiter at a French restaurant.

But when Artemis’s mother contracts a life-threatening illness, his world is turned upside down. The only hope for a cure lies in the brain fluid of the silky sifaka lemur. Unfortunately, the animal is extinct, due to a heartless bargain Artemis himself made as a younger boy.

Though the odds are stacked against him, Artemis is not willing to give up. With the help of his fairy friends, the young genius travels back in time to rescue the lemur and bring it to the present. But to do so, Artemis will have to defeat a maniacal poacher who has set his sights on new prey: Holly Short.

The rules of time travel are far from simple, but to save his mother, Artemis will have to break them all . . . and outsmart his most cunning adversary yet: Artemis Fowl, age ten


My Thoughts

Well, I guess it had to happen eventually.  This is a strong series, with each book seeming better than the last, until number 6.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible.  The book has all the same appeal elements as the last 5: a fast pace, quirky characters, a sci-fi fantasy crossing plot, and excellent character development for Artemis.  In fact, this was probably where Artemis reached his peak of likability.  The villain, however, was not at all surprising and is getting old at this point.  The audiobook also switched narrators for some reason which was very upsetting.

It was good enough that I'll continue on with the rest of the series but definitely not the strongest installment.


For more on this series...

FTC Disclaimer All reviews are solely the opinions of Becky and/or Randi. We are not paid in any way for our reviews, and all opinions are 100% honest.http://cardiganscoffeeandbookmarks.blogspot.com/2012/07/artemis-fowl-for-reluctant-readers.html

Twice Baked Thursday(6): Hush Hush

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance (fallen angels)

Audience: Teen

Pages: 391

Source: Library; bought a copy (of course!)

Rating: 2 stars : I'd give this book an awkward hug(Becky)

              3.5 stars: I'd friend this book on Facebook and then         shamelessly flirt with it (Randi)

Goodreads Summary:

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Our Thoughts:

If I wanted to read Twilight again I would go get it off my bookshelf...but I never do.  Why?  Because it is badly written. Harsh! While this wasn't amazingly written, it was well-written according to conventions (that's not what the sentence fragments said). Now Twilight...that was just badly written all around. Editors are valuable resources. Just sayin'. If you are going for a quick, candy romance then I would recommend this, but if you want any substance at all, stop at the gorgeous cover. I can't disagree with that! This book contained everything I don't like in YA fiction and just about nothing I did like. I liked the boy! The story of the fallen angels was different than others that I've read (which, granted, isn't all that many since I tend to avoid any religion in my fiction and, by extension, try to avoid angels just in case). Plus there's the whole thing about this being one of my best friend's favorite series, so I thought I should give it a shot! Though, with all the books I'm dying to read, I likely won't continue the series, or, if I do, it will definitely be because I'm looking for one of those mindless kind of books (though with this semester's schedule, who knows! I may need it!).

Characters:

The characters were entirely flat.  They had absolutely no development and followed familiar stereotypes.  Of course Bella, oops I mean Nora, had an idiotic sensual friend who did all the wrong things and by comparison made her look less foolish. Wow. For a best friend, Vee totally sucked! Though I do think the mind control aspects made Nora seem less a pathetic figure than Bella. And also, she was just more likable in general. Patch was your typical bad-boy stalker with no redeeming characteristics aside from being attractive. Very attractive. He physically assaulted Nora, (where?!)(EVERWHERE!  he's always grabbing her and shoving her) verbally harassed her (oh that was just sexy talk!), and was generally annoying all the way through (I found his mystery and way of magically appearing out of nowhere was kind of endearing! LOL).  Thank God for his "hidden smiles," "black eyes" and "slightly tilted lips."  How charming.  Let's all also be thankful that Nora's mom doesn't care enough about her to actually be home and raise her. But she had to pay for the house you say?  Is a house more important than actually being near your family?  I think not.  Ouch! Okay, I do have to defend Nora's mom on this one since my mom was a bit absent in order to pay the bills. It's difficult when you're living paycheck to paycheck as a single parent. Really difficult. She could've gotten a local job, but it's hard to say whether that would have made them happier. Not the perfect mom, certainly, but I understand the working part. (Your circumstance is undoubtably different because Nora's mom had the easy option of selling the house and getting an apartment and in-town job)

Writing Style:

The writing was bland with a capitol B.  There are few if any sensory details, and those that do exist are repeated over and over. Okay, honestly I didn't notice this while reading...But you're right. Sometimes I just get so wrapped up in the story! :) The story is entirely reliant on its fast pace and the "sexual tension" which seemed awfully close to sexual harassment. That fast pace kind of made me oblivious to much else. Also, every time I see the word "harassment," I think of my seventh grade teacher who pronounced it hair-iss-mint. Random factoid. (Me too!) There are many many sentence fragments, which would be ok (I guess) if they added anything to the style or story. What?! I love sentence fragments in fiction! Maybe I'll have to reread it.... ;) 

Story Line:

I don't know about you, but I had a pretty god idea what was going to happen in this book from looking at the cover. True story. Although Nora was constantly surprised by the "twists and turns," the reader really shouldn't be unless they are actively trying not to figure it out. What are you trying to say, Becky?! ;) The ending was especially obvious.  I won't give you a spoiler, I'll just highlight what we know from the cover- attractive male angel falls from heaven and meets attractive girl.  Ask yourself what kinds of angels there are, particularly in cheesy movies, and what kind of ending you think this book will have. I love cheese. Ohhh, you were talking about plot! Oops... Yup, you've got it. Sometimes we all need a little fluff. I must say that the plot and characters are not all that original *cough*typicalYAparanormalromance*cough* but if you like fluffy books with cute angels, Hush, Hush is probably right up your alley.

Sorry for the snark, but I just lost four hours of my life I will never get back to this book.

What's Next (7): Becky

What's Next is a weekly feature started by Hafsah at IceyBooks. Basically, we need your help deciding what to read next! So check out the books below & vote on what YOU think should be our next read!

I have to eventually face the fact that I will run out of John Green books to read. When that sad day occurs, two books from now, I need to be ready with a stockpile of contemporary realism that is up to par.  Here are some choices.  If you have any other suggestions not listed you think could fill this void, please share!





Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

High school student Nick O'Leary, member of a rock band, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and asks her to be his girlfriend for five minutes in order to avoid his ex-sweetheart.








Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Seventeen-year-old Greg has managed to become part of every social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends, but his life changes when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a girl he once knew in Hebrew school who has leukemia.













Paper Covers Rock


In 1982 Buncombe County, North Carolina, sixteen-year-old Alex Stromm writes of the aftermath of the accidental drowning of a friend, as his English teacher reaches out to him while he and a fellow boarding school student try to cover things up.

Waiting on Wednesday (7): Becky & Randi

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine for book bloggers to highlight the books we are anxiously awaiting!

Today, Randi is waiting on:


The Summer Prince
by Alaya Dawn Johnson
Publication Date: March 2013


Summary from Goodreads: Four hundred years ago, the world ended. And now, on the coast of what was once called Brazil, women rule in the legendary pyramid city of Palmares Três. The city's Queen only cedes her power to a man once every five years -- to a Summer King, whose story will grip the city like a fever.

For June Costa, art is everything. Her brilliant creations -- from murals and holograms to a delicate pattern of lights in her skin -- have impressed (and irritated) her classmates and teachers alike. Her dream is to win the prestigious Queen's Award, and the instant fame and success that come with it. It's a dream she never questions -- until she meets Enki. Enki, the newly-elected Summer King, is the hottest thing in Palmares Três. But when June sees Enki, she sees more than piercing amber eyes and a lethal samba: She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will create art that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government's strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, tragically in love with Enki. 

Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

Why I'm waiting anxiously: 1. Women rule (hahaha). 2. Sweet cover. 3. Forbidden love. 4. Exotic setting. What's not to love?! :)

Today, Becky is waiting on:

What's Left of Me

by Kat Zhang

Publication Date: September 18

Summary from Goodreads: 

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else--two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers.  Why aren't they settling?  Why isn't one of them fading?  The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time.  Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone.  Except she wasn't.

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Why I'm waiting anxiously: Did you read the summary?  Then you should know, lol.  I love stories about twins, and this takes it to a whole new level.  Add a dystopian society into the mix and I can almost guarantee that I will love this book.  The crazy, awesome cover messes with my eyes, too!

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Confessions

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week our list (brought to you by Becky!) is the Top Ten Bookish Confessions.


At first I thought this would be really tough, but then I thought about it and I have a lot of strange book-tendencies.

1. Bookmarking.  This is going to sound really OCD...but I love to use bookmarks at every 100 pages in my books.  I guess I do it so I can have my place already held when I stop.  Or maybe I am just crazy lol.

2. Book Hurling.  Sometimes when I really hate a book I hurl it across the room in disgust.  I try to limit this to my own collection.

3. Neglecting.  Once a book is on my personal shelf, I will likely never read it.  I am always focused on reading my library books because those have a due date.

4. Correcting.  If there is a mechanical or spelling error in a book I have no choice but to circle it in pencil or fix it.

5.  Underlining.  If I see a quote I really like in a book I sometimes underline it very lightly in pencil.

6.  Stacking. I always stack my library books on my window-shelf with the largest at the bottom and smallest at the top.

7.  Judging. I always judge books by their cover.  A book with a bad cover will never touch my hands, no matter how good the story is inside.

8. Lending. I hate lending my books to other people.  It's like lending your child or your pet.

9.  Borrowing. I hate borrowing books from other people.  If you borrow someone's personal book you cannot do most of the above habits.

10. Squinting.  If I don't like the format of a book's pages or text, I get the large print copy.  Sorry seniors:(.

Review: Words in the Dust

Title: Words in the Dust
Author: Trent Reedy
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication Date: Jan. 1st, 2011
Page Count: 286
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Audience: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Source: library. Must buy a copy soon!
Rating: 5+ I would marry this book and treasure it forever!

Summary from Goodreads:  ...a beautiful debut about a daughter of Afghanistan discovering new friends and opportunities after the defeat of the Taliban.

Zulaikha hopes. She hopes for peace, now that the Taliban have been driven from Afghanistan; a good relationship with her hard stepmother; and one day even to go to school, or to have her cleft palate fixed. Zulaikha knows all will be provided for her--"Inshallah," God willing.

Then she meets Meena, who offers to teach her the Afghan poetry she taught her late mother. And the Americans come to her village, promising not just new opportunities and dangers, but surgery to fix her face. These changes could mean a whole new life for Zulaikha--but can she dare to hope they'll come true?

My thoughts: I loved this book so much that, as soon as I finished reading it, I emailed Trent Reedy to tell him how much Zulaikha's story really touched me. (Note: I don't do that. I love many books, but never do I send the author an email! After all, what would I say? But I did email this author because his book really spoke to me. And if you give it the chance, I bet it will speak to you too.) And he replied back! And then I fangirled a little bit... Turns out Mr. Reedy is from Iowa, my adopted state, and went to my university! How cool is that? :)

Anyway, on to the book. I've heard very little (read: close to nothing) about the Afghan peoples. I've taken literature courses on lit. from Pakistan and India, which gave me a small sense of the various peoples of those countries, but sadly, all I knew about Afghanistan before reading this book was what I got from the media. Which translates to: a very limited and often negative portrait. I like to think I'm an open-minded person, but this book really opened my eyes to the reality of growing up in Afghanistan, something I've never given a thought to, despite all of my country's and countrymen's "work" there. I still don't have a full picture of life in Afghanistan or life as a young woman in a very traditional patriarchal society which is very different from the one in which I live, and I never will. But this book made me think. And I like when books make me think. (Sidenote: you may or may not know, based on how often you stop by/stalk us!, but I'm hoping to teach middle school language arts.) In fact, I look forward to someday using this book in my own classroom. If it can make an educated 24-year-old woman stop and think (...finished this book over a week ago and I'm still thinking about it!), I can only imagine the possibilities for middle school students, especially since Zulaikha, our protagonist, is a young teen herself. She struggles to fit in, she worries about keeping her family happy and about losing her sister when Zeynab gets married, and she faces ridicule and hardship because of her cleft lip. All of these in some way relate to the realities and/or fears of your average t(w)een. Not to mention the new perspective on culture, especially at a time when our young people (heck, all our people) could use a humanized view of the peoples of other cultures, particularly Muslims, as Zulaikha is, since Islam seems to be a scapegoat and a target for hate for those ignorant of the differences between Taliban/Al Qaeda and the civilians of countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.

This story is eye-opening, heart-breaking, and tear-inducing. And I cannot recommend it more. I wish there were more books out there like this (and perhaps there are and I just need to find them, so if you have recommendations, please leave a comment!). And if you can, purchase a copy. "10% of the author's proceeds (up to $10,000) will be donated to Women for Afghan Women, which advocates for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan" ~ back flap.

FTC Disclaimer

All reviews are solely the opinions of Becky and/or Randi. We are not paid in any way for our reviews, and all opinions are 100% honest.

Review: Graffiti Moon

Title: Graffiti Moon 
Author: Cath Crowley
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: Feb. 14th, 2012 (USA)
Page Count: 260 (too short!)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Audience: Young Adult
Source: library, unfortunately!
Rating: 5+ I'd fly to Australia to elope with this book!

Summary from Goodreads: Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

My thoughts: Have you heard the hype about this book? Either way, it's well deserved. I've found yet another new favorite this year. (I'm beginning to feel like you're all going to think I just love every book, but I swear, it's just been a good year!) This book kind of came out of nowhere at me. The writing is almost lyrical; the storytelling jumps from Lucy's point of view, to Ed's, to Leo's poetry; the entire story takes place over a 24-hour period. Everything about this book is unique, at least it was for me. I'm not huge on art - I enjoy looking at it, but analyzing it is not my forte (hence the fact that I'm working toward teaching English and not art!), so the way Crowley is able to make me see and feel Shadow's paintings/murals/graffiti/what-you-will and Lucy's glassblowing is kind of incredible. I don't know art. This is not the kind of book I'm normally attracted to; I loved the cover at first sight (still do! The lights and graffiti splatters just work, and I appreciate that the silhouettes of Lucy & Ed are there but that they're not so detailed that you can't picture their characters for yourself), and I've really enjoyed YA contemporary this year, but I just don't pick up art books. I'm so glad I finally did pick this one up, though.

Lucy goes searching for Shadow, this graffiti artist whose work she sees all over the city, with her friends and some tag-a-long boys on graduation night. From the beginning, the reader knows what's going on, though Lucy doesn't have the slightest clue. This makes for an interesting dynamic between Lucy and Ed, who you'll come to find have an interesting past. Ed's uncertainty and even fear about what to do/say on his adventure with Lucy is endearing, especially knowing his family history and his plans with Leo for later in the evening (specifically why he agreed to said plans). I promise, I'm not trying to be cryptic, I just don't want to spoil anything! And considering this does take place in 24 hours, I think I'll stop here on plot.

The only thing that makes me sad about this book is that I wish Lucy, Ed, Leo, and Jazz were real so I could hang out with them, because they seem insanely fun. And I'd love to see Shadow and Lucy's art for myself. This book is completely self-contained; everything ties up neatly and doesn't leave you raving mad hoping for a sequel as some stand-alones seem to do (or is that just me?). I found the end very satisfying. Highly recommended!

FTC Disclaimer

All reviews are solely the opinions of Becky and/or Randi. We are not paid in any way for our reviews, and all opinions are 100% honest.

Twice Baked Thursday (5): The Lock Artist

Twice Baked Thursday is an original weekly meme created here at Cardigans, Coffee and Bookmarks.  This feature was created because Randi and Becky, often read the same books and have very different opinions about them.  When we read the same book we do a joint review on it, showing both sides. Our reviews will "talk back" to one another, one reviewer writing in another color text. Please feel free to join us and link to our blog in your post, and also use the widget below to link your own double-review to our page.

Title: The Lock Artist

Author: Steve Hamilton 

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Audience: Adult (Crossover Teen)

Pages: 304

Source: Library;Library

Rating:  4.5 I'd take this book to an expensive dinner (Randi)

              Five Stars: I'd marry this book after an awkwardly quiet courtship (Becky)

Goodreads Summary:

"I was the Miracle Boy, once upon a time. Later on, the Milford Mute. The Golden Boy. The Young Ghost. The Kid. The Boxman. The Lock Artist. That was all me.But you can call me Mike."
  Marked by tragedy, traumatized at the age of eight, Michael, now eighteen, is no ordinary young man. Besides not uttering a single word in ten years, he discovers the one thing he can somehow do better than anyone else. Whether it's a locked door without a key, a padlock with no combination, or even an eight-hundred pound safe ... he can open them all.  It's an unforgivable talent. A talent that will make young Michael a hot commodity with the wrong people and, whether he likes it or not, push him ever close to a life of crime. Until he finally sees his chance to escape, and with one desperate gamble risks everything to come back home to the only person he ever loved, and to unlock the secret that has kept him silent for so long. Steve Hamilton steps away from his Edgar Award-winning Alex McKnight series to introduce a unique new character, unlike anyone you've ever seen in the world of crime fiction. The Lock Artist is the winner of the 2011 Edgar Award for Best Novel.

Our Thoughts:

Let me start by saying that this is the first adult book I've read in awhile (though it is an Alex Award winner, so it has strong appeal to teens as well). It did not disappoint! The story, following Mike (Michael) the safecracker, was unlike any I've read.  The format jumps from Michael as a high school kid to Mike(MICHAEL) as a pro, and from the point-of-view of Mike (I give up) in prison, as we're told from the very beginning.  It was both enjoyable and frustrating at the same time.  I liked it as well, although for a while I had trouble figuring out what age he was at what time, so for half the book I thought he was about 9 when he was actually 17, lol. every time a chapter ended and the time period switched, I felt myself going "NO! I need to know what's next!" And then of course, I had to keep flipping the pages. It's also interesting that we see how Michael goes from a fairly average teen (except for the whole not-talking thing) to a much more mature, focused, intense teen who is definitely more man than boy.  The characterization of Michael really shone for me as well.  The fact that he never spoke actually made me relate to him more, because I felt like I was in the story but I couldn't speak to anyone either.  He was very likable and introspective!

I really like Mike as a character, and Amelia. I thought Amelia was a tinesy bit underdeveloped, but still likable despite their instalove. At least in this case the instalove is based in something other than physical attraction.  And how their story comes together. When we finally learn about the thing that happened that caused Mike's muteness, it's both horrifying and clarifying, and is definitely an intense moment for the reader. I may or may not have screamed "NOOOOOOO" out loud, and startled my dog. I even found myself liking the Ghost a.k.a. Mr. G, the crotchety old man. He was not a nice person, Randi! And Uncle Lito seemed like a guy who, though not necessarily affectionate, gave Mike everything that he knew how to give. Other than that, this book is full of evil, disdainful characters that make me hope I'm never unlucky enough to run into any of their real-life doubles in person. Seriously badasses, and not in the fun, rebellious, "that guy's cool" kinda way.  Well-developed secondary characters make or break novels for me, and it was refreshing to find one that did it so seemingly effortlessly.

Other than the fact that this book is denser than your average YA (it was a big switch reading an adult-marketed book after so long, and took me longer than I anticipated), it reads very much like a YA as far as content. The writing is much better than your average YA.  I'm sorry, but it's true. They definitely got it right when they gave The Lock Artist the Alex Award! Though I was a little unsure about the whole knowing-Mike's-in-lockup from the beginning aspect, the story tied up nicely and had a satisfying conclusion (which pleasantly surprised me!). I wish it weren't a standalone because I really felt like I got to know Mike, and it's always hard to leave those characters behind. SEQUEL SEQUEL!!! Anyway, if you're looking for a unique suspense story with strong appeal for both adults and teens, definitely look into this one. You won't be disappointed.

What's Next (6): Randi

What's Next is a weekly feature started by Hafsah at IceyBooks. Basically, we need your help deciding what to read next! So check out the books below & vote on what YOU think should be our next read!

Hi, all! It's Randi here this week, and I'm trying to decide which of my library books (which are all very different) to read next. I'll read them all soon, hopefully, but two of them already have reviews scheduled down the line, so if one of those wins, I'll let you know when that review will be up! 

My review of The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney, which had the most votes on my previous What's Next post, went up on Monday, so check that out here.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Summary from Goodreads: Today I moved to a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water. I'm not the only kid who lives here. There's my sister, Natalie, except she doesn't count. And there are twenty-three other kids who live on the island because their dads work as guards or cook's or doctors or electricians for the prison, like my dad does. Plus, there are a ton of murderers, rapists, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two, though I doubt it. The convicts we have are the kind other prisons don't want. I never knew prisons could be picky, but I guess they can. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Summary from Goodreads: Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time, my name was not Alice. 

Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was. 

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.

This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

Perfume: the Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

Summary from Goodreads: In the slums of eighteenth-century France, the infant Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born with one sublime gift—an absolute sense of smell. As a boy, he lives to decipher the odors of Paris, and apprentices himself to a prominent perfumer who teaches him the ancient art of mixing precious oils and herbs. But Grenouille's genius is such that he is not satisfied to stop there, and he becomes obsessed with capturing the smells of objects such as brass doorknobs and frest-cut wood. Then one day he catches a hint of a scent that will drive him on an ever-more-terrifying quest to create the "ultimate perfume"—the scent of a beautiful young virgin. Told with dazzling narrative brillance, Perfume is a hauntingly powerful tale of murder and sensual depravity.

So which one of these do YOU think I should read next? 

Let me know in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday (6): Becky & Randi

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine for book bloggers to highlight the books we are anxiously awaiting!

Today, Randi is waiting on:

Out of the Easy
by Ruta Sepetys
Publication Date: February 13th, 2013

Summary from Goodreads: Known amongst locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than The Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld, New Orleans lures Josie in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as her international bestselling novel, "Between Shades of Gray," Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

Why I'm waiting anxiously: I loved Ruta Sepetys' debut Between Shades of Gray, and I honestly will probably read anything else she publishes. Aside from that, I'm intrigued by the New Orleans settings because, though I've always wanted to visit, I haven't read all that many books set in NOLA. The secrets and lies mentioned in the synopsis have me curious as well! 

Today, Becky is waiting on:

Breaking Glass

by Lisa Amowitz

Publication Date: June 9th, 2013

Summary from Goodreads: On the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush, Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond the grave, he's not sure whether they're real or if he's losing his grip on reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself

Why I'm waiting anxiously:  I love paranormal stories with a bit of mystery.