DaShannon’s Comments (group member since May 18, 2014)

DaShannon’s comments from the Mrs. Eriksson's Summer Reading Challenge 2015 group.

An interesting read for the fashion crowd. An inspired historical fiction tale about the seamstress who copied the famous first lady's pink suit for her so it could be American made. The story is really about the seamstress, her betrothed butcher and the fashion making world at the time.

This YA novel takes Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar as an inspiration to some troubled teens to write and read and discuss to get through their most difficult times. Some of the characters are forthcoming with how they ended up at the special school but some, including the main character, hold back, building suspense that I found anticlimactic. The premise of the novel is original and I wanted to sit down to fall back into Belzhar. I'll be interested to know what other Blan readers think of this one.

What a fun, entertaining memoir by one of today's funniest ladies. I love her honesty and humor. Good stuff. I hear the audio is especially good. This is for mature readers who enjoy Tina Fey's humor.

Perfect summer read on the beach or by the pool, this YA murder mystery is actually a series that I will continue reading. I like the main character who is strong and smart and curious. The constant action and questions kept me reaching for it every chance I got.

This classic mystery/suspense/thriller was an interesting read. It took more patience than today's thriller because it was written for a reader who wanted it to take longer to get to the bottom of the story. I enjoyed it!

This series is for those who liked the Twilight series. In my opinion it is even better writing and characterization. Instead of vampires there are merpeople called Syrena and they feud and they fall in love with humans. A good plot lines takes the series from one book into the next and it makes for enjoyable reading.

For lovers of Where'd You Go Bernadette and Gone Girl, this is a fun, funny, suspenseful read perfect for summer! The book description on the fly leaf doesn't do it justice making it sound more like surface reality television. It sounds like petty drama but it isn't. It is more interesting and draws the reader in more while entertaining and pulling on the heartstrings. It is an adult book but fine for mature readers who have read the aforementioned books or other adult books.

An interesting response from a dad who is frustrated with his son's response to schooling. The boy agrees to watch and discuss movies with his dad. The movie discussions and the father-son discussions make for a good read but, of course, as a teacher I found myself very concerned for his son's education and future.

Style by Kate Spade. A beautifully crafted book. It suggests wardrobe staples, movies that hold style, and classic outfits. A good quick perusal of fashion and style.

I just finished Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas. A mature YA thriller is a next read for fans of Gone Girl. Dangerous Girls keeps the reader guessing during the trial of a best friend accused of murdering her bestie. There are mutual friends, a complicated boyfriend, and a wild spring break all rolled up in a murder. I enjoyed it and recommend it for mature readers looking for a thriller based around young adults. Once again risky, for mature readers only. Involves underaged drinking, illegal drugs and sexual situation but all are necessary to develop the story.

Longbourn by Jo Baker. For fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey, this novel tells the story of the 'family' down below who made life possible for the Bennet household. I enjoyed it and couldn't wait to get my chores done so I could go out on the porch and read!

Kayla after you read P&P there is a good graphic adaptation in the library that you'll appreciate.

Just finished Red Velvet Cupcake Mystery. A campy murder mystery based around a bakery. Fluke usually delivers a good fun read. Enough of this kind of reading, I need to get to some more substantial reads. Oops just saw this should go under 2nd book, oh well I'll post there next.

Just finished Murder in Baker Street. A good one to help me get to the new Sherlocks on PBS. This is a collection of short stories based on the Sherlock character but by various authors. I love mysteries.

I'm loving all your goals!
My goal is to read at least 20 books this summer, at 2 a week that's doable for me. I plan to read one from our library and one from home or for my various book clubs.

'rather chatty librarian' ???

We have this but I have kept it in my office wondering if it was too much?

Walls other books are equally as good- Half Broke Horses and Silver Star.

WHAT???!?! Not wowed? Hmm. I think I like Looking for Alaska more if not as much as TFIOS.

Have you read the Jurassic Park series? If you like Benchley's writing you would love it!