bugabusu's reviews
248 reviews

I cannot say enough about how this book/this series could change the life of a young woman. The main character is such a strong female lead, she is inspiring both in her role on the football field and off. I think it is very important to have characters that break normal gender stereotypes especially in a non-science fiction/fantasy/dystopian sense. And yes D.J. might not be accessible to all the girls (or people who associate as girls) out there I think as a whole she experiences the ups and downs a lot of young people go through. I enjoyed both the drama and comedy in all of these books and am always trying to share these books with parents of young people. D.J.'s character not only helps open the eyes of teenage girls but also boys that anything is possible when you set your mind to it and you should not be limited or hold yourself back based on gender stereotypes.

Leslie Karst’s cozy murder involving an Italian restaurant near Monterey will make your mouth water while dreaming of the sea. Karst keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The old Italian guys, the chef, the police officer, all the characters are entertaining. The descriptions of Sally’s bicycle rides and painting classes and trips to her dad’s restaurant are pleasant. I really enjoyed the touch of romance and while I am a new comer to this series I was rooting for Sally and Eric. If you enjoy Italian food, the seaside, watercolor painting, and murder then this book is for you.

This astonishing book about a boy who has made a mistake, is feeling guilty for his actions, and his grandmother who is trying to help him was a captivating read. The free flow poetry was an interesting way to tell the sad story of Jett and Junior and Alf. The reader gets a better feel for Jett’s emotions because of this style. The comparison of the sea glass’s battering turning it into a gem is something every person can relate to, as is the remorse felt by Jett because of his actions. This book is an appreciable read for any young person, it would help them understand we all make mistakes and feeling regret is a normal part of that process.

Oy vey! Zaida fell on his tuches. This is a wonderful story about a boy, Eli, and his grandfather and their weekly ritual. Due to his grandfather’s injury the grandson takes over the tradition and adds his own twist. The illustrations are absolutely delicious. They are colorful, descriptive, and such a great addition to the telling of the story. The picture of Eli draped over the couch does an excellent job of conveying how the young man is feeling. The drawings of all the older gentlemen in the book made this reader want to know their history. I love the facial expressions and mustaches. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

I enjoyed this story. I thought the Scottish accent came through so strongly I could actually hear it. The characters were all wild and crazy including the scenery and the cat. Personally I felt that the story jumped around so much I had trouble tracking the timeline and this possibly created drag in the story. Other than that the story made for a good cozy murder mystery.

Wowzas! There are both hunky bodies and dead bodies in this fast moving mystery. The story starts with a question and ends with a enough of a cliffhanger that the reader is left wanting the next installment of this series. Reagan is the perfect combination of hot mess and Southern Belle. Her beau is a the perfect combo of hunky, knight in shining armor, and good tempered. Her aunt, mom, and string of other characters all play hilarious roles in this cozy murder. The stereotypical Souther-ness of the characters and the setting add to the charm. This read is light, funny, and quick.

A great beach read. A cozy murder mystery that involves dogs, yoga, and fake marriages. The author keeps the reader captivated until a very thrilling end. The author did a great job of giving enough detail from previous books so a new reader of the series (myself included) could understand what had happened in the past. The descriptions of the dogs is as fun and interesting as the descriptions of the individuals. A reader will definitely connect with the characters. Also the author's words illustrated the Oregon landscape wonderfully. Overall, a good quick, enjoyable read.

Stowed Away by Barbara Ross is an interesting read. Julia Snowden, the main character, has a little more depth than your average protagonist sleuth. The story of her youth is one I imagine many can relate to; it has shaped her adulthood. I enjoyed reading this because unlike many female leads she doesn't come across as weak in her adult relationships. From the very beginning when Julia runs into her old nemesis to the end when she solves the crime the reader sees her grow. Most of the story takes place on or near the water in a small Maine shipbuilding town, where Julia's family has lived for multiple generations. These characters and the crew of the yacht make for some very interesting, funny, and scary scenes. Overall this was an engaging, fast cozy murder mystery.

This is a wonderfully illustrated story for anyone who has loved a horse. The tale follows a horse and the boy who rescues her. They spend seasons together but the boy loses the horse because she will not be tamed and bucks him. During the time spent apart the horse almost forgets the boy but when they meet again, in a very exciting scenario, she recognizes his peppermint smell and they both experience joy. The watercolor pictures that accompany the story are absolutely beautiful. The landscapes, the animals, and the people are all aesthetically painted with such bright, pleasing colors it draws in the reader. Both children and adults will enjoy this lovely picture book.