Sunday, February 26, 2012

House of Mouse...

Lots to do in Line
Meredith Lyn Pierce

genre-  nonfiction
pages- 268
rating-****

I received this book from Good Reads- First reads.  The review is my personal opinion.
Lots To Do In Line Book CoverFirst, I must say I have never been to Disneyland.  I have been to Disney World, like 8 times.  I have used Hidden Mickey books and the like before and they are very helpful.
I liked this book for several reasons.  1- when you are stuck in line with kids you NEED something to do.  I like how this book gives you options of what to do in line.  You can look around the line at the wonderful "set" the Disney imagineers have come up with and answer multiple choice questions.  Another option is a scavenger hunt, and another option is looking for "collections".  All sound like fun.  I have two kids and they love to compete against each other.  Reason 2- I like learning more about Mickey and his world.  Disney World is stuffed full of hidden details, I imagine Disneyland is the same way.
Great Book- I only wish they had one for Disney World.


-Caren

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Attack of the Jersey Devil?

Death in a Difficult Position
Diana Killian

genre- cozy mystery
series- A Mantra for Murder Mystery
pages- 295
rating- ***

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads program.  It was even signed by the writer! The review is my honest personal opinion.

This is my my first yoga mystery.  I don't yoga...I try hard not to break a sweat.  But I do enjoy watching people exert themselves.  It's even better reading about it from my comfy lazy girl chair.

Death in a Difficult Position, is centered around AJ Alexander, owner of Sacred Balance yoga studio.  She dates the handsome police officer and her mother is an actress on a TV show that is a cross between Golden Girls and Murder She Wrote.  AJ finds herself in a difficult position when the local preacher takes aim at the evils of yoga.  It's even more difficult when a former coworker is accused of murdering the preacher.  To add to the mix, the Jersey Devil makes a few appearances.

Death in a Difficult Position (Mantra for Murder Mystery Series #4)I enjoyed the book.  I didn't like the character of the womanizing, preacher.  That stereotype rubs me the wrong way.  I liked the most of the other characters, they were well rounded and interesting.  My favorite was the AJ's mother, Elysia.  Her personality was smart, fun, and intelligent.  I liked her better than the main character.  I enjoy reading books with 'local color'.  Adding the Jersey Devil added plenty of color.  Not so much that it overpowered the book.  The Devil had the good sense to linger in the background. 

There were a few places were the story dragged, in the beginning.  I had difficulty keeping some of the extra characters straight.  The bummer was I didn't like Lily, the accused.  She wasn't very nice and I didn't care if she went to jail for murder or not. 

Over all the story was good.  It was well written and a quick read.  Just right for my first week back at work.

-Caren

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Surprise....

Sorry for the break.  But I just got a real job.  Now, I work for money instead of books!  I will still do book reviews, but not as many as before.  The job will have to come first.  Those writer's who have sent me books to review, please be patient.  They will be read this summer, when I can devote myself to them in honesty and not rushed.  Trust me, rushed books do not make for good reviews.

Thank you for hanging in there,
Caren