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Monday, December 29, 2014

Review: The Most Dangerous Animal of All

I just finished reading The Most Dangerous Animal of All by Gary L. Stewart. It is very hard to review this. The book is basically three stories in one novel. The true story of Gary Stewart's abandonment and adoption make up one part of the book. This part of the book is interesting and an inspiring read. The second "story" is all about the Zodiac killer. The third "story" is about how Gary Stewart comes to be convinced that his birth father, and the Zodiac killer, and the same person.

The reader, from the beginning, is lead to believe that Mr. Stewart has proven with DNA that he is the son of the Zodiac. The sad fact is, that is never proven. Most of Mr. Stewart's claims, are just that, claims, that cannot be backed up with proof.  Mr. Stewart's birth mother gives several versions of stories and seems to be confused on what actually happened in her past. Several of the birth father's relatives refuse to even talk to Mr. Stewart.  I believe that some part of him wants to know his father so much, that he will take any information he finds and twist it to fit his fantasy. Some of his results, upon scrutiny, just don't stand up. Some of his "proof" is so generalized, it could fit a million different men.

The second part of the book takes what is known about the serial killer "The Zodiac", and places Stewart's birth father into his shoes. This part is written like a novel with assumptions and possibilities that could never be established as truth, because his birth father is deceased. I did not like this part of the book at all and found it distracted from the other two "parts" of the book.

The story of Stewart's birth and raising and finding his family, is worth reading. His story is inspirational. People need to know that abandonment should not stop you from becoming a good, valuable person. It is also good to know that we are not our parents, and we don't have to make the mistakes they made. This section is a wonderful reminder that adoptive parents can raise wonderful children, even those who come from terrible parents.

The third part of the book should be called "Why I Think My Dad Was The Zodiac". The majority of these claims are not backed up with substantial evidence. Some of the claims are so far fetched that you will find yourself wondering how the ideas even got into the author's head. The credibility of the author is very lacking throughout this section of the book.

As you can most likely tell from reading this review, the combining of the three parts into one story leaves you with a disjointed, hard to follow, story. I really wanted to like the book. I certainly feel sympathy for Gary, and for anyone who looks for their birth parents and gets an answer that they didn't want. Anyone who is the child of a serial killer deserves our sympathy. I'm just not convinced that Gary Stewart is the child of a serial killer.

I certainly love a good true crime read. I would not classify this book as true crime. Maybe this should be in the memoir section. Maybe the writer should have held off writing this book until more proof for his claims was obtained.

The Most Dangerous Animal of All

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas.....and a giveaway!!

Sorry that my posts have been nonexistent lately! I am SO happy that everyone reads the blog and I love my followers!! and my visitors! Since I have been so absent, as an apology I am offering a giveaway to my followers. ALL, international too!! YEAH!! So, what I need from you is a comment telling me your favorite thing about Christmas and a way to contact you, and the way you follow me. Easy, Right!?! SO get to entering....Oh wait!! What will you win? Well I have some books that are waiting to be read, and I will give up to $2 in e-books. E-books will be gifted from Amazon, so you must be able to receive those, those are for international or U.S. followers. U.S. followers may also choose one of my books sent to you in the mail. I will have a list of several choices.

The chosen winner must respond within 48 hours. All directions must be followed or you will be disqualified. I am not responsible for lost mail. BLAH BLAH.....you know how it goes.....NOW, get to entering....and Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!!!

This giveaway will end on January 1.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Few Kindle Freebies: Grab them quickly

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQYEEPQ  a short dystopian Christmas story

http://www.amazon.com/Lodestone-Witch-Hunt-Wendy-Scott-ebook/dp/B00AMQX7DO/ref=zg_bs_154606011_f_8  Witches

http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Jesus-Jeffrey-McClain-Jones-ebook/dp/B00D8KZH0M/ref=zg_bs_154606011_f_9 The Love of Jesus


http://www.amazon.com/Young-Adult-Science-Fiction-Novel-ebook/dp/B00K90J020/ref=zg_bs_154606011_f_12 YA Sci Fi


http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Southern-Comfort-Heartwarming-Prequel-ebook/dp/B00PCMBFGY/ref=zg_bs_154606011_f_26 A Sweet Romance

http://www.amazon.com/An-Avalon-Christmas-Holiday-Novel-ebook/dp/B00GFRJSGO/ref=zg_bs_154606011_f_27vA A Collection of Avalon short stories

PLEASE double check before you click to make sure these are still free!!

I'M Back!!! and Top Ten Tuesday

So sorry for the lack of posts. My computer has been in the shop and I have had no access, therefore no posts. BUT, finally I am back and apologize for not being here: SO on to this weeks Top Ten!!

Top Ten New To Me Authors I Read In 2014:

10. Kristin Pulioff- I read The Ivory Tower. It was a unique short story that moved quickly and had me on the edge of my seat. I would love to read more by this author. You can find her here: http://www.kirstinpulioff.com/

 9. Sheri Fink- I read Five Days at Memorial. This made me question a lot of things that go on in hospitals. I did appreciate the unbiased writing style. Great for non-fiction fans.

 8. Elizabeth Esther- I read Girl at the End of the World. Ever wonder what the aftermath of growing up in a cult was like? If you are interested you can find your answers here.

 7. Jessica McHugh- I read Rabbits in the Garden. If you like quirky, creepy, strange, and weird, then check this one out. It will make your mother look like a saint!

 6. Adam Nevill- I read The House of Small Shadows. Did you ever wonder what it felt like to be losing your mind? You will after stepping into this book. Wonderfully creepy! You can find him here: http://www.adamlgnevill.blogspot.com/

 5. Jolie du Pre- I read Benton. This was a nice mix of action, drama, and gore. There are some erotic scenes so this one is for adults only. You can find her here: http://www.joliedupre.com/

 4. Michelle Kilmer- I read When the Dead. You will care about this eclectic cast of characters who decide to stay put during the zombie apocalypse. You can find her here: http://www.whenthedead.com/

 3. Christy Sloat- I read The Brown House. I love my ghost stories and this one was my favorite of 2014.

 2. Peggy Martinez- I read the State of Decay:Omnibus. My new favorite zombie author of 2014. You can find her here: http://www.peggy-martinez.com/

 1. Hazel Gaynor- I read The Girl Who Came Home. I love history and I love the Titanic. This one was eye opening, and based on true people. You can find her here: http://www.hazelgaynor.com/

Who were your top ten newbies this year? I would love it if you would leave a comment. Thank you for visiting.
You can find all the other lists at http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2014/12/top-ten-new-to-us-authors-we-read-in.html


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Hemlock Grove Season One DVD Giveaway!

Here's the story! I ordered Hemlock Grove on DVD and it arrived with the box bottom dinged up, but still in plastic. I contacted where I ordered it from and they sent me a new one. SO, if you would like to win Hemlock Grove Season One on DVD, with a dinged up box. I seriously don't think the DVD's are affected at all. It is the bottom right corner of the box, and the plastic is still intact. Anyway, what do you have to lose, if it doesn't work, you can pitch it, if it does, you just got it for free!! SO enter at your own risk and cross your fingers!

I haven't watched the Season yet so I can't give an opinion. I have heard good things. My sister-in-law says it is unique and original, although not child friendly. You have been warned, this one is for adults only!

Product Details

Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a8807114/

You have until December 1st to enter to win! Good Luck!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters Who Need Their Own Book

These are the characters I would like to know more about. I think they need their own book.



10. The Wicked Witch of the East, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

 9. Marilla, Anne of Green Gables

 8. Isaac, The Fault in Our Stars

 7. Caspian, The Hollow

 6. Clarice, The Silence of the Lambs

 5. Jenni, The First Days

 4. Cherry, The Outsiders

 3. Sarah, Heaven

 2. Gale, The Hunger Games

 1. Jacob, Twilight

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)The Fault in Our StarsThe Hollow (The Hollow, #1)
The Silence of the LambsThe First Days (As the World Dies, #1)The OutsidersHeaven (Casteel, #1)
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)Twilight (Twilight, #1)




See all the other lists here: http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2014/11/top-ten-characters-you-wish-would-get.html

Monday, November 10, 2014

Monday Memories: Mrs. Piggle Wiggle

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
All of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle stories hold fond memories for me. I was first introduced to these books by my fourth grade teacher. She spent many days reading the stories to us in our classroom. I remember that they always had a lesson that needed to be understood and they always made me laugh. I enjoyed Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and all of the kids and their many adventures. I like to read these stories to my classes and my own children. These hold an even more special place in my heart as my beloved teacher recently passed away. I can never see Betty MacDonald's books without thinking of Miss Betz.

Monday Memories is a weekly feature hosted by Miss Print and the Book Bandit. Just take a photo of a book from your personal library (or a library book that’s significant to you, etc.) and talk about why it matters. Is it your first ever signed book? The first book you reviewed on your blog? Whatever it is, write it up in a Monday Memories post and share it. Just please link back if you decide to join!
mondaymemories

Book Review: Bird Box

Bird Box
Imagine a zombie novel without the zombies. A villain who is never described, but is avoided at all costs. This novel is a new take on dystopian thrills. The author does a wonderful job of building the suspense. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire read. Bird Box does a wonderful job of revealing just enough to keep you guessing, but not enough to keep you from using your imagination. This is one of those stories where to give to much away would ruin the story, so you won't get much of the storyline here. The story revolves around Malorie and her two children. The book is a four year odyssey of their survival in a world gone wrong. Malerman does a wonderful job. The tension in the air is breathtaking. The storyline moves between the present and the past, which only helps to build suspense. Just when you find yourself liking a character, they die, sometimes in horrible ways. You wonder how in the world Malorie has had the strength to survive so long. This unique tale sucked me in and wouldn't let go. The story is short and easy to read. I do hope that Malerman writes a sequel to this. I would love to see what happens to Malorie and the children, and of course the rest of the world. A wonderful first novel for fans of horror, dystopia, and unique storylines.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Book Review: Uninvited

SIGH! I so wanted to find something, anything, good about this book. The only part of the book I could stand to read was the last section with the "encounter". The book was just so boring. It was a short read but seemed like it took forever to finish. The writing was not very well done and seemed to be bogged down with teen speak. This would have been better as a short story with just the last section and the beginning all condensed. The action scene was easy to read. The rest was just repeat after repeat. The days were all the same and just boring. I wouldn't waste your time with this one, there are much better vampire books out there!

Uninvited by Amanda Marrone

Book Review: The Girl from the Well

Rin Chupeco's writing style in this book was very unique. I actually think it helped add to the atmosphere of the book. It's not often that you get a ghost's point of view in a book. You do here. The scares are slow and creep up on you. There are also self contained scenes where the action is non-stop, and gory, and frightening. This one would make a perfect movie. I really loved all the creepy elements, the upside down girl, the possessed dolls, the unknown lurker. I wish I had loved the story. There were parts that I thought were Awesome, while others were just too drawn out for me and I honestly got a little bored. I think many readers will find this one scary, but go into it knowing that the writing style is unique and the storyline moves slowly.

The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Book Review: The Haunting Season

The Haunting Season

Do you like your horror with ghosts, demons, paranormal powers, and creepy graveyards? Than this may be the one for you. A group of teens is thrown into a supposedly haunted house. All of the teens have powers and they have one month together to test out the house and see if it is really haunted. There is more than they bargained for going on in this house. Are the things they see and feel bad or good? Are they being helped or hindered? Is the house more than it seems? Will they be able to make it a month and come out alive?
This is a perfect story for those that love horror and the new adult genre. There are some scenes that may be too much for younger teens. The story is filled with action and suspense. Just when you think you have figured out what is going on and who is to blame, BAM, you are surprised with new suspects. The storyline held my interest throughout and moved at break neck speed. The teen characters were written well and all had their own angst.
This is my first read by Michelle Muto. I would like to read more. Her ghosts are particularly spooky and she is a whiz at building atmosphere. This is the perfect read for a winter night. Excellent with a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket. You might want to turn on a few extra lights.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Book Review: Life After Death

I must state that this is a review of the book only, not Damien Echols or his case. I didn't like the book. I believe that the three convicted in Echols' case should not have been convicted. I never really thought of Damien in a bad light. Maybe I am just naïve. I have watched all the movies and read many books on The Robin Hood Hill murders. I know that he acted strangely during some of the filming but I chalked that up to his young age and lack of education. After reading this book I can see that he is still uneducated. I feel terrible that he has lived his life in prison. I don't find that an excuse to blame everyone in any way he can for his jail time. I am a Christian and I don't like the fact that he states over and over how much Christians helped convict him. I wasn't the judge or jury, so I resent that. Because of the fact that Damien claims being blamed because of his looks and religious practices, you would assume he would be very careful not to treat others the way he has been treated. I am sure he was judged unfairly, aren't we all. Since I am overweight and Christian I am obviously one of those people who Damien hates. That hurts, as I am someone who has defended him over and over. I absolutely feel that Damien was wronged, but not by me, and no matter what it cannot be taken away. I agree that he has the right to be angry but believe he is blaming the wrong people, and in turn just doing what was done to him. I can't recommend this book to those who have researched this case. I came away from reading it with a terrible view of Damien. I wish I wouldn't have read this book. It was not well written. His cloying use of misspelling on purpose and prejudices against all sorts of people makes me cringe. The fact that he calls several people retarded throughout the book makes my stomach hurt. I think this book could have used some major editing and believe his wife should have helped him see that some of the things he wrote shouldn't be put into print for everyone to read. I still support the WM3 but Damien I hope and pray will get an education on how to have manners and how to treat people. I pray that he will find comfort and peace.

Everyone should also know that the title of the book in itself is misleading as it seems it would be about his life after getting out of prison. You won't find that here. This is basically writing that Damien did in prison and the book would have benefited from a different title. If you are interested in Damien's case I would recommend reading Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt.

Life After Death

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I want to re-read

I don't really re-read books. I can only think of two I have re-read and that was when I was young and the books were my favorites. SO, I am going to skip this weeks Top Ten Tuesday.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Winners!!

The winners for the Something Wicked Strikes and the Spooktacular Blog Hops have been chosen and contacted. Thank you to everyone who entered and don't forget to enter The Dystopian giveaway going on now!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Dystopian Giveaway Hop

Dystopian Giveaway Hop

I am opening up my giveaway early, so there is no excuse not to enter!
My giveaway is US only and you will have 48 hours to respond if you are contacted as the winner. No PO Boxes please.
One winner will win their choice of one of these three books:
Unbreathable, Flowertown, or Dark Eden.
All paperback and like new condition.
UnbreathableFlowertown
                                              Dark Eden

Enter by using the Rafflecopter located here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a8807113/


Follow along the hop here:
http://www.myshelfconfessions.com/dystopian-giveaway-hop/
giveaways should be listed by November 1st.

Thank you for visiting and best of luck!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Book and Top Ten Movies To Get Into the Halloween Spirit


See all the Top Tens at: http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2014/10/top-ten-books-movies-to-get-into.html
I'm going to divide my picks into categories.
I will start with movies.

Movies

Family Friendly
1. Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus
The perfect pick for family fun. Just enough scares to hold older kids interest. An interesting storyline, plenty of laughs, and a talking cat.

2. It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

A Halloween classic with all your favorite peanut characters. Kids will love the storyline, adults will have flashbacks of watching when they were young.

3. Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror
Ghosts,  mystery, an old building that may be haunted , it's all in this film which is total creepy fun.

John Carpenter
1. Halloween
Halloween
Michael Myers, just the name can conjure fear into the heart of people everywhere.

2. The Fog
The Fog (Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]
An atmospheric thriller that is a creepy classic.

3. Christine

This twisted love story will have you looking at cars in a whole new way.

Thrillers

1. Trick 'R Treat
Trick 'r Treat
Four intertwined tales perfect for Halloween. A little gore, a few scares, a few laughs, something for everyone.

2. The Ring
The Ring (Widescreen Edition)
I have seen it so many times but it still freaks me out.

3. The Descent

If the atmosphere doesn't get you, the creepers will.

Gore
1. Cabin Fever

This one is not overly scary, but is full of gross and gory.

Okay, moving on to the book picks!
Books

Stephen King
1. Bag of Bones
One of my favorite reads and often overlooked. Sure King has scarier stories, but to me this one is the most well rounded story he has ever written. There is mystery, romance, thrills, and chills. A ghost story that will stay with you long after you have read the last page.

2. The Shining
An isolated hotel, a snow storm, a psychic child, and a tormented man, make for one of the scariest stories ever told.

3. It
First read the book, then check out the mini-series. Both are wonderful and deserve your attention. You will never feel the same about clowns again.

Zombies
1. When the Dead
What if the Zombie Apocalypse was going on around your apartment building and you decided to stay inside?

2. State of Decay
If you like your zombies with a side of action, a splash of gore, and lots of thrills, this one is for you.

Vampires
1. The Passage
I cannot say enough good about this book. An excellent story, full of surprises.

Ghosts
1. Anna Dressed in Blood
It rocks! Read it!

2. Tombstone Tea
If you like to take a walk through a cemetery and read the headstones, you should check this one out.

Haunted Houses
1. The Brown House
If you love your ghost story with a side of romance, you should try this one.

2. The House of Small Shadows
A gothic creep fest that is super weird.

Bag of BonesThe Shining (The Shining #1)It


When the DeadState of Decay: Omnibus


The Passage (The Passage, #1)


Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)Tombstone Tea


The Brown House (The Visitor's Series #1)The House of Small Shadows

What do you think? What do you like to watch and read to get into the Halloween mood?

Monday, October 27, 2014

Monday Memories: The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll-The Search For Dare Wright

Monday Memories is a weekly feature hosted by Miss Print and the Book Bandit. Just take a photo of a book from your personal library (or a library book that’s significant to you, etc.) and talk about why it matters. Is it your first ever signed book? The first book you reviewed on your blog? Whatever it is, write it up in a Monday Memories post and share it.

mmtrees

This is one of those books that you feel like maybe you shouldn't be reading, but yet you can't help yourself. It is one of the most bizarre, engrossing, sad, stories that I have ever read. To top it all of Dare Wright is a real person. Dare was a famous artist. Her life story is one of a desperate search for someone to love her, a love she never found. Her relationship with her mother is one of the strangest I have ever read about. She had a love for dolls and bears and put most of her love into them. I love to read about people. This is a story that you will never forget about a woman that you will never forget. One of my favorite autobiographies.

The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll: The Search for Dare Wright

Dare Wright was the author of these books that have beautiful pictures but were very controversial in the time they were written.

The Lonely Doll Holiday for Edith and the Bears The Doll and the Kitten The Lonely Doll Learns a Lesson
Edith and Mr. Bear A Gift from the Lonely Doll Edith and Big Bad Bill  Edith and Little Bear Lend a Hand
Edith And Midnight (The Lonely Doll Series) Edith And The Duckling (The Lonely Doll Series)

She also wrote the Look Series. Her most popular stories are those of Edith.

Dare Wright is so fascinating. You can find out more about her here:
 http://www.darewright.com/

Dare Wright
Dare Wright was ahead of her time. I'm sure if her books were written now, she would be world renowned. Her photography is beautiful and she should not be forgotten.