Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell

Rating: 5 Stars

Favorite

Dr. Peter Brown, an intern in a Manhattan Hospital has a past that he'd rather keep hidden, that is if he wants to live. When a man from his past recognizes him as "BearClaw" a former hitman for the mob turned witness, Peter must do everything he can to keep who he really is from getting back to some of the people in his past.

Unveiling the story of Pietro "Bearclaw" Brnwa, interwoven with the craziness of a day with Peter Brown making rounds in the hospital; You have sheer writing genius. This book is vulgar, violent and in your face aggressive and all at the same time it's the most unique and refreshing story I've read in a long time, with an Anti-hero you can't help but like. This is a roller coaster ride like no other, with never-ending violence and action.

The final fight scene in this book is so crazy and amazing that it makes you wonder how someone could come up with a scene like this, and many other scenes in the book for that matter. What kind of person is Josh Bazell, the mind behind such violence and grand imagination? He has to be the most interesting person, with a tortured mind I suspect. Would I want to be his friend if I met him? HELL YES!

This is his debut novel, but when his next comes out I will be the first in line to buy it.

This book fills the following categories/challenges for me:

• PBT Dec Tag: Other
• Monthly Mixer Mele - B in decemBer
• Fantasy Thriller Horror Yahoo Group - December Discussion

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Rating: 5 Stars, Favorite

Enzo, the narrator, is a dog. But not just any dog, he's a wise and intelligent being.

Enzo knows that in his next life he will come back as a human and throughout the book you find out his logical reasoning behind this theory. Enzo tells the story of his relationship with his best friend, Denny, and the drama the ensues in their lives. The one constant in their lives is each other and they are true "Best Friends." Enzo is endearing and loyal and everything you, as a dog lover, know your dog at home next you - is inside. A major reoccurring theme of this book is about destiny and how we may not be able to control every aspect of our lives, but we can control how we react. One way or the other we are the owners of our destiny.

Since reading Marley & Me last year I have stayed away from Dog novels, as they make me sad with the inevitable scene that is in every dog novel. My dog Max is getting up there in years and the thought of his mortality makes me incredibly sad, so my plan is to stay in denial as long as I can. But, This book came highly recommended from other dog lovers who know my fear of the dog novel, so I dove in. From the start of the book I fell in love with Enzo and his loyalty and love for Denny. Their stories made me laugh at times and sad at others, just like any great story should do. On the very first page you know that the inevitable will still come, but Garth Stein has a way of making the inevitable a little more bearable. I still sobbed and cuddled with my dogs for a good half and hour (at least) after reading this book. But I was a different crying than with the other books. This book is in fact very hopeful and sweet and if you are even thinking about reading it - do it, you won't be disappointed.

Favorite Quote "That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves."

This book fits the following Challenges/Categories:

• PBT Dec Tag: Other
• 12 Days of Christmas Challenge Day 4: Animals
• Monthly Mixer Mele Challenge: A for Art (A in jAnuary)
• Reading Cover Group, Bonus Book

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Rating: 5/5 Stars - Favorite

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox was in a tragic accident over a year ago and was in a coma for most of that time. She has lost her memory and cannot remember anything from before the accident; Not even her favorite color or who her friends were. As memories start to flood back one by one and she learns the circumstances around her accident, she learns about who she was and who she has become and a little more than she ever could have imagined. This book is about what lengths a parent would go to to save their child and what about us really makes us human but it is so much more.

This is such a beautifully written story that really surprised me in the details. This book should not be limited to the Young Adult label, as it will be loved by all age groups. I don't want to say too much about the story because telling any of the good pieces of the story will give away what makes it so wonderful. I think it's better to read it for yourself and see, you will not be disappointed.

I would absolutely recommend this book and I will be telling all of my friends to read it.

Favorite Quote: "Where we are going, I don't know. It doesn't seem to be the place that is important but the steps in between."

This book fits into the following Groups/Challenges:

• PBT Oct Tag: Other