The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

melancholic.
unexpected.
nostalgic.

I wasn't sure what to expect based on the title and description of this book. I had the book placed on hold a month or so before Nikki recommended it to me, and couldn't wait to read it once I heard she was dying to discuss it.

This book offers a delectable and unique plot that I couldn't have predicted at the start of the story. I enjoyed savoring Aimee's writing style and lulling off to dreamland before my eyelids closed each night.

This book wasn't uplifting or terribly depressing...melancholic, perhaps.  Yet I thoroughly enjoyed that realistic aspect, because I was able to immerse myself in the plot and soak up its raw-ness; the story wasn't showy, prideful or boastful.  It just WAS.

Hallelujah for authors like this, who write outside the box, crafting a story that defies time and logic. Nothing makes sense in this book, except for it's embodiment of the very essence of nostalgia, which I felt keenly.  Like the warmth and newness of a first love.  To sum it up, this book is about deciding what to do when life gives you lemons...and I loved it tart, fresh, and all!

5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Beware of the "F" bomb dropped a handful of times.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

good girl.
bad boy.
predictable.

There were things I liked about this book. I enjoyed the main character's personality and the fact that she was the goody-two-shoes daughter of a preacher. She had morals and humor which is a nice change of pace.

I wanted to like this book more than I did, and found myself disappointed after the drawn-out conclusion. I'm not even sure there was a purpose to the story. There wasn't a great lesson learned or HUGE accomplishment realized.  I give this book an solidly average

2.5 out of 5 because it was just OK.
Recommended for a 12 year old who likes werewolves. That's all I'm saying (;