Book Review

One of my goals for my 14 for 14 project (achieve 14 goals in 2014) was to read 2 books a month. I am about 3 or 4 books shy of my goal, depending on how many I read over Christmas break. Either way I'm very happy with the amount of reading I have done this year, but as it is one of my most beloved hobbies, I always have a list longer than I could ever accomplish of books to read. Here is a review of the more recent books I have read.  The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer: I became obsessed with these books. They are completely ludicrous, like so far-fetched they aren't any where close to believable (obviously because they are fiction). But! I was so into these, I HAD to find out what happened. This book had a few elements that I generally love and hate in books. It has flashbacks, I love. It has lots of mystery, murder, plot twists and cliff hangers; I love. It also has teenagers acting like adults, being way too dramatic, harping on little things, and doing things beyond their teen limits; annoys me. Synopsis without spoilers: teen girl thinks dead ex boyfriend is after her and finds out she and her new boyfriend have strange powers. Again, weird, but you wont be able to put it down.The Evolution of Mara Dyer: This is book 2 in the series and is a literal extension of the first book, as in it picks up at the same moment the first ends. So, really its one long book (including the 3rd). I finished this book in half the time because this is where all the action happens and you find out if she is crazy or not. These books have tons of intriguing characters and lots of plot twists and you truly don't know if the main character is crazy or not because she doesn't know either. So good, again weird because the kids have 'powers' that are strange, but so good. I cant wait to finish the 3rd one. These are for you if you like teen, science (ish not much) fiction murder mystery type books. Show Your Work: Austin Kleon does it again. After Steal Like an Artist we were all ready to dive in and make stuff, but Show Your Work takes it the next level. Each chapter is written in his unique style of doodles, short snippets of stories of famous people, quotes, etc. It can be read in a day, but don't! I literally had to keep putting it down to go DO THE STUFF he was telling me to do. Every chapter has at least one or more, easy, actionable steps for you to take instantly no matter what you do. His books are ones I will refer back to over and over. This book is for you if you want to grow your online presence, share your work with others, get feedback on your work, gain insight into how makers make and inspire others with your process. Enders Game: I am 80% done with this book, but I likely will not finish the trilogy. I will see the movie though. This book is about a future society that is battling the aliens and training children to grow up to be soldiers. This book has my least favorite thing: children being grown ups; using language and reasoning far beyond their reach. I cannot believe that I am reading about an 8-year-old saving the world, something about that does not click in my brain as I read. It is intriguing, but the more of these type books I read the more I realize that sci-fi is just not my thing. This book is for you if you like teen sci-fi with lots of action and futuristic societiess.Yes, Please: Hands down best book of the year and in my top 3 easily. Funny, relatable, intriguing, precious. AMY LETS BE BFFS, OK?! I actually listened to this on audio and I recommend that above reading it as she chats with you and others in the audio reading and you don't get that in the book. She also has tons of other people reading and the final chapter reading is live at her theatre she started. It seriously doesn't get any better. Caution: LOTS of bad language, adult content and drug use. Honest doesn't even begin to describe how she shares her views and life. As a maker with bigger aspirations than just Pinterest aspirations, she has lots of advice for me and you and anyone who wants to do anything. I will say some of her views on life are a little strange and unexpected, but sweet. This book is for you if you love Amy Poehler, want a look at behind the scenes of her career, her personal life, how she got where she is, relationships with other famous people and just want to cuddle with Amy. Im currently reading/planning to read: I am Number 4, Gone Girl and I may be able to squeeze one more in over break. Anyone with ScribD have suggestions? Especially for audio books?For further reading: Other book reviews, more book reviews, ecourse reviews