Me: A Compendium by Wee Society

Review: The Form of Things Unknown by Robin Bridges

The Form of Things Unknown by Robin Bridges


The Form of Things Unknown is the second book in this series. Both of which involve teens having to deal with some pretty heavy stuff amidst falling in love and trying to figure things out in general.

In The Form of Things Unknown Natalie's family has moved in with her grandmother to help take care of her since she has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Apparently Natalie's ex boyfriend gave her some ecstasy that triggered hallucinations of her own and with her family history of mental health issues she now has to take medication to keep her from possibly having more hallucinations. This would understandably be tough on anyone, much less a teenager. So I don't find it hard to believe when she makes some mistakes with skipping her medication or drinking with it when she is hanging out with friends. This may not be the smart move or even be what us as readers would want her to do but it is very realistic for her age and situation. It also adds to the mystery of her believing that she may be seeing things at the theater. It really keeps you wondering if it's because she isn't taking her medications properly or is it because the theater is truly haunted, or maybe it's something else entirely. Add in the possible budding relationship with Lucas a boy she knows from the rehabilitation facility and it definitely keeps things interesting. I like that it's not all gloom and doom and there is humor throughout as well and some fun characters like Lucas's younger sister and the boy Natalie's brother has a crush on to help keep things light. I find it refreshing to find characters in ya contemporary dealing with some big real life issues such as mental health and not just boy drama. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more novels by Ms. Robin Bridges.

** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for honest review **

Review: Secret Heart of Lacie Blade

My Review:

 The entire Robbin' Hearts series has been so magical and Secret Heart of Lacie Blade is a wonderful new addition to that. It takes place in the same familiar setting of Bender lake as the previous books and features one of my favorite characters, Granny Tinker. It could definitely be read as a standalone since this story does not depend on the previous ones to be told. With that said, I do recommend reading the series as a whole because it is so wonderful and Reed just has this beautiful mystical aspect to her work that I so enjoy. This one is a bit quirky much like the first book of the series and has that gypsy aspect that is just so cool. I haven't read many books with gypsies and Granny Tinker is a really unique character that really breathes life into every scene she's in. Although this is a short story it is not lacking in depth or story. Small packages can pack a big punch as I'm sure Lacie Blade would tell you ;-) . 

I'm not sure if Ms. Reed has more stories in mind for this series but I am always happy to visit Bender Lake. I highly recommend this entire series and hope that you love it as much as I do. 

** I received this book from the author in exchange for honest review. ** 

http://dianejreed.com/series/robbinhearts/

Review: Dreaming Of Antigone

Synopsis from Kensington Books :

Andria's twin sister, Iris, had adoring friends, a cool boyfriend, a wicked car, and a shelf full of soccer trophies. She had everything, in fact--including a drug problem. Six months after Iris's death, Andria is trying to keep her grades, her friends, and her family from falling apart. But stargazing and books aren't enough to ward off her guilt that she--the freak with the scary illness and all-black wardrobe--is still here when Iris isn't. And then there's Alex Hammond. The boy Andria blames for Iris's death. The boy she's unwittingly started swapping lines of poetry and secrets with, even as she tries to keep hating him.

Heartwrenching, smart, and bold, Dreaming of Antigone is a story about the jagged pieces that lie beneath the surface of the most seemingly perfect life…and how they can fit together to make something wholly unexpected.

My review:

 Dreaming of Antigone is a powerful and emotion driven read. It touches on some very serious and heavy issues, yet also has the promises of love and forgiveness. 

Andria is still mourning her twin sister, Iris's death, and also trying to make her friends realize she can't be a replacement for her sister. While also simultaneously and unwittingly falling in love with the boy her sister was dating. What?!! Yep, you read that right. The budding romance between them adds a bit of that forbidden love aspect that I LOVE. But they also have this amazing chemistry and deep understanding of not only each other but also what they both are going through after losing Iris. Both of which sort of blame themselves. Ultimately they find out more about what happened to Iris and the dark reasoning behind it and just let me say - Wow! I did not see that coming.  

So to summarize:  forbidden love - check

                              teen angst - check

                              heart wrenching discoveries - check

                             great read that will leave you thinking - double check

** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. ** 

Review: NKJV Color Code Bible

My Review

 I really like this NKJV Color Code Bible! The fact that it is designed with youth in mind is nice and means that the lay out is simple and neat. The text is very easy to read and a nice size. Which I think makes this a great bible for anyone of any age. The color coded verses during reading is really enjoyable but I especially liked that there is also an index list of the verses divided into the different colors up front that would help if you are trying to find verses on a particular subject. There are several other attributes worth mentioning such as the 365 day bible reading plan as well as a 90 day gospel reading plan, and a 365 daily topical scripture reading plan that is divided into topics such as acceptance, giving, obedience, et cetera. One of my favorite things is that in the back there's a My Bible Journal section with places to fill in things such as My Family, My favorite bible verses, My favorite songs & hymns, and much more. I think this will be a very popular feature especially with youth. The hardcover is a plus as well. Definitely would recommend and think it would make a lovely gift idea too. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Resisting the Rebel

I really really liked this one! Resisting the Rebel is right up my alley with the brooding bad boy who may not be so bad after all. He likes to keep to himself. I get it... His love for reading only makes him that much more adorable and Mandy needs a serious kick in the butt for not seeing it sooner! Speaking of Mandy I totally loved her hippie vibe and thought it was pretty cool to read about a smart, cool girl, who just so happens to have dysgraphia and ADHD. You don't see that often and I actually had never even heard of dysgraphia until this book. Awareness is always a plus.

In fact all the characters were pretty cool ( other than Gus. Ugh! ). Her besties are awesome especially J.T. and when Caleb and Mandy bond at the park and Caleb starts letting her in, it's just so sweet. Then Mandy names it their snow globe moment and totally makes me love her even more. She's so adorkably cute. There's also some awesome references to Power Rangers ( I totally loved that show when I was 9 ), Gilmore Girls, Teen Wolf, and Sky High. So in conclusion, yes I loved it, yes you should read it if YA contemporary romance with a bad boy is your thing. You won't regret it!

** Thanks Entangled Teen and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. **

New Giveaway!!! Naughty Vegas Nights

What happens in Vegas…doesn’t always stay there!

Natasha Stover’s love life is jinxed!  Ever since a college affair with bad boy Drew Walker, every sexual adventure she’s had has crashed and burned (one particular episode involved the fire department!).  But now she’s at a convention in Vegas, with a chance to make her dream of becoming a celebrated Lingerie Designer come true.  But then she runs into Drew–and suddenly, her dreams take an X-rated turn!

Drew used to be the ultimate bad boy—a wild and reckless pool shark.  So what happened to him?  Family responsibilities, that’s what.   Heck, even in Sin City, he’s stuck at a lingerie convention helping out his kid sister.  But when he sets eyes on Tasha, he sees his chance to recapture the best part of his misspent youth. Leaving Natasha was his one regret.  But it won’t be for long…

A good girl gone wild, a bad boy tempting her every step of the way.  It’s the ultimate naked and naughty weekend where nothing is off-limits.   Vegas will never be the same again!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to check out Tawny's website for an excerpt?  click here