Review: Between by Jessica Warman

Title/Author: Between, Jessica Warman

Publication date: August 2nd 2011

Publisher: Walker and Company

Source: My library

Rating: 4/5 running shoes

I knew I was going to like this book. I've read one of her other books before and that was what made me want to read this one. I just like that way she writes.

Here's the back description for you guys:

Elizabeth Valchar-pretty, popular, and perfect-wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday party on her family's yacht, where she'd been celebrating with her six closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, what she finds will change everything she thought she knew about her life, her friends, and everything in between. As Liz begins to unravel the circumstances surrounding her birthday night, she will find that no one around her, least of all Liz herself, was perfect-or innocent. Critically acclaimed author Jessica Warman brings readers along on a roller-coaster ride of a mystery, one that is also a heartbreaking character study, a touching romance, and ultimately a hopeful tale of redemption, love, and letting go.

What really made me go wow was how complex her characters were. And she showed it throughout the whole book. They didn't just do one thing, they all had layers that slowly got peeled back as you read. Actually to me, it felt like the main character Elizabeth Valchar was two people. She was a bitch who wasn't trying to be a bitch with problems while she was alive and guilty and compassionate when she was dead. It was an interesting way to go. But I liked it alot. My favourite character, layers and all, was Richie. It amazed me how he loved Liz so much from start to finish and how he wasnt your usual drug dealer. He was a very unusual character and I loved him for it. I kind of wish there was more of him in the book. I also liked Alex. His whole story just made my heart throb with compassion. But in my heart he doesn't compare to Richie aha.

It was slow going when Liz an Alex were just watching people, but those chapters were the ones that allowed you to put together your own conclusion whether it be right or wrong. I've mentioned it before but thats what I love about mystery books (yes I am calling this a mystery book), its no fun when the clues are so obviously pointing to a conclusion. I did have my guess from the very start at who would be the murderer and I was right aha. (Who honestly thought Liz dying was an accident? Come on people, there would be no story if it was an accident) Something felt off about said murdering character and I just didnt trust them.

Any who. I very much liked the irony in the book. And all the plot twists that made it ironic (no one else has to find it ironic aha, that might just be me). There were a few I could see coming, but for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. By the end of the book I wanted to face palm myself because there were so many clues that I didn't get at the time. And then when all was done I sat in stunned silence for a minute because everything was just stunning aha.

The ending made me smile though. It was a great ending for a great book. And im glad I have read it. The whole book was sad but there were happy parts that carried you through. This will be staying in my shelf for a long while.

Anyways I recommend this book to girls that like mystery and suspense and heart break books. If you're looking for action don't come here. Honesty though, this book would be awesome for that rainy day where you don't mind feeling a little depressed but with hope pouring out of your finger tips and giggling when you read the sweet moments (I'm not the only one who gets that feeling right?).

Dont be afraid to email me or Liz (bad grammar... Muahahahaha), we would love to hear from you :)

-Meg :)

Review: Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

Title/Author: Touching Spirit Bear, Ben Mikaelsen

Publication Date: January 23 2001 (I think)

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Source: My library

Rating: 5/5 Spirit Bears




I have started this review about five times already, and all my mind does is pull up a blank. How am I suppose to explain this book to you if I don't even understand some of it myself. Everyone who reads Touching Spirit Bear will get some lesson out of it. Whether you actually use this lesson in your life or just understand it, is up to you.

- - -

I feel really calm. I literally finished this book twenty minutes ago, and it feels like life has slowed right down, giving me time to grasp everything I just read. And its hard to believe that I read this, because it feels like I experienced it. It's crazy, and if you can't tell I'm having a hard time concentrating on writing this. My mind is mush, and I will warn you now this review will be all over the place.

But first if you want something official to read, here's the back summary:

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Peter Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Peter may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life.

Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Peter — everyone but himself — for his situation.

Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death. His thoughts shift from from anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Touching Spirit Bear is 241 pages of self discovery. Well Cole's self discovery, that can turn into yours if you let it... Anyways I feel like this book might be underestimated by people. There is not a lot of action, no romance at all, and not that funny; all those things people usually like to see in a book. But to make up for it, Touching Spirit Bear will probably be one of the deepest books you ever freaking read. If you really connect with Cole and his life, you will end up like me at the end of it; mushy brain. Now i found it really easy to connect with him because 1. I'm a teenager. The story is based around a teens life. 2. When i get angry, I really get angry, just like Cole. (I've never beaten someone into the ground though) and 3. Ben Mikaelsen made all of Cole's reasons and how he felt really understandable. Thats something I love in books.

I also love characters that get more character. Does that make sense? I could really see Cole changing how he thought and changing what he did, basically just changing into what he new he needed to become. Even Edwin, the Tlingit Indian became more open. I saw build in all the characters that were usually present, even though they weren't as drastic as Cole's. The plot was original and to me, it just seemed more real then other plots. Feel free to disagree if you want if you have read it.


This is the type of book that I would recommend you read if you have lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel or it's raining outside and your not going anywheres fast. Take the time to read it, you will be glad that you did.

If its not obvious, I loved this book. It's not a 1/5 up there. It's a 5/5.

Thanks for reading my review. Feel free to let me know if you think I'm crazy or if I deserve a cookie ;)



I love talking to people.
- Meg