Book #12- Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman

As I'm sure you have guessed from the cover, Soon I Will Be Invincible is about superheros. I'm not kidding. It's a comic book but without the artwork. This book is told from two perspectives... The first is Doctor Impossible who is in jail and trying to figure a way to get out so he can try and take over the world even though his plans in the past (army of insects, robots, dinosauers, fungus, fish, etc.) have not come to fruition. Hey, you still have to give it to the guy for trying. And the second perspective is from the cyborg Fatale who has just join the New Champions, a group of superheros that have their own powers. Unfortunately, the Champions are missing their leader CoreFire who was supposed to be indestructible and is no where to be found.

What I liked about this book:

• It's different from stuff that I usually read.
• I actually like and feel kind of sorry for Doctor Impossible.
• I liked reading the different backgrounds on the superheroes/villans.
• Makes me want to read comic books.
  

What I didn't like about the book:

• All the different backgrounds became jumbled for me. I started getting names confused and the powers.
• Some artwork thrown in the book here and there would have been nice.
  
• There were parts where I felt like the story was lagging.
  

Book #11 Shelf Life by Suzanne Strempek Shea

After surviving a recent bout with cancer, Suzanne Strempek Shea is just getting along unsure what to do next. One day she receives a call from Janet, her friend and bookstore owner, asking her if she knew anyone who would be interested in working in the store. Suzanne decides to accept the job and chronicles her life in the bookselling business. She shares all aspects of bookselling from ordering books to stocking the shelves to closing the store at night. Throughout the book, Shea shares what it is like being an author and attending book readings and signings in different towns as well as descriptions of some of her favorite bookstores she has been in.

Things I liked about this book:

• The detail of the store life (i.e. the customers, coworkers, and their discussions)
• She goes through the different seasons as far as which merchandise needs to be out
• She discusses dumps and stripping (If you've worked in a bookstore, you should know these terms. If you have no idea what these are, then read the book and find out)

Things I didn't like about this book:

• There were times I felt she talked too much about her reading and signing schedule. I understand why it was important; however, during those times, my eyes just glazed over and I had to go back and reread. I liked hearing about the day in and day out in the Edward's bookstore.
  

Book #10- Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy

I first heard about this book from NPRs site. Little did I know, that this is an older book which has been republished several times. Sally Jay Gorce is the heroine of the story. After several failed attempts at running away, she goes to her uncle who tells her that when she finishes college, he will give her a monthly stipend for a year and she can live wherever she wants. On her 21st birthday, she decides to go to France and live in Paris. All of this takes place during the 1950's. She ends up encountering quirky characters. It's a story of a girl stretching her wings and learning to fly on her own. Even though she falls down now and again, she picks herself up and keeps going.

Things I liked about the book:

• Some of the unusual characters
• The plot twist at the end
  
• She stands up to people with the help of liquid courage

Things I didn't like about the book:

• There were times when it was a bit slow
• Groucho Marx said that he guffawed while reading the book... I didn't guffaw. Sure some parts were funny, but I wouldn't say hilarious.
  

Book #9- The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom

Wannabe Librarian, Israel Armstrong takes a job in a rural county of Ireland. Upon arriving, he realizes that the library he was supposed to be work at has been closed. Furthermore he is going to be in charge of a Mobile Library for which he does not feel qualified. After inspecting the old library, he realizes that it is missing books- about 15,000. The book includes a wide cast of characters including Israel himself. Using his sleuthing skills, he must uncover who stole the 15,000 missing books.

Things I liked about this book:

• It dealt with books. I like to read books that deal with books.

Things I didn't like about this book:

• I thought Israel was a bumbling idiot.
• He was a very wishy washy character who got beat up on a couple of occasions.
• Israel thought he was extremely intelligent; which he was not.
  

Book #8- Girl with Glasses My Optic History by Marissa Walsh

This is a memoir of a a woman who discusses the various aspects of wearing glasses. If you've ever had vision problems, you will be able to relate to this book. Ms. Walsh does not just spend the whole time discussing her eyes, she throws in interesting episodes of her life as well. She goes through all of the different types of glasses and contacts that she has worn in her life. I was surprised that I really enjoyed reading it.

What I liked:

• It was a quick read.
• I could relate to what the author said.
• I liked the websites she provides at the end.

What I didn't like:

• It ended.
  

Book #7- Buenos Aires Broken Hearts Club by Jessica Morrison

I completely related to this book!! Maybe it was because I was in Ecuador while reading this, but I really enjoyed this book. Cassie Moore's life comes to a crashing halt. In one day, she is fired from her job, is being evicted from her apartment, and walks in on her fiance having sex with his ex-girlfriend. So after getting drunk, she begins to search for a new future on the web. In her drunken haze, she rents an apartment in Buenos Aires. She doesn't want to back out of this since she emails everyone she knows that she is going there. But she doesn't want to go because she really is not into traveling. It's a fabulous book and a very quick read! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

What I liked:

• Cassie thinks the same way I do about traveling. Why leave your comfort spot in the first place.
• Cassie also cries a lot at first. Kind of like me in Ecuador.
• Cassie stands out without trying. Boy I totally know that feeling.

What I didn't like:

• I liked it period.
  

Book #6- Blood Price by Tanya Huff

I started watching Blood Ties on Lifetime back in the spring sometime was instantly hooked. Blood Price is the first book in Huff's series about Vickie Nelson private investigator. Although Vickie is not a part of the police anymore, she still uses many of its resources to help her solve a string of murders. Along the way, she meets up with Henry Fitzroy, a vampire. Together they help solve the mysteries of the many deaths.

What I liked:

• I liked that the book gave more of a background about Vickie Nelson.

• I like that Vickie is a strong heroine.

What I didn't like:

• I felt in some places it was too wordy.
• It didn't always hold my attention.
• I didn't like the flashbacks for Henry.
• I hate the fact that Henry is a romance writer.