Book Review: Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness - Susannah Cahalan

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness - Susannah Cahalan

An award-winning memoir and instant New York Times bestseller that goes far beyond its riveting medical mystery, Brain on Fire, is the powerful account of one woman's struggle to recapture her identity.

When twenty-four-year old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a hospital room, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak, she has no memory of how she'd gotten there.  Days earlier, she had been on the threshold of a new life: at the beginning of her first serious relationship and promising career at a major New York newspaper.  Now she was labeled violent, psychotic, a flight risk.  What happened?

In a swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family's inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn't happen.  "A fascinating look at the disease that could have cost this vibrant, vital young woman her life" (People), Brain on Fire is an unforgettable exploration of memory and identity, faith and love, and a profoundly compelling tale of survival and perseverance that is destined to become a classic.

3/5 stars (liked it)

I thought this story was great and a little scary.  I could not imagine going through something like that and not being able to remember and seeing and hearing about all the crazy things you did.  Susannah has great parents that never gave up on her and always knew she was inside herself.  Also a great boyfriend and friends who stood by her and helped her.

Book Review: Dead But not Forgotten - Various Authors

 Dead But not Forgotten - Various Authors

Charlaine Harris' smash-hit Sookie Stackhouse series may have reached its conclusion, but the world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, lives on in this all-new collection of 15 stories.  Written by a killer lineup of authors including New York Times best-sellers Rachel Caine, MaryJanice Davidson, Jonathan Maberry and Seanan McGuire, and with introductions read by Charlaine herself, Dead but Not Forgotten puts your favorite characters center stage.

2/5 stars (it was OK)

It is a very interesting idea to have other authors write about these characters.  Although I actually did not like most of the stories.  My favorite stories were "The Real Santa Claus" by Leigh Perry and "Love Story" by Jeanne C. Stein.  The first being about Diantha and takes place several years after the series ends.  It was nice to see where Sookie and Sam were.  Then the second story was about the love affair that Adele had and how she had her children.

Book Review: Rooms - Lauren Oliver

Rooms - Lauren Oliver

Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime.  His estranged family--bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna--have arrived for their inheritance.

But the Walkers are not alone.  Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls.  Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives.  Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself--in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb.

The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force.  When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human world collide--with cataclysmic results.

Elegantly constructed and brilliantly paced, Rooms is an enticing and imaginary ghost story and a searing family drama that is as haunting as it is resonant.

2/5 stars (it was OK)

So I was very excited to read this since it was written by Lauren Oliver.  I was a little disappointed with the story.  I think she could have done so much more.  I just feel like not much really happens in the book and stories were not completely told.  Also seems like everything was left until the end to come to light.