Rocks Fall Everyone Dies by Lindsay Ribar

Twin Peaks meets Stars Hollow in this paranormal suspense novel about a boy who can reach inside people and steal their innermost things—fears, memories, scars, even love—and his family’s secret ritual that for centuries has kept the cliff above their small town from collapsing.

Aspen Quick has never really worried about how he’s affecting people when he steals from them. But this summer he’ll discover just how strong the Quick family magic is—and how far they’ll go to keep their secrets safe.

With a smart, arrogant protagonist, a sinister family tradition, and an ending you won’t see coming, this is a fast-paced, twisty story about power, addiction, and deciding what kind of person you want to be, in a family that has the ability to control everything you are. 

Goodreads Summary

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. It's very different than anything I have read before and it is difficult to describe why. I did not immediately like Aspen. He comes off as arrogant, self-assured, and much to cocky. I don't think I would like to have his ability to "steal" things from peoples' minds. I imagine it would be interesting for a day. I only started to see him in a different light when he began to realize how his "gift" affected the lives of those he used it on. I suppose it takes caring about someone (his girlfriend) before he thinks of the repercussions. Once he realizes that what he can do has negative affects on those around him he also realizes that he has been negatively affected by the gift, as well. Someone has been using his/her gift on him, but why and who?

Like I said, it took a while for me to become friendly to Aspen. His character changes radically over the course of the novel. Sometimes, I thought it was more a change of convenience or self-preservation than true personal growth. I thought the plot was interesting, but sometimes I had to put the book down and continue reading a different novel. I think the book is worth reading, but a different reader may get more from the book than I.

3 1/2 Stars





This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Beautiful Scars by Kilee Brookbank

Kilee Brookbank was a typical sixteen-year-old, thinking about school, soccer, her friends, and her boyfriend. But her last ordinary day erupted in an explosion that consumed her house, burning over 45 percent of her body and sending her to the very brink of death. After thirty-eight days of surgeries, skin grafts, perpetual physical therapy, and excruciating pain, she had to discover how to live again.

When Kilee returned home, she had to find a new “normal,” relearning how to tie her shoes, put on her makeup, and even turn a doorknob. In each moment of her long journey back to everyday life, she had to make choices that would define who she was and who she would become.

With unwavering support from her mom, Lori, and the rest of her family, Kilee faced her journey with determination, strength, and a positive attitude that inspired not only her community, but people around the world.

Told together by Kilee and Lori, Beautiful Scars is a story of recovery, healing, and hope, reminding us all that we’re never powerless, never alone, and that each challenge we face helps make us the people we are meant to be. 

Goodreads Summary

I can't imagine being Kilee. After a tragedy leaves her with nearly half of her skin burned she somehow manages to survive. Undergoing skin grafts and physical therapy helps her, but she must work through the pain. I never thought about the simple things I do with my hands or feet that became significantly more difficult for Kilee. Kilee doesn't sugarcoat anything for the readers or try to tell them that it will be perfectly OK. She relies on the support of family and friends to help her through this immensely difficult time. 

I really liked that the story was told from the perspective of Kilee and her mom, Lori. Lori's perspective made me think about the emotions and difficulties moms go through when something happens to their children. I am not a mother (just out of college!) and was a little selfish in not realizing this. I found the book interesting and a worthwhile read as a whole. I learned much more about the aftermath of a burn than my sister or I do in medical school. This book is worth a second look!

4 Stars


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ