Hula Ville and Other Short Stories by Mark Lages
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mark Lages ability to entertain with his short stories is evident in Hula Ville.

Reading about the places I grew up in Orange County, California, made a special connection.

My favorites were 'Sugar' and 'The End'. Sugar was sentimental about a cop coming home after a successful suicide and appreciating the life he has more than ever. And 'The End' reminded me of the movie, 'Defending Your Life', with Meryl Streep and Al Brooks where the recently-deceased are made to review their lives.

The stories may hold a lesson, or not. Some are light and some stay with the reader long after the book is put down.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys short stories. Take the book along with you for times you have a few minutes; some of the stories are quite short (2 pages).

Caged Eyes: An Air Force Cadet's Story of Rape and Resilience by Lynn K. Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent book on the aftermath of sexual assault. The writer takes us on her personal journey of injustices beginning at childhood and then throughout her military career. This is not a quick read nor a book to be taken lightly. She's putting herself out there so that we may understand this issue. And frankly, if you are not someone that has been subject to abuse, most likely you haven't put a great deal of thought in to it. Excellent sequenced writing that allows us to see her story as it has unfolded. My only "wish" is that she wouldn't blame herself as I felt she does at times. None of this was her fault.

Death Echo by Elizabeth Lowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My heart is still pounding from all the action during the end of the book!

Totally different than all the other Elizabeth Lowell novels I have read: lots less romance (sex) and much more action. She is so good at this type of writing style! I didn't miss the steamy parts much because there was always something happening.

Lowell masters whatever topic her novel revolves around ... in the past art heists, precious gems and now stolen yachts. Almost all the action happened on the water and it was so knowledgeable. She wrote with such knowledge that I feel as if I could survive having to sail a 40' yacht through choppy waters!

Great gym read. Loved it.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an uplifting read for kids! Especially those having a tough time navigating the intricacies of their relationships. Whether the problems are with their friends, their families, teachers, strangers there is an anecdote here for them. Especially those who are prone to spend time in their made-up stories - which is encouraged! - they may a feel a bit more accepted after reading. They will understand that the world may expect them to play "the game", but in the long run it's how they decide to treat others that matters. It's worth it for the real friendships that last.

The artwork is phenomenal. LeUyen Pham is clearly in her element here. The graphics are truly stunning ... especially the fantasy worlds the girls enter.

Beautifully done.

Great for older elementary school children (who may need help with the reading) and younger middle schoolers.

The Things We Wish Were True by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I stayed up through most the night to finish this; I just had to see what would happen as layer upon layer built up. There are so many parts to this story. Small town with the problems of a much bigger world.

This is not a typical fiction, I'd call it close to a thriller. My heart was beating at the end and I was almost afraid as I turned the pages. So many lives are hanging in this balance on so many different lies. These lies built on love and loyalty; appearances; guilt.

And some of the lies were so big, it's a wonder the author, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen was able to keep the story on track for the readers. But she does!

The characters were also believable and real. I felt like I would want to know some of them ... Zell, Jencey, Lance and all the kids, especially Cailey.

There are many lessons learned at the end. "What a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive. I have to think the author consciously thought about this as the story begins and ends with a spider.

Great read; I will seek out her other books now.