Leia : Princess Of Alderaan.

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A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....there was a princess who became a legend. 

 
Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the throne of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter. Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice; dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan—including the man she loves—or the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero... 

 

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Oh, man. It’s official that Claudia Gray can write a breathtaking Star Wars . Leia: Princess Of Alderaan is the second Star Wars book that I read by her, and it won’t be last one. It's another book that I cannot seem to describe all the feelings that I'm having. Leia is my favorite character in Star Wars , and I was excited for a chance to get to read about younger Leia. I was curious to find out how Leia got to where she was and how she got there. Once I started reading, it wasn't long before I was in love. It reminded me of the reason I loved Leia. Leia: Princess Of Alderaan was breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. When I turned the last page, I spend some time thinking about the book. I even talked to a few of my friends who are Star Wars fans about the story. 

Emotions in this book, I felt them all. I felt as I was facing all challenges that Leia was facing. I felt her fear, anger, confusion, love, and hope. Leia faced so much to be named heir to the throne. I wasn't even aware of how much she would have to face to get there. Leia never gave up, no matter how hard or frustrating it could be. I could not begin to imagine, to face everything that she had at sixteen years old. I knew that Leia was strong, and it seems as she always been that way. There was so much happening in this book, and I couldn't get enough of Leia's journey. Every page and chapter is filled with so many adventures. I was rooting for Leia to succeed in her challenges from the start until the end. This is one of the reasons that I love Leia. 

Keir. I couldn’t help but love him. I loved the relationship between him and Leia. It did not take long to see how much the two of them cared for each other. That ending, if that’s not what love is, then I don’t know what is. In general, I was in shock at that ending. I didn’t even think of that possibility. My emotions were everywhere at that time. I don’t believe that I can even explain them at this moment. I felt all the feelings that Leia was feeling at that time. I think this book was an emotional roller coaster ride but in a good way. Leia: Princess Of Alderaan is the one book that I know I will go back to in the future. I would highly recommend this for any Star Wars fans.

Becoming.

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In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare. 

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same. 

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An Inspiration. 

Becoming has been on my reading list, ever since I found that Michelle Obama wrote a book. I had liked Michelle Obama from the moment her husband, Barrack, became the president. I was curious about how she met Barrack and how it was to live in the White House. I cannot begin to imagine how it was to live in the public eye during Barrack’s presidency. I think that if it were me, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. When I picked Becoming , I felt good about the book. There were few parts in the book that was too slow or did not spark interest. In general, I couldn’t seem to put the book down. I enjoyed reading about the election process, and I had always wondered how the process is for the running people. Now I know that it takes out of the entire family. You have looked your best, smiling, and watch what you are saying. The family’s behavior could affect Barrack’s vote. There’s so much that goes into running for president and becoming one. 

I loved reading about Michelle’s life, how she grew up, how she met Barrack. Their meeting was not the one I was expecting. It’s clear from Michelle’s description that there was something special between them, right from the start. When Barrack Obama was president, I saw the love the two of them had for each other. When I saw them together, I couldn’t help but smile. I loved that I got the chance to read their story. I loved how the two of them tried to protect their girls during Barrack Obama’s presidency. I wonder how the two of them felt during it and how they felt having secret service everywhere. I knew there was a lot of work when you are president, but I never realized how much work it took. Michelle’s description of the White House had me feeling as I was there. All of her illustrations, I could picture every one of them. 

I have read few memoirs by now. Becoming was different, and I felt I understood politics a bit better afterward. This is the book that will stay with you long after turning the last page. I felt as if I learned so much. I would highly recommend picking this one up.

This Tender Land.

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In the summer of 1932, on the banks of Minnesota's Gilead River, the Lincoln Indian Training School is a pitiless place where Native American children, forcibly separated from their parents, are sent to be educated. It is also home to Odie O'Banion, a lively orphan boy whose exploits constantly earn him the superintendent's wrath. Odie and his brother, Albert, are the only white faces among the hundreds of Native American children at the school. 

After committing a terrible crime, Odie and Albert are forced to flee for their lives along with their best friend, Mose, a mute young man of Sioux heritage. Out of pity, they also take with them a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy. Together, they steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi in search for a place to call home. 

Over the course of one unforgettable summer, these four orphan vagabonds journey into the unknown, crossing paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an en¬thralling, bighearted epic that shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams, and makes us whole. 

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Adventurous. Haunting. Inspirational. 

I could keep on going. There are so many words that can be used to describe this book. I'm still trying to deal with the emotions after reading This Tender Land and I finished it last night. Once I reached the end, I recommended it to a few of my friends who love reading. While reading This Tender Land , I asked myself how I did not read it sooner. I put this book on hold a few months ago, but I had to wait a while due to a big waitlist. I have heard about the book for a while; even some of my favorite authors craved the book. I was eager to pick the book up, based on the number of positive reviews. After the first few pages, I could see why. This Tender Land was a story that I did not want to come to an end. I want to go back to the beginning so I can experience it all over again. 

I have read few books about friendships. Stories about friendships are one of my favorites, it's close to my heart. This Tender Land has one of the best stories about the true meaning of friendship, family. Odie, Albert, Mose and Emmy, they were so much more than friends; they were family. I have never been through what they have, but it reminded me of some of my best's friends. Their friendship reminded me of ours, despite what happens, in the end we are always there for one another. I loved the friendship between the four of them, and they went through so much heartache, but in the end kept on going. I loved how the three of them looked out for Emmy, protecting her. I did wonder what would happen when their journey would come to end. Would they stay together or go their separate ways? I hoped that they would find a chance to stay together whenever they got where they were headed. 

I wondered about the title from the beginning, was there a reason behind it? Once Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy started on their journey, it made sense, and I fell in love with the title more. Most of the book was narrative, and that was one of my favorite parts of the book; it made their journey more realistic. All the descriptions of where they were and what was happening, I imagined that I was there along with them, experiencing and feeling everything that they were. It seemed that they didn't have luck; something seemed to get in the way. I hoped that they would find their place, a place that they could call home all through the book. There wasn't a single page where something wasn't happening. I kept on turning pages, and if it weren't for homework and test that week, I would read it for days. This Tender Land isn't just historical fiction; it's a story about friendship, family, love, and hope. This is my first book by William Kent Krueger , and I'm excited about the chance to explore the rest of his adventures. 

A masterpiece.

Risky Encounters (Risks & Betrayals Duet,#1)

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One unforgettable night forges a connection steeped in passion and danger. 

 
It started as a dare that led to a steamy kiss. 

Trisha Hartman never expected to end her birthday night-out throwing herself in the path of a bullet to save a man she doesn’t even know. 

Alexander Westerfield is blown away by a fiery moment with a beautiful stranger. Considering she hurried off right after, he convinced himself the woman had no further interest. Then she does something quite heroic that causes him to desire her more. 

The chance of a romance proves to be difficult when threats arise at every turn, and exposing the culprit behind the plot seems impossible. But after several attempts on Xander’s life, doubts start to set in, and he wonders if he may have placed his trust in the wrong person. 

 

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Adventurous. Mysterious. Exhilarating. 

Oh, man. How do I begin? I know that it should not take me by surprise anymore. I have been reading Shane Morgan books since 2014. Every time that I read her books, I fall in love with the story. Risky Encounters wasn’t any different. I could not put the book down, and one of the reasons I finished the book one day. Some books have a point where you can stop and then come back. Risky Encounters every page, every chapter will have you wondering what’s going to happen next. Risky Encounters is mysterious and seems that anywhere that Alexander is, there’s danger following him. I am looking forward to the next book already, especially after that ending. I knew that there was a cliffhanger, but it wasn’t the one I was expecting. I think that I was as shocked as Trisha was at that discovery. I am eager to find out what’s going to happen afterward. 

Xander and Trisha. I loved the two of them, and I loved the connection the two of them have. I wonder if it’s the connection that Trisha felt and why she came to his rescue. It takes a lot to save someone that you don’t know, and there is a chance that she could get killed in the process. I had a feeling that he had some feeling for her, to let her kiss him on the dare. Once she saved him, his emotions got deeper. At first, I wondered if he liked her or thought he wanted her because she saved him. As time passed, I could see how much he cared about her and how he tried to protect her. However, no matter how he wanted to keep her safe, there was still someone there after him. I could tell that it was hard for Trisha to end things with him, but I understood why she did it. Trisha did not feel safe, and whoever was after him might come after her because they were together. It broke my heart for both. I hope that they find a way to be together. 

Bryson. I liked him at the beginning of the story, and I liked the close relationship he had with Xander. I think that Xander needed someone like Bryson, someone that he could talk to. As time passed, I started to get a bad vibe from Bryson. He began to act a bit weird and not like himself. I couldn’t blame Trisha for being suspicious, and I would be too if I were in her situation. I know that he is hiding something; I hope it has nothing to do with what has been happening. Xander’s heart will be shattered if Bryson was involved. Right now, I have mixed feelings about him, having a bad feeling. I’m eager to find out what Bryson has been up to and the reason behind it. The emotions in this book; so vivid. I felt myself feeling all those emotions. 

I love romance, and I love mystery. Risky Encounters is an amazing mix of the two. If you love both genres, be sure to pick up a copy today. Outstanding Story.

Little Fires Everywhere.

 

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In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned--from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. 

Enter Mia Warren--an enigmatic artist and single mother--who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. 

When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town--and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia's past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.
Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood--and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster. 

 

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Astounding. Inspiring. Powerful. 

I'm speechless. I don't know why I did not read this before, and I had it on my to-read list. When I heard about the show, heard people talking about it, I got the book at the library. Only a few pages into the book, I knew that I was going to love this book. I have read few narrative books throughout my life, but none of them impressed me the way Little Fires Everywhere did. This is one of the best narratives that I have read. All the descriptions of the Shaker Heights, I felt as I was there. I wished that I could go there and see it for myself. Characterization was one of my favorites in the books; their descriptions and emotions were so vivid. As I read Little Fires Everywhere , I pictured each of the characters as I read about them. When I reached the end, I was sad as if I was saying goodbye to my friends. Little Fires Everywhere is not a book that I will forget anytime soon. 

All the emotions that the characters went through, I felt it all. I talked about this book to my friends, my family while I was reading it. Little Fires Everywhere was real to me. Everything that happened in the story it's something that I can see happening in real life. There were few characters in the book that I had mixed feeling about, like Elena Richardson. She followed the rules, and I felt that it gave her the right to tell others what to do. Elena did try to be friendly with Mia, especially once her daughter Pearl became friends with her children. I wish that she let it go and got to know Mia instead of being suspicious of her. I was not her biggest fan towards the end of the book. Mia, I loved her from the start and her relationship with Izzy. From all the Richardson children, Izzy was my favorite. I hated how her family judged her, expecting the worse from her. Izzy needed someone like Mia. 

Little Fires Everywhere is not completely mysterious, but some aspects are mysterious. The book starts with Richardson's house on fire and has you wondering if Izzy has done it and set her house on fire. I knew that Izzy was troubled, but even I didn't think that she would go that far. I loved how the book starts, and it's the type of beginning that will have anybody curious. Little Fires Everywhere was so good that there was a night where I stayed up until 1:00 am reading, I could not force myself to put it down. The custody battle, that was an emotional read, and every step of the way, you wondered who the girl will end up with. Little Fires Everywhere is a book that will have go through the emotions from beginning to the end. Little Fires Everywhere is the first book that I read by Celeste Ng and it won’t be the last. I am eager to check the rest of her books. Now that I have read the book, I'm excited to check out the Hulu series. 

A highly recommended book. Little Fires Everywhere will touch you in a way you will never forget.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completly Fine.

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No one's ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine

 
Meet Eleanor Oliphant: she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. 

But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen, the three rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they had been living. Ultimately, it is Raymond's big heart that will help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one. If she does, she'll learn that she, too, is capable of finding friendship—and even love—after all. 

Smart, warm, uplifting, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes. . .
the only way to survive is to open your heart 

 

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Heartbreaking. Inspirational.

 I have heard about Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine for some time. As some time passed, I noticed more were picking up the book and craving about the story. I was curious; so, I got a copy from my library. I was hooked within the first chapter of the book. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is unlike any other book that I have read; it will have you turning the pages for hours. This book that I wished I picked up sooner than I had, a book that I will read again in the future. Of course, I was curious about the title, but once I started to read the book, it made so much sense. Eleanor is an extraordinary character and unlike everyone else. It seems as she has trouble fitting in, and it looks as if she is okay with the routine that she has. From reading the summary, I knew that it was about to change, but how would it affect Eleanor? At first, I felt as if she seemed to have a bit trouble adjusting to her new routine after meeting Raymond. Eleanor needed that, a friend. 

I wondered if something would happen between Raymond and Eleanor when the two of them met. As the book progressed and I observed their communication, I knew nothing there was but a friendship. I did not feel any spark of attraction between the two of them. I felt as two of them were meant to be friends. I loved the friendship that the two of them developed, and it's all because they helped Sammy. Communication did not always come easy to Eleanor. However, when she was around Raymond, she seemed more comfortable around him. I'm glad that Eleanor came across Raymond and that the two of them became friends. When she went downhill, he was there for her, and he's the one that convinced her to get help. It seemed that Eleanor had a lot of the information that she held back, even ones I was not aware of. 

Since the fire was mentioned, and Eleanor mentioned she was in foster care. I wondered what happened, what her mom had done. The way that Eleanor talked to her mother, despite how her mother reacted. It had never occurred that the conversation could be in Eleanor's imagination. The revelation about her mother, what she has done, and what happened to her, I did not see coming. I loved the narration, and it felt as I was getting inside Eleanor's head. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is different from any other books. My emotions were everywhere as I read the book. I was eager to see how it will end for her; at the same time, I didn't want it to end. I could not get the book out of my mind; long after I reached the end. I was blown away. I fell in love. Highly recommended.