Fall for the Indie Book Challenge discussion

This week's book is Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance

There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit.
After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.


So far the blurb. I had to buy it of course (who wouldn’t with a description like that – I mean, TMTI and Sir McHotPants in one?). And I loved every single minute of it.
NERD ALERT!
The plot follows exactly the description – besides a nasty, criminal little sister, a knitting group with mad self-defense skills (knitting needles are excellent for stabbing someone) and co-workers from hell.
But the most charming aspect of the book is the definitely the TMTI part: I strongly suspect that Penny Reid is a nerd herself, because you have to be just research the trivial info Janie comes up with. Best example: Janie and Quinn’s first real talk in the elevator after she’s been laid off. Her every other sentence starts with “Did you know…” in this hunk’s vicinity and it’s absolutely hilarious. No “Hi I’m Janie, who are you?”,but a smart talk about calendar systems and time zones. All delivered with Janie’s charmingly naïve attitude that leaves not only Quinn speechless. And in love.
As we follow Janie’s life from stalking Quinn, to waking up in his apartment, to working for his company (Janie is something of a genius, we are told) to cleaning up her sister’s mess to the sweetest professing of love ever, we get an education: about the differences of Neanderthals and humans (we are not the same race apparently, did you know), who Ida is (Freud would blow a gasket about this one) and how a degree in Math could come in handy someday.

Sum Total: 4 Stars

Neanderthal Seeks Human gets 4 STARS because it is well written, has a great protagonists and is FUN. (For nerds and lovers of trivial information). It’s perfect for Spa days of any kind, whether they are at home in your bathtub or on vacation. And there is a sequel, Neanderthal marries Human, already waiting for you.

Week 2: Sticks and Stones (The Wish Makers Book 1) by Shawn McGuire Shawn McGuire Sticks and Stones

FACING DEMONS

I won Book 2, Break My Bones, in a giveaway and because I don’t like to start a series in the middle, I bought Sticks and Stones.
At first, it was hard to get into the book. The main character, Mandy, is not only boring, a goody-goody, but also one of these enervating ‘woe-is-me’- types that I abhor. The first third of the book, until after Lexi moves in and things start to change, the word that describes the experience best is ‘static.’ Grey-on-grey, boring, always the same. Not one toe out of line.
However - and this is a huge however - the second Mandy was forced step out of her comfort zone, the story gained traction. And then it turned into a wonderful, heartfelt story.
The way Mandy is forced to confront her demons and face the ugly truth hiding deep within in her, the way the rapid change of events leads to her coming into her own is gripping and has you into its claws until the last page.
Sticks and Stones is a story about guilt, about remorse, about fear (not teenage angst, but the real thing) of consequences; Sticks and Stones is a book about lot of things but most of all about how honesty and facing your demons sets you free; how change, though painful, is a good thing if you choose a new perspective; and how letting you go can result in spreading your wings and learning to fly.

Sum Total: 4 STARS

Though a bit hard to get into at first, the story is good once Mandy finds her stance and voice. It’s a great book and it made me think. Which is something I value. It’s not the most enjoyable book there is; it hits home too close sometimes for that, as we all know either first hand or someone else having the same experience. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic read and I recommend it.
The only reason it doesn’t rate 5 STARS is because however good, Sticks and Stones is still no Shakespeare.

Break My Bones Shawn McGuire
Week 3: Break my Bones by Shawn McGuire

Like the first book, Break My Bones is a very serious read, it's topic being domestic violence, the results of alcoholism, and addiction in general.
But thankfully the author didn't get stuck in the very real depiction of the above mentioned tragedies but tells us what is needed to break out. Besides a Wish Mistress, that is.
Crissy is abused by Brad, stuck in baby sitting duty and one day, she makes a wish - for a better future. And things take their course.

What is so amazing about this book is the story is told without any moral judgment; it just shows how to break out of a vicious circle by accepting help from friends and changing your self-perception. Shawn McGuire did an excellent job showing the reader that finding your inner strength and having faith in one self is all you need to create a better future, all by yourself. No one is too weak or too worthless to not make his dreams come true and start anew.

SUM TOTAL:4 STARS

Break My Bones was another 4 star read gifted to us by Shawn McGuire. It's serious, it's hard on your emotions at times, you may even find yourself in there sometimes, but it's great. And hopeful.
No fifth star because again, no Shakespeare. Otherwise, an excellent sequel.
Keep them coming, Miss McGuire!