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Jessica R. (jesse-mcrae) - Reviews

1 to 4 of 4
Bent Road
Bent Road
Author: Lori Roy
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 1/13/2012
Helpful Score: 2


Lori Roy's first novel is a must-read. Set in in late 1960's Kansas, Bent Road is a tale interwoven with dark secrets about a family and a small rural town, framed by a 25-year old murder and the disappearance of a little girl. This book is full of suspense and emotion and will keep you guessing! I highly recommend this book!


Fires in the Mind: What Kids Can Tell Us About Motivation and Mastery
Review Date: 8/11/2012


I have been teaching high school English for eight years, and as any teacher, I struggle with motivating some of my students. I was hoping to find some new ideas in this book. However, that was not the case.

I would recommend this to any teacher who is just entering or who has recently entered the field, as it does explore "motivation and mastery" through the words of adolescent learners and could be useful in finding the spark in students. For veteran teachers, it may be a good reminder, but for the most part, I found myself skimming to find information I did not already know.

That being said, the chapter regarding homework is very insightful and includes a checklist to evaluate how you use homework. The suggested projects seemed manageable, but not very practical for teachers outside urban areas.

Overall, swap it. Don't buy it!


The Historian
The Historian
Author: Elizabeth Kostova
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 120
Review Date: 10/30/2011
Helpful Score: 2


Although this book has a fascinating and exciting concept (Dracula legends), its delivery leaves something to be desired. I enjoy historically-based novels and historical fiction, but this book was tedious to read. It took at least the first 100 pages to get moving and was really quite good for the next 300 hundred pages or so. However, the action drags until the end of the book--nearly 300 more later. And to top it off, the vague ending was less than satisfying. If you enjoy reading historical literature with a lot of primary sources (most likely fictional), then you will likely enjoy this book. If you like to be entertained and are looking for a quick read, I would pass on this one!


Such a Pretty Face
Such a Pretty Face
Author: Cathy Lamb
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 74
Review Date: 10/7/2012
Helpful Score: 2


This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time; I literally stayed up all night to finish it. I laughed as much as I cried, as it was as humorous as it was tragic. The story, told partially in flashbacks, is a woman's struggle to overcome her past enough to be present in her future. You will find yourself sucked into this novel immediately and unable to put it down (even if dawn is creeping in your windows!). The characters are brilliant, and the writing is fantastic!

This is my first Cathy Lamb book, and now I looking for more! DO NOT hesitate to find/swap/buy/order/download a copy of this book!


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