Book Review: The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

As I was sitting in class with nothing to do, I turned to my comfort activity, reading. I eagerly opened my school issued Chromebook, searching for a good thriller. I wanted to be shocked, at the edge of my seat, and experience the aftershock that comes after reading a perfectly crafted thriller/mystery novel.

With limited options within eBooks, I decided to go for a fan favorite, The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. The synopsis had everything that I was looking for. A triple perspective novel detailing the kidnapping of art teacher, Mia Dennett, the plot sounded promising. And so, I began reading the book, foolishly believing the raving reviews talking about the plot twist that made their jaws drop. 

The premise of the novel is that an art teacher named Mia Dennett goes missing. Mia is the daughter of a successful judge and so the police are immediately on the case. The book is narrated by 3 people. Her frantic mother, Eve Dennett. Her kidnapper, Colin Thatcher. And lastly, the cop assigned to her case, Gabe Hoffmann. Together, their stories interconnect to figure out how Mia went missing, why she was kidnapped, and where she is. 

I have many complaints about the book that I will concisely explain here. 

1. The plot twist was lacking

A major reason I stuck with the book till the end was because of the promise of an astonishing plot twist. This supposed plot twist came during the last two pages, was extremely predictable, and did not justify, properly explain, or satisfactorily conclude the events of the book. 

2. The book contained discriminatory content

Every villain in the book was a person of color and as a first-generation Indian American teen, I was very hurt by seeing this. To portray the only person to color as an exotic villains and the actual abuser as a hero is something that didn't sit right with me. In contrast, every protagonist was of the same ethnic background. Also, Kubica consistently associates ethnic neighborhoods with danger. Why is a neighborhood filled with mostly immigrants considered to be a rotting place that's unsafe for everyone?

3. The book justified kidnapping and glorified Stockholm Syndrome

Kidnapping and abusing an individual are not okay under any circumstances, yet this novel almost seemed to glorify it. The kidnapper, Colin Thatcher kidnaps Mia to "save her" from the big bad villain of the book. He locks her, does not let her out of his sight, does not properly feed her, and constantly carries a gun to intimidate and scare her. Throughout the course of the novel, this character transforms from abuser to the main love interest. It is obvious that Mia develops a case of Stockholm syndrome, but this is supposed to be a great love story that we as readers are supposed to root for.

4. None of the main characters were worth rooting for or well crafted

The book has 3 main characters. The first is Mia, the woman that is kidnapped. I do understand that she goes through some very traumatic events and as a reader, I did want her to escape. However, she is very one dimensional and repetitive. The second main character is the kidnapper, Colin Thatcher. As I mentioned above, he is abusive and rude. His backstory is meant to make readers empathize with him, but no past can justify literally kidnapping another person. The last main character is Mia's mother, Eve. She starts off the book talking about how she barely knows her daughter or bothers to talk to her. After her daughter is kidnapped, she spends all her time crying, which is understandable, but then proceeds to have a short romance with the cop managing Mia's case. I found that to be very off putting.

5. The different timelines made no sense and did not contribute to the plot

The book has two timelines (which is made very clear). One timeline details Mia's kidnapping and the other is Mia's life after being rescued. After reading a couple pages, it's annoying to know that Mia's memories are fragmented, she thinks her name is Chloe, and she gets rescued. This takes away from the suspense of what happens to Mia and does not raise any questions, rather it confuses the reader since the timeline keeps on randomly switching. 

While I could go on and on, these were the main reasons that I did not like this book. I don't think anyone of any age should read a book as discriminatory and one dimensional as this one.

0 stars out of 5

Weekly Book Wonder: Unveiling Our Featured Book/Author

 Hello everyone! This week our featured book/author is The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. 

Photo credit to Sperling and Kupfor Editore

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

This book is focused on the life of Avery Kylie Grambs, a high school senior living in poverty whose life drastically changes when she inherits a large fortune from a famous man who she is not related to. The man (Tobias Hawthorne) has 4 grandsons, all of whom had been trained to be exceptional and brilliant. Throughout the course of the book, Avery works with all four grandsons and her sister, Libby, to uncover the mystery of why she was given the inheritance and what kind of a man Tobias Hawthorne really was. She also struggles to adjust to the lavish, demanding, and wealthy lifestyle that her new status demands, which serves as a background plot.

My Opinion

I found this book to be quite interesting. It is a controversial book, with some people adoring it and others finding the plot to be dull and lacking. I found it intriguing, with a new plot twist appearing every couple of chapters. The writing was masterful and tactful, and I think that it was a well-done book. I found myself suspecting everyone, which is a trademark of good mystery novels.

Personally, I didn't particularly enjoy the Emily storyline. Though it was interesting and showed significant character development within the two love interests, Jameson and Grayson, I felt that it was a bit drawn out and excessive. The rivalry and discomfort between the two brothers could have been shown in a different way or explained earlier on in the story. I thought that it took away from the main mystery. 

The reason that I still gave this book 5 stars despite not liking a significant part of the story is because the mystery was intriguing and well written enough to the point where I can overlook the Emily storyline. Furthermore, every character was human. What I mean by this is that every character, even the protagonists, were given flaws, which made them more relatable and likable. I think that was a really important aspect of this book especially since they are shown to be very wealthy, making their humanity and flaws the only part of them that makes them relatable. 

Overall, if you like plot twists, mysteries, and main characters that you will keep rooting for, this book is for you!

Age Rating

This is a clean YA book, with all of the romance being limited and appropriate. The main characters are around 17-20 years old, but at least in this book, because so much character development is required for all the characters, the mystery is at center stage, not the romance. Nothing is too frightening, but the vocabulary, concepts, and pacing is appropriate for older readers. Therefore, I would recommend this book for readers that are 12+. 

Series

This book is the first in a series. The series is as follows:

1. The Inheritance Games

2. The Hawthorne Legacy

3. The Final Gambit

4. The Brothers Hawthorne

5. The Grandest Game (To be Released)

The first 3 books make up a trilogy and the main plotline/mystery is wrapped up in these three books. The fourth book focuses on the love interests in the trilogy (Jameson and Grayson) and their personal journeys after the events of the first three. 

Dive Into Magic: Our Enchanting Book/Author of the Week

  Hello Everyone! This weeks featured book/author is Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Photo Credit to amazon.com

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

This book takes place in the mid 1800s and is about a girl named Sophronia who is failing to meet her mother's high expectations of her. She enjoys climbing and taking apart mechanical inventions, all hobbies that are frowned upon if done by a lady. Because of this, Sophronia's mother decides to send her away to a finishing school so that she can learn to be a proper lady in time for her sister's ball. However, when she gets there, she finds out that the school is not all that it seems. In addition to etiquette, the school also teaches espionage skills. They decide to give Sophronia a trial to see if she is suited for the school. Will she fail or succeed? 

My Opinion

This was a very interesting book, but I found the plot very complex and detailed which was why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The way the story is woven, I instantly fell in love with the characters and I found myself rooting for Sophronia whenever she faced any difficult tasks. I loved the espionage part of the story, and I wanted more of the story even when it ended.

Age Rating

I wound recommend this book for ages 12/13+ depending on how advanced of a reader you are. The storyline is very complex, but thrilling, so you should be able to understand the book. 

This is a book series. The names of the books (in sequence) are:

Etiquette and Espionage- Book 1

Curtsies and Conspiracies- Book 2

Waistcoats and Weaponry- Book 3

Manners and Mutiny- Book 4

This is called the Finishing School Series.

This Week's Must-Read Book/Author

 Hello Everyone! This weeks featured book/author is City Spies by James Ponti

Photo Credit to amazon.com

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

This book is about a young hacker named Sarah who is 12 years old and has just landed herself a court hearing. As she's explaining to her court given attorney that she only did it for the greater good, she is visited by a mysterious man who claims to be her actual attorney. Later, he explains that he works for the M16, a national spy organization, and he needs her help. He has a team of elite young spies from all around the world, getting ready for one of the most important missions they will ever face, and he needs to know if she's the one. The last person on their team. Sarah is faced with a decision, and what happens after she makes one, is a humorous and thrilling adventure.

My Opinion

I think this was one of the best novels I have ever read! This was definitely a great thriller and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked that it was realistic, and the characters personalities felt real and authentic. I loved the suspense, and the whole time, I was on the edge of my seat! The overall theme and the subtle hidden messages that were shown throughout the book were also great!

Age Rating

I would recommend this book for ages 10 and up. It has a very complex, but thrilling story line, and readers should be able to understand it. The vocabulary can also be advanced throughout the book. It is a wonderful read though, and can even be enjoyed by adults!

Book Buzz: Meet Our Book/Author of the Week!

 Hi everyone! This week's featured book/author is The Secret Grave by Lois Ruby.

Photo Credit to amazon.com

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

This book is about a girl who is just trying to enjoy her summer, but that is difficult because her 2 best friends are going to different destinations for the summer and she is stuck in a new place. With her multiple siblings, nobody pays attention to her either. That all changes when she meets a new friend in the woods. Now she finally has somebody to spend the summer with. But the girl is not who she seems.....

My Opinion

This book was interesting, but at some points, it got a little overly creepy. At one point, her friends come back to meet her new friend, and after that, it got creepy. It was an extremely interesting concept though and there were many twists and turns as well.  It also kept you at the edge of your seat the whole time, and I kept wanting to know what happened next!

Age Rating

I would recommend this book for ages 10 and up. It might get a little frighting for kids younger than that and it might have vocabulary that is too difficult for younger kids.

Summer Reading Programs for 2021

 It's summertime, school's are out, and that means it's summer reading time! Summer Reading has been proven to help kids do better during the school year, and today I have complied a list of confirmed summer reading programs (with incentives!) for 2021.

Confirmed Programs for 2021

1. Your Public Library

Public libraries almost always have summer reading programs available with various incentives such as coupons, free books, special recognition, and more! Be sure to check out your local libraries and see if they have a program available.

2. Scholastic Summer Reading

Scholastic has a digital program available this year. All you have to do is register in Home Base, Which is their digital reading program. Then, you maintain a reading streak. The best part is, by keeping a reading streak, you help donate books to underprivileged kids who so not have access to books.

3. Chuck-E-Cheese Summer Reading

Chuck E Cheese has a summer reading program this year as well. All you have to do is keep track of your reading for 2 weeks on their reading calendar, and you receive 10 free play points. Please note that you have to purchase food in order to redeem this prize.

4. Barnes And Noble Summer Reading

If you read 8 books this summer, you can earn a free book at Barnes and Noble! You have to keep track of your reading by writing the book, author, and your favorite part of the book on this digital journal and then show it to a store associate to receive your free book. Please note that there are a select number of books you can choose from (they have excellent selection though) and this program is only open to Grades 1-6. If you have just completed 6th grade or you are going into 1st grade this fall, it still counts.

5. The New York Times Summer Reading Program

The New York Times magazine is also hosting a summer reading program this year, although it is more like a contest. If you read one of their articles, and explain why you enjoyed reading it or why it caught your attention, you will have a chance to be published on their website. They also provide a rubric and contest guidelines.

6. Camp Book It! Pizza Hut Summer Reading

Pizza Hut has a program that offers a complimentary personal pan pizza if you complete a certain amount of reading. Please keep in mind that a parent or guardian has to register for you.

7. TD Bank Summer Reading

If you are Grades K-5, then you can participate in this fun program! After reading 10 books, you get 10 dollars deposited to your savings account!

I hope you end up trying some of these amazing programs. Being a summer reader myself, I can assure you that you will have a fantastic time!

Discover the Magic: Spotlight on Our Book/Author of the Week!

 Hi everyone! This week's featured book/author is The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson.

Photo Credit to amazon.com

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

This book is about a 12 year old girl named Candice who moves to the fictional town of Lambert, South Carolina to her deceased grandmother's old house. Her grandmother was fired as the first black woman city manager because of an incident nobody will tell Candice about. Throughout the book she is shown to have a passion and love for reading. The boy who lives down the street, shares her same interest which causes them to become friends. One day, they go up to her grandmother's old attic, where Candice finds a box addressed to her, and in it, she finds an old letter. It contains promises of a big fortune for the city and the person who finds it, but there's a catch. She has to solve a series of riddles about the history of Lambert to reach it. She tells Brandon, the boy who lives down the street, and together, they decide to find the fortune.

My Opinion

I loved this book. It had just the right amount of suspense, humor, action, and plot twists! I especially loved it because it was a mystery novel, my favorite genre! While the book doesn't talk about real events that occurred, the fictional events outline some of the most notable issues today, such as discrimination because of culture, and it promotes inclusivity and diversity. I enjoyed the plot twists and the character was very relatable at one point for me because it is shown that she moves from GA to SC.

Age Rating

I would recommend this book for ages 11 and up. It explores concepts such as racial discrimination and violence at some points. One character is also shown to be constantly drinking alcohol and kids should know the dangers and risks associated with alcohol before reading. The parents of the protagonist are shown to be divorced and the reason for that is revealed at the end. To live a better life, a character changes his outside appearance because of the current situations at the time it takes place, and kids should realize that it is important to always know that you were born to stand out, and not fit in! Lastly, there is a love story throughout some of the chapters. Overall, it is a wonderful and entertaining book though!