Review - January First by Michael Schofield

Book Summary from Amazon

A New York Times bestseller, January First captures Michael and his family's remarkable story in a narrative that forges new territory within books about mental illness. In the beginning, readers see Janni’s incredible early potential: her brilliance, and savant-like ability to learn extremely abstract concepts. Next, they witnesses early warning signs that something is not right, Michael’s attempts to rationalize what’s happening, and his descent alongside his daughter into the abyss of schizophrenia. Their battle has included a two-year search for answers, countless medications and hospitalizations, allegations of abuse, despair that almost broke their family apart and, finally, victories against the illness and a new faith that they can create a life for Janni filled with moments of happiness.

A compelling, unsparing and passionate account, January First vividly details Schofield’s commitment to bring his daughter back from the edge of insanity. It is a father’s soul-baring memoir of the daily struggles and challenges he and his wife face as they do everything they can to help Janni while trying to keep their family together.


My Review - 5 star

This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read.  Emotional, heartbreaking, passionate, the incredible scary reality of the Schofields.  I will be following Michael's blog, Jani's Journey, as I am in awe of his commitment, he may not be perfect but him and his wife Susan are amazing in my eyes.  They did for Jani what no other parent or medical professional could have done.  They loved Jani with a true forever. 

I didn't realise it was the same family I had seen on the news or Oprah but what I saw was how the book ended with the decision to live separately.   It was great to see how it all began with January and how being called January would trigger one of her tantrums, soon becoming reality of her hallucinations.  Her parents thought she may be a genius as she could read and write, had a mathematical mind at age 2 but reality was there was something more, a psychosis. Many medical staff I don't think understood what Michael and Susan were going through because January was there youngest patient to have schizophrenia and I believe they were scared to label her.  During this long year she was misdiagnosed or maybe a better term would be the professionals lacked the importance of diagnosing her.  I have to give the parents the out most respect for pushing forward and wanting the best for their family.  Jani is five so some believe it is just sever anxiety, autistic, she doesn't want to deal with the real world and maybe even bipolar.  The parents are questioning schizophrenia and keep getting shut down, this was mind blowing to me.

My only query which I have to be honest is a little judgemental, why would they have another child.  I loved how near the end this was answered, not only for me but for them also.  The violence they experienced was unreal and when Jani asked to go to the psyche ward so she won't hurt her brother or mommy it was torture, she is only 5, how can she understand that. At times I had to put the book down, it was just to hard to embrace but I felt the pull to pick it back up and read on. 

There were some funny scenes that were also educational.  Michael forgot to cut her medicine so bit it to give to her and a few crushed pieces he swallowed.  The effect of this seriously had me crying with laughter.  Finding the right medicine for January was difficult and hardly noticed as an impact to her, but a few crushed pieces had Michael in a moment of feeling like he was stuck in quick sand, reality or not, totally funny.

I loved how the idea of living in 2 homes came from them, undeniable love.  They didn't know how they would do it but learned to figure it out moment to moment.  I look forward to following there journey.

I have always had a love for understanding mental illness which is what drew me to this book.

I wish the Schofield's the best and hope the journey gets easier, continue to love and uphold each other.  I also hope that one day a magic drug will assist families with mental illness, either with a cure or way to have more than just great moments but amazing days, weeks, months or years.

A few favourite quotes

I'm relieved, still clinging to the belief that the source of Janni's violence is a disconnect between the age of her body and the age of her mind. Kindle at 17%

I want to take Susan in my arms, but not because I want to comfort her.  There is no comforting.  This is hell.  I want to grab on to Susan to stop myself from slipping under.  My heart is ripping apart.  Kindle at 36%

But every day there are also moments where I see her smile, moments when I havve hope, moments when I feel at peace with our future, whatever might come our way. Kindle at 99%


 

Review - In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan

Book summary from Amazon (teaser)

A window cut into a girl's body sets off a desperate search for a serial killer with an artistic bent.

Liv "Boots" Bergen is shocked when the body of a stunning college intern working in her Colorado limestone quarry is found on the shores of a nearby reservoir. Clues are scarce--except that the crime scene appears to be a macabre, intricately staged tableau.

My Review - 4 stars

I knew this was a series, I mainly enjoy stand alone's so I initially thought OMG we will be dealing with the same serial killer, sigh, but nope looks like different cases for the series but the same amateur girl next door acting detective, Liv and the real Detective Streeter.  So in the Belly of Jonah we get it all with a good wrap up, I am pleased.

I did a minor in Art History so I completely got the mysterious brutal and gruesome parts but it didn't take away from the story at all, if anything it helped with the visuals.  A sick and twisted serial killer that thought far to much of himself.

I did like the idea that Liv came across as just using her brain and experiences to be able to help the Detectives instead of a wannabe that is better than the cops, that usually is a put off to me.   She was directly involved as the victim worked for her and the Detective was an old friend from college.  They dealt with the critical incident with staff very well, completely believable.  What was unbelievable is staying with Liv during the investigation, that would never get approved with Liv being so close to the investigation.  Especially since it wasn't a secret, ridiculous.

I was pleased that people actually died, the ones who usually never do, that was well done, gave us some good action.  Sandra Brannan did a great job on giving you ideas of who the murderer was so it became a him or him or is it someone else, good suspense.

This was a strong debut, well thought out.  A touch on the cozy side for me other than brutal scenes but overall it worked.  I will continue to read this series.

I read this after recommendation from blogger friend Michelle at red headed book child.

Reading and more reading but reviews eek

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2012 Wishlist.


Friends, I am not doing good in the review department, I am 3 behind.  I know some of you may not think that is bad, but I read one book a week and usually write my reviews right after I complete one so this new habit is not good, I can't imagine my reviews being good enough, sigh.

I need to write reviews for The Prophet (Book 3) by Amanda Stevens, Club Shadowlands (Book  1) by Cherise Sinclair and In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan.

I just completed - review to come this week, a 4 star read

 

 

 

I reviewed Primal here, amazing thriller, a 5 star read

 

 

 

 

I also reviewed Attorney Client Privilege, a 4 star read

 

 

 

 

I'm currently reading - fascinating so far

 

 

 

 

What is up next..... I have no idea, i'm such a mood girl.  Peculiar Children has been on my TBR list next a couple of weeks now.

 



I also did a post about the Top Ten books I want to read this year. Go here to see my list.

 

Review - Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young

Book Summary from Pump up Your Books

A brutal murder, missing documents and an unscrupulous opposing counsel lead attorney Vernetta Henderson on a quest for justice—and ultimately—revenge. The hotshot L.A. lawyer takes on a corporation with a long history of discriminating against women. While Vernetta simply wants justice for her clients, the corporation’s hired gun wants to win . . . and she doesn’t care how. On the home front, Vernetta’s infamous sidekick Special has finally found true love. But is the price more than she’s willing to pay?


My  Review - 4 stars

This legal thriller had it all, many debatable topics, cultural diversity, religion, fraud, sexism and a huge discrimination case.  There was lots going on to keep you engaged with unethical, underhanded manipulation.  Some characters you really do not like, the get the job done under any circumstances without only one thought, themselves.

The main character in this series, Vernetta, she is likable but I don't think memorable.  I think her best friend, Special, leaves more of an impression that she does.  And Girle, the other attorney.  Vernetta and her have a competitive heated working relationship, always fighting against each other to see who will win.  Vernetta is a by the book lawyer which is very good and Girlie is an attractive lawyer that is unorthodox in the way she gets information but definitely sleeps with the enemies to win.  She is respected because she wins.

We have a murder at the beginning of the story that intertwines this journey.  Vernetta wants her to give up this case as she is in danger which she will not accept.  Special and her fiance are having relationship conflicts over the Muslim religion.  This is a huge part of the story that pulls at emotions with many characters and has the reader judging also.

Dealing with a huge corporate discrimination case was interesting.  The outcome, climatic, this alone was worth the read, entertaining.

Pamela knows how to bring a novel to a close, the last quarter had me on the edge of my seat, I couldn't wait to see who will get what they deserve and how.  The major crime gave us the suspense and the legal research and trials gave us the thrill. 

Pamela Samuels Young has a way with capturing your attention with her legal cases.  You always learn something also, in this case, the religion information was appealing, even though I was a little judgmental.

A favourite quote.

"I spoke to a woman who worked at a store in Bakerfield," Benjamin said, perusing the notes on his legal pad.  "She claims a reginal manager told her women weren't fit for management because God made men to rule and females to serve." 

"Was he trying to be funny?" 

"She certainly didn't think so.........

My Reviews
Buying Time (my favourite of hers)
Murder on the Down Low

Guest Post - Make your dreams a reality

Review and Winner for Thriller Primal

Winner #5, congrats Steph

 

 

StephTheBookwormSeptember 5, 2012 12:22 PM

Omg, this sounds intense and scary! I've gotta read it! Thanks for the chance!

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

 

 

PRIMAL by D.A. Serra (screenplay originally purchased by James Cameron)

 

The most dangerous place on Earth is between a mother and her child...

With everything at stake - what are you capable of? What if the worst happens and you're not a policeman, a soldier, or a spy with weapons training and an iron heart? What if you're a schoolteacher - a mom? In this gritty crime thriller a family vacation takes a vicious turn when a fishing camp is invaded by four armed men. With nothing except her brains, her will, and the element of surprise on her side, Alison must learn to kill or watch her family die.

And then, things get worse.

 

My Review - 5

 

What a fantastic story, this had it all while keeping me on the edge of my seat. At only 222 pages this seriously left a thrilling impression on me. A mothers instinct will take priority over everything when it means protecting her child from life or death.

 

Primal was so much more than I expected, great characters, intense situations, the flow and energy, dialogue, plot and overall I found it came together and was believable.

 

Alison and her husband Hank decide to take their 8 year old son on his choice of vacation. They were expecting Disney but he chose a fishing trip. The petite put together mom does not have the ruffing it out look but she will not let her family down even though she could have got out of it.

 

We have the Bourne brothers whose mom's parental upbringing was loving to them but not trusting to the world which created monsters with her unorthodox psychotic way of thinking. I enjoyed the similar spark of the moms love for their families. The metaphors used throughout the story were very well done.

 

When these families come together by accident it is non stop action, hold onto your seats, you will not want to stop reading, completely engaged, you will get wrapped up and lost in this adventure. Some hardcore kick ass scenes, makes you say whoa. I was thinking, we are not even 50% in the story where would DA Serra go next.

 

The middle of the story is about dealing with the tragedies, the critical incidents that happened on the fishing vacation that was a matter of life and death. Alison has post traumatic stress and you then start wondering is she going crazy, how much help does she need or are her thoughts real. This part of the story was emotional and heartbreaking but Alison is an amazing strong female character.

 

Hank was such a supportive loving husband that was dealing with his own emotions and guilt to assist her. Finally he had to make some tough love choices which was like a slap in her face. This takes us towards the ending.

 

What a great wrap up ending, even if you figure it out it is still shocking, very well executed. I was thoroughly impressed and entertained throughout. I thought this can cross over to many genre fans appreciating it but it is a Thriller. You get Suspense, Romance, Adult Fiction, Crime all wrapped up to create a memorable story. Another read for the men in your life, they will appreciate as much as females.

 

 

Review - Primal by D A Serra

Book Summary

PRIMAL by D.A. Serra (screenplay originally purchased by James Cameron)

The most dangerous place on Earth is between a mother and her child...

With everything at stake - what are you capable of? What if the worst happens and you're not a policeman, a soldier, or a spy with weapons training and an iron heart? What if you're a schoolteacher - a mom? In this gritty crime thriller a family vacation takes a vicious turn when a fishing camp is invaded by four armed men. With nothing except her brains, her will, and the element of surprise on her side, Alison must learn to kill or watch her family die.

And then, things get worse.

 

My Review - 5

 

What a fantastic story, this had it all while keeping me on the edge of my seat.  At only 222 pages this seriously left a thrilling impression on me.  A mothers instinct will take priority over everything when it means protecting her child from life or death. 

 

Primal was so much more than I expected, great characters, intense situations, the flow and energy, dialogue, plot and overall I found it came together and was believable. 

 

Alison and her husband Hank decide to take their 8 year old son on his choice of vacation.  They were expecting Disney but he chose a fishing trip.  The petite put together mom does not have the ruffing it out look but she will not let her family down even though she could have got out of it.

 

We have the Bourne brothers whose mom's parental upbringing was loving to them but not trusting to the world which created monsters with her unorthodox psychotic way of thinking.  I enjoyed the similar spark of the moms love for their families.  The metaphors used throughout the story were very well done.

 

When these families come together by accident it is non stop action, hold onto your seats, you will not want to stop reading, completely engaged, you will get wrapped up and lost in this adventure.  Some hardcore kick ass scenes, makes you say whoa.  I was thinking, we are not even 50% in the story where would DA Serra go next.

 

The middle of the story is about dealing with the tragedies, the critical incidents that happened on the fishing vacation that was a matter of life and death.  Alison has post traumatic stress and you then start wondering is she going crazy, how much help does she need or are her thoughts real.  This part of the story was emotional and heartbreaking but Alison is an amazing strong female character.

 

Hank was such a supportive loving husband that was dealing with his own emotions and guilt to assist her.  Finally he had to make some tough love choices which was like a slap in her face.  This takes us towards the ending. 

 

What a great wrap up ending, even if you figure it out it is still shocking, very well executed.  I was thoroughly impressed and entertained throughout.  I thought this can cross over to many genre fans appreciating it but it is a Thriller.  You get Suspense, Romance, Adult Fiction, Crime all wrapped up to create a memorable story.  Another read for the men in your life, they will appreciate as much as females.

 

Personal Note - I had difficulties with downloading this book, couldn't figure it out for my initial review date and considered not reading it.  I am so happy I was able to download on my partners iPad instead of my Kindle, I would have missed out on a 5star read.  I am glad the Virtual Assistant and Author were patient and helpful.  Thank you Teddy and Deborah.

 

Go here to enter my ebook Giveaway, ending tonight at Midnight.

 

 

Top Ten Books I want to read before year end

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

 

Today's Top Ten is your choice........  I chose

 

Top Ten Books I Want to Read Before Year End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a mood reader so we will see. I read approx 1 book a week and have 3 review books planned.

 

I look forward to networking with you.  Do you have a favourite from my list?