31. Yummy: The Last Days of South Side Shorty

Haunting story of a boy led astray by a gang. It's sad depressing to know that this was inspired by true events. The odds were stacked against Robert "Yummy" Standifer. Daddy in jail and mother strung out on drugs. Raised by his grandmother who had her hands full looking after other grandkids I was okay with how the story was handled even though I'm not a big fan of sticking fictional characters in real situations but it worked out fine.

30. 1984 by George Orwell

1.  Describe the role that O'Brien plays in Winston's life. Why do you think that initially, Winston is drawn to O'Brien? Why does he implicitly trust him, despite the enormous dangers involved?  Winston is drawn to O'Brien because O'brien represents an escape for him.  Here is someone who feels the same way I do.  Winston is projecting his feeling onto O'Brien in an attempt to gain a companion against big brother.  

2.  The Party wages continual war on sexual desires. Why? According to official dogma, why are normal sexual urges opposed to the Party’s goals, and to what use can sex be put to accomplish the Party’s purpose?   The Party suppresses sexual desires in order to be the only source of allegiance its members have.  It wants all energy directed toward Party activities.

3. The name Winston very likely comes from Winston Churchill. Why would Orwell have given his main character such a name?  A warning to the people of London and other democracy to watch their leaders and beware of how governments try to control their citizens.

1984 was a long read but some parts were very interesting.  The warnings against oppressive governments rings true over 60 years later since the books first publication.    

29. The Double Life by Shea Word

Shea Word's The Double Life starts out great but then falls flat toward the end.  I couldn't stop reading this book in the beginning but by the end I just hoped it would end.  In the beginning Word makes the characters' need for each other so palpable it jumps off the page. I wish it stayed on Dayna and Sydney's perspective. Adding their husbands' side of the story added another dimension to the story.  But it made the story lose some its fire.  Plus in the end she makes Sydney do something so stupid its unbelievable.  If you are cheating on your husband and want to be with the other person why go on a vacation trip with your husband.  You don't need to go anywhere secluded with him.  I could see if she made the character dumb throughout the book but Sydney is presented as a intelligent women.  This is a great book in the beginning, it jumps the shark in the middle, and falls completely flat at the end.

28. Animal Farm by George Orwell

The classic. I've read this very important book three times. Its message inspiring me every time. Imploring me to never be naive when a government gets out of line. Every time I read this I think about how the subject matter takes place so often after revolutions. Over and over the party taking over from an oppressive government becomes even more oppressive. Corrupted by power. This book is a constant reminder to the populace to aways stay vigilant. Never fall victim to propaganda and deception.

27. Love, Lies, and Basketball by Rita Rashad

The elements of a great story are present.  It just go too soap operish.  It was difficult too even finish this book.  The story just didn't ring true.   Too much deus ex machina.  Too much drama thrown throughout the book. Its like come on.  Kendra is a dog throughout the whole book making the same mistake over and over.   I truly believe there's a good story somewhere inside this book.

26. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

This is a nice story about the "kid lawyer."  It is interesting and very realistic.  You can actually see everything in the story happening in real life.  A story must keep you interested and Theodore Boone keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next.  John Grisham is a great story teller.  Even though the book was good not sure if I want to continue reading the rest in the series.  It just seem like everyone has a series of books.  I might read the second one but if it's bad then I'm done.

25. Love at Half-Court by Rita Rashad

This book had the major elements needed to make a good story but Rashad couldn't quite put it together to make it flow. She inspires me because more stories like this need to be made maybe by me:)