Duma Key by Stephen King

TITLE:  Duma Key

AUTHOR:  King, Stephen
GENRE:  Fiction/Horror

DATES READ:  9/7/2017 - 9/25/2017

MY RATING:  5/5!!!

This book was actually the first book that my Stephen King Book Club ever read. But the shop was still so new that nobody showed up except the book club leader, the bookshop owner, and my mama. I'm so glad they're bringing it back around for another go because my mom said I HAD to read it. Let's go...

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Edgar Freemantle has a terrifying and debilitating construction accident that takes away his arm and fries his brain, leaving him with rage issues. After his marriage ends, his psychologist suggests a change of scene and the addition of some art therapy. Edgar leaves Minnesota and travels to Duma Key and rents a beautiful coastal house. He begins to draw and find peace, but soon discovers there's much more to this wild land and it's residents than meets the eye...

I cannot read another book for a little while due to my incredible book hangover!!! And I cannot rave enough about Duma Key! It lingered on and on in my mind after I finished it. Now, that's the sign of an enjoyed book!

The characters are rich and wonderful. From Libbet, to Edgar, and the amazingly fabulous Wireman (a fan favorite - especially in book club). And the world of Duma is so lush, it's like you've been trapped in its jungle for years.

This book has a place of utmost pride on my bookshelf. I will definitely read it again. And if I daresay... it has become my new favorite Stephen King book!!! Just don't tell The Shining... The Overlook might get mad...

Recommended to lovers of art, adventure, a little bit of horror, and just an overall rip-roaring good read!

Will read and write soon!

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Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

TITLE:  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

AUTHOR:  Berendt, John
GENRE:  Non-Fiction

DATES READ:  8/8/2017 - 9/7/2017

MY RATING:  4/5

I've always wanted to read this book! My aunt has the statue from the cover art in her garden. 😍 The south is a magical place...

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A modern classic about one of the most enchanting southern cities. Savannah, GA. In the most grand mansion a murder takes place. Or was it self-defense? This menagerie of southern proportions is a true modern classic.

This book was a surprisingly delightful Southern treat. Everything in the South is bigger, better, and far more scandalous. And this book did not disappoint.

There was murder, fashion, drugs, insanity, art, drag queens (THE QUEEN), and midnight voodoo graveyard rituals. Berendt took the South to a whole other level. And yet, if he hadn't been there, it would still be just as outrageous as described.

This book is filled with historically accurate (and inflated to a perfect degree) drama. As I quoted in my GR review... "it's non-fiction in the most fictional fashion". And if that isn't the South, I don't know what is... Truly a joy!

Will read and write soon!

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Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar

TITLE:  Race to the Bottom of the Sea

AUTHOR:  Eagar
GENRE:  Fiction/Middle-Grade

DATES READ:  8/28/2017 - 9/3/2017

MY RATING:  4/5

I finally won a GR giveaway!!! It's a middle-grade/YA book, but it has a strong female main character. Booyah!

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Young Fidelia, is an inventor and the daughter of well-known marine scientists. She loses both parents in a submarine accident and is then kidnapped by a pirate, Merrick the Monstrous, and tasked to find his lost treasure. Will she be able to locate the treasure before it's too late?

The young heroine, Fidelia Quail, was a spunky and intelligent scientist. That almost never happens. How refreshing!

There was a heavy marine biology and science focus, which was great for me. In addition, there were plenty of pirates, chocolate, and even some clever twists from a YA perspective.

Overall, a deep and intellectual female YA lead. I am all on board. We need more Fidelias in a world full of Bellas...

Will read and write soon!

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