AnnAlysis: Plum Lucky

After this, I am taking a break from Stephanie Plum. There are 4 more books in the series, but I'm kind of getting bummed on them. Plus, I only have one of them in my possession and the other 3 are only in hardback, I'm a paperback kind of girl.

Anyway, Plum Lucky I think is my favorite "Between the Numbers" book, but it still only gets three bookmarks because it's so silly.

Lets see, you got a leprechaun, a horse, a mobster and the usual suspects. Not to mention the horse should get more credit than you may be giving him and it leads you to wonder if animals really do understand.

And who doesn't love a story with Lula, former ho, thinking she's a super model?

I've kind of run out of things to say about Stephanie and her crew, that's why I'm taking a break from them, going to read Memory Keeper's Daughter.

PS: I know this format is not how I normally put it, I like to give you a few lines of anticipation before you see how many bookmarks the story will get, but I accidentally erased the bookmarks and can't figure out how to place them unless I do it at the beginning! ARGH!

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

The Invasion of the Remake

Ok, so I am all about the cover bands. Most of the bands we go see around Point Pleasantville are covers. But lately I've been hearing covers... well remakes really that are driving me crazy.

There are some songs that remakes were ok. I Will Always Love You for instance, I like Whitney's version better than Dolly's. Killing Me Softly is another example. I don't think I've even heard the original version by Roberta Flack. I'll still with the Fugees.

I have a hard time when songs are remade by genre. I don't normally like rock songs made country, like Sitting At A Bar by Rehab, remade by Hank Williams.

Now, I've been hearing rap songs made to rock songs. Lollipop by Lil' Wayne was fun when he sang it, dirty, but fun. But when I hear Framing Hanley singing it, I want to punch out the windows of my car. Normally, I just change the station, but one of these times, the button is going to break and I'm going to be stuck. Check it out by clicking the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbUR0SRceD0).

The latest disaster I heard was the Pony remake. You all remember Genuine's song "Riding my Pony". I remember dancing at the Cellar after football games to the song. It was dirty and my parents would have taken the cd from me if they would have known what I was jamming to, but I loved it. Tonight, I was on my way home and heard the very end of it on X106.3. Turns out, the remake is by a band called Far. You can listen to it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJnxQrSxxY).

I didn't get to hear the whole thing, and don't feel like searching for my headphones to listen to it tonight, but from what I heard, I hated it. I just think rap songs slowed to rock are creepy. I will give it a chance tomorrow though and let you know how I feel about it.... if you even care.

If you listen, let me know. I know my friend @dsmith77 (on Twitter for all you twits) likes it. Anyone else?

AnnAlysis: Twelve Sharp

You'd think after 13 books, it would be hard to turn one more page about a woman who gets beat up novel after novel but eventually brings home the bad guy. Going into Twelve Sharp, I thought the same thing. Now that I finished it, it's my favorite one so far.

It didn't have as much of the comedy as the other ones, but the plot of this book has been my favorite. I don't want to give it all away, but it involves identity theft, kidnapping and yes ladies, RangeMan. Need I say more?

Although it was on the serious side, it was the most realistic book. It was still crazy and may have pushed the limits, but identity theft is HUGE right now kidnappings are so scary (not that I've been kidnapped, but they sound scary).

I have always liked Lula (former ho turned bounty hunter side kick) being Stephanie's number 2 woman. She tells you how it is and she's always there for you, unless she's hungry. But honestly, I don't want to do anything when I'm hungry either. And if she wants to wear a size 6 dress when she should really wear a 12, more power to her. Back to the point, in this book, she told Stephanie how good of a partner she was and I realized I want friends like this and I want to be this person in someones life. Stephanie and Lula were talking about going into a sex shop and Stephanie said she wasn't going in. Lula in return said "I thought we were partners. How's that for a partner to act? I'd go in there for you. I'd walk on fire for you. I'd bitch-slap the devil you for you." I think that is my all time favorite book quote. Absolutely love it!

So, for the fact that it was my favorite plot and favorite quote, you guessed it, I gave Twelve Sharp 5 bookmarks.
*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Plum Lovin'

This "between the numbers" book was a little more believable than Janet Evanovich's Visions of Sugar Plums. It still had the unmentionables and their super powers, but it wasn't as much.

I enjoyed that Diesel was back. The men in these books are great! Love them all.

I really like that Stephanie was able to still bounty, but was also able to match-make in the process. Yes, the pairs were handed to her, but she still ran with them. She was pretty good at it too.

One of the things that I remember most about the book is good old Albert Klaughn. He stole my heart from the very first 100 questions he asked within the first 2 minutes he was in the book, but his "farting" every time marriage was brought up made me laugh hysterically every time it happened. I just wish our family dinners were the same ... kind of.

These between the numbers books are short, easy reads that are different from the others because they only have one story line. But, I still don't like the "unmentionable", unrealistic characters. Again, I like these books because as much as they stretch reality, it could all happen. With the unmentionables, I mean, you really can't give someone hives because you don't like them. At least I don't think so. Maybe I should do some research ... that could be helpful.

I'm also not a huge fan of Valentine's Day. Of course I love being pampered, but that happens all the time. (I'm lucky, I know) Valentine's Day gets too much play and there's too much pressure. To me, a regular day is more romantic than Valentine's Day. Just sayin....

I give Plum Lovin' 3 bookmarks. It made me laugh, so it gets another bookmark than Visions of Sugar Plums.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Eleven on Top

I've read so many of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels, they're all starting to run together. During a couple of the books, I wrote things down that I liked and disliked - maybe I should do that for all of them. I just finished the book last night and I forget a lot of what happened.

From the get go, Stephanie thinks Spiro is back - so, from the get go, I hate it. I hated Spiro the first time, hated him this time.

This book stressed me out a little bit. I know I have a lot to look forward to when Mikey and I start planning our wedding, but Valerie and the Klaughn's wedding stressed me out. If Mikey starts getting sloshed and staying at work, maybe we won't get married either. Yikes.

I'm glad Stephanie finally decided to trade in her stun gun. Yes, I thought it was cool that she was a bounty hunter, but I really don't want her to get killed. Ends up, crazier stuff happens when she has a desk job than when she was chasing the bad guys. Imagine that.

One thing I can't stop thinking about, Mama Macaroni. She still scares me ... and her mole, I keep dreaming about Moley Moley Moley! Not cool!

I need something huge to happen and stick in my mind in the next couple of books. They're good, but they're all running together. So, for that reason, I only give Eleven on Top 2 bookmarks.
*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: One for the Money

Originally Posted: January 19, 2009

Janet Evanovich's One for the Money came to me with a lot of expectations. I heard it would make me laugh out loud (which is always refreshing) and I haven't heard one review. I got more than I bargained for!

Stephanie Plum is the girl we all are in our dreams. Yeah, she lost her job selling cheap lingerie, but now she is a bounty hunter. She starts a little rocky, gets a little beat up, but in the end, the sure shot saves her.

The book is very funny. I had to muffle a laugh a few times. It introduces you to people you'll love (Grandma Mazur), people you'll hate (Benito Ramirez) and people you will start to hate, but begin to love (Joe Morelli).

One thing I really love about this book is that it is a series. I got the first 12 for Christmas and I still have a couple to get. I love a series because I get sucked into the characters. In a series, I can get all I can take of them, and more. And since I still have a dozen to go, I think Stephanie and I will be good friends when I'm done.

I give One for the Money 4 bookmarks. I really liked the book, it was an easy read and a page turner. And although there are no complaints, with Jane Eyre being my last read, I can't give 5 bookmarks to Stephanie, yet. I'm sure I will at some point.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Two for the Dough

Originally Posted: January 25, 2009

Janet Evanovich's Two for the Dough plunges us back into the life of Stephanie Plum, bond enforcement agent embarrassment. She's getting a little better at her job. A lot of emphasis on "a little." She's still horrible, but hey, she has REALLY good luck. The criminals always just happen to bump right into her.

I didn't really like this book as much as the first one. I wasn't a fan of the plot. I know it's a murder mystery, but most of the time I was confused (it doesn't take much, don't rub it in).

I still loved Grandma Mazur. I am still skeptical about Morelli. He's a typical guy (sorry). He wants to have his cake and eat it too. I love Stephanie, that's a given. If you don't like her, you're SOL.

In this book though, I wasn't a fan of the characters. Duh, they're the bad guys, but I hated reading about them. Kenny was a jerk and Spiro was a creeper. Shoo... that's my rant against killers.

I give Two for the Dough 2 bookmarks.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Three to Get Deadly

Originally Posted: January 30, 2009

Janet Evanovich's Three to Get Deadly was my snow read. The one good thing about crappy winter weather is I'm getting my reading done. Yes, it's on co-workers couches because I can't make it home, but still. (PS: Thanks if you let me stay on your couch)

I liked this one better than Two for the Dough. I liked that Lula has a bigger role, that Stephanie is getting better, but still gets knocked out and there were A LOT of twists.

This wasn't one that if you read half you know what's going to happen. You have to read the whole thing, but it won't let you down.

I missed Grandma Mazur this time around, but you can't win them all.

PS: I really hope none of the old guys that give your kids candy are like Uncle Mo! YIKES!

One pattern about the first 3 books, there's always a cute little joke on the last page. It's nice to end on an up beat.

I give Three to Get Deadly 3 bookmarks.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Four to Score

Originally Posted: February 8, 2009

Now that I've finished the fourth book in the series, I'm realizing the little things that make me like series so much. Of course, there's the fact that Stephanie has the job many wish we could have. Who wouldn't love to kick some butt and get paid for it?

I also love the fact that all the women carry guns. At the beginning of Four to Score, they're all sitting around the bond office having a "gun off", if you'll call it. Even Grandma Mazur has a gun. I don't know many women -- well any at all -- that carry guns around here. Maybe there's a secret society or something I've been missing out on. But in the Burg, if you don't have a gun, you're the one out of the loop.

I am starting to appreciate Janet Evanovich's writing. One thing I noticed in this book is she has a way of writing about the characters. If you haven't read the previous books, there's a short synopsis of who they are. But if you've read them, it's not too much to where it's repetitive. It catches you up and gives you an idea without being overkill.

I liked Four to Score. I like that Stephanie sticks with it even though she gets firebombed and her car soaked in gasoline and blazed. I also like that some "co-stars" have come into play. Love former "ho" Lula and man-in-dress Sally.

I give Four to Score 3 bookmarks.
*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: High Five

Originally Posted: February 14, 2009

I have liked all the Stephanie Plum novels, but I really, really liked High Five.

I love the fact that this one deals with family issues. I'd like to think that if one of my family members went missing, I could help put the pieces together to find them. I'd hope not to get my car and everything else blown up , but hey .... that doesn't happen in real life. Right?

Reese Witherspoon and Wendy Finerman are working on a movie based on One for the Money and I really hope they cast The Rock as Ranger. That's who I imagine when Ranger comes into play. And in this book, he had a bigger role. His character is so shady, it makes you wonder what goes on in his head. It's a little irritating, but it keeps you guessing. Oh and the porsche and beemer don't hurt either.

And finally, I liked how she ended book 5. You had to start book 6 right away because it left you hanging. Of course I won't spoil it for you. Open Hot Six!

I give High Five 4 bookmarks.


*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Hot Six

Originally Posted: February 21, 2009

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels always keep me wondering. Yes, it drives me nuts when I see I only have 20 pages left and still no answer, but of course it keeps me reading.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Hot Six at first because I'm a Ranger fan and at the beginning he's being accused of murder. Luckily, Ranger saved the day and restored my faith. He never lets me down.

I loved that Grandma Mazur moved in. She's hilarious, always saying silly things. I can imagine her taking driving lessons, it's kind of the same picture I see when I think of my brother driving. YIKES!

And what's a good Stephanie novel without guns, fights and a little B&E? Action packed to say the least. Not to mention the gun cartel. Cartel's always spice it up a notch. I can see Alexander Ramos running down the street with track suit on (all those guys wear track suits.)

Another book, something else I'm really liking. I think I've mentioned this before, but I love the endings. This is one you have to immediately start Seven Up to see what happened. Cliff hanger I think is the appropriate word. What will Miss Stephanie do? Say yes to the proposal? Dum Dum Dum Dum..... until next time!

I give Hot Six 4 bookmarks.
*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Seven Up

Originally Posted: February 26, 2009

Janet Evanovich's Seven Up has been my favorite one so far.

Within the first few pages, I seriously laughed out loud. I was told that her books were funny and other readers told me they laughed out loud. I was waiting for it. And not only did it happen once, there were 3 or 4 times where I caught myself laughing.

And I forgot this from Hot Six, but I love Bob. Stephanie has a hamster named Rex, who is ... well a hamster. He runs on his wheel, lounges in his soup can and loves the occasional grape as a snack. But Bob on the other hand is great. He's a big dog, great for sniffing a random behind and doing the deed in the enemy's yard. Gotta love dogs!

All of my favorite characters played big roles in this book. I love Grandma Mazur. She cracks me up. Always talking about doodles (don't you wish you knew?) and wants to be a bounty hunter. She has a vette ... how cool is that? When she gets kidnapped, she thinks it's kinky. I probably wouldn't be thrilled if my grandparents acted like this, but hey it makes a great read.

And, I love the Mooner. Yeah, he's a stoner, but how can you not love a guy who dresses in full body spandex and thinks he's a super hero?

And of course ... RANGER! He is being a little fresh with Stephanie when she is supposed to be engaged, which is never cool , but what's a novel without a little spice? Don't condone it in real life, but in the books, why not?

One thing that I wasn't so fond of ... yes, it's lame: I had some bad dreams. I am a wimp, I love scary movies and books, but they stick with me in slumber. I kept having dreams I'd wake up and creepers were in my room. NOT COOL. All the B&E finally caught up. I also kept dreaming about crazy old women trapping people in her basement, but ... that's a completely different story.

I never thought it would happen, but I give Seven Up 5 bookmarks.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Hard Eight

Originally Posted: March 8, 2009

There was quite a bit of hype to follow Seven Up. Needless to say, Hard Eight didn't do it.

There were a few things I liked about the book.
1: I love Stephanie's niece Mary Alice. How can you not love a kid who thinks she's a horse?

2: I also like the creativity of the murder. I know it's morbid, but you gotta love the brain of someone who can be so creative. To get a dead man into an apartment, he is cut in half and placed in gym bags so they are inconspicuous. Clever, to say the least.

3: After so many books, you have to get creative with the bad guys. This time they wore costumes. I like the creativity, but it's hard to take a guy in a bunny suit seriously, even if he is throwing fire bombs at you.

4. Albert Klaughn (Clown) .. enough said. I love the Clown. He reminds me of an 8 year old girl wanting to know everything she can about the world in as little time as possible. I imagine the numerous questions he asks come out a mile a minute.

On paper, it seems like "What else can you ask for?" But, I thought the book was kind of blah. Those things stood out, but in 300 pages, that's really not a lot. They can't all be 5s.

I give Hard Eight 2 bookmarks.
*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Visions of Sugar Plums

Originally Posted: March 13, 2009

Yes, another Janet Evanovich book. And get used to it. There's 10 more to read after this one.

I am a little behind though, I finished this book last weekend, but have had the busiest week ever and this is the first time I've had to sit down, relax and write.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. First of all, we ALL know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas. Anything Christmas has me hooked.

I really like the idea of themes. Not until I started this book did I realize all of the "between the numbers" books happen on holidays.

Another book, another bit of creative writing jumped out at me. Stephanie always says that her Grandma Mazur moved in with her parents when Grampa Mazur died. But it's never the same. For instance, in this book, she says, "Grandma Mazur lives with my parents now that Grampa Mazur's eating pork rinds and deep fried peanut butter sandwiches with Elvis." They're all very clever and there's a different one every book.

There was one time in the book she incorporated 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. That was very clever too.

There was one thing I didn't like about this book ... and it's a BIG thing. The big has a sci-fi feel. The reason I love this series as much as I do is because it could all really happen. All of the scenarios, as bizarre as they turn out, could potentially happen to someone. I personally wouldn't be able to put up with it, but hey, it gives me a good read book after book. This book involves elves and Sandy Claws and a very strange, mysterious man who calls himself Diesel.

I give Visions of Sugar Plums 2 bookmarks.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: To The Nines

Originally Posted: March 18, 2009

Finally, after 10 books, I have figured one out before I got to the end of the book. I don't know if Evanovich is slacking, I'm just good or I've read so many I'm starting to catch on to her trickery, but I knew the killer before she told me this time. Quite an accomplishment, I know.

That made me feel good about myself, and completely changed my perspective on the book.

I thought the beginning was a little slow. Yes, Stephanie was getting stalked by a killer while she was looking for a missing man. She also got to go on a nice little trip to Vegas. But it wasn't until halfway through the book that you figured out what was happening.

I liked the whole gamer idea that came out of it. I could see it happening in real life. Who doesn't like games? If you like the idea of gaming ... and making it come to real life, you should also check out Julie Kenner's Codebreaking Trilogy. I've only read the 3rd one, The Prada Paradox, but it's along the same theme as To The Nines.

I give To The Nines 3 bookmarks because I figured it out, I would've only given it 2 if not.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blogs are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsibility for all opinions, statements and other content present herein*

AnnAlysis: Ten Big Ones

Originally Posted: March 23, 2009

I liked Janet Evanovich's Ten Big Ones. I like gangs ... not "like" ... but you know. I like to watch movies about gangs and I like to watch Gangland. I like to learn about gangs. No matter how I say it, it sounds creepy.

For the second time in an Evanovich book, I laughed out loud while reading. Reading about a bunch of people piling in a school bus is funny no matter how you think about it. And thinking about them pulling up to a house ... it's funny!

I also liked when the girls made a kidnapping. The kidnapping part is easy enough, but would you have the guts to torture? Yeah, me neither.

The thing I liked most about this book, we learned a little more about Ranger. He's such a stranger. You don't know what to expect. Well, you can expect he'll say "Babe" and he'll be wearing black and his cars are always sweet. But other than that, you know nothing. Now, at least we know what's in his undie drawer, or the lack thereof. Here, here to Ranger.

I give Ten Big Ones 3 bookmarks.

*All views, opinions and statements expressed on this website and related blog are exclusively those of Kari Adkins, who assumes full responsilibty for all content opinions, statements and content present herin*

AnnAlysis: Jane Eyre

Originally Posted: January 12, 2009

Jane Eyre, oh where do I start? This book isn't one I just picked off the shelf. I heard about it in another book I was reading, so I thought I'd check it out. And now, it's part of me for life.

Yes, I had to use my dictionary to dust off my French to get through it. I also had to guess at some Old English, but those are the only negatives.

As soon as I saw that Little Jane went to a private school, I was sucked in. As big of nerd as I am, I think I would have loved a private school.

From page one until the end, there is never a dull moment. And you grow with Jane from the time she is 10. You see a child become a woman. You also get to see a completely different world than we ever know or can even imagine. As soon as you think there will be calm, the plot thickens and you are left once more in amazement.

One of the things I like most about this book is the history. It's 162 years old and written by a woman. Charlotte Bronte was not the only author in her family. Her two sisters were also writers and they all wrote under aliases. Many thought it was men writing these amazing stories.
This is a book I will read time and time again. One, I know I missed parts. Two, I just loved the story and don't think it'll ever get old.

I give Jane Eyre 5 bookmarks and if you haven't read it, I highly suggest it. (Sorry, no bookmarks to add to this post. I can't get them to go at the bottom of the page. Still learning blogger format.)

The Beginning

I've been blogging on Myspace for a couple of years now, but have decided to move on to bigger and better things now.

To give you a glimpse of what you can expect, I am a nerd. I read a book every couple of weeks and write reviews on them. Hence, Kari AnnAlysis. I rate the books out of 5 bookmarks.

I'll occasionally write about something else, but book reviews will be the main source of your entertainment.

For a few days, I'm going to work on transferring my previous blogs over to here, it may take me a while, but I'll get to new ones, eventually.

PS: If you have any good book ideas or any to stay away from, let me know.