A new take on book reviews...

It's blaringly obvious I have an addiction to books. I read like I breath and write like I exhale. I am so passionate about good books that I want everyone to read them too. The problem is, is that book reviews are typically boring. You're not going to listen to me when I tell you how amazing Outlander is, not unless millions of people tell you and it gets its own show will you believe that there is something there worth knowing.

I've been wanting to get into reviewing books for a while. I may as well, since I read them so much. Being an author myself, I know how much of an impact they can have but, true to my nature, I don't want to be like everyone else. I want MY reviews to be special. I haven't really figured it out yet but I have a couple of idea's. The question is, what draw's you to a book? Is it a great cover? Do you only read books that are being turned into a movie? Is the back synopsis enough? What would encourage you to read a book, based on a review?

For me, I admit, I totally judge a book by its cover. If there is a cheesy man with hair longer than the womans holding her in an embrace that says, 'I want to murder you' more so than 'I'm madly in love with you', than its game over for me.

Same can be said for the synopsis. I like to think I'm pretty open minded. I'll read anything and likely enjoy it. Have you read The Ocean at the end of the lane by Neil Gaiman? It was the first book I read from this author and totally wasn't expecting a worm-type-thing in the bottom of a boys foot to turn into a poltergeist (yes, I'm serious)



. Nonetheless... I enjoyed the book. The imagery was vivid and the flow was smooth. The author really brought the setting to life and made the whole thing believable. It was a stretch for me, not my typical book but the synopsis sold me.

Lastly, I definitely read books that friends recommend to me, unless that friend has shit taste then I probably know to steer clear. Ha! This was totally the case with Outlander. Again, its not my typical go-to type book - Historical romance...Snooooore! - however, like I've said on my Facebook page, followers of this series are like a cult! They are so passionate about Jamie and Claire that they will literally make you feel bad for not reading it. I was totally bullied into it and now, that I'm done, I'm grateful for that.

MY friends...

I haven't written a blog in a while! The truth is, logging onto this, seeing my post about Matt and being reminded of that day, forced a huge lump into my throat and into my chest where it sat heavily, altering my breathing and making me slightly panicked.

I was sad.

I'm still sad, however...

His passing has opened my eyes in a way.

He was such a good friend. He had his faults, like all of us, but ultimately, I've never known someone who wanted to so badly to be good. He'd stay up late with you just chatting if you were bored or if you made a comment on Facebook that he deemed somewhat negative, he'd be the first to send you a message, asking if everything was ok. He struggled with social anxiety but he'd be damned if he didn't at least try to hang out with the crowd once in a while. He loved his friends and family and it disappointed him to no end when he thought he'd upset or hurt them.

The day we found out that he was gone, all of our old gang reconnected in a huge group message on Facebook and it made me realize that regardless of how much time has passed, what goings-on have happened in your life, or how much you've spoken over the last few years, real friends are there. They always are. You can pick up with each other as if a single days hasn't passed since you'd last hung out. I'm not sure if I'm a minority here when I say that my friends in particular are amazing at this. I live on the other side of the country from the ones I grew up with. We are from a small community (Shea Heights, St. John's, Newfoundland) that prides itself not only on our rough and tough reputation, but on your ability to help each other out in  times of needs. When a house burns down, Shea Heights residents chip in and help the family rebuild. There are dances and bottle drives and fundraisers All. The. Time. For Matt alone, a gofundme account was set up to help his family out with the funeral costs and whatnot and they raised nearly $15, 500 in two days! I think that maybe because of the people my friends were raised with, the need to reach out and help people who need it, or to just be a decent person is strong.

It sucks being this far away from everyone and I find that in the bigger cities, its harder to make lasting friendships. Despite that, I realize now that there really is no excuse for losing contact with the people who matter most to you. It takes three seconds to text someone and say, "How are you doing?" I HATE talking on the phone but that shouldn't stop me from reaching out. Matt helped me, and a few of his other friends with that. Assuming that someone is ok, confident or happy is selfish. Tell people you love them. Your friends, your family, your husband, your wife... They all need to hear it.

I'm lucky enough to be surrounded with people who do this.

With that being said, those of you who are reading this, Thank you. For being my friend and for caring about me. For reaching out when you think I am down or sick. And simply for making me laugh and asking about my day, my books, my kids and husband. You're my whole world and I love you all.

Especially Niki... who encouraged me to write this today. I lalalalove you Lola. ;)