The story of a young mother, a free spirit born in the aftermath of the flower power generation, who dies of cancer at only twenty years of age and records her thoughts on tape for the benefit of her daughter, has haunted me for more than thirty years, ever since I first saw the movie in a ‘cinematheque’ as a student. It never played again anywhere, and I was wondering if my older self would be as impressed with the story as my young and impressionable twenties one did.

I was planning on writing another review tonight, about a serial killer thriller I finished a week ago, but then I watched ‘Sunshine’ [1973] and I cannot think of anything else. For my sanity, I need to stop reading any books that are marketed towards fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Because spoiler alert: none of these books are ever like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So whilst I enjoyed much of the book, I found myself falling asleep a lot because it would launch into these long stories like my 80 year old grandma does when you ask her how her day was. See your life as an adventure. It’s yours to live, so live it the best way you can. Do your thing and don’t hesitate. Go for it! And if you fall down, get up and go again.” The plot: unfocused, slow. It has a few exciting hot spots, spaced widely apart. The end is anti-climatic and doesn't feel worth all the build up. I wasn't thrilled with all the time she spent world-building, which didn't seem to make sense for a standalone novel in which most of that information would never be used or heard from again.cheap flights, hotels and transfer suppliers, saving you money. And it’s great to know that when you As these are two young women who move in prominent media circles in LA, I actually feel proud of them for standing up for their faith and being willing to share with others how to find true joy through Christ alone. As they begin to discuss the evidence Moira has witnessed at the crime scene, they come to the conclusion that not only do the police not want any outside help but have missed important clues. They decide that as a group they will secretly investigate the death and if they find out anything then they will bring it to the police. The story begins with our first person protagonist describing her pleasant but claustrophobic life as the baker for a roadside diner that is very popular in her small town. We gain the impression of ordinary folk of the type we recognize in our own lives, an ordinary diner, an ordinary small town. Exactly when the reader feels as closed in by all these cheery, well-intentioned ordinariness as does the protagonist, she takes off to be by herself to the lakeside, which, we are told, is not popular any more since the Voodoo Wars. Hmm. Where to start? This book was quite unique and strange. I love me a good vampire tale and this certainly was one- vampires are at the centre of the actions of the story. And yet...the point of the book seemed to be more about the world building. This was a fascinating world with many magics and part blood demons, ward makers and charm weavers, a special Others police force...

That being said, it didn't quite have enough scriptural references for me to call it a devotional. It felt like more of a self-help book. However, I actually think it may have worked for it. Some of the days did provide more than just the beginning Bible verse, but a lot of them were just advice. It's good advice, don't get me wrong. I just would have liked to see a bit more Scripture and focus on God. since joel is being a slowpoke, i am going to write this review before i forget everything i was/am thinking about it and it gets lost in too-many-books-past.

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The Japanese have a different idea of what is erotic than other nations. Vending machines sell schoolgirls' used panties and a popular club is where girls, especially lesbians, vomit on each other. More strange and mostly unappealing Japanese erotica genres here. It would be interesting seeing a Christian book from someone who does not plan on having kids, getting married, or having a big corporate job. I pray that you would give me the wisdom and discernment to know your will today and every day. I pray that you will always open the right doors and close the wrong ones and give me the inner peace and gut feeling to know what you would have me do or say. Thank you for always protecting me. Amen. Surprisingly, many things that annoyed readers of this book, didn't bother me. The cinnamon rolls - the bakery business was interesting to me, I thought it added a nice dimension to Sunshine's personality. this is totally different from high or epic fantasy, which i gather is pretty misogynistic and rapey.)