Two books...

I recently read the following and enjoyed every single second I spent with both:

Oh, how I love a Laurain story. Always whimsical with a hint of romance - the perfect combination.  And yet, I had to admit that for one second I truly did wonder if I would enjoy this book. Why? Well, it had an element of sci-fi that I just did not expect and that threw me for a loop.  Now, I do enjoy sci-fi stories, but I don't read Laurain for that genre.  So, suffice it to say I was surprised when there was mention of a UFO and then time travel. Of course, the more I read, the more I fell in love with Paris, Julien, Magalie (Abby), Bob (the best!), and Hubert - and life in 1954 where Dali swans about and Audrey Hepburn is the first to drink an Abby.  Laurain conjures up a feeling with his words that just encapsulates the thrill, the shock, the deliciousness and the beauty of life. How could I not fall in love with his book? And the UFO and time travel made for a fun twist that allowed these characters to grow and experience the magic that is life.  After all, as Hubert learns in the end, the treasure of life is life itself.  I have to admit that just writing about this book makes me smile. So, yes I definitely recommend you read it and all of Laurain's other stories as well. You will fall in madly in love with them all.

Tense. That is how I felt reading this book. And let me say it was so worth it. Stephen King seems to get better with age when it comes to his writing. The Institute was fantastic! I absolutely LOVED it! Its the story of a kid genius named Luke Ellis.  He's twelve and he's ready for MIT and Emerson (dual enrollment).  Except, he's also slightly TK (telekinetic).  So, that's kind of a problem.  Turns out there is a secret group called The Institute that uses children with TK (and TP, telepathy).  Luke's on their list. Yep, late one night his parents are murdered and he's taken captive.  He wakes up in a room that resembles his, but he knows its not.  He finds other kids who tell him the place they are all being held prisoner in.  A compound that houses doctors who will experiment on him.  A place that claims they will use him and then send him home.  A place he knows will hurt him.  What's the kid to do? Escape.  But how?  And will he survive? Talk about a suspenseful story - oh, my! I gobbled it straightaway. I just couldn't put it down. How could I? I had to find out what would happen to Luke and his new friends.  And that is all I will write about this book. Its just too good to miss. You have to get your hands on a copy ASAP!

And now, I'm off to figure out what to read next. I have some books piled by my bedside, but I'm just not sure what I'm in the mood for. Let me know if you have any recommendations. Happy reading!!