The Stranger Beside Me

The Stranger Beside Me is the shocking true story of serial killer, Ted Bundy. The amazing thing about this book is that it was written by a close friend of his, Ann Rule. Ann and Ted worked together at the Crisis Hotline many years ago while Ted was a psychology student at the nearby University. Ann recalls hearing his soothing voice as he talked with someone about their problems. They spent many nights at the Crisis Hotline and soon became friends. Although Ann was never attracted to Ted, she admitted he was extremely handsome. As time went on, they went their separate ways. Ann's life would change forever when she began putting the pieces together after a few young ladies went missing and others were killed. She doubted it was Ted, but at the same time believed it was his doings. This chilling novel allows us to see the other side of Ted Bundy. The side that actually cared about people and just wanted freedom. He had such a bright future ahead of him, but something set him off and he began his infamous killings, killing around 40 girls and women. The viewpoint of this book is something I never expected. Ann was his friend, even though she worked very closely with the police. But no matter what, she stuck with Ted until the very end. If you love a good thriller, or a real life murder mystery, I highly recommend The Stranger Beside Me.

Looking for other books on Ted Bundy?
Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer
The Phantom Prince

Looking for other books by Ann Rule?
Lust Killer

Lying in Wait

Without Pity

Just an Update

My fellow readers! It is time to update this post once again! Early this week, A Reader's Diary started an Instagram page, areaders.diary!! I will frequently be posting photos of the books I have read, am currently reading, and will read. Not to mention we have started doing giveaways!! Giveaways are easy to enter: follow the blog, follow the instagram, and enter to win! I cannot wait to show all of you the new and improved Reader's Diary. I hope you guys enjoy!!
As always, Jessica

Hey there readers! Updating this post yet again. As I said in my earlier post, this is no longer a school project for me. Although it is no longer summer vacation, I've had quite a bit on my plate! No more free time for this college freshman. ): I'm hoping to add many more new books of different genres this year, but who knows. I'm also trying to let everyone know that I DO HAVE A GOODREADS ACCOUNT. I encourage all readers to get one, they are so helpful!! Here is the link to my account: https://www.goodreads.com/jessicalynn1784
Enjoy, Jessica. :)

Hey everybody. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blog lately, its been so busy! If it isn't obvious, it's summer vacation and that means my blog as a school project is OVER. I do plan on keeping it up, but it will no longer be weekly. Whenever I finish a book, I'll post my review! Thanks for keeping up with A Reader's Diary, I really do appreciate it!! Much love, Jessica. :)

Lucy in the Sky

Yet again, another review on a published journal. Obviously, these are my favorite! Lucy in the Sky is about a 16 year old girl trying to make decisions for herself. She doesn't want to be left in the shadows of her older brother. She goes to yoga with him everyday, and meets a boy named Ross. He's a super hot surfer dude. He introduces her to marijuana and starts taking her to parties. She makes friends with a couple of girls and almost hooks up with a 20 year old guy! Eventually she's drinking and doing drugs every single day. She feels the urge to try everything there is. Which leads her to cocaine, crystal meth, and heroin. She accidentally overdosed and found herself in Palm Springs Rehab Facility. She finally turns her life around and realizes she never wants to be that girl again. However, the shocking last page was not something I expected. This anonymous journal is a crazy roller coaster ride of all the highs and lows of this poor girls life. Everyone should take a look into Lucy's life. You'd be surprised.

Looking for the rest of the series?
The Book of David
Calling Maggie May
Letting Ana Go
Breaking Bailey

Go Ask Alice

Looking for books that feature this series?

Unmask Alice

It's Kind of a Funny Story

The title says it all! It's Kind of a Funny Story, is kind of a funny story. We see life through Craig Gilner's point of view. This 15 year old boy likes to party with his friends, but they don't know how suicidal he really is. One night, Craig calls the suicide hotline and they convince him to check into a hospital. They place him in the adult portion of a mental hospital, along with another 15 year old girl with cuts on her face. In the hospital, Craig strikes up friendships with just about everyone there. They all adore him and his brain maps. He discovers how easy life is within the hospital. There are no "Tentacles" or worries. It's as if the outside would never really existed. Will Craig ever get the major "Shift" or will he just give into his suicidal thoughts? Read It's Kind of a Funny Story to find out. :)


"Every day for the rest of my life I’ll remember my wonderful friend because he jumped, but his readers — including millions of them not yet born — will remember him because he soared." -Marty Beckerman

Rest in Peace
Ned Vizzini
December 19, 2013

Looking for other books by Ned Vizzini?
 Teen Angst? Naaah...

The Road to Woodstock

Ever wonder what it was like to experience Woodstock? 3 Days of Peace and Music, who could ask for anything more? The Road to Woodstock takes us on a journey through time, back to the makings of Woodstock. This book was written by Michael Lang, one of the Woodstock creators. He takes us behind the scenes and tells all the hard things they had to go through trying to find a location for the festivities to take place. Everyone was broke, it was just a few friends trying to put together a huge event. Little did they know, it would go down in history as one of the biggest gatherings of free souls. Lets not forget that some of the worlds most famous artists played at Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby, Stills, and Nash & Young. Not to mention it started the career of Carlos Santana! My obsession with Woodstock was intensified after reading this book. I really wish I was around to witness these 3 Days of Peace and Music!

Looking for other books on Woodstock?
Woodstock

Tommyland

Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, that was a day in the life of Tommy Lee. Tommy Lee goes back and tells us about his monsters. He struggled with drugs and alcohol. And yes, he does go VERY in depth about his sex life. Married former playboy bunny, Pamela Anderson, after knowing her only 2 weeks. Together, they designed their dream home and started their family. Bringing 2 little boys into this world caused Tommy to create some of his most intense songs ever. This book is not just about Tommy Lee and his time with Motley Crüe, it's the story of his life. He just recreates the memories for us and doesn't try to change the facts all too much. When he does, his good friend Anthony Bozza, is there to bring him back down to reality. Anyone that loved Motley Crüe will enjoy this story. Although he doesn't talk about the Crüe all too much, we get the main feel of what it's like to be in a major rock band that changed the world.

Looking for other books featuring Tommy Lee?

Love, Pamela

 

Looking for other books by Motley Crue Members?

The Heroin Diaries

The First 21

 

Looking for other books featuring Motley Crue?
Life on Planet Rock

The Hunger Games Trilogy

The Hunger Games, a televised event showing the fight to the death of children within the 12 districts of Panem. Some districts have volunteers that have been in training for years. Others, well it's just luck of the draw! The Capital does this as a punishment for District 13, who rebelled many years earlier and is now extinct. Before actually going to the games, we see how they train and how well they get along with their mentors. Each district gets their own mentor to help guide them and a stylist to make them pretty for interviews. Obviously, Katniss and someone else *hint hint Peeta* win the first Hunger Games. Going on to Catching Fire, we see them travel on the Victory Tour to all of the other Districts. Not long after, President Snow, declares the new rules for the game, throwing Katniss and Peeta back into the arena. Katniss, the girl on fire, shows everyone what she's really made of. We also get the inside scoop on the Peeta-Katniss-Gale love triangle! The third and final book, Mockingjay, is just full of spoilers and I don't want to ruin that for anyone! But I will tell you, we see the happenings of District 13, that's right, DISTRICT 13. Its 100% real. This trilogy will keep you on your toes and then leave you begging for more!

Looking for The Hunger Games prequel?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes