Saturday, September 7, 2013
Austenland
Monday, October 1, 2012
Nicholas Sparks...
I have been reading like crazy(per usual), but I either haven't finished the books before they had to go back to the library or it's been so long since I've read them that I can't remember what they were about. I know I'm sad but that's how it goes.
I do want to share a couple of books that stood out over the last...3 months. (Seriously, 3 months, man that IS sad.) Both of them happen to be by Nicholas Sparks.
Now, I haven't read a Nicholas Sparks book since my senior year of high school. In one of my senior English classes(yes, I took more than one, but we've already established that I really like to read) we had to read 18 books over the course of a semester. The first 10 had to cover each of the ten genres. Don't ask me what they are now, I have no idea. This meant I had to read a romance novel...I'd never read a romance novel. I was morally opposed to romance novels. Ah, the ignorance of youth.
Anyway, the book I chose was Message In A Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. I'd seen the movie and figured it was harmless. Oh how wrong I was. My poor virgin eyes were scarred for all eternity. My little brain nearly exploded and my face was bright red. Needless to say, it was a VERY long time before I read another romance novel.
Since then I've gotten over my fear. I even read one Danielle Steele novel. *GASP!* Notice I said ONE. I've haven't read her since and I don't plan on doing it again.
Now, let's get down to business.
First up we have The Guardian.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Summary: Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died-a Great Dane puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years have passed. Still living in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, twenty-nine-year-old Julie is emotionally ready to make a commitment to someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the handsome, sophisticated engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband's best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she's had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire....
My thoughts: SO GOOD! I cried so much while reading this book! The relationship Julie has with her dog, Singer, is really funny. And watching Mike trying to work up the nerve to ask her out was so cute! You knew how it was going to work out way before the end, but there were some unexpected bumps in the road in the form of Richard Franklin. What a creep! My creep-o-meter was going like crazy when he first shows up in the book. He is one scary dude.
I docked this book half a point because of premarital relations. I know, I know, it's a romance novel and they're consenting adults, but really. If I want to read about that stuff I can get a Harlequin novel. The next book I wanted to talk about is The Last Song.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Summary: Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I went out and bought a copy. Nicholas Sparks knows how to tug on one's heartstrings. This was a bawler. I think I cried for the last 150 pages. There were times where I wanted to smack Ronnie, but if you don't want to smack the main character at least once, then the book isn't worth reading. I was thrilled with how the story resolved itself in the end. No, I won't tell you what happens, that would be cheating. Anyway, I highly recommend this book for the next time you need to scratch that romantic itch that we all get.
As always, keep reading!
I do want to share a couple of books that stood out over the last...3 months. (Seriously, 3 months, man that IS sad.) Both of them happen to be by Nicholas Sparks.
Now, I haven't read a Nicholas Sparks book since my senior year of high school. In one of my senior English classes(yes, I took more than one, but we've already established that I really like to read) we had to read 18 books over the course of a semester. The first 10 had to cover each of the ten genres. Don't ask me what they are now, I have no idea. This meant I had to read a romance novel...I'd never read a romance novel. I was morally opposed to romance novels. Ah, the ignorance of youth.
Anyway, the book I chose was Message In A Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. I'd seen the movie and figured it was harmless. Oh how wrong I was. My poor virgin eyes were scarred for all eternity. My little brain nearly exploded and my face was bright red. Needless to say, it was a VERY long time before I read another romance novel.
Since then I've gotten over my fear. I even read one Danielle Steele novel. *GASP!* Notice I said ONE. I've haven't read her since and I don't plan on doing it again.
Now, let's get down to business.
First up we have The Guardian.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Summary: Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died-a Great Dane puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years have passed. Still living in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, twenty-nine-year-old Julie is emotionally ready to make a commitment to someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the handsome, sophisticated engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband's best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she's had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire....
My thoughts: SO GOOD! I cried so much while reading this book! The relationship Julie has with her dog, Singer, is really funny. And watching Mike trying to work up the nerve to ask her out was so cute! You knew how it was going to work out way before the end, but there were some unexpected bumps in the road in the form of Richard Franklin. What a creep! My creep-o-meter was going like crazy when he first shows up in the book. He is one scary dude.
I docked this book half a point because of premarital relations. I know, I know, it's a romance novel and they're consenting adults, but really. If I want to read about that stuff I can get a Harlequin novel. The next book I wanted to talk about is The Last Song.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Oh My Goodness Gracious!
This is just ridiculous! Well, in case you're wondering, over the last few months I've dealt with the end of dance year stress/trauma(i.e. receiving and handing out costumes, pictures, rehearsal, recital), quit my job, adjusted to being a stay-at-home mommy(sort of), went on a week long vacation, recovered from said vacation, practically lived in my sewing room for about 2 weeks, and read a whole bunch of books. Whew!
I'm still adjusting to all of this time on my hands. I tend to spend hours each day in my favorite chair reading anything and everything I can get my hands on. If my children find me then we read their books. I spend a lot of time in my chair and I love it.
While I was on vacation I stopped in a little shop and picked up this
I have been using it, I promise. In fact, since I bought it in July I've entered 10 books in here. I'm happy to share the first with you today.
Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Date Started: 7/14/2011
Date Finished: 7/17/2011
Type of Book: Fantasy
My interest in this book: This book was recommended to me by a good friend.
Plot: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.(From cover)
Favorite Characters: Katsa, Po, Princess Bitterblue, Ashen, and Po's mother
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I loved this book. I had a really hard time putting it down. The character development was great. To watch Katsa go from an assasin who is trying to be good to a woman trying to protect the people she cares about is really intriguing. I also enjoyed the love story between Po and Katsa. I don't agree with their life choices at the end of the book, but I can't force my ideals on others, so I'll just have to deal with it.
There is a sequel to this book called Fire. I started it but I couldn't finish it. Leck is way to creepy for me. I couldn't handle his twisted nature. I've never been a big fan of truly scary characters. They give me nightmares.
Happy reading!
I'm still adjusting to all of this time on my hands. I tend to spend hours each day in my favorite chair reading anything and everything I can get my hands on. If my children find me then we read their books. I spend a lot of time in my chair and I love it.
While I was on vacation I stopped in a little shop and picked up this
I have been using it, I promise. In fact, since I bought it in July I've entered 10 books in here. I'm happy to share the first with you today.
Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Date Started: 7/14/2011
Date Finished: 7/17/2011
Type of Book: Fantasy
My interest in this book: This book was recommended to me by a good friend.
Plot: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.(From cover)
Favorite Characters: Katsa, Po, Princess Bitterblue, Ashen, and Po's mother
Rating: 4 out of 5
Comments: I loved this book. I had a really hard time putting it down. The character development was great. To watch Katsa go from an assasin who is trying to be good to a woman trying to protect the people she cares about is really intriguing. I also enjoyed the love story between Po and Katsa. I don't agree with their life choices at the end of the book, but I can't force my ideals on others, so I'll just have to deal with it.
There is a sequel to this book called Fire. I started it but I couldn't finish it. Leck is way to creepy for me. I couldn't handle his twisted nature. I've never been a big fan of truly scary characters. They give me nightmares.
Happy reading!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
NINE BOOKS!!!
Okay, yes, I've been sick. But nine books in less than a MONTH! Did I mention I taught 2 pre-school lessons and threw a HUGE Valentine's day party while I was reading these books. Well, technically, it was only eight. I was re-reading one and really just skimmed through my favorite parts, but STILL!
Well, I guess I should get started.
First up we have The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Sadly, this one only gets 2 of 5.
Summary: High school junior Violet uses her uncanny ability to sense murderers and their victims to try to stop a serial killer who's terrorizing her town, and although her best friend and would-be boyfriend Jay promises to keep her safe, she becomes a target.
I know, it sounds really good and it was really good. Until the ending. Wow. It was really lame. She spent all of this time building up this great suspesion and laying out this lovely romance. Then I got to the climax and it fell flat on it's face. It made me so sad. I was really enjoying it, too.
I was a little hesitant to give this a low rating. I just learn that there's a sequel. It was just released on the first of the month and I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy.
By itself this book is a huge disappointment, but as a series? It might redeem itself in the long run. I'll just have to wait and see.
Next, we have Nevermore by Kelly Creagh. This one gets a 5 of 5.
Summary: When cheerleader Isobel Lanley is assigned to work with goth, Edgar Allen Poe fan Varen Nethers on an English project, she is swept into a horrific dream world that he has created in his mind.
My thoughts: I love, love, love, LOVE this book. This is the second time I've read it. It's the first of a series. I believe there will be three books all together, but I've been wrong before. The next one isn't due to come out until Spring 2012. I'm dying to read it.
Anyway, I love this book because it's wonderfully balanced. There's just the right about of suspense, romance, and general creepiness. I'll admit it, I got scared a couple of times. She takes you into this living dream where everything is connected to one of Edgar Allen Poe's works. A few I was familiar with, from highschool lit., but a lot of the stories were new to me. It makes me want to read everything by Poe. Just not at night. It's some scary business.
After that I read Spells by Aprilynne Pike. I think this one warrants a 4 of 5.
Summary: Summoned to study at The Academy of Avalon, sixteen-year-old Laurel learns about the town with friend Tamani, while honing her long-forgotten skills as a Fall faerie in order to protect her human family and Avalon from trolls.
My thoughts: I'm really enjoying these books and I'm really looking forward to the release of the next one on May 3. There's action and romance and a lot of drama. It kind of reminds me of the second Twilight book. By the end I was really mad at Laurel. I have a feeling she's going to do the right thing eventually, I just wish I didn't have to be angry with her first. If you enjoyed Twilight, then you'll like these books.
And then I finished the Princess Diaries books. Princess in Training, Party Princess, Sweet Sixteen Princess, Princess on the Brink, Princess Mia, Forever Princess all by Meg Cabot. Yeah, I know. Moving on. I give the series as a whole a 4 of 5.
Summary: The last half of the Princess Diaries covers Mia's sophomore year to graduation. Everything important is covered. Her relationship with long-time crush Michael, her 16th birthday, her campaign for student council president, a play that her grandmother writes and directs, the rather twisting roller coaster of her love life and those of her friends, her therapy, her friendship with Lana, her romance novel, and her senior prom. A lot happens in a few books.
My thoughts: It winds around and around and beats around the bush. I was just starting to get tired of listening to all of her teenage whining when suddenly I got to Princess Mia and everything changed. The last two books were amazing. I especially loved the last book, Forever Princess. It was really really good. I cried a little while reading the last one.
Now that I made it through all of these books I have no idea what to read next. Obviously, finding material isn't a problem for me. Just give me a day or two. Maybe it's time for some Jane Austen immersion therapy.
Well, I guess I should get started.
First up we have The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Sadly, this one only gets 2 of 5.
Summary: High school junior Violet uses her uncanny ability to sense murderers and their victims to try to stop a serial killer who's terrorizing her town, and although her best friend and would-be boyfriend Jay promises to keep her safe, she becomes a target.
I know, it sounds really good and it was really good. Until the ending. Wow. It was really lame. She spent all of this time building up this great suspesion and laying out this lovely romance. Then I got to the climax and it fell flat on it's face. It made me so sad. I was really enjoying it, too.
I was a little hesitant to give this a low rating. I just learn that there's a sequel. It was just released on the first of the month and I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy.
By itself this book is a huge disappointment, but as a series? It might redeem itself in the long run. I'll just have to wait and see.
Next, we have Nevermore by Kelly Creagh. This one gets a 5 of 5.
Summary: When cheerleader Isobel Lanley is assigned to work with goth, Edgar Allen Poe fan Varen Nethers on an English project, she is swept into a horrific dream world that he has created in his mind.
My thoughts: I love, love, love, LOVE this book. This is the second time I've read it. It's the first of a series. I believe there will be three books all together, but I've been wrong before. The next one isn't due to come out until Spring 2012. I'm dying to read it.
Anyway, I love this book because it's wonderfully balanced. There's just the right about of suspense, romance, and general creepiness. I'll admit it, I got scared a couple of times. She takes you into this living dream where everything is connected to one of Edgar Allen Poe's works. A few I was familiar with, from highschool lit., but a lot of the stories were new to me. It makes me want to read everything by Poe. Just not at night. It's some scary business.
After that I read Spells by Aprilynne Pike. I think this one warrants a 4 of 5.
Summary: Summoned to study at The Academy of Avalon, sixteen-year-old Laurel learns about the town with friend Tamani, while honing her long-forgotten skills as a Fall faerie in order to protect her human family and Avalon from trolls.
My thoughts: I'm really enjoying these books and I'm really looking forward to the release of the next one on May 3. There's action and romance and a lot of drama. It kind of reminds me of the second Twilight book. By the end I was really mad at Laurel. I have a feeling she's going to do the right thing eventually, I just wish I didn't have to be angry with her first. If you enjoyed Twilight, then you'll like these books.
And then I finished the Princess Diaries books. Princess in Training, Party Princess, Sweet Sixteen Princess, Princess on the Brink, Princess Mia, Forever Princess all by Meg Cabot. Yeah, I know. Moving on. I give the series as a whole a 4 of 5.
Summary: The last half of the Princess Diaries covers Mia's sophomore year to graduation. Everything important is covered. Her relationship with long-time crush Michael, her 16th birthday, her campaign for student council president, a play that her grandmother writes and directs, the rather twisting roller coaster of her love life and those of her friends, her therapy, her friendship with Lana, her romance novel, and her senior prom. A lot happens in a few books.
My thoughts: It winds around and around and beats around the bush. I was just starting to get tired of listening to all of her teenage whining when suddenly I got to Princess Mia and everything changed. The last two books were amazing. I especially loved the last book, Forever Princess. It was really really good. I cried a little while reading the last one.
Now that I made it through all of these books I have no idea what to read next. Obviously, finding material isn't a problem for me. Just give me a day or two. Maybe it's time for some Jane Austen immersion therapy.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Three books this week!
After my initial post I got on the reading train and went a little crazy. I got through three books between last Saturday this Thursday. It's no wonder I never get anything done around the house. Anyway, here they are.
First up we have Project Princess: The Princess Diaries Volume IV and a half by Meg Cabot. I give it a 3 out of 4.
Summary: Mia, her bodyguard, and her friends go to West Virginia over Spring Break to build a house for the less fortunate. Hilarity ensues.
My thoughts: So funny! She's never been camping before or done any kind of maual labor. Need I say more.
My favorite part was where she talks about Peter's "shapely forearms." Apparently, he's as cute as Mulan's boyfriend with the added benefit that Peter is not a cartoon character!
Next we have Princess in Pink also by Meg Cabot (I really need to branch out). Anyhoo, I gave this one a 3 out of 5 also.
Summary: In a series of humorous diary entries, high school freshman (and Genovian Princess) Mia tries to get her reluctant boyfriend to take her to the prom.
My thoughts: Hilarious! Maybe I'm just easily amused, but I can't get enough. Mia makes me laugh until I cry. I read this one in one day. Obviously, I couldn't put it down. I half expected her to smash somebody's cell phone again.
I'm only about halfway through this series, but I think I need to take a break from Princess Mia. This is my fourth review on this blog and 3 of them have been Princess Diaries books. Let's broaden our horizons, shall we?
That being said...
I read this one next. I'm really excited to share this one with you. This is Wings by Aprilynne Pike. This one gets a 4 of 5. I really like this one.
Summary: When a flower blooms in the middle of her back, Laurel discovers that she is a faerie and was placed with human parents as a child. As Laurel learns about her true background and the dangers that face the faerie realm, she struggles to find her place in both worlds
My thoughts: As soon as I finished it I wanted to read it again. So good! The idea of faeries being highly evolved plants was definitely new and refreshing. It was kind of slow at the beginning but it picked up and ended up being quite the page turner. I was happy to find out there was sequel that I could pick up at the library with another to be published this April. That made me really happy because it had one of those endings that isn't really an ending. There were too many loose ends for it to just end right there. I already picked the next one up from the library but it's at the bottom of the pile.
Well, there you have it. You'd think I had a lot of time on my hands or something. Trust me, I don't. I just read every spare moment I have.
Next week, The Body Finder and, hopefully, Peter and the Starcatchers.
Keep reading!
First up we have Project Princess: The Princess Diaries Volume IV and a half by Meg Cabot. I give it a 3 out of 4.
Summary: Mia, her bodyguard, and her friends go to West Virginia over Spring Break to build a house for the less fortunate. Hilarity ensues.
My thoughts: So funny! She's never been camping before or done any kind of maual labor. Need I say more.
My favorite part was where she talks about Peter's "shapely forearms." Apparently, he's as cute as Mulan's boyfriend with the added benefit that Peter is not a cartoon character!
Next we have Princess in Pink also by Meg Cabot (I really need to branch out). Anyhoo, I gave this one a 3 out of 5 also.
Summary: In a series of humorous diary entries, high school freshman (and Genovian Princess) Mia tries to get her reluctant boyfriend to take her to the prom.
My thoughts: Hilarious! Maybe I'm just easily amused, but I can't get enough. Mia makes me laugh until I cry. I read this one in one day. Obviously, I couldn't put it down. I half expected her to smash somebody's cell phone again.
I'm only about halfway through this series, but I think I need to take a break from Princess Mia. This is my fourth review on this blog and 3 of them have been Princess Diaries books. Let's broaden our horizons, shall we?
That being said...
I read this one next. I'm really excited to share this one with you. This is Wings by Aprilynne Pike. This one gets a 4 of 5. I really like this one.
Summary: When a flower blooms in the middle of her back, Laurel discovers that she is a faerie and was placed with human parents as a child. As Laurel learns about her true background and the dangers that face the faerie realm, she struggles to find her place in both worlds
My thoughts: As soon as I finished it I wanted to read it again. So good! The idea of faeries being highly evolved plants was definitely new and refreshing. It was kind of slow at the beginning but it picked up and ended up being quite the page turner. I was happy to find out there was sequel that I could pick up at the library with another to be published this April. That made me really happy because it had one of those endings that isn't really an ending. There were too many loose ends for it to just end right there. I already picked the next one up from the library but it's at the bottom of the pile.
Well, there you have it. You'd think I had a lot of time on my hands or something. Trust me, I don't. I just read every spare moment I have.
Next week, The Body Finder and, hopefully, Peter and the Starcatchers.
Keep reading!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Highs and Lows of Being Mia
The Highs and Lows of Being Mia
By Meg Cabot
4 out of 5
Summary:
Presents the third and fourth volumes (the Princess in love, and the Princess in waiting) in the Princess Diaries series, in which Mia copes with final exams at school in New York and is introduced to her Genovian subjects.
My Thoughts:
I laughed a lot. I know it's a silly book and kind of pointless, but sometimes I need to read something silly and kind of pointless. Reading is my retreat from my real life and sometimes I just want to be entertained. I read this one while on break from "The Book Thief." This was breaking my #1 rule. The only things I allow myself to read at the same timeas one of my books are the scriptures, church lesson manuals, Preach My Gospel, and the Ensign. But I cheated. I'd had a really, really bad day and "The Book Thief" wasn'te helping. So I took a break and spent some time with Princess Mia. It was great. Just what I needed. She is hilarious. Thanks, Meg Cabot, for writing something so lighthearted and fun!
The Book Thief
The first book I'm going to review for you is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. This is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster child in Nazi Germany. Narrated by Death this book gives a very individual view of life at that time. Very well written and enjoyable, although rather depressing at times. I admit I had to take a break from this one and read something lighter for a bit. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the end. I had to give it back because it had been requested by another patron at the library. I wanted to rate it, but I don't feel like I read enough of it to give an acurate rating.
Let me put it this way, if you're in the mood for a book that makes you think this is an excellant choice. Very well written and thought provoking. I hope you enjoy it!
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