Life is a Bookshelf

Beer Bread Recipe

2009-11-07T08:58:00.002-05:00

My family loves this recipe for Beer Bread. I don't remember where we first found it. It was somewhere on the internet. Here's the recipe:

3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
12 oz can or bottle of beer
1 stick of butter, melted (I only use half of a stick)

Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the beer and combine. The batter will be very thick! Pour into a greased loaf pan and then pour the melted butter on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy with your favorite bowl of soup!

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

2009-11-05T09:48:00.003-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted a book review. I've been spending a lot of time working on craft projects for Christmas gifts, so I haven't been reading very much. I was on the library wait list for Cleopatra's Daughter for over a month. It was definitely worth the wait! Here's a summary from Amazon:

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

This book was so good! I loved it just as much as Michelle Moran's other book, Nefertiti. I loved Selene; she's a much better character than Nefertari from The Heretic Queen. I was a bit surprised that Marc Antony and Cleopatra died so early on in the book. I liked that this book takes place in Rome as opposed to Egypt. It made it a lot more interesting. I really hope that Michelle Moran writes another book soon. She's an amazing author! Everyone should read Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter.

5 out of 5 stars!

Time for a Face Lift

2009-11-03T18:07:00.002-05:00

I have decided to make some changes to this blog. I stopped reading as quickly as I used to so I wasn't updating as much as I was hoping. I will be adding some more content that isn't just book related. I plan to add cooking and baking posts as well as craft posts. These are some of my favorite things to do. I hope all of you enjoy these changes!

I will begin this overhaul with a cooking related post. Here's a recipe I just came up with for Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup:

1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup diced onions
3 tablespoons flour
5 - 6 cups milk (I used skim)
1 package frozen broccoli (I used the steam in the bag kind)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
garlic, salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a pot. Add the onions and cook until they are clear. In the meantime, cook the broccoli according to the instructions. Add the flour to the butter and onions one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. Add the milk and continue to whisk until the butter and flour mixture is incorporated. Add the cooked broccoli and the cheese. Add as much spice as you'd like. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is hot. Enjoy!
This would probably serve 3 - 4 people.

I didn't measure as I made this so the measurements are my best guess. I would serve this with some homemade bread, rolls or biscuits. Perfect for a cold night!

I hope you guys enjoy this new format.

Booking Through Thursday

2009-09-10T08:00:00.005-04:00

Here's today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the most informative book you’ve read recently?

I would have to say that the most informative book I've read recently is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It's about why certain people are more (or less) successful than others. It was a very interesting book. I learned why most professional hockey players were born in January, February and March. I also found out why Asian people tend to be better at math. I really enjoyed the book, and so did my mom and brother. I've been thinking about picking up one of his other books, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-09-07T18:20:00.006-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

This book was AMAZING!!! I'm so in love with this series! I already want to reread both books. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading Catching Fire. I actually had to put it down for a second so I could take a breath and calm down a bit. I was so caught up in the book, I read it in one day. I finished at 1:30 in the morning! I'm even more in love with Peeta now. He's my new book boyfriend. Just don't tell Eric Northman! LOL I don't really understand why some people like Gale more than Peeta. We don't even know that much about Gale; he hasn't had much "face time" in the books.

I can't wait for the third book to come out, but I have to wait an entire year! *le sigh* I don't know what I'll do until then. I'm using this book for the "read a book with a verb in the title" category for the Summer Book Challenge.

5 out of 5 stars

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

2009-09-05T20:13:00.003-04:00

I know it's weird that I read a book about Christmas in September, but it's one of the tasks for the Summer Book Challenge. Here's a synopsis of Skipping Christmas by John Grisham from Amazon:

"Luther and Nora Krank are fed up with the chaos of Christmas. The endless shopping lists, the frenzied dashes through the mall, the hassle of decorating the tree... where has all the joy gone? This year, celebrating seems like too much effort. With their only child off in Peru, they decide that just this once, they'll skip the holidays. They spend their Christmas budget on a Caribbean cruise set to sail on December 25, and happily settle in for a restful holiday season free of rooftop snowmen and festive parties.

But the Kranks soon learn that their vacation from Christmas isn't much of a vacation at all, and that skipping the holidays has consequences they didn't bargain for..."

I decided to read this book for the "read a book that takes place during Christmas" task for the Summer Book Challenge. I really liked the movie version - Christmas with the Kranks - so I decided to give the book a try. I thought it was really cute! They really stayed true to the book when they made the movie. This book was very short and such a quick read. I read it in one day! Now I just wish it was closer to the holidays. I would never skip Christmas because it's my favorite time of year. I can't wait! Maybe I'll go watch Christmas with the Kranks now...

4 out of 5 stars

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

2009-09-05T13:06:00.004-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead and Gone is the ninth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"The Louisiana town of Bon Temps—along with the rest of the world—is about to be rocked with some big supernatural news: like the vampires before them, the Were people—humans with the ability to change into animals—are about to reveal themselves to humanity. Psychic barmaid Sookie Stackhouse is apprehensive about the revelation, given the way some people in the small town revile anyone with extraordinary powers, including Sookie herself. While the initial announcement seems to go over smoothly with most people, tragedy strikes when Sookie’s brother Jason’s estranged wife, a werepanther, is found murdered and nailed up on a cross. Jason is the prime suspect, but Sookie has even bigger problems to deal with when she learns that a vicious fairy prince is determined to kill her."

I'm sad that I'm finished with all of the books that have been released. I have to wait until next May for the next book! Plus, True Blood is ending next week and I'll have to wait until next summer for the third season. I'm going to suffer from Sookie withdrawal! Dead and Gone was such a great book. I'm definitely sad about some parts, but I loved every minute of it. I kind of want to go back and reread the entire series now, but I have too many books on my TBR shelf. I haven't read all of the short stories yet, so I'm excited for the book of short stories that is coming out next month. I haven't figured out how to fit this into the Summer Book Challenge yet. I only have a little over 3 weeks left in the challenge!

5 out of 5 stars

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

2009-09-03T15:37:00.005-04:00

From Dead to Worse is the eighth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here's a synopsis from Amazon:

"After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and the manmade explosion at the vampire summit, everyone—human and otherwise—is stressed, including Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who is trying to cope with the fact that her boyfriend Quinn has gone missing. It’s clear that things are changing—whether the weres and vamps of her corner of Louisiana like it or not. And Sookie—Friend to the Pack and blood-bonded to Eric Northman, leader of the local vampire community—is caught up in the changes."

This book was full of "WTF?!" moments. It was great! Some moments made me very happy, while others just left me stunned. I think this was one of the better books of the series. I'm still completely in love with Eric, and I will be pissed if Sookie ends up with Bill again! I will probably use this for the "cook a meal inspired by a book" category of the Summer Book Challenge. I can't wait to read the last book so I can be all caught up. Then I will just need to track down all of the short stories...

5 out of 5 stars

Booking Through Thursday

2009-09-03T09:37:00.006-04:00

Here is today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the biggest book you’ve read recently?

(Feel free to think “big” as size, or as popularity, or in any other way you care to interpret.)

The "biggest" book, in terms of page numbers, that I've read recently (the last year or so) is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I enjoyed the book very much, and the sequel is currently sitting on my TBR shelf. I haven't picked it up yet because it's a bit daunting. Both books are about 1000 pages.

The "biggest" book, in terms of popularity, that I've read recently is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I had no idea this book was so popular when I picked it up. One of the tasks in the Summer Book Challenge is to read a book that an author you enjoy has recommended. Apparently, Stephenie Meyer really liked The Hunger Games, so I used it for the task. I'm so glad I did, as it's an amazing book! Stephenie Meyer may not be the best writer in the world, but she has some good taste in books! (Well, I actually have no idea what kind of books she likes aside from The Hunger Games, so I'm just assuming she has good taste based on the fact that she liked The Hunger Games.) I can't wait to read Catching Fire! I'm waiting for my Dad to finish it so that I can borrow it.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

2009-08-31T19:38:00.004-04:00

The Awakening is the first book in the Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith. Here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her."

I was on the holds list for this book at my local library, but it was taking a long time so I decided to buy the book. I'm kind of regretting that now. I should have just waited for it. I'm pretty disappointed in this book, and it's only the first one! I can't stand Elena. She's just like all of the girls I hated when I was in school. She thinks the world revolves around her and everyone does everything she says. It's ridiculous! I don't understand why she's so obsessed with Stefan when she knows nothing about him. Also, she's "in love" after a week of being together?!

I didn't like that the author tried to keep Stefan so mysterious to the reader. Lots of "...but I can't think about that right now." It got to be really annoying. I thought the story was extremely anti-climactic. The whole thing with Katharine was laughable not sad and heartbreaking like it was meant to be. I guess I'll probably end up reading the next book since it's in the same volume that I bought. I had high hopes for this book, but now I'm just so disappointed. I'm using this for the "teens as the main characters" category for the Summer Book Challenge.

2 out of 5 stars

Musing Mondays

2009-08-31T08:35:00.004-04:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about books for children…

Do you buy books as gifts for children – either your own or those of friends or family? Would you buy books for all children, or only children who are already practiced readers?

I have never actually given books as a gift to children, but I would like to. The main reason I haven't is that I never know which books the child already owns. I hate giving someone a gift they already have. I don't have any children yet, but I've already begun a collection of books for children on my bookshelf. I hope my children will love to read as much as I do.

I would give books to any children even if they can't read yet. Although, if I know that an older child really doesn't like to read, I won't give them a book. There's no point in giving them something they won't enjoy. It's impossible to force a kid to like to read.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-30T18:15:00.004-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

All Together Dead is the seventh book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Sookie attends an all-important central U.S. vamp summit on the shores of Lake Michigan as a "human geiger counter" for Sophie-Anne Leclerq, vampire queen of a Louisiana weakened by Katrina and who will be tried during the event for murdering her king. Sookie knows the queen is innocent, but she's hardly prepared for other shocking murders, not to mention protests by the Fellowship of the Sun, a right-wing antivampire movement. Her sleuthing skills, along with those of her new telepath friend, Barry the Bellboy, are put to the extreme test."

I think this book was definitely one of the best of this series. I still can't stand Quinn, and I just want Sookie and Eric to get together already! The summit was different than I expected. I thought it was pretty funny that it was basically a big conference with vendors and everything. I was surprised by who was behind the murders. Maybe I'm dense, but I didn't see that coming. I loved that Barry was back, and he had more confidence in himself. I think they should bring in more telepaths. I guess they're pretty rare, though. I wish I could fit this book into the Summer Book Challenge, but I just can't figure out how. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to complete the challenge at this point, but it's still fun.

5 out of 5 stars, of course!

Booking Through Thursday

2009-08-27T13:00:00.004-04:00

Today's Booking Through Thursday question is:

What’s the lightest, most “fluff” kind of book you’ve read recently?

I would have to say that the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries books by Charlaine Harris are the lightest and fluffiest books I've read recently. Each of the books is a very quick read. The characters are great, the romance is sweet, and the plot is fun! I fall in love with the series more and more with each book that I read. I'm actually currently reading All Together Dead and I can't wait to get back to it. My mom loves the series too and likes to call the books "book candy." I definitely would have to agree with her!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2009-08-26T16:51:00.003-04:00

The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. Here is a summary from Goodreads:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse: Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Percy's mom decides it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends, one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena, Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

I decided to read this book after I saw the trailer for the movie at the movie theater. I hadn't heard much about the book before then. I'm glad I decided to read it. I enjoyed The Lightning Thief very much. I loved guessing which mythical figure each of the characters were supposed to be. I was worried it was going to be eye-roll-worthy, but it definitely wasn't! Even though Percy is only supposed to be 12-years-old, this book doesn't seem as young as Cirque du Freak was. I loved the descriptions of how the gods looked - very appropriate - especially Poseidon.

After a while Percy, Annabeth, and Grover started to remind me of Harry, Hermione, and Ron from Harry Potter. Percy is the brave one who doesn't know anything about the world he's thrust into, just like Harry. Annabeth is smart and crafty like Hermione. Grover is the somewhat cowardly best friend like Ron. I don't think it's a bad thing that there are similarities, I just found it amusing. I can't wait to read the next book and to see the movie. I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

4 out of 5 stars

Musing Mondays

2009-08-24T08:00:00.008-04:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book series…

Do you prefer to read stand-alone books, or books in series? Do you stick with a series the whole way through or stop after the first installment? Are there any particular series you enjoy?

I love to read any books whether they are part of a series or not. I'm actually in the middle of so many different series that it's hard to keep track! I tend to jump around with the books I read. I don't normally read a series straight through without some other books in between. If the first book doesn't impress me though, I won't finish the series. Some series that I have enjoyed: Harry Potter, Twilight, The Inheritance Cycle and many others. Some series that I'm currently reading: Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries, House of Night, The Mortal Instruments, The Inkworld Trilogy, and The Stephanie Plum series. I think that I tend to be more drawn to series books than stand-alone books. I never really noticed that before.

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-22T10:38:00.004-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Definitely Dead is the sixth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a description from Amazon:

Sookie Stackhouse once tried to keep her mind-reading capabilities secret, but the word is definitely out in Bon Temps, Louisiana, her hometown, leading local police to call on her to help find a missing child. There's a new man, were-tiger Quinn, in the picture, too, but on their first date, two were-people attack them. Sookie isn't sure whether she or Quinn was the target but is soon distracted by a more pressing problem. Cousin Hadley, a vampire, has been murdered, and Sookie has inherited her apartment, meaning she has to go to New Orleans to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death and meet with Hadley's lover, the Vampire Queen herself.

I love this series more and more after every book I read. This book reveals a lot of interesting information! One thing I can't stand, though, is Quinn. For some reason, I find him incredibly annoying. It's irritating that Quinn always calls Sookie "babe." That seems so sexist! I'm not normally like that. I don't get offended that easily, but that really got to me. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I hope it's even better than this one was! I'm trying to find a way to fit this into the Summer Book Challenge, but I have no idea how I'm going to do it.

5 out of 5 stars

Booking Through Thursday

2009-08-20T12:43:00.009-04:00

Today's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Wow, this is a hard question! I've read so many great books lately; it's difficult to choose. I guess I would have to say that The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was the best book I've read recently. It was an amazing book! It had such a cool plot and some really great characters. I liked that it was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend The Hunger Games to anyone who likes to read, and even the people who don't like to read! I've already gotten my mom and brother to read it; now I'm just trying to convince my dad to try it. I can't wait for the sequel, Catching Fire, to be released on September 1st!

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan

2009-08-19T22:18:00.004-04:00

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare is the first book in The Saga of Darren Shan. Here is a description from Amazon:

When Cirque Du Freak comes to town, Darren and his friends are obsessed with seeing the acts, which include a performing spider; spiders are a particular fascination of Darren's. It is a marvelously creepy show that lives up to their expectations. After the show, Darren's rowdy pal, Steve, stays behind and confronts the man with the spider--who turns out to be a vampire. Hidden in the shadows, Darren listens, horrified, as Steve begs Mr. Crepsley to make him a vampire, too. Steve's request is denied, but through a series of mishaps, Darren becomes the vampire.

I decided to read this book after I saw the trailer for the Cirque Du Freak movie. I didn't know much about the book before I read it. I thought it was a bit young for being considered young adult. I would say it's geared more toward a younger audience (think The Series of Unfortunate Events and The Spiderwick Chronicles) than other young adult books I've read. It's a little odd that the author writes it like it is actually about himself. I kept trying to figure out how old Darren is supposed to be, but the book never really says. I'm guessing he's supposed to be about 12.

I already own the next two books, so I plan on reading them. I really want to see the movie when it comes out, although I may wait until it comes out on DVD. I'm using this for the "read a book by an author born in July, August or September" category for the Summer Book Challenge. Darren Shan was born on July 2nd. Overall, I thought this book was pretty good.

3 out of 5 stars

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

2009-08-18T15:44:00.003-04:00

I really wanted to read this book when I first saw it at the book store. It has such a great cover and a cool title. Plus, one of the tasks for the Summer Book Challenge is to read a book based solely on its cover. Here is a description of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane from Amazon:

Harvard graduate student Connie Goodwin needs to spend her summer doing research for her doctoral dissertation. But when her mother asks her to handle the sale of Connie's grandmother's abandoned home near Salem, she can't refuse. As she is drawn deeper into the mysteries of the family house, Connie discovers an ancient key within a seventeenth-century Bible. The key contains a yellowing fragment of parchment with a name written upon it: Deliverance Dane. This discovery launches Connie on a quest--to find out who this woman was and to unearth a rare artifact of singular power: a physick book, its pages a secret repository for lost knowledge.
As the pieces of Deliverance's harrowing story begin to fall into place, Connie is haunted by visions of the long-ago witch trials, and she begins to fear that she is more tied to Salem's dark past then she could have ever imagined.

I was so excited when I finally got this book from the library. I waited for about a month for it. It definitely was not worth the wait. I'm so disappointed. I found the book to be mildly interesting, but I couldn't stand the main character, Connie. She was so dumb! There were times when I was thinking to myself, How did this girl even get her graduate degree? The author also used the word "idiosyncratic" way too many times. (Think "chagrin" in the Twilight series.) I also couldn't believe that the author wrote "should of" instead of "should have." Granted, it was in dialogue, but still! That is just not OK. I could see maybe using "should've" since it was dialogue but not "should of." That's a big pet peeve of mine. Anyway, I thought the historical parts of the book were very interesting, but the rest was pretty pointless. So disappointing.

2 out of 5 stars

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

2009-08-14T07:50:00.004-04:00

Here is a description of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan from Amazon:

At the instigation of a matchmaker, Lily and Snow Flower, a girl from a larger town and supposedly from a well-connected, wealthy family, become laotong, bound together for life. Even after Lily learns that Snow Flower is not from a better family, even when Lily marries above her and Snow Flower beneath her, they remain close, exchanging nu shu written on a fan. When war comes, Lily is separated from her husband and children. She survives the winter helped by Snow Flower's husband, a lowly butcher, until she is reunited with her family. As the years pass, the women's relationship changes; Lily grows more powerful in her community, bitter, and harder, until at last she breaks her bond with Snow Flower. They are not reunited until Lily tries to make the dying Snow Flower's last days comfortable.

I decided to read this book because the girls on The Nest Book Club message board suggested it. I also really enjoy historical fictions that are set in Asian countries. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was exactly what I was looking for. I thought the parts about foot-binding were very interesting. I found myself wincing at certain points; it sounded so incredibly painful! I guess I would be considered very ugly in China at that time; my feet are size 12! I thought it was so cool that the women of China had their own language that the men didn't even know about. Reading about Lily and Snow Flower's friendship made me sad for all of my friendships that have ended. It normally takes a lot for a book to make me cry, but this one definitely did. I was just bawling! This book counted for the Summer Book Challenge.

4 out of 5 stars

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-11T12:22:00.001-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead as a Doornail is the fifth book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. It continues the story of telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie's brother, Jason, is awaiting his first full moon since being bitten by a were-panther, a sniper is going around Bon Temps shooting shifters, and Sookie is being dragged into werewolf politics, all while trying to sort out her feelings for the many men in her life. You know, a usual day in the life of Sookie Stackhouse.

I still love this series! I think these books just keep getting better and better. I would have liked to have seen Eric more in this book. Oh well. I thought it was interesting to see how the werewolves choose a new "packmaster," even if it was a bit brutal. I'm still rooting for Sookie and Eric. I really hope they end up together. I'm also using this book for the Summer Book Challenge. I can't wait to read the next book!

5 out of 5 stars!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-07-28T15:24:00.003-04:00

I picked up this book because I know a lot of people who really liked it. Also, I was able to fit it into the Summer Book Challenge! Here's a description of The Hunger Games from Amazon:

"In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives."

I'm so glad I read this book because I loved it! After I started reading it, I just couldn't put it down. I loved how independent and strong Katniss was. I think the author could have picked a better name, though. I mean, Katniss? Really? It sounds too much like "cat piss." Oh well, she's still a great main character. I can't wait to read the next book. I don't want to wait until September 1st though! Hopefully I can win Catching Fire from Goodreads.

5 out of 5 stars!

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

2009-07-25T15:21:00.003-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Dead to the World is the fourth book in Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series. Here is a description from Amazon:

"(Dead to the World) continues the story of psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who has fallen out with her undead lover, Bill. Bill has no sooner departed for Peru, than Sookie finds the head vampire, Eric, running naked and terrified through the rural night. She helps Eric, and discovers his memory has been destroyed by a coven of unscrupulous, astonishingly powerful witches, newly arrived in her small Louisiana town, and offering a huge reward for Eric. Sookie tries to hide Eric, but her brother sees him--and immediately disappears. And Sookie finds herself caught in a war among witches, vampires, and werewolves."

I absolutely LOVE this series! The books just keep getting better and better. I know I say this all the time, but Eric is so amazingly hot and sexy! He makes Edward Cullen seem dull and ugly. I found a way to fit this book into the Summer Book Challenge. Yay! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series. My mom has the next one, so next time I go to her house I'm stealing it!

5 out of 5 stars

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

2009-07-19T14:37:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I had never read this book before. I decided to read it for the Summer Book Challenge. Here's a description from Amazon:

"Guy Montag is a book-burning fireman undergoing a crisis of faith. His wife spends all day with her television "family," imploring Montag to work harder so that they can afford a fourth TV wall. Their dull, empty life sharply contrasts with that of his next-door neighbor Clarisse, a young girl thrilled by the ideas in books, and more interested in what she can see in the world around her than in the mindless chatter of the tube. When Clarisse disappears mysteriously, Montag is moved to make some changes, and starts hiding books in his home. Eventually, his wife turns him in, and he must answer the call to burn his secret cache of books. After fleeing to avoid arrest, Montag winds up joining an outlaw band of scholars who keep the contents of books in their heads, waiting for the time society will once again need the wisdom of literature."

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was similar to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. In both books society is controlled through pleasure. As long as everyone is happy and entertained, the government can get them to do whatever they want. I found it particularly frightening that the government didn't just take books away suddenly, but most people just stopped reading altogether. I couldn't imagine not reading. It's my favorite hobby of all time. I'm always in the middle of a book. I brought 4 books on my week long vacation. I probably won't get to all of them, but I like to have my options. Anyway, I really liked Fahrenheit 451, and I think everyone should read it.

5 out of 5 stars

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

2009-07-15T23:37:00.003-04:00

I read Queen of Babble for the Summer Book Challenge. It's one of Meg Cabot's adult books. Here is a description from Amazon:

"Lizzie Nichols, a fashion-history major, wants nothing more than to graduate college and then fly off to London to be with her boyfriend, Andy. But at her graduation party, Lizzie finds out that she can't graduate until she writes a senior thesis. And when she lands in London, Andy turns out to be a liar, gambler, and a fashion disaster. Lizzie, stuck in London with a nonchangeable ticket home, escapes Andy via the Chunnel in hopes that her friend Shari, who is catering weddings for the summer at a French chateau, can help. On the train, Lizzie meets a stranger, Jean-Luc, and spills everything that has happened, only to find out that he is the son of the chateau's owner. At the chateau, Lizzie continues to babble when she shouldn't, ticking off Jean-Luc, shocking his mother, and upsetting a bride. Will she ever learn to keep her mouth shut?"

I thought this book was pretty cute. Lizzie annoyed me a lot at first, but I grew to tolerate her by the end of the book. I hated when she was making up excuses for Andy's behavior. I just wanted to slap some sense into her. I know some people say that Heather Wells, the main character from Meg Cabot's other adult series that begins with Size 12 is Not Fat, is really annoying, but I think Lizzie is way worse! I liked the story, though, and Luke made up for the fact that Lizzie was so annoying.

3 out of 5 stars

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

2009-07-14T09:18:00.005-04:00

I rarely read non-fiction books, but this was for the Summer Book Challenge. Here is a description of Outliers from Amazon:

"Outliers begins with a provocative look at why certain five-year-old boys enjoy an advantage in ice hockey, and how these advantages accumulate over time. We learn what Bill Gates, the Beatles and Mozart had in common: along with talent and ambition, each enjoyed an unusual opportunity to intensively cultivate a skill that allowed them to rise above their peers. A detailed investigation of the unique culture and skills of Eastern European Jewish immigrants persuasively explains their rise in 20th-century New York, first in the garment trade and then in the legal profession. Through case studies ranging from Canadian junior hockey champions to the robber barons of the Gilded Age, from Asian math whizzes to software entrepreneurs to the rise of his own family in Jamaica, Gladwell tears down the myth of individual merit to explore how culture, circumstance, timing, birth and luck account for success—and how historical legacies can hold others back despite ample individual gifts."

This book was actually quite interesting. I loved learning that a lot of people who have enjoyed great success have luck to thank for it. I guess it makes me feel better about my own lack of great success. It's not my fault; I'm just not that lucky. I was born in the wrong year, I have the "wrong" background, I grew up in the wrong area, etc. (Obviously, those aren't the only reasons, but hey, I'm making myself feel better!) I can't believe that just because someone was born in the first three months of the year means that they have a much better shot at becoming professional hockey players. I'm glad that this book was recommended to me. I really enjoyed it. Plus, now I know why Asians are so good at math!

4 out of 5 stars

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

2009-07-10T20:03:00.005-04:00

Summer Sisters is one of a few of Judy Blume's adult books. Here's a description from Amazon:

"Caitlin lives with her mother in Sante Fe, but spends summers on a New England island with her father, brother, and stepmother. Both parents give her free rein, and her beauty, independence, and talent for getting away with outrageous behavior make her an intriguing star to her middle school classmates. Victoria can't understand why Caitlin would single her out to be her "summer sister" on Martha's Vineyard as she sees herself as quiet and dull. She senses, though, that this vacation is an important turning point and convinces her conservative parents to let her go. The girls become fast friends, sharing six unforgettable summers together."

This book was...interesting. I read it for the Nest Book Club and the Summer Book Challenge. I can't believe this book was written by the same woman who wrote Superfudge. There was so much sex! I had a hard time identifying with the character's in this book. If I were in Vix's shoes I would not have stayed friends with Caitlin, but then the book would have been over after 90 pages or so. Anyway, I thought this book was OK, but I definitely won't be reading it again.

2 out of 5 stars

Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty

2009-07-09T01:21:00.003-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Second Helpings is the second (duh!) book in Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series. Here's a description from Goodreads:

"Jessica Darling is up in arms again in this much-anticipated, hilarious sequel to Sloppy Firsts. This time, the hyperobservant, angst-ridden teenager is going through the social and emotional ordeal of her senior year at Pineville High. Not only does the mysterious and oh-so-compelling Marcus Flutie continue to distract Jessica, but her best friend, Hope, still lives in another state, and she can’t seem to escape the clutches of the Clueless Crew, her annoying so-called friends. To top it off, Jessica’s parents won’t get off her butt about choosing a college, and her sister Bethany’s pregnancy is causing a big stir in the Darling household."

This book was as good as, if not better than, Sloppy Firsts. I really enjoyed it, and can't wait to read the third book. I still love Jessica's snarkiness and attitude. I definitely would not allow my kids to read this book unless they were well past their sixteenth birthday. I don't remember young adult books having so much sex in them when I was younger. (Wow, I feel so old having said that.) I still love this series even with all of the references to sex. I'm well past my sixteenth birthday! ;-) Anyway, this book also counts for the Summer Book Challenge.

5 out of 5 stars

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

2009-07-07T13:23:00.005-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Club Dead is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. Here is a synopsis from Goodreads:

"There's only one vampire Sookie Stackhouse is involved with (at least voluntarily) and that's Bill. But recently he's been kind of distant - like in another state distant. Bill's sinister and sexy boss Eric has an idea where to find him, which is why Sookie ends up in Jackson, Mississippi, mingling with the under-underworld at Club Dead. It's a dangerous little haunt where the elitist vamps can go chill and chow on some prime flesh. But when Sookie finally finds Bill - caught in an act of serious betrayal - she's not sure whether to save him, or sharpen some stakes."

I really liked Club Dead a lot. I love that Eric has more of a role now. He's definitely my favorite character. I realize that Charlaine Harris is trying to show that it's dangerous for Sookie to be Bill's girlfriend, but come on! Nobody gets beat up that many times in just a few months. It's teetering on the edge of over the top and lame. I still liked the book, but I'm liking Bill less and less. I think Sookie should leave him for Eric! His morals may be questionable, but he is incredibly sexy. Yum! I can't wait to read the next book! This book counts for the Nest Summer Book Challenge as well.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

2009-07-03T12:40:00.003-04:00

Sloppy Firsts is the first book in Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series. So many people have recommended this series, so I decided to get the first book from the library. Here is a description from Amazon:

"When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?"

I'm so happy I read this book! It was so cute. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I love how funny and angsty Jessica is. She's hilarious. Marcus kind of reminds me of Heath Ledger's character in 10 Things I Hate About You. He's definitely very intriguing. I can totally relate to Jessica because I remember what it was like to be 16. Actually, I was sixteen when this book came out. I would have really enjoyed it at that age, too. I read this book for the Nest Book Club's Summer Book Challenge. It's for the category, "Read a book considered a beach read." I'm going to go put the next book on hold at the library now.

5 out of 5 stars

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2009-07-02T16:23:00.004-04:00

I had never read To Kill a Mockingbird before, so when I found it at the thrift store for 25 cents I was very excited. In case you haven't read it, here is a synopsis from Amazon:

"Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman."

I'm so glad I decided to read this book. It's definitely my favorite "classic" that I've read so far. Also, it's on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die list. I was very surprised that it was in the perspective of such a young girl. I really had no idea what the book was about before I read it. I liked that Scout eventually realized that all men really are created equally by the end of the book. I think this is definitely a book that all people should read. It's very good.

5 out of 5 stars

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

2009-06-21T15:04:00.004-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book, Something Borrowed, as it may contain spoilers!

Something Blue is the sequel to Emily Giffin's other book, Something Borrowed. Here is a description of Something Blue from Amazon:

"Selfish but beautiful Darcy is reeling from the betrayal of her best friend, Rachel, and her fiance, Dex, even though she cheated on Dex with his friend Marcus. Darcy is carrying Marcus' child, so she assumes he'll take care of her. After all, she's always gotten everything she's ever wanted. But when Marcus dumps her, she finds herself pregnant and alone. Always the opportunist, Darcy contacts her childhood friend Ethan, now a writer living in London, and gets him to agree to let her visit for awhile. She jets off to the UK envisioning a charmed life where a handsome, rich Englishman will sweep her off her feet. The reality isn't so blissful--Ethan is critical of her selfish behavior and she finds herself incredibly lonely and unprepared for motherhood. After a confrontation with Ethan, she decides it's time for radical change."

At first it was very weird to be reading a book from Darcy's point of view. I couldn't stand her in Something Borrowed! Now, though, I like Darcy more than I like Rachel. She changed so much about herself when it didn't seem like it would be possible. I definitely liked this book better than the first. I was almost crying at the end. It was great reading about London, because I recognized a lot of the street names and landmarks since I lived there one summer. It definitely made me want to go back. Anyway, I loved this book and I'm so glad I got it from the library very quickly!

5 out of 5 stars

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

2009-06-16T19:52:00.004-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Living Dead in Dallas is the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. The HBO show True Blood is based on this series. This book continues the story of mind-reading Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire boyfriend Bill Compton. Eric, a very old and powerful vampire in Louisiana, sends Sookie and Bill to Dallas to use Sookie's "special talent" to help another vampire find a missing friend. Their search leads them to the Fellowship of the Sun, a "church" that hates vampires, but the Fellowship is anything but a typical church. Meanwhile, a murder is being investigated back home in Bon Temps.

I really liked this book. I thought it was just as good as the first book, Dead Until Dark. I'm glad that Eric was in this book more than the first. I think he's my favorite character. It doesn't hurt that the guy who plays him in the show is pretty hot!

**Spoilers Below**

I'm so sad about Lafayette! I really liked him. I wish he had a bigger part in the books like he did in the show.

**End Spoilers**

The sex scenes in this book were a bit steamier than in the first one. Not necessarily a bad thing but possibly not OK with some people. I'm really glad that I finished the book very early on in the season of the show. It seems like they may not follow the book exactly, though. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

5 out of 5 stars

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

2009-06-12T23:49:00.003-04:00

I won Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin from Goodreads. I'd been wanting to read it for a long time, so I was really excited when I won it. Here is a description from Amazon:

"Rachel is celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her friends, including her lifelong best friend, Darcy, and Dex, Rachel's handsome friend from law school and Darcy's fiance. One thing leads to another and Rachel ends up in bed with Dex. Suddenly, all of her repressed feelings for him rush to the forefront, and Dex says he feels the same. But thoughts of Darcy nag at Rachel. Perfect, pretty Darcy has always gotten everything she's wanted, as well as things that Rachel wanted, like her admission to her first-choice college. But Rachel and Dex can't deny their attraction, and Rachel wonders if they might possibly have a real future together."

I really liked this book. Although I didn't agree with what Rachel and Dex did, it was hard to feel sorry for Darcy. I think this was my first chick-lit book, and I can see why so many women like the genre. Something Borrowed is a cute, fluffy, romantic book. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick and easy read. I can't wait to read the next book, Something Blue.

4 out of 5 stars

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

2009-06-01T21:39:00.004-04:00

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is 70-year-old Alan Bradley's first book. Here's a description from Amazon:

"It's the beginning of a lazy summer in 1950 at the sleepy English village of Bishop's Lacey. Up at the great house of Buckshaw, aspiring chemist Flavia de Luce passes the time tinkering in the laboratory she's inherited from her deceased mother and an eccentric great uncle. When Flavia discovers a murdered stranger in the cucumber patch outside her bedroom window early one morning, she decides to leave aside her flasks and Bunsen burners to solve the crime herself, much to the chagrin of the local authorities. But who can blame her? What else does an eleven-year-old science prodigy have to do when left to her own devices? With her widowed father and two older sisters far too preoccupied with their own pursuits and passions—stamp collecting, adventure novels, and boys respectively—Flavia takes off on her trusty bicycle Gladys to catch a murderer."

I won this book from Goodreads.com. I was so excited when I got that email! I thought this was a good book. I'm not sure an 11-year-old would actually be able to solve a crime in real life, but I was able to suspend my disbelief for that. I wouldn't think that an 11-year-old would be able to understand old Chemistry texts and be able to make her own poisons either, though. I felt that Mr. Bradley tried to use a lot of long and sometimes obscure words in this book. Maybe he feels that they make a book "good," but I thought it was unnecessary.

I'm not going to criticize everything in this book, though. I really liked Flavia's attitude and the fact that she was so smart. I do think she should have been a little bit older, but I still really liked her. I also enjoyed the way she interacted with her sisters. Sometimes it was a bit disturbing that sisters would treat each other that way, but it was funny nonetheless.

Overall, I enjoyed this book well enough. I'm glad I won it and that I didn't buy it.

3 out of 5 stars

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

2009-05-13T20:22:00.003-04:00

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast is the first book in the House of Night series. Here is a description from Amazon:

"In 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres not only exist but are also tolerated by humans. Those whom the creatures "mark" as special enter the House of Night school where they will either become vampyres themselves, or, if their body rejects the change, die. To Zoey, being marked is truly a blessing, though she's scared at first. She has never fit into the human world and has always felt she is destined for something else. Her grandmother, a descendant of the Cherokee, has always supported her emotionally, and it is she who takes the girl to her new school. But even there the teen stands apart from the others. Her mark from the Goddess Nyx is a special one, showing that her powers are very strong for one so young. At the House of Night, Zoey finds true friendship, loyalty, and romance as well as mistrust and deception. She realizes that all is not right in the vampyre world and that the problems she thought she left behind exist there as well."

I thought this book was pretty good. I liked the story and I felt like it was easy to identify with Zoey. I'm really not into the odd spelling of vampire. Is there something extra special about the "y"? It just seems weird. I also felt that it was kind of Harry Potter like. Suddenly she's a "vampyre" and goes to a "vampyre" school where she has a special mark on her forehead etc. Very Harry Potterish. This book leaned a bit more toward the "adult" than the "young" in this genre. I would never write a book with my mother that had the same kind of adult content that this book has. Talk about awkward... I guess P.C. and Kristin have a very open relationship. I'd like to know what happens next in this series so I'll probably continue to read the books.

3 out of 5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday - The Lost Symbol

2009-04-29T18:58:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited that Dan Brown has written another book! Today, for Waiting on Wednesday, I can't wait for The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. It has been a very long time since Dan Brown released a book. It's about time! Here's a description from Amazon:

"THE LOST SYMBOL will have a first printing of 5 million copies, and it will once again feature Dan Brown’s unforgettable protagonist, Robert Langdon. Brown’s longtime editor, Jason Kaufman, Vice President and Executive Editor at Doubleday said, "Nothing ever is as it first appears in a Dan Brown novel. This book’s narrative takes place in a twelve-hour period, and from the first page, Dan’s readers will feel the thrill of discovery as they follow Robert Langdon through a masterful and unexpected new landscape. THE LOST SYMBOL is full of surprises."

The book is being released on September 15. I can't wait! I've read all of Dan Brown's books and I loved them all.

I Won Again!

2009-04-28T21:51:00.006-04:00

I can't believe it! I won another book from GoodReads.com! The book is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. It's not really a "First Read" because it has been out for a few years now. I guess it was for publicity or something. I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, though. I'm so excited!

Here is a description of the book from Amazon:

"Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness."

I can't wait to get the book! Apparently it takes a while, though, because I haven't received The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie yet. Oh well, it's worth the wait!

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2009-04-25T11:00:00.003-04:00

The Graveyard Book is about a young boy who escapes when his entire family is murdered. He flees to a nearby graveyard where he meets the ghosts of the people who were buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Owens (two of the ghosts) decide to raise the boy as their own. They name him Nobody, or Bod for short. Bod isn't allowed to leave the graveyard because the man who killed his family is still out there looking for him...

This book was given to me as a gift. I feel like too many questions were left unanswered. I'm kind of confused about a lot of what happened, and why it happened, in this book. I feel like the plot was lost during the middle of the book; it was just about life in the graveyard. It picked up near the end, though, which was good. I'm not sure if I agree that a boy becomes a man at 15 and is old enough to be on his own at that point, but that's OK. Overall, the book was OK.

2 out of 5 stars

Well, I guess I missed Waiting on Wednesday...

2009-04-16T11:24:00.004-04:00

I just now realized that today is Thursday. I totally missed Waiting on Wednesday. I was all ready to write it when I looked at the calendar and saw that it's Thursday. Apparently, my brain isn't working today. My sister-in-law and niece are visiting this week, so I won't have much time for reading or posting.

I was going to post about The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley for Waiting on Wednesday. I actually won this book from GoodReads.com. I'm really excited to get it! Here's a description of the book from Amazon:

"It's the beginning of a lazy summer in 1950 at the sleepy English village of Bishop's Lacey. Up at the great house of Buckshaw, aspiring chemist Flavia de Luce passes the time tinkering in the laboratory she's inherited from her deceased mother and an eccentric great uncle. When Flavia discovers a murdered stranger in the cucumber patch outside her bedroom window early one morning, she decides to leave aside her flasks and Bunsen burners to solve the crime herself, much to the chagrin of the local authorities. But who can blame her? What else does an eleven-year-old science prodigy have to do when left to her own devices? With her widowed father and two older sisters far too preoccupied with their own pursuits and passions—stamp collecting, adventure novels, and boys respectively—Flavia takes off on her trusty bicycle Gladys to catch a murderer."

I think it sounds like it will be cute. I was so surprised to find the email that said I won the book. I'm still kind of shocked. I will start reading it as soon as I get it, but it said it can take up to a few weeks. The book will be released on April 28, 2009.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

2009-04-09T13:48:00.002-04:00

Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris.

Sookie Stackhouse is a quiet girl who works as a waitress in her hometown, Bon Temps, Louisiana. She mainly keeps to herself because of her "disability" - she can read minds. Sookie is thrilled when a vampire, Bill, comes in to the bar where she works. She wanted to meet a vampire ever since they had come "out of the coffin." She is even more excited when she realizes that she can't read Bill's mind. The silence is heavenly! She soon develops feelings for Bill, but when girls around town start dying, she's not sure what to think...

I saw the first two episodes of True Blood on HBO before I realized that it was based on this series. I have yet to watch the rest of the episodes (I'm waiting to see them on DVD) but now I can't wait to see them! I enjoyed this book a lot. It was cute and not too predictable (at least I didn't think so). Bill seems pretty sweet, kind of like Edward from Twilight. From what I saw of the TV show, it didn't look like they were following the book very well. Maybe I'm just not remembering it correctly. Anyway, I really liked all of the characters in this book; I thought they were pretty interesting. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.

4 out of 5 stars.

Waiting on Wednesday - Bundle of Trouble

2009-04-08T15:47:00.005-04:00

At the Fiction Writing Seminar I attended last month one of the women on the panel talked about a new mystery series written by Diana Orgain. The first book, Bundle of Trouble, will be released on August 4, 2009.

Here's a description from Amazon.com:

"Kate Connelly may have found the perfect work-from-home Mommy job: private investigator. After all, the hours are flexible, she can bring the baby along on stake-outs, and if you’re going to be up all night anyway, you might as well solve some crimes. But when a body is pulled from San Francisco Bay that may be her brother-in-law, Kate must crack the case faster than you can say “diaper rash” in order to keep her family together."

I'm really looking forward to this book. It sounds really cute. It almost sounds Stephanie Plum-ish for moms. Apparently, the book was originally going to be called Postpartum Detective, but it was changed to Bundle of Trouble. Personally, I think the original name was really cute, but oh well.

Birthday Books!

2009-04-06T20:19:00.002-04:00

My birthday isn't until tomorrow, but I had a celebration with my family yesterday. I just wanted to post about the books I got. My parents gave me The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory. I've been wanting these books since I finished The Boleyn Inheritance. I'm so excited to read them! My brother gave me City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I'm so happy!

I can't wait to read my new books, but I still have a bunch from Christmas still!

Waiting on Wednesday (oops, Thursday) - Vamped

2009-04-02T10:05:00.007-04:00

So I just found out about "Waiting on Wednesday" and decided to join in on the fun. Sadly, I decided one day late (Thursday), but I really wanted to mention the book Vamped by Lucienne Diver.

Lucienne was one of the women on the panel at the Fiction Writing Seminar I went to. She is a literary agent and author. She has a new young adult book coming out on May 1 called Vamped. It's the first in a series, apparently.

Here is some info about it from Lucienne's website:

"Because I'm terrible with synopses, I'll let my protagonist (heroine might be pushing it just a bit), tell you all about it in her own words:

Hey, all, it's me… Gina Covello, fashionista of the damned. Yeah, I know, I managed to get almost all the way through high school without cracking a book and now here I am immortalized in one. Well, actually, the immortalization process might have started a bit earlier, like in the broom closet at the after-prom-party, somewhere around the time Bobby-freakin'-Delvecchio started gnawing on my neck. Anyway, this is one book I'd maybe even phone a friend about, since it covers all my adventures going from chic to eek. Because, let me tell you, eternity without a mirror or tanning options—totally uncool. And they don't tell you in, like, Vampirism 101 about crazy conspiracies, psycho-psychics and other hazards of unlife. But I will, so stay tuned."

I think it sounds like it will be a cute series. Lucienne was very nice and gave us a lot of great information about writing and ultimately getting published. I will definitely give Vamped a shot. I'm looking forward to reading it.

I will probably continue to do "Waiting on Wednesday" (on Wednesday) from now on. It's fun.

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

2009-04-01T13:26:00.005-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the other books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

Brisingr is the third book in the Inheritance Cycle. It continues the story of Eragon, a dragon rider, and his dragon, Saphira, and their quest to destroy the evil King Galbatorix.

Here is a description from Amazon:

"Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices— choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?"

I reread Eragon and Eldest before I started Brisingr, and I'm glad I did. I didn't remember the first two books at all. I think that Brisingr is written better than the first two. You can tell that Paolini was young when he began. His writing is definitely improving. I still find Eragon to be a bit whiney, although not as bad as he was in Eldest. I think Roran is a better character and would make a better rider, but that's just my opinion. I thought the "revelation" at the end about Eragon's family was a little odd. I'm not surprised, but I was a little disappointed. It kind of reminded me of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. I was just thinking, "O...kay... weird." Also, I don't think Christopher Paolini is very knowledgeable when it comes to pregnancy. The timelines just don't add up. I think Elaine has been pregnant for a year and a half now... It doesn't sound like it, but I did actually enjoy this book. I thought it was better than the first two, but it's not Twilight or Harry Potter.

3 out of 5 stars.

I am lame...

2009-04-01T13:15:00.002-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 5 months since I last posted. I'm so lame. Not only has it been a long time, but I've only read ONE new book since then. Life got really crazy. 2009 didn't start very well for me, and that's an understatement. I just hope that the rest of the year is better. I'm not sure how much more I can take. Anyway, on to less depressing things...

I'm beginning to get more reading time in, so hopefully I can update more again. I went to an awesome writing seminar last weekend. The surprise party I planned for my mom's 50th birthday was great. My sister-in-law and niece are coming to visit in two weeks! And to top it all off - my birthday is in 6 days! Woohoo!

Sorry for the (long) interruption. Back to your regularly scheduled programming...

NaNoWriMo 2008!

2008-10-29T22:49:00.002-04:00

I recently heard about NaNoWriMo, and I'm so excited! NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. It begins on November 1st and ends on November 30th. The NaNoWriMo website has information about the challenge and it's where you can sign up! It sounds like fun and it's a good way to start writing that novel you've always wanted to write! I just wanted to write a quick post about it. I probably won't be updating for awhile because I'll be working on my novel and visiting with family a lot during November.

The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

2008-10-17T11:05:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how long it's taken me to update my blog. I feel awful!! I've been so busy lately, so I haven't had a lot of time to read.

I finally finished The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub. I had to renew it twice so that I wouldn't have to pay a fine. The book is about a 12-year-old boy named Jack who is trying to find a cure for his dying mother. He discovers that he can enter another "world": the Territories. He must find the talisman so he can save his mother and her "twinner," the Queen of the Territories.

My family really wanted me to read this book because they all loved it, so I got it from the library. I'm really glad I did, too. The Talisman is probably my favorite book by Stephen King (I haven't read anything else by Peter Straub, so I can't really say anything about him). I liked that the book wasn't as gruesome as some of the other books I've read by Stephen King. I'm not really into scary books, but this one really wasn't. I liked Jack, but I think my favorite character was Speedy. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to read the sequel, Black House. My father and brother say it's more disturbing than The Talisman so we'll see.

I'm going to be rereading Eragon and Eldest before I read Brsinger by Christopher Paolini, which is good because my mom isn't finished reading it yet! I'll try to update again soon. I just don't feel all that inspired to write.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

2008-08-27T15:04:00.004-04:00

It took me forever to finally read this book! I got it from the library a couple of months ago, but never read it because I was rereading the Twilight series and then I read Breaking Dawn. By the time I was ready to read something new, this book was due back to the library. I begged them to renew it again for me so that I could finish it, and I finally have!

Here is a summary from Publisher's Weekly:

English nurse Claire Beauchamp Randall and husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands in 1945. When Claire walks through a cleft stone in an ancient henge, she's somehow transported to 1743. She encounters Frank's evil ancestor, British captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and is adopted by another clan. Claire nurses young soldier James Fraser, a gallant, merry redhead, and the two begin a romance, seeing each other through many perilous, swashbuckling adventures involving Black Jack.

I am having a hard time deciding how I feel about this book. It was difficult to read because I had a hard time getting in to it at first. Then, I decided I liked the book and wanted to continue reading, but by the time I was near the end, I just wanted the book to be over. It was very difficult to read the end of the book. If you've read this book, you know why. Some people have called me closed minded because there are just some things I don't want to read about or watch in a movie, but it's just the way I am. I wasn't emotionally ready for parts of this book as I was expecting it to be a cute historical fiction/romance/chick lit book. It was, up to a point. Overall, the book was good, but not my favorite. I haven't made up my mind about reading the rest of the series yet.

2.5 out of 5 stars for my own reasons.

More About Breaking Dawn

2008-08-05T12:36:00.020-04:00

So I decided that I wanted to write exactly what I thought about Breaking Dawn without having to avoid spoilers. I'm going to do that here. Just follow the link...

Don't read the rest of this post unless you've read the book!!!

Click for review with spoilers
My opinions about this book have changed so much as I had time to think about it. I still really like the book, but there are some things that bothered me.

I LOVED the wedding and the beginning of the honeymoon! That was very cute and very Bella and Edward. When I realized that Bella was pregnant (getting sick after eating), I was like, "NO! How could Stephenie do that!!!" I'm still not so sure about it, but it's what Stephenie Meyer wanted, so it's how it should be, obviously!

I liked that the second book was in Jacob's perspective. It was very interesting to see things through his eyes, especially the imprinting! I really liked the chapter names; they definitely sounded very Jake-like! I was definitely weirded out about the imprinting on the baby thing, though. It was weird because she's Bella's baby. I mean, Jake kissed Bella and had some very naughty thoughts about her, and now he's in love with her CHILD?!?! WTF?! I'm still not totally happy with that part. I was hoping Jake would end up with Leah, but at least he's happy. The birth/death scene was pretty good. It was very emotional when Jake was pumping her heart and everything. I was pretty close to tears at that point.

By the way, what is up with the baby's name?! Renesmee?? You've got to be kidding me. What was Stephenie Meyer smoking when she came up with that one?! Her middle name, Carlie, would have been a better first name than Renesmee!

I really liked when Bella "woke up" as a vampire. I thought it was kind of cool how Stephenie Meyer described it. I was a little confused about why Edward wasn't being very fatherly. He didn't say anything about Renesmee when Bella "woke up" and I don't really remember him holding her that much at all! It was very weird. I thought you were supposed to love your kids more than anyone else, including your spouse!

I thought Charlie accepted everything way too well.

Jake: "I'm a werewolf and your daughter is something else, but we're not going to tell you what."

Charlie: "Ummm...OK"

??????

What kind of parent would just say "OK"??? Whatever.

I'm glad that the book had a happy ending, but the Volturi scene was so anticlimactic! It was just like, "We're going to kill you! ... Oh, um never mind. Bye!" I did really, really like Bella's power and the very end where she lets Edward into her mind. That was very cute!

So, overall, I enjoyed the book, but I think Stephenie kind of lost sight of her characters and made their personalities all weird and not like them at all! Edward was so boring and kind of shoved into the background. I liked it better when he was all protective of Bella. And what was up with him calling Jasper "Jazz"??? No one had ever called him that before! When did that start? I'm done. I just wanted to write what I really thought about the book with as many spoilers as I wanted. Sorry it kind of turned into a rant!

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

2008-08-04T18:09:00.003-04:00

Don't read this review if you haven't read the other books in this series, as it may contain spoilers!

I finally finished the book! I got it the minute it came out at Walmart, but I haven't had much time to read it. I'm glad I finished it! It was great! I think it was a good end to the saga. I'm a little sad that the series is finished, but I'm not feeling as depressed as I thought I would.

I wasn't sure I was going to like Breaking Dawn at first. I was a little unsure of where the story was going, but I started to like it more and more! I want to reread it already, but I have a lot of library books to read. I've renewed them as many times as I can already. Well, I hope Stephenie Meyer changes her mind and decides to continue to write books in this series. I have to say that it pushed the Harry Potter series out of the top spot on my favorite series list. I guess I'll just have to make do with the movie and the guide that are being released in December!

5 out of 5 stars, of course!!

Post-Reading Deprsession

2008-08-03T23:16:00.002-04:00

I'm getting closer to the end of Breaking Dawn and I can feel that my post-reading depression (I swear it exists!) is going to be worse than usual. I'm kind of procrastinating so that I can hold it off a little longer. This happens to me a lot when I finish a really good series, or even just a really good book. It happened with the Harry Potter series, Uglies series, His Dark Materials, and Pope Joan, Eclipse, and The Host. I can't believe I'm almost finished with the Twilight series! It's not fair! I'll post about the book when I finish, and after I come out of the "depression" a little bit.

Note: I realize that post-reading depression is not really depression as it only lasts a few days or so, but it's the best way I can describe the feeling. It's pretty awful and emotionally draining.

The Waste Lands by Stephen King

2008-07-21T10:33:00.004-04:00

This is the third book in the Dark Tower series. If you haven't read the first two books, don't read this review as it contains spoilers.

The Waste Lands is the third book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It continues the story of Roland and his quest for the mysterious Dark Tower. As Roland, Eddie and Susannah continue their journey, Roland is fighting madness. When he stopped Jack Mort from pushing Jake in front of the car, he changed the past. If Jake didn't die, he must not have met Roland at the way station. But, if Roland didn't meet Jake at the way station, why did he remember it happening? Jake is feeling the exact same way in his own reality. He eventually finds a way to Roland's world and joins the quest for the Dark Tower. The foursome must follow the path to the Dark Tower and they have two children's books from Jake's "when" to help them.

That was a terrible synopsis, but I've found that it's very difficult to summarize the books in the Dark Tower series. Once I start my summary, I feel like I want to describe every detail. I'm trying to stay away from too many spoilers, though. Anyway, I really enjoyed this book even though it took me over a month to read it. It really had nothing to do with the book, though, it was because of a pretty crazy month. I liked The Waste Lands more than The Gunslinger and I definitely want to read the next book.

4 out of 5 stars

I'm going to reread Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse before Breaking Dawn comes out on August 2nd, so it may be a little while before I post again. I guess I could post about the books again with my opinion about them after a second read. Maybe I'll do that...

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

2008-07-02T10:35:00.004-04:00

Here is a synopsis from Amazon.com:

"Ever hear of Zeus? Michelangelo? Attila the Hun? According to 14-year-old Molly Aster they all derived their powers from starstuff that occasionally falls to Earth from the heavens. On Earth, it is the Starcatchers' job to rush to the scene and collect the starstuff before it falls into the hands of the Others who use its myriad powers for evil.

On board the ship Never Land, an orange-haired boy named Peter, the leader of a group of orphaned boys being sent off to work as servants in King Zarboff the Third's court, is puzzled by his shipmate Molly's fantastical story of starstuff, but it inextricably binds him to her. Peter vows to help his new, very pretty friend Molly (a Starcatcher's apprentice) keep a mysterious trunk full of the stuff out of the clutches of the pirate Black Stache, a host of other interested parties, and ultimately King Zarboff the Third."

This book is very cute! I love how it's a prequel to the Disney movie. It was obvioulsy written for a younger audience, but it made it very easy to read. Life has been pretty crazy lately, so I needed to read something that would be quick and easy. I love how the story explains how the orphan, Peter, went from being a "normal" boy, to the flying and forever young Peter Pan. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I hope they're as good as this first one.

4 out of 5 stars

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman

2008-06-19T11:03:00.003-04:00

Once Upon a Time in the North is about the aeronaut, Lee Scoresby, when he is about 24 years old. He has just won his balloon in a poker game and is flying from city to city looking for work and adventure. He lands in Novy Odense and meets some very interesting characters there, including talking bears! He decides to help a ship captain with a customs dispute and mayhem ensues.

This book is very cute. I read it in about an hour and a half as it's only 95 pages long. It's not part of the His Dark Materials trilogy, but it has some of the same characters. It takes place 35 years or so before The Golden Compass. I really enjoyed reading about Lee Scoresby when he was young. He's my favorite character from The Golden Compass, so I definitely found this book interesting. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who liked His Dark Materials. I haven't read Lyra's Oxford yet, but I'd like to. It's similar to this book in that they are both about some of the same characters from the trilogy but are not actually part of the trilogy themselves. Anyway, Once Upon a Time in the North was a very quick, easy read, and very enjoyable.

5 out of 5 stars

Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

2008-06-19T08:51:00.004-04:00

This is a sequel. Don't read this review unless you have read the first book, One for the Money, as this contains spoilers.

Two for the Dough is the second book in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. It continues the story of Stephanie's life as a bounty hunter. This time she's looking for Kenny Mancuso, a guy who shot his friend in the knee. Joe Morelli is back on the force and is getting in Stephanie's way. They're both looking for Kenny while also trying to solve a mystery involving missing caskets.

This book was so fun to read! I really like this series. I just wish everyone else didn't love it so much, too, because it's very hard to get from the library. I sat on the waiting list for over a month before I got the book! Well, it was worth the wait. Two for the Dough was fast-paced, funny, and easy to read. I love that Stephanie has to try very hard to be a bounty hunter (and not a very good one at that!). I'm tired of the books about people who "fight crime" with the ease of a superhero. It makes Stephanie seem more real and makes the story more believable. These books remind me of Meg Cabot's Size 12 is Not Fat books. I see many similarities between Stephanie Plum and Heather Wells. I can't wait to read Three to Get Deadly! I guess I should put it on hold at the library now...

5 out of 5 stars

So, on a personal note...

My husband and I bought a house just over a month ago, and we have been completely redecorating it. I don't want to ever touch a paintbrush again in my life, but we're still not finished. We've been spending a lot of time at the house, so I haven't had as much time to read. I will try to keep updating, but we'll be moving in soon, so that will take time also. We're moving to a different county so I will be using a different library. I hope it's as good as the one I'm currently using!

The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King

2008-06-10T10:19:00.003-04:00

Warning! This is a sequel to The Gunslinger. If you haven't read the first book yet, don't read this review as it contains spoilers.

The Drawing of the Three is the second book in The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. It continues the story of Roland's search for the Dark Tower. Roland must "draw" three people to help him on his quest. All three are from different times in New York City. Roland enters their minds and draws them into his world. The first is Eddie, a young drug addict; the second is Odetta, a schizophrenic; and the third is Jack, a serial killer. In some way or another, all three of these people are important to Roland's quest for the Dark Tower.

This book was definitely better than the first. It was easier to read and introduced more characters. They are really what makes the book interesting. We still don't know very much about why Roland is looking for the Dark Tower or what the tower is, but I assume eventually that will be revealed. The book was definitely pretty graphic in the violence department (it wouldn't be Stephen King without the violence, though). Overall, this book was way better than the first, and made me want to read the third book, The Wastelands.

4 out 5 stars

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

2008-05-30T10:04:00.003-04:00

The Boleyn Inheritance tells the story of Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. Both women are very different but the both eventually learn how dangerous it is to be Henry Tudor's wife.

This book is just as interesting and emotional as The Other Boleyn Girl. I loved that it was in the perspective of the three women, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Boleyn. All three women had such vastly different personalities and thoughts about what was happening. Anne was so independent and was just trying to live her life without a man telling her what she could and couldn't do, Katherine was naive and vain, and Jane was calculating and a little mad, I think. I loved this book, and I wish Philippa Gregory had written more books about Henry VIII, but this was the last one. Maybe I will find some written by other authors. I've seen them at the bookstore. I'd like to see how other authors tell the story of the Tudor family.

5 out of 5 stars

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

2008-05-27T07:52:00.004-04:00

I finally finished this book. It took me forever to read it! I liked it more than Wuthering Heights, which was written by her sister. I thought the story was interesting, but it was a bit slow. It took a lot of energy to force myself to read it. Anyway, this book is in the book 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. That leaves me with 976 books to go!

My husband and I just bought a house a little over a week ago and we've been fixing it up every weekend. So far, we have almost all of the walls primed and about half of them painted! After the painting, we need to have tile and carpet put in. I'm excited to be finished so we can move in! I have been very busy with house stuff, so I haven't updated my blogs in a while. I also noticed that reading hasn't been as fun because I feel like I'm just doing it so that I can update my blog. I may end up taking a break from blogging. I don't want to, but I want to enjoy reading again.

3 out of 5 stars

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

2008-05-15T20:54:00.005-04:00

I finally finished The Host today. I got it last Wednesday, so it took me a little over a week to read it. I've been busy with crocheting (I've made two bags and I'm currently making bunny slippers!) and we're closing on a house tomorrow, so that's been keeping me busy, too. Anyway, back to The Host. Here is the summary from Amazon.com:

"A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing."

I loved this book! It was so good! I think I would love anything Stephenie writes, though. She's such an amazing writer. At first I thought the book would be really weird, but it was great! The "love triangle" was a very cool aspect of this book. I hope she writes a sequel. I want to read more about Wanderer and everyone else! I already want to reread the book. I thought I would compare it to Twilight the entire time, but I really didn't. If you liked Twilight and aren't sure if you should read The Host, you should! Go read it! Right now! You won't regret it! Can you tell I'm excited about this book?

5 out of 5 stars!

I Have The Host and I'm Loving It!

2008-05-10T23:26:00.003-04:00

I got The Host on Wednesday, and I've been liking it a lot. The only problem is that I have a new obsession that has been taking up a lot of my time: knitting and crocheting! I've made a baby blanket, some scarves, a clutch, a baby hat, and I'm currently working on another bag. I've been writing all about my projects in my other blog which is linked on the right. Go check it out!

Tithe by Holly Black

2008-05-02T16:56:00.002-04:00

Tithe is about a girl named Kaye who can see faeries. When she was young, she had three faerie friends. When she moves back to her childhood home with her mother, she finds her faerie friends again. They tell her about a plan to help out all faeries, and they need her help. She agrees and ends up in way over her head.

This book is very odd and I found it to be pretty confusing, especially at the end. Overall, it was an interesting book, but not my favorite. I'll probably read the next book, Valiant, just because I want to know what happens in it. I liked that Kaye was portrayed as a "real" teenager, but it also teaches young adults that it's OK and normal to smoke and drink alcohol when they're under-age. Eh, I guess Holly Black is just not my favorite author.

3 out of 5 stars

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

2008-04-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

This book is so confusing; I don't know what to say about it. Here is a summary from Amazon.com:

"The Gunslinger introduces protagonist Roland as he pursues the Man in Black through bleak and tired landscapes in a world that has "moved on." Roland believes that the Man in Black knows and can be made to reveal the secrets of the Dark Tower, which is the ultimate goal of Roland's quest. "

The Gunslinger is the first book in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. My brother and father love this series and have been trying to get me to read it for a while now. I finally decided to read the first book, and it was... confusing. I still don't fully understand why Roland is looking for the Tower! My dad and brother told me that the first book is the hardest to get into, so I am looking forward to the second. Hopefully it will make more sense to me. I did enjoy this book despite the weirdness. Some of the scenes were a bit disturbing, but that's to be expected in a Stephen King book!

4 out of 5 stars

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld

2008-04-24T12:18:00.003-04:00

This is a sequel to Peeps, so you may not want to read this review if you haven't read the first book.

Moz (short for mosquito) is confused yet excited when he sees a woman throwing all of her belongings out of her window including a "mid-seventies Fender Stratocaster with gold pickups." He, with the help of a girl named Pearl, catches the guitar and they run away with it. Pearl; Moz; Moz's friend, Zahler; Pearl's friend, Minerva; and a girl who plays the "drums" (paint buckets) on the street decide to start a band. They can tell that New York City is deteriorating around them as the disease spreads, but all they care about is signing a record deal and getting famous. Somehow, their music is causing strange things to happen and is more important than they all originally thought.

The Last Days starts out very slow. I did not realize that it is about completely different people. I figured it would start out continuing the story of Cal and Lace. I was disappointed. The book was OK, but I liked Peeps better. I have to say that the second half of The Last Days is much better than the first. It eventually got to the point where I really wanted to finish the book to see what would happen. I'm definitely taking a Scott Westerfeld break. The books I've read recently by him just haven't been all that great.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Myracle

2008-04-22T14:25:00.007-04:00

Prom Nights from Hell is a collection of short stories by popular YA writers. Obviously, all of the stories are about prom, and they all have a supernatural element to them. I picked up this book because Stephenie Meyer wrote one of the stories. I was also interested in the one by Meg Cabot, but I haven't even heard of the other three authors.

The first story is called "The Exterminator's Daughter" and it's written by Meg Cabot. It's about a girl who hunts and kills vampires. She happens to do just that at her prom. This story is not Meg Cabot at her best. I was very disappointed. The reactions of the characters seemed very unrealistic. Overall, this story was just OK.
3 out of 5 stars

The second story is "The Corsage" by Lauren Myracle. The author says that the story was inspired by "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs, and she's not kidding. It's the same premise, but it takes place during the prom and is obviously more modern. The main character, Frankie, is given a corsage that can grant three wishes to the person in possession of it. Frankie thinks it's great until she realizes that she must be very careful what she wishes for! This story is just plain creepy. I have also read "The Monkey's Paw" which was quite creepy. "The Corsage" was OK, but I feel that it wasn't a very original idea.
3 out of 5 stars

The third story is "Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper" by Kim Harrison. Madison is not having a very good time at the prom; she just found out that her date only asked her because he felt sorry for her. She is about to leave when she sees Seth. A gorgeous guy she had not seen at school before. They dance together and he offers her a ride home. She agrees but soon realizes how stupid it was to get into the car with someone she doesn't know. This story was very weird! I'm still confused about it. It leaves a lot of loose ends which is kind of annoying.
2.5 out of 5 stars

The fourth short story is "Kiss and Tell" by Michele Jaffe. This story is about Miranda Kiss, a girl with amazing abilities like super speed, super strength, super hearing... you get the idea. She works as a chauffeur, picking passengers up from the airport mostly, and on the day of the prom she picks up a 14-year-old girl named Sibby. After much annoyance, Miranda drops Sibby off at her house, but she feels that something isn't quite right so she goes back to investigate. The people at the house are trying to hurt Sibby. Miranda breaks in and takes Sibby away to hide out at the prom. Who is this young girl and why are so many people after her? This story was definitely the most confusing and weird. I didn't like it at all.
2 out of 5 stars

The last story is "Hell on Earth" by Stephenie Meyer. This is why I read this book. I loved Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse so I wanted to read anything I could by Stephenie Meyer. This story is basically about angels and demons (not the Dan Brown book!). Specifically, it's about a demon who is trying to ruin the prom. This was definitely the best story of the five. I liked it a lot.
4 out of 5 stars

Overall, this book was OK. I liked the story by Stephenie Meyer and the rest were OK. Overall, I would give this book 2.5 out of 5 stars.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

2008-04-21T16:02:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure how to summarize A Great and Terrible Beauty without feeling like I'm giving too much away, so here is what it says on Amazon.com:

"Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother’s death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls’ academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order."

I could not get into this book at all. I don't know why. I really wanted to like this book, but I can't force it. It was well written and I liked that the girls wanted to amount to something more than just obedient wives, but that's about all I liked about it. I guess this trilogy just isn't for me. I probably won't read the next two books because I just don't really feel the need to. I'm very disappointed now. Oh well, on to the next book on my forever increasing "to-be-read shelf"!

2.5 out of 5 stars

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2008-04-17T13:30:00.003-04:00

Do not read this if you haven't read City of Bones because this review will contain spoilers!

Clary and the Shadowhunters are back in this sequel to City of Bones. The Clave suspects that Jace is acting as a spy for Valentine, his father, and ends up in the Silent City. While he is there, it comes under attack and the second mortal instrument, a sword, is taken. Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Alec, and Simon must stop Valentine from killing children and from using the mortal instruments. Clary and Jace must also fight their feelings for each other now that they know they are brother and sister.

I really like the plot of this series and I find the books very engaging, but the incestuous feelings between Clary and Jace are kind of creepy. I have a feeling they will find out that they aren't really brother and sister, but for now, it's really weird! It really is hard to get past that part of City of Ashes, especially since I have a brother and... eww! I will definitely read the next book when it comes out, though, because I want to know what happens. I want Clary and Jace to be able to be together so I hope they aren't really brother and sister!

3.5 out of 5 stars (for the creepy incest)

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

2008-04-16T09:01:00.004-04:00

It took me so long to read Wuthering Heights! It's only just over 300 pages and I think it took me longer to read this book than The Pillars of the Earth, which is over 900 pages! I guess it's the language.

Mr. Lockwood moves into a property called Thrushcross Grange. He visits his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, who lives in a property called Wuthering Heights. He discovers that Heathcliff is a very odd, rude man and decides to ask the housekeeper at Thrushcross Grange, Nelly, about him. Nelly begins a very long story about Heathcliff's life and the people he hurt along the way.

This book was so depressing! Heathcliff is so mean to everyone in his life including the woman he loves! It was interesting that the book was in Mr. Lockwood's perspective until Nelly is telling her story but then goes back to Mr. Lockwood's perspective near the end. It was very difficult to concentrate on this book because of the language and it just wasn't that interesting. I'm glad I read it, though, since it's a classic. Wuthering Heights is one of the books in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, so I have now read 24 of them! Time for a nice easy young adult book next!

2 out of 5 stars (because of the depressing nature of the book and the fact that it wasn't capturing my attention)

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

2008-04-10T13:35:00.004-04:00

It has taken me so long to finish this book. April is the month of birthdays in my family (my mom, myself, my cousin, my aunt, my brother and my husband) so I have been busy with all of that. Also, my brother-in-law is staying with us during his high school's spring break. I'm glad I finished the book today, though, because it's due back to the library today!

The Other Boleyn Girl is an historical fiction about the rivalry between Mary and Anne Boleyn who are sisters. Mary, the younger sister, is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine, Henry VIII's wife, when she starts to notice the king is paying special attention to her. Her family notices, too, and they push Mary to become the king's mistress. Her older sister, Anne, is jealous that Mary is getting all of the attention, but there is nothing she can do. Eventually, the king tires of Mary and Anne captures his attention. The rest of the book is about Anne's journey to the throne and what she is willing to do to get there and then stay there.

The Other Boleyn Girl is told in the first person perspective of Mary Boleyn. It makes it very interesting to see the story through the eyes of the "underdog", the one who couldn't become queen. I loved the descriptions in this book, especially of the sibling rivalry between Mary and Anne; it made me glad that I don't have a sister! At first, I was sad that Henry chose Anne over Mary, but then I realized that it was definitely better for Mary that way, I mean, at least she kept her head on her shoulders! (OK, bad joke, I know) Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I liked it a lot more than The Constant Princess which is also by Philippa Gregory but is about Queen Katherine. I definitely want to read more books about the Tudors especially Gregory's next book, The Boleyn Inheritance.

5 out of 5 stars

Midnighters 2: Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

2008-03-27T09:17:00.003-04:00

Touching Darkness is the second book in the Midnighters trilogy. It continues the story of Jessica Day and her friends, the Midnighters, who experience the secret hour that happens at midnight every night. In this book, Jessica, Rex, Dess, Jonathan, and Melissa learn more about Midnighter history and discover a horrifying secret that began 50 years earlier. They need to learn to work together if they want to save one of their own.

I feel like I've been reading so many Scott Westerfeld books lately, but it's because he has so many series and I'm just reading my books as I get them from the long list I have at the library. I think Touching Darkness was better than the first book, The Secret Hour. It had more action and kept my attention more. I felt The Secret Hour kind of dragged, especially in the beginning. I will definitely put the third book on my list of holds at the library.

4 out of 5 stars

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

2008-03-25T08:35:00.004-04:00

Stephanie Plum is having major money troubles. She's selling off her appliances just so she can eat, and she doesn't want to get evicted from her apartment. If that happened she would have to move in with her overbearing mother! She finds out that her cousin Vinnie has a job opening at his business. Vinnie is a bail-bondsman and he's looking for a bounty hunter. Stephanie really needs the money so she takes the job. Vinnie gives her a week to find and bring in a man who's wanted for murder. Not only is this guy a murderer, but Stephanie realizes he is the boy she lost her virginity to when she was 16!

I know a lot of people who are in love with the Stephanie Plum series, so I was looking forward to reading the first book in the series, One for the Money. At first, I couldn't figure out why everyone loves this book so much, but now that I'm finished, I want to know what happens in the next book! Stephanie reminds me of a less annoying Heather Wells from Meg Cabot's Size 12 is Not Fat series. I like that Stephanie is just a regular girl trying to be tough in a scary job. I will definitely continue to read this series.

4 out of 5 stars

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

2008-03-24T14:25:00.005-04:00

It took me a while to finish this book because, when I was very close to finishing it, I left it at my parents house. I was so mad! I only just got it back yesterday, so I finished it today!

The Constant Princess tells the story of Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife. Katherine was born "Catalina" to the King and Queen of Spain. Her marriage to Prince Arthur, the heir to the throne of England, was decided when she was an infant. She knew she would be Princess of Wales all of her life. When she turned 15, she was sent to England to marry Prince Arthur. At first she despised Arthur, but she grew to love him very much during the short months that they were married. As Arthur lay dying of a sudden illness, he made Catalina promise that she would marry his brother, Henry, and become Queen of England.

Chronologically, The Constant Princess comes before Gregory's other book, The Other Boleyn Girl. I really wanted to read The Other Boleyn Girl, but when I found out that this book takes place before it, I decided to read them in order. The book switches between telling the story in third person to Katherine's point of view in the first person, indicated by italics. I loved it, because it was like looking into her mind at certain points in her life. Her story is sad, but she is very strong throughout all of her hardships. I am ashamed to say that before reading this book, I had very little knowledge of King Henry VIII and the Tudors. Now I want to read anything I can about the subject. It's so interesting! I've heard there is a TV series on Showtime about the Tudors; I'll have to check it out. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read The Other Boleyn Girl!

5 out of 5 stars

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

2008-03-16T14:36:00.003-04:00

I finally finished the 983 pages of The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. This book is basically about the building of a cathedral. It switches from the story of the master builder, to the prior of the cathedral, to the bishop, to the master builder's stepson. All of their stories are intertwined, and revolve around the building of the cathedral.

It was a bit confusing when the story switched to different characters' points of view without warning. I liked the book a lot, though. It was obviously very long, but not too difficult to read. I liked how he told the stories of so many vastly different characters. It was very interesting and I really want to read the sequel. Although, if the sequel is as long as the first book, it will take me a long time to read it! This book has made me want to read more historical fiction.

5 out of 5 stars

This book is so long...

2008-03-10T13:18:00.003-04:00

I've been reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett for a week now and I haven't even read half of it yet. I had no idea that 983 pages would feel like an eternity. I am really liking the book, but it's taking so long I've started reading shorter, easier books in between. The book is already overdue at the library and I can't renew it because it has too many holds on it! Oh well, at least the fine is only $.10 a day. I would have to have the book for more than 3 months to rack up a fine equal to the cost of the book new! I'm on page 383 of 983, so I only have 600 more pages!

I found this list online of 1001 books you should read before you die. It's from the book 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die by Peter Ackroyd and Peter Boxall. I scanned the list and I've only read 23 of them! This list is obviously just the opinions of the authors but it's still an interesting guideline. It has a lot of books on it that I've been wanting to read anyway. Maybe I'll read a book from the list each month or something. It depends on what I can get from the library. I will never be able to live somewhere where the library doesn't deliver books. It's way too convenient!

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

2008-03-06T16:00:00.003-05:00

I've been reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, but the book is so long that I decided to take a break from it and read a shorter, easier book.

Peeps is about Cal Thompson, a vampire hunter of sorts. He hunts down "peeps", people who are infected with a parasite that causes vampire-like tendencies (dislike of sunlight, craving blood, superhuman senses, etc.). The reason Cal does this is because he also has the parasite, but he is a carrier, not a full-blown "peep". He doesn't have all of the yucky side effects. During an investigation, Cal meets a girl named Lace who makes it difficult for Cal to stick to his forced life of celibacy. One kiss could turn Lace into a "peep". Cal and Lace investigate a series of disappearances and strange things start to happen.

I've been reading a lot of Scott Westerfeld books lately and haven't been too impressed with the last few, but I liked Peeps a lot more. It was an interesting take on a vampire story; a lot different than the usual. Every other chapter has information about real-life parasites. It's sort of gross, but he writes it in a way that makes it funny so it dulls the gross factor. I really enjoyed this book. The story was good and kept my attention and it was funny. Now I guess I'll get back to the monstrosity known as The Pillars of the Earth. It's over 900 pages!

4 out of 5 stars

Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

2008-03-03T10:15:00.003-05:00

The Secret Hour is the first book in Scott Westerfeld's Midnighters series. When Jessica Day moves to Bixby, Oklahoma, she expects to feel like an outsider because she is new; but, when she meets Rex, Melissa, and Dess she realizes just how much of an outsider she really is. Rex, Melissa and Dess are Midnighters. They do not freeze like everyone else in the "secret hour", the twenty-fifth hour in the day that occurs at midnight, they explore it and even have special powers during this hour. Jessica learns that she is one of them and she's special. The darklings, creatures that live in the secret hour, have a deadly interest in Jessica and no one can figure out why.

I've been reading a lot of Scott Westerfeld books ever since I discovered the Uglies trilogy. I thought that this book was OK. It definitely is not as good as Uglies, but it's an interesting story. It's a very short, easy read. I feel like I should stop reading Scott Westerfeld's books because they are all slightly disappointing compared to the Uglies trilogy, but I already have Peeps from the library so I'll be reading that fairly soon, if not next.

3 out of 5 stars

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2008-02-27T19:09:00.002-05:00

Eclipse is Stephenie Meyer's third book in her Twilight series. It continues the story of Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black. Again, I do not want to summarize very much as I don't like spoilers!

I loved this book just as much as the first two and I'm sad I'm finished with it. August 2nd seems way too long to wait for the next book, Breaking Dawn. I can't wait for the Twilight movie, also! I recently discovered Stephenie Meyer's website, and it has so much great information about the books and some passages that were taken out. It's great! It is definitely worth checking out. This series is definitely my favorite of all time. The problem is that now I will compare every book I read to it and I have a feeling they won't measure up!

5 out of 5 stars, of course!

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

2008-02-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

New Moon continues the story of Bella Swan and her relationship with Edward Cullen, who is a vampire. I won't go into too much detail as I don't want to give anything away.

I loved this book so much! It took me so long to read it because my husband and I took a trip to visit his family and I didn't get a lot of reading time there. Stephenie Meyer is such an amazing writer. I can't wait to read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn when it's released. This book will make you feel so many different emotions. It's definitely an emotional roller coaster and it's great! If you haven't read this series yet start now!

5 out of 5 stars!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2008-02-19T13:00:00.002-05:00

City of Bones is about Clarissa "Clary" Fray. She goes to an all ages club with her friend, Simon, and witnesses a murder. The only problem is that she is the only one who can see the victim and the murderers. She is suddenly dragged into a world she never knew existed when her mother is taken and Clary is attacked by a demon. She is desperate to find her mother and figure out why all of this is happening to them.

I got this book from the library because I had read Cassandra Clare's Harry Potter fan fiction years ago. I couldn't believe it was the same girl. I was very excited to read this book! It has a good story and kept me interested, but there was something about it that I'm not sure I liked. I can't put my finger on it. The book definitely reminded me of her fan fiction The Draco Trilogy. Jace definitely made me think of her interpretation of Draco in her trilogy. I wasn't impressed with the ending of this book, although I won't say why because I don't want to write too many spoilers. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it comes out.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2008-02-13T13:42:00.003-05:00

Isabella "Bella" Swan moves to a small town in Washington to live with her father. It's a gloomy town where it always rains and the sun rarely comes out. She doesn't fit in at school, but she's not the only one who doesn't fit in. The Cullen family also seem to be out of place, although no one knows why. Bella is confused by Edward Cullen's actions toward her; sometimes angry and other times friendly. He saves her life one day and they become friends. Bella eventually discovers that Edward is a vampire and that she is falling in love with him, despite the fact that he sometimes gets deadly urges to kill her!

I was really looking forward to reading Twilight because everyone has been saying that it's such a good book. I wasn't disappointed! I loved it! The relationship between Bella and Edward is so sweet it made me smile as I was reading it. Out of all the vampire books I've read, this one is my favorite. I liked how the vampire "lore" was not the same as most other vampire stories and TV shows (death by sunlight, crosses, the "change", etc.). I can't wait to see the movie and read the other two books!

5 out of 5 stars!

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

2008-02-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

Hunter is a "cool hunter". He is always on the lookout for new and innovative ideas. He meets Jen who is an "Innovator". She comes up with the new ideas Hunter is looking for. When they discover that Hunter's friend has been kidnapped and stumble upon the most amazing shoes they have ever seen, they go into detective mode. A group of people are trying to mess with the "cool pyramid" and they don't want Hunter and Jen to find out what they're doing.

I picked up So Yesterday from the library because I really liked Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series. I wish I hadn't, now. This book was so disappointing! It tries to be a thriller, but it just wasn't working for me. It took a lot just to finish the book. I really wanted to like this book because his others were so good. There isn't a lot of character development, and the relationship between Hunter and Jen pales in comparison to the relationship between Tally and Zane in Pretties. Thank goodness the book was short; I wouldn't have been able to finish it otherwise.

2 out of 5 stars

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

2008-02-07T15:43:00.001-05:00

Eat, Pray, Love is a funny, sad, spiritual, interesting, emotional story of Elizabeth's year-long travel adventure through Italy, India, and Indonesia. After going through an unpleasant divorce and a subsequent break-up with a new boyfriend, Liz decides to go on a trip by herself to Italy for four months, India for four months, and Indonesia for four months. It's a trip all about self-discovery.

I loved this book! I love traveling, so reading about the three countries was great! I especially liked the middle section about India. Her spiritual journey was so fascinating and made me want to meditate. I can't believe people say that this book is boring! It's so emotional and just a wonderful book. I can't wait to read the next book about her travels.

5 out of 5 stars

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

2008-02-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

I just finished Extras, the fourth book in the Uglies series. Aya Fuse lives in a city where fame is everything. Every person living in the city is given a face rank which is based on how famous they are. Aya's face rank is so high she is considered an "extra". Aya finally finds a story she can broadcast that is sure to make her very famous, but she soon learns that it's more complicated and dangerous than she originally thought.

I didn't like Extras as much as the other three books. It was still a good book, just not as enjoyable as the first three. I liked that it shows a different city in a different part of the world and how it changed compared to Tally's city. I hope Scott Westerfeld writes more books in this series. I would definitely be interested in reading more!

3.5 out of 5 stars

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

2008-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

I read all five books of The Spiderwick Chronicles in a row. The books are about Jared Grace; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister Mallory. The siblings move into their great-aunt's old house with their mother. Not long after, strange things begin to happen that can't be explained. Jared finds a book that his great-great-uncle had written that contains information about faeries that we can't see although they live in our world. Jared soon discovers that there are faeries who want the book and they'll do anything to get it.

There are five very short books in this series. It could have been written as one larger book, though. They were a very short, easy read. I enjoyed these books even though they are written for a much younger audience. I would say that they are similar in appearance and have the same target audience as the A Series of Unfortunate Events books. I thought this was a cute series and it's great for younger kids. I'm interested in seeing the movie now to see how it compares to the books.

3 out of 5 stars

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

2008-01-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

A Thousand Splendid Suns is about two women, from two generations, living in Afghanistan. The book begins with the story of Mariam, a young girl who is forced to marry a 40-year-old man when she is 15. She moves with him to the city of Kabul where she doesn't know anyone. He becomes violent when Mariam is unable to have a child. Many years later Mariam's husband takes another wife, Laila, who's parents were killed in an explosion. Mariam and Laila must band together to survive their husband's brutal beatings and protect the children.

This is a very emotional and difficult book to read, but it's worth it. It definitely made me appreciate my life even more. I read the book in one day because I couldn't put it down. This book affected me so much I had dreams about it! I will read Hosseini's other book, The Kite Runner, eventually, but I will definitely read something less sad before then. I'll probably read The Spiderwick Chronicles next.

4 out of 5 stars

Big Boned by Meg Cabot

2008-01-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

Well, it took forever for my library to deliver my book (A Thousand Splendid Suns) so I read Big Boned by Meg Cabot while I waited. Big Boned is the third book in Meg Cabot's mystery series. I read the first two books right after they were released, so I was excited to read this third book. The series is about Heather Wells, a former pop singer, and her life as an assistant dorm director at New York College. She loves her job except for the part where people keep dying in the dorm. In Big Boned Heather's new boss is killed, and Heather, as usual, investigates the murder herself while trying to get the attention of her landlord, Cooper.

Meg Cabot definitely delivers with this book. It's funny and suspenseful and just a fun, easy read. It's easy to relate to Heather, with her body image issues (hence the title of the book) and her boyfriend troubles. It's obviously unrealistic for so many murders to take place in the same building within one year, but it's what makes the books entertaining. I can't wait for the next book to be released!

I would give Big Boned 4 out of 5 stars.

Next, I will finally read A Thousand Splendid Suns now that I have it from the library.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess

2008-01-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

Stardust is about Tristran Thorn, a young man from the town of Wall. After seeing a shooting star, he promises the girl he loves that he will find the star and bring it back to her. However, when he finds the star he is surprised to find that it is actually a woman, and he is not the only one looking for her. Tristran discovers that he must protect the star because her life is in danger.

I should have read this book before I saw the movie. It was less exciting because I knew what would happen and I couldn't stop comparing the book to the movie, but I did like it very much. This is definitely not a children's fairy tale! It has sex and violence and some adult language in it. Some of the scenes were far more violent than I was expecting! I liked the story and the illustrations were beautiful. The movie followed the book fairly well except for a few details that were not vital to the story. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you liked or are interested in seeing the movie.

I have so many books on my to be read list right now! I'm just waiting for my library to deliver my books!

First Impressions - Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess

2008-01-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

I am about one quarter of the way through Stardust and, of course, I can't help but to compare it to the movie. I wish I had read it before I saw the movie, but I didn't even know the movie was based on a book when I saw it. The book is about a young man, Tristran Thorn, and his quest to retrieve a fallen star. I like the story so far and I'll post my full review after I finish the book.

Note: My cat, Mo, had his surgery and is doing a lot better. He needs to stay at the vet for over a week, though. We miss him a lot!

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

Specials is the final book in the Uglies trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. It concludes the story of Tally Youngblood and her world. Tally becomes a special along with her friends. When she is supposed to betray her old friends again, she starts to question what she's doing...again.

Specials was definitely more dark and sad than Uglies and Pretties. It was a bit much for me considering what is happening in my life right now (see note below). I still loved the book and the entire trilogy. It's definitely a cautionary tale like Brave New World. I know that there is a fourth book called Extras, but I don't have it right now so I think I'll move on to something else. I'll come back to it another time. The next book I'm going to read is Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I have a ton of books on hold at the library and I'm just waiting to receive them! I'm number 50 something of 70 holds for the new Oprah book club book!

Note: I actually finished this book on Saturday, but I didn't write the review until now because our cat, Mo, has been having some major health issues. He was at the emergency vet all weekend and he needs surgery today or tomorrow. I've been very worried about him. He's only a year old and already needs surgery. Keep him in your thoughts for me.

First Impressions - Specials by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

Specials is the third book in Scott Westerfeld's trilogy. Tally is a special with her friend, Shay. The specials must have altered her brain again because she never would have wanted to be special in the other books. I'm only about 100 pages into the book, so not a lot has happened. I'll write my full review when I'm finished!

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

Pretties is the second book in the trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. It continues the story of Tally Youngblood. She is turned into a pretty so she can save her friend. When she eventually is given a cure she realizes she needs to get out of the city with her friends.

This book seemed darker to me than Uglies. I still loved it and I'm excited to read Specials, the final book in the trilogy. The books get more and more exciting as they progress. I finished the book in a day and a half. These books are great for a fun and quick read. I definitely recommend reading them.

First Impressions - Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

I am already about 100 pages into Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. This is the second book in the Uglies trilogy. I can tell I'm going to like this book as much as I liked the first. It was hard to put it down just to write this post. Tally is a pretty! I can't wait to find out what happens and where David is... I'll post the full review when I finish!

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

I just finished Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. It is about a young girl, Tally, who wants to be pretty like all other fifteen year old girls, and in her world that dream comes true...for everyone. Every single person has major full-body re constructive surgery to make them pretty as soon as they turn sixteen. Tally's world is turned upside down when she meets Shay, a soon-to-be-sixteen year old who doesn't want to be pretty. Shay runs away and Tally is sent to find her along with other "uglies" who had run away to avoid the surgery. Along the way, Tally learns some things that are less than great about being pretty, like the brain lesions...

This book is great. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. I finished it in two days, so it is an easy, fun read. I think that Scott Westerfeld is definitely making a statement about our society and where it is headed. We already have sixteen year olds (and even younger kids) who go get plastic surgery to look "pretty". Looking pretty has become the ultimate goal because pretty people seem to get whatever they want. I noticed some similarities between Uglies and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (which is one of my favorite books and I think everyone should read it). In both books, the society is being controlled through brain alterations first of all, and secondly through pleasure and happiness. They keep the pretties happy and let them do whatever they want so that they remain docile and complacent. It is the same way in Brave New World.

I thought this book was great, and I can't wait to read the next one, Pretties. That's the next book I'll be reviewing. I hope it's as good as Uglies!

First Impressions - Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2008-01-14T11:43:00.001-05:00

I just started Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, and I'm about 100 pages into it. My first impressions are that it is an easy and interesting read. It is about a girl named Tally who is "ugly". She can't wait to turn sixteen so that she can have a surgery to make her "pretty". Her friend, Peris, has already had the surgery and moved from Uglyville to New Pretty Town. It is a constant party in New Pretty Town. There are no rules, and everyone is beautiful. Tally meets a girl who is also an Ugly named Shay. Shay doesn't want to have the surgery to become pretty, though, so she runs away. This is as far as I've gotten in the book so far. I definitely want to continue reading. It is a fast read and fairly amusing. I think Scott Westerfeld is definitely making a statement about our society and the way it is going. I will review the entire book after I finish it!

My First Post!

2008-01-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

So, this is my very first post on my blog. I'm very excited!

Here is a little about me before I start reviewing books:
My name is Katie, and I obviously love to read. I married my wonderful husband in December 2007 and we have two cats, Mo and Charlie. Besides reading I also like to cook, crochet, see movies, play video games, and just hang out with family and friends.

I will be reviewing any and all of the books that I read. Enjoy my reviews and feel free to leave me comments!