Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster is #55 and my final book of this year! My sister, Michelle, read it for her book club and suggested it to me because it is a quick and easy read and she thought I would enjoy it. She was right, I did enjoy it.
It is the story about an orphan who is given the opportunity by a rich man to attend college, and he pays for it. The only condition is that she write him letters to keep him up to date on what she is learning and how she is doing in school. After the first chapter, the rest of the book is just her letters to this man.
My description probably isn't the best because it sounds like it will be boring, but the main character in the book is funny and charming and entertaining, so it is better than you would think. The beginning of the book is interesting because she is experiencing so many things for the first time in her life.
Daddy Long-Legs gets 4 out of 5 stars.
I am now done for the year. Sometime after the beginning of the year I am going to post my list of books that I want to read in 2011.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Room by Emma Donoghue # 54
Room by Emma Donoghue is one that I have started hearing more and more about and had to read. It is about a girl that is kidnapped and held hostage in a room that is only 11x11. When the story starts she has been held captive for 7 years, and has a 5 year old son. The story is told from the point of view of the 5 year old, so it is a little "cleaner" than you would expect when you first hear what the story is about.
I liked the book, the fact that it is told by a 5 year old helps a lot. I have a 5 year old and at first it bugged me that they 5 year old acted much younger than his age, but then I realized that if he had never been outside of that room, than that is what he would really be like with limited exposure to the outside world. It was a good and believable story that had my heart pounding at times.
It made me think of a few stories I have heard about people that have been in that situation in real life and how hard it would be to be cut off from the world. Especially the ones that have given birth while being held captive and how that must effect the children.
I did get a little irritated by the mom at some points of the book. She acted the way you would expect someone in that situation to act, but I still found myself yelling at her a little bit in my mind.
Overall a really good story and much cleaner than I expected, even knowing it was told from a 5 year old's perspective.
Room gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster
I liked the book, the fact that it is told by a 5 year old helps a lot. I have a 5 year old and at first it bugged me that they 5 year old acted much younger than his age, but then I realized that if he had never been outside of that room, than that is what he would really be like with limited exposure to the outside world. It was a good and believable story that had my heart pounding at times.
It made me think of a few stories I have heard about people that have been in that situation in real life and how hard it would be to be cut off from the world. Especially the ones that have given birth while being held captive and how that must effect the children.
I did get a little irritated by the mom at some points of the book. She acted the way you would expect someone in that situation to act, but I still found myself yelling at her a little bit in my mind.
Overall a really good story and much cleaner than I expected, even knowing it was told from a 5 year old's perspective.
Room gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster
Monday, November 15, 2010
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks #53
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks is his latest book, that just came out recently. I borrowed it from my sister and she told me it was a little different than the "typical" Nicholas Sparks book. I agree with her, but am happy to say that it was still really good. The main difference was that it was a little more mysterious and a little bit of a thriller.
I liked all the characters which is always a good start to any book. I didn't really have a problem with any of them annoying me or making dumb decisions or anything like that. I was even pleased to say that the ending surprised me. I didn't see it coming.
Safe Haven gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Room by Emma Donoghue
I liked all the characters which is always a good start to any book. I didn't really have a problem with any of them annoying me or making dumb decisions or anything like that. I was even pleased to say that the ending surprised me. I didn't see it coming.
Safe Haven gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Room by Emma Donoghue
House Rules by Jodi Picoult # 52-I DID IT!
Well, I did it! I reached 52 books. House Rules was also the last of Jodi Picoult's books that I had not read. Well, there is a book about Wonder Woman, but I have no interest in reading it. I thought since I wanted to read all of her books, that finishing my 52 books with the last one of hers (well, until next year) was a good way to end.
I liked House Rules, but not as much as some of her other books. It is about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome who is obsessed with crime scene investigations and is accused of murder. My problem with the book is that I figured out the ending pretty quick into it. Although, I kept doubting myself because it seemed so obvious to me that I thought there might be another twist. So the whole time I know the answer that everyone is looking for, only they aren't asking the right people the right questions. I was yelling at the characters in my mind throughout the whole book.
The good parts of it is that, like most of her books, I liked the characters and they were all believable so it was easy to get lost in the story. Jodi Picoult is very good at researching for her books, so it was interesting to read what a child with Asperger's is like. I was disappointed though after reading some other reviews online to learn that she as a little off this time. I guess she took every symptom that someone with Asperger's could have and gave them all to this kid, which obviously is not how it is in real life.
House Rules gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
P.S. Yes, I am still going. I have two more waiting at the library for me, then I am going to start on next year's list.
I liked House Rules, but not as much as some of her other books. It is about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome who is obsessed with crime scene investigations and is accused of murder. My problem with the book is that I figured out the ending pretty quick into it. Although, I kept doubting myself because it seemed so obvious to me that I thought there might be another twist. So the whole time I know the answer that everyone is looking for, only they aren't asking the right people the right questions. I was yelling at the characters in my mind throughout the whole book.
The good parts of it is that, like most of her books, I liked the characters and they were all believable so it was easy to get lost in the story. Jodi Picoult is very good at researching for her books, so it was interesting to read what a child with Asperger's is like. I was disappointed though after reading some other reviews online to learn that she as a little off this time. I guess she took every symptom that someone with Asperger's could have and gave them all to this kid, which obviously is not how it is in real life.
House Rules gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
P.S. Yes, I am still going. I have two more waiting at the library for me, then I am going to start on next year's list.
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs # 51
Running with Scissors in one that has been on my list for a long time. It is a memoir of the authors life during his teenage years. Apparently there is a movie based on the book as well. My overall statement is that I would not waste my time on the movie or the book.
The book was weird. This guy moved in with his mother's psychiatrist as a teenager, and the psychiatrist was a little (ok, maybe a lot) crazy. It was too graphic for me at times, and I didn't really connect to, or even care for any of the characters that much.
Running with Scissors gets 1 out of 5 stars.
Next up-House Rules by Jodi Picoult
The book was weird. This guy moved in with his mother's psychiatrist as a teenager, and the psychiatrist was a little (ok, maybe a lot) crazy. It was too graphic for me at times, and I didn't really connect to, or even care for any of the characters that much.
Running with Scissors gets 1 out of 5 stars.
Next up-House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner #50
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner is book #2 in a trilogy. I read the first book, The Maze Runner earlier this year and liked it a lot. This one just came out in October and the next one doesn't come out until next year. I was a little concerned that I would have a hard time remembering the characters and the details of what happened in the first book to be able to follow the second book. Even though the author did not do much, if any, backtracking explaining the first book, I had no problem remembering.
One thing that I did like about The Scorch Trials is that it picked up right where the first book left off. I love that, I can't stand it when the second book in a series picks up way later than the first one left off. I also liked that the characters stayed true to who they were in the first book.
I did not like this one as much as the first one though. The first one had me thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it and trying to solve the problem. This one was different in that the characters knew how to solve the problem, they just didn't know what would get in their way to reaching the end. I liked The Maze Runner partially because of the mystery.
The Scorch Trials gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
One thing that I did like about The Scorch Trials is that it picked up right where the first book left off. I love that, I can't stand it when the second book in a series picks up way later than the first one left off. I also liked that the characters stayed true to who they were in the first book.
I did not like this one as much as the first one though. The first one had me thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it and trying to solve the problem. This one was different in that the characters knew how to solve the problem, they just didn't know what would get in their way to reaching the end. I liked The Maze Runner partially because of the mystery.
The Scorch Trials gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Painted House by John Grisham #49
A Painted House by John Grisham is book #49 for the year. Anyone who knows anything about books (or movies) should know who John Grisham is. I have read a lot of his books and always enjoy them. I knew this book would be interesting because it has nothing to do with lawyers or a courthouse. I don't even think it says either of those words in the book at all. I was curious to see if he could write about something that has nothing to do with lawyers. Surprisingly, he can, he has a few other books that have nothing to do with the law. I have only read one (Skipping Christmas) and I don't really remember what I thought of it.
I read a few reviews of A Painted House before I read the actual book and the reviews I read were very mixed. The book is about a 7 year old boy who lives on a cotton farm in Arkansas and follows him over the summer as he experiences more than any 7 year old should ever experience.
It takes a little while to get into the real drama and conflict and all that, but I still loved it and couldn't put it down. I liked the main boy in the story a lot. He seemed to be way more mature than what you would expect from a 7 year old. The only thing bad I can say about it is that I felt like it left me hanging a little bit. I could have used one more chapter (or a even a sequel) but since it doesn't exist, I just had to make up the answers to the questions I have.
A Painted House gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
I read a few reviews of A Painted House before I read the actual book and the reviews I read were very mixed. The book is about a 7 year old boy who lives on a cotton farm in Arkansas and follows him over the summer as he experiences more than any 7 year old should ever experience.
It takes a little while to get into the real drama and conflict and all that, but I still loved it and couldn't put it down. I liked the main boy in the story a lot. He seemed to be way more mature than what you would expect from a 7 year old. The only thing bad I can say about it is that I felt like it left me hanging a little bit. I could have used one more chapter (or a even a sequel) but since it doesn't exist, I just had to make up the answers to the questions I have.
A Painted House gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans #48
Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans is book #48. This is his latest book that just came out in early October. I like Richard Paul Evans as an author. His books are always a good quick read that leave me feeling glad that I took time to read it.
I thought this particular book of his was a little bit different than his other books for a few reasons. I guess most of his books have some kind of miracle involved that changes the lives of the characters, but the way the miracle played out in this one was kind of weird and disturbing at the same time. I liked the story and it was definitely interesting, but I was a little disturbed by part of the story line, and not just a little part, but the major part.
I would love to talk to anyone who has read this book and their thoughts on it. If you like Richard Paul Evans, you will like this book, but be warned that it is a little different than his other books, but still kind of the same. I'm sorry I know I am not making any sense, but if you read the book you will understand. If you have read the book, let me know what you thought of it and if you were disturbed by it like I was.
Promise Me gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-A Painted House by John Grisham
I thought this particular book of his was a little bit different than his other books for a few reasons. I guess most of his books have some kind of miracle involved that changes the lives of the characters, but the way the miracle played out in this one was kind of weird and disturbing at the same time. I liked the story and it was definitely interesting, but I was a little disturbed by part of the story line, and not just a little part, but the major part.
I would love to talk to anyone who has read this book and their thoughts on it. If you like Richard Paul Evans, you will like this book, but be warned that it is a little different than his other books, but still kind of the same. I'm sorry I know I am not making any sense, but if you read the book you will understand. If you have read the book, let me know what you thought of it and if you were disturbed by it like I was.
Promise Me gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-A Painted House by John Grisham
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tags and 2011
I have added tags to all my previous posts. I added one for 5 star books, one for 4 star books, and one for books that got less than 4 stars. My sister gave me the idea and thought it would be easier to search for the books I liked that way.
I just finished book #49 this morning so I will hopefully be posting reviews on #48 and #49 today or tomorrow. I'm getting close and can't wait to be able to say that I did it.
The whole reason I made this goal was to get the list of books that I want to read down to at least a manageable size. I don't know how many were on that list for sure, but I think there were 40-50 books. My list right now has 46, which does not count the 4 I have on hold at the library. So obviously my bright idea didn't work.
That brings me to my idea for next year (I'm going to start as soon as I finish the 52 books though). I have put all the books on my list in alphabetical order and I am going to start at the top of my list and read as many as I can. I would like to finish the list as it stands right now, but it probably won't happen, which is fine. I just want to get some of these books off of my list. Some of these books have been on my list since I worked at my last job, which I quit almost 4 1/2 years ago! It's time to finally take the time to read them.
Maybe I will even post the list when I start with it. There is one book that I might read out of order because I keep hearing so much about it, and it starts with a "r" which will take me forever to get to. It's going to be hard for me to stick to the list in order but I am determined to do it.
I just finished book #49 this morning so I will hopefully be posting reviews on #48 and #49 today or tomorrow. I'm getting close and can't wait to be able to say that I did it.
The whole reason I made this goal was to get the list of books that I want to read down to at least a manageable size. I don't know how many were on that list for sure, but I think there were 40-50 books. My list right now has 46, which does not count the 4 I have on hold at the library. So obviously my bright idea didn't work.
That brings me to my idea for next year (I'm going to start as soon as I finish the 52 books though). I have put all the books on my list in alphabetical order and I am going to start at the top of my list and read as many as I can. I would like to finish the list as it stands right now, but it probably won't happen, which is fine. I just want to get some of these books off of my list. Some of these books have been on my list since I worked at my last job, which I quit almost 4 1/2 years ago! It's time to finally take the time to read them.
Maybe I will even post the list when I start with it. There is one book that I might read out of order because I keep hearing so much about it, and it starts with a "r" which will take me forever to get to. It's going to be hard for me to stick to the list in order but I am determined to do it.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg #47
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg was just the book I needed. I have been struggling with reading lately. I think part of it is that I am getting so close to my goal that it makes it harder. I needed a light vacation type book. A vacation book is just one that is an easy read and fun, and this book was it! I read about it in a magazine and knew it would cure my slump.
The story is about a bunch of high school girls that decide to make a pact to not date boys anymore and they turn it into a club. It was entertaining and fun to read. It wasn't life changing or anything like that, but I liked it alot. There really wasn't anything to not like about it.
The Lonely Hearts Club gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans
The story is about a bunch of high school girls that decide to make a pact to not date boys anymore and they turn it into a club. It was entertaining and fun to read. It wasn't life changing or anything like that, but I liked it alot. There really wasn't anything to not like about it.
The Lonely Hearts Club gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans
Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman and Nancy Freedman-FAILED
So I failed to finish a book. This one does not count toward my goal of 52. I found this one in a pile of my mom's books, I think she read it for her book club. I got about 100 pages into it and could barely make myself pick it up to read it. My problem with it is that nothing was happening. There really wasn't any conflict going on. I decided one day to finish the chapter I was in the middle of and if nothing was happening I was done. I couldn't even read the whole rest of the chapter, I skimmed it and put it down.
I did like the very beginning of the book, probably the first 20-30 pages and then it kind of lost my interest.
Mrs. Mike gets 1 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
I did like the very beginning of the book, probably the first 20-30 pages and then it kind of lost my interest.
Mrs. Mike gets 1 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
Mercy by Jodi Picoult # 46
Mercy by Jodi Picoult was an interesting read. It was written back when Dr. Kevorkian became well-known and centers around the idea of how far people are willing to go for the person they love. Like most of her books, it is one that leaves you thinking about it for a while after you finish it.
There were parts of it that bugged me. There was one character in particular that I really did not like at all. He used his wife and it really irritated me.
Overall it was a "typical" Jodi Picoult book. I liked it, it made me think and I was ready for a "lighter" read for the next book on my list.
Mercy gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman and Nancy Freedman
There were parts of it that bugged me. There was one character in particular that I really did not like at all. He used his wife and it really irritated me.
Overall it was a "typical" Jodi Picoult book. I liked it, it made me think and I was ready for a "lighter" read for the next book on my list.
Mercy gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman and Nancy Freedman
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson # 45
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo By Stieg Larsson is a book that I have heard a lot about in the last little while. I guess it has become quite popular. I requested it at the library and was #443. It took me about a month to get my hands on it. Stieg Larsson is a Swedish writer who wrote a this book and two sequels, delivered them to be printed in 2004, and died a short time later from a heart attack. The books were later translated into English. The original Swedish title translates to "Men who Hate Women", if I would have known that I might not have read it, but I only learned that after reading it.
There were two main problems I had with this book. First is that there was a lot of sexual violence against women, and other types of violence. The other problem I had was that I did not like the main male character at all. I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read it and might want to, but this guy sleeps with several different women throughout the book, and it's the women seducing him. I doubt this guy was that irresistible if you know what I mean.
The story was okay. It was interesting and intriguing and I found myself caring what happened and wanting to know the ending. The ending was both surprising and predictable. I know that doesn't make sense but I had pegged someone as being the "bad guy" and I was right, but the crime and motive were different than I thought.
Now my problem is trying to figure out if I should read the other two books. This one leaves off at a good part and I think the second one could be quite different, but it could be the same. I think I will pick it up and try it out, but if it continues with all the sexual violence I'm going to put it down. There are too many good books out there for me to be wasting my time on that kind of trash.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-I'm not sure yet (what?!?) I have 4 books requested at the library so whichever one comes in next will be my "Next up".
There were two main problems I had with this book. First is that there was a lot of sexual violence against women, and other types of violence. The other problem I had was that I did not like the main male character at all. I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read it and might want to, but this guy sleeps with several different women throughout the book, and it's the women seducing him. I doubt this guy was that irresistible if you know what I mean.
The story was okay. It was interesting and intriguing and I found myself caring what happened and wanting to know the ending. The ending was both surprising and predictable. I know that doesn't make sense but I had pegged someone as being the "bad guy" and I was right, but the crime and motive were different than I thought.
Now my problem is trying to figure out if I should read the other two books. This one leaves off at a good part and I think the second one could be quite different, but it could be the same. I think I will pick it up and try it out, but if it continues with all the sexual violence I'm going to put it down. There are too many good books out there for me to be wasting my time on that kind of trash.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-I'm not sure yet (what?!?) I have 4 books requested at the library so whichever one comes in next will be my "Next up".
Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney # 44
Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney is a book that I read about in a magazine. I can't even remember which magazine but it sounded interesting. It is written by a mother/lawyer about her real life son. He was a perfectly normal boy until one day when he was 12 years old starting showing signs of OCD and Tourette's. Within a week he was already dealing with severe symptoms of both OCD and Tourettes. The book centers around the struggles the family had while trying to deal with his sickness and the lengths his mother went to "cure" him.
I loved this book. It was heartbreaking to read about all the different things this poor boy struggles with. I almost always love books about real life stories. Beth Maloney is quite a mother. She managed to remain strong for her children during times that are way harder than I can even imagine.
She figured out that his particular problems were triggered by a strep infection. She always goes on to say that other mental illnesses have been linked to different infections. I was happy when she added that she does not think that all mental illnesses are linked to infections, but some of them may be, and be cured once the real culprit is found. I learned a lot from her book and hopefully it is something that I will not have to deal with in my life, but I won't soon forget the lessons I learned from her.
Saving Sammy gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
I loved this book. It was heartbreaking to read about all the different things this poor boy struggles with. I almost always love books about real life stories. Beth Maloney is quite a mother. She managed to remain strong for her children during times that are way harder than I can even imagine.
She figured out that his particular problems were triggered by a strep infection. She always goes on to say that other mental illnesses have been linked to different infections. I was happy when she added that she does not think that all mental illnesses are linked to infections, but some of them may be, and be cured once the real culprit is found. I learned a lot from her book and hopefully it is something that I will not have to deal with in my life, but I won't soon forget the lessons I learned from her.
Saving Sammy gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock #43
Princess Ben was a book that I found on Amazon. I have read similar books this year. It reminds me a lot of Graceling and Fire, only a little less believable. This book has magic and imaginary creatures, which I don't mind in books, but it didn't work as well in this book as it does in other books. I'm not sure why, but it just doesn't.
The main character bugged me at times and I thought was immature throughout most of the book, but she is young so it worked. The other problem I had with the book is that I found it a little too easy to predict. I didn't have very many surprises throughout the book.
After saying all that you will all probably think I am crazy when I say that I liked the book. It was interesting to watch the main character grow up and mature, and the story itself wasn't that bad even if it was predictable.
Princess Ben gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney
The main character bugged me at times and I thought was immature throughout most of the book, but she is young so it worked. The other problem I had with the book is that I found it a little too easy to predict. I didn't have very many surprises throughout the book.
After saying all that you will all probably think I am crazy when I say that I liked the book. It was interesting to watch the main character grow up and mature, and the story itself wasn't that bad even if it was predictable.
Princess Ben gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
You Can't Stop Me by Max Allan Collins #42
You Can't Stop Me by Max Allan Collins is another book that reminds me of my dad. I can't remember how it got on my list, but I have a feeling that my dad recommended it to me. It is a murder mystery involving a serial killer. The main character of the book is a former police officer who turned into a host of a TV show similar to America's Most Wanted after his wife and son are shot and killed in their own home. He puts a team together to find the killer.
It is a pretty typical murder mystery story, but it did a good job of scaring me at times, I knew this because there were a couple of nights that I became scared of the dark a little bit. When I am reading a thriller I know it is doing its job when I develop a fear of the dark. It is a good book, nothing super spectacular, but good and I got through it pretty quickly even if it is a good size.
You Can't Stop Me gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
It is a pretty typical murder mystery story, but it did a good job of scaring me at times, I knew this because there were a couple of nights that I became scared of the dark a little bit. When I am reading a thriller I know it is doing its job when I develop a fear of the dark. It is a good book, nothing super spectacular, but good and I got through it pretty quickly even if it is a good size.
You Can't Stop Me gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins #41
Mockingjay. Oh boy, here we go. I am a little sad that the Hunger Games trilogy is now over. But I guess there is only so many times you can send someone in to the Hunger Games without it being overkill. Which is what I liked about Mockingjay, it was different than the first two, just like everyone knew it would be. It was a lot darker than the first two, which is weird to say if you know the first two at all, but I felt like there were more light-hearted parts in the first two and the last one was really dark almost the whole way through, but that is how it had to be. If Katniss had arrived at District 13 and been as happy as can be it wouldn't feel real.
The only thing I would like to have seen different is that I would've liked it if Katniss would have been involved in the rescue of Peeta. I think they should have had her storm the Capital just like she did, but rescue Peeta at the same time.
Overall, I loved Mockingjay. I still think Catching Fire was my favorite of the three, but it all ended well, and I felt like it didn't leave any loose strings at the end.
Mockingjay gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-You Can't Stop Me by Max Allan Collins
The only thing I would like to have seen different is that I would've liked it if Katniss would have been involved in the rescue of Peeta. I think they should have had her storm the Capital just like she did, but rescue Peeta at the same time.
Overall, I loved Mockingjay. I still think Catching Fire was my favorite of the three, but it all ended well, and I felt like it didn't leave any loose strings at the end.
Mockingjay gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-You Can't Stop Me by Max Allan Collins
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale #40
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale was another interesting book. It is about a Mormon housewife/mother of soon to be 4. who meets and becomes best friends with a Hollywood actor/hunk. Since I am also a Mormon housewife and a mother of 3 I thought it could be an interesting book since I am similar enough to the main character.
The book was entertaining. It made me laugh at points, and yes, I'll admit, I cried at one point too. But overall, I didn't really get the book. I didn't find it believable at all, and I just didn't really like the storyline. While reading it, I barely put it down, but overall I just didn't like it.
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The book was entertaining. It made me laugh at points, and yes, I'll admit, I cried at one point too. But overall, I didn't really get the book. I didn't find it believable at all, and I just didn't really like the storyline. While reading it, I barely put it down, but overall I just didn't like it.
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Friday, September 24, 2010
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult # 39
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult was # 39 on my list (I'm getting so close I can almost see it). It was a different book than most. The question is, Is that a good thing or a bad? The answer is, I haven't decided yet. I finished this one a while ago and have read several more since, but I still can't decide how I really feel about it.
The story is about a young girl whose parents have just recently been divorced. All the sudden she starts talking to God, a female God. It becomes quite the controversy for all the different characters in the book, and I am sure Jodi Picoult got some of that as well when the book first came out. Now, I have my own beliefs about God (one of which is that he is male) so while it was a good story, it felt like a story than a real-life account. The other controversy throughout the book centered around the question "Why would God choose to talk to an 8 year old child?" I kept thinking throughout the book, Well, I believe he talked to this 14 year old boy, so if he wanted to, than yes, he could talk to this 8 year old girl. Although throughout the whole book we never really hear of any specific message that God is giving to the girl, and I would think if he is going to talk, he is going to have something to say.
The story told in Keeping Faith was an okay story. Nothing spectacular or too exciting.
Keeping Faith gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
The story is about a young girl whose parents have just recently been divorced. All the sudden she starts talking to God, a female God. It becomes quite the controversy for all the different characters in the book, and I am sure Jodi Picoult got some of that as well when the book first came out. Now, I have my own beliefs about God (one of which is that he is male) so while it was a good story, it felt like a story than a real-life account. The other controversy throughout the book centered around the question "Why would God choose to talk to an 8 year old child?" I kept thinking throughout the book, Well, I believe he talked to this 14 year old boy, so if he wanted to, than yes, he could talk to this 8 year old girl. Although throughout the whole book we never really hear of any specific message that God is giving to the girl, and I would think if he is going to talk, he is going to have something to say.
The story told in Keeping Faith was an okay story. Nothing spectacular or too exciting.
Keeping Faith gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
The Last Child by John Hart #38
The Last Child by John Hart is a book that I saw in Costco and it looked interesting so I wrote down the title and author and found it at the library. I rarely buy books because I read them so fast and rarely re-read books so it becomes a waste of money.
The story is about a young boy whose little sister has been missing for a while. He is determined to find out who took her and where she is. Other parts of his life have fallen apart. His dad left him and his mom, and his mom is having a hard time dealing with all the blows life has dealt her.
It was a good book that had quite a few surprises in it. It took me a while to figure out some of the questions in the book and who was involved in what. I like it when the book I am reading aren't too predictable. This book made me think of my dad because this is the type of book he would like.
The Last Child gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
The story is about a young boy whose little sister has been missing for a while. He is determined to find out who took her and where she is. Other parts of his life have fallen apart. His dad left him and his mom, and his mom is having a hard time dealing with all the blows life has dealt her.
It was a good book that had quite a few surprises in it. It took me a while to figure out some of the questions in the book and who was involved in what. I like it when the book I am reading aren't too predictable. This book made me think of my dad because this is the type of book he would like.
The Last Child gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray # 37
Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray was recommended to me by someone, and now I can't remember who. (Sorry whoever it was, I really need to start writing down who recommended what book to me.) It is an Amish love story which is always intriguing to me because let's face it, the Amish are different than anyone I have ever met. And throw in a love story? What could be better?
The book was a pretty quick and easy read. It follows three main characters as they struggle with different things and shows how they cope with the struggles. It was good and worth reading, although I felt like the struggles they were dealing with could (and should) have been resolved in 100 pages or less and it took about 250 pages.
Winter's Awakening gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Last Child by John Hart
The book was a pretty quick and easy read. It follows three main characters as they struggle with different things and shows how they cope with the struggles. It was good and worth reading, although I felt like the struggles they were dealing with could (and should) have been resolved in 100 pages or less and it took about 250 pages.
Winter's Awakening gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Last Child by John Hart
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins #36
Some of you may think I am cheating by reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins and counting it towards my goal because I have already read it. I had to re-read it because the third, and final, book is coming out and I will be reading it soon. If you live under a rock and haven't heard of these books, they are part of the Hunger Games series. (#1-Hunger Games, #2-Catching Fire, #3-Mockingjay).
I LOVE Catching Fire. I didn't know if I would love it the second time or not, but I think I liked it more the second time. It makes me want to go back and read Hunger Games (which I may). I could not put it down, and I read the whole thing in less than 18 hours, which is rare for me when reading a book for the second time. After finishing it, I became that much more excited for Mockingjay. If you haven't read the series, you should. You need to start with the first one though. Also, I have heard they are making a movie out of it that should be coming out next year sometime, so if you want to read it before the movie be aware of that. Let's hope they find a way to keep it PG-13.
Catching Fire gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray
I LOVE Catching Fire. I didn't know if I would love it the second time or not, but I think I liked it more the second time. It makes me want to go back and read Hunger Games (which I may). I could not put it down, and I read the whole thing in less than 18 hours, which is rare for me when reading a book for the second time. After finishing it, I became that much more excited for Mockingjay. If you haven't read the series, you should. You need to start with the first one though. Also, I have heard they are making a movie out of it that should be coming out next year sometime, so if you want to read it before the movie be aware of that. Let's hope they find a way to keep it PG-13.
Catching Fire gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult # 35
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult was another true-to-form Jodi Picoult book. The topic(s) covered in this book are definitely heavy ones, and also controversial. It makes you put it down and think "Would I do the same thing if I was in that person's shoes?"
This book was a little more disturbing to me than some of her others. It has a lot of controversy in it and every time you think it has gotten as bad as it could something surprising happens and it gets worse.
I had a hard time putting it down though because I had to see how the train wreck was going to end. It ended differently than I thought it would, and that is probably a bad thing.
Overall it was an okay book, it made me think a lot and hope that I never find myself in a similar situation to the characters in the book.
Perfect Match gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
This book was a little more disturbing to me than some of her others. It has a lot of controversy in it and every time you think it has gotten as bad as it could something surprising happens and it gets worse.
I had a hard time putting it down though because I had to see how the train wreck was going to end. It ended differently than I thought it would, and that is probably a bad thing.
Overall it was an okay book, it made me think a lot and hope that I never find myself in a similar situation to the characters in the book.
Perfect Match gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty #34
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty was another random pick for me. I picked it up off of the shelf in the library. As I have mentioned earlier, I usually am really bad at doing this. Especially when my kids are with me (which they were) because I am trying to pick a book or two faster than they can take every book off of the shelf, which isn't long.
The "surprise" for me about Three Wishes is that it is written by an Australian author, and therefore takes place in Australia with Australian characters. They talk a little bit differently than Americans so it took a little getting used to some of their phrases.
The book is about triplets and the mess they make of their lives, and the relationships they have with each other. It was a good book. It was one of those light-hearted books that make for a good vacation book. Each of the sisters has a different problem in her life and some of them are heavier problems than others, but overall it has that light-hearted feel to it, if you know what I mean.
I liked Three Wishes, it was a good, easy, fun read. I had a harder time putting it down than I thought I would.
I give Three Wishes 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up- Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult
The "surprise" for me about Three Wishes is that it is written by an Australian author, and therefore takes place in Australia with Australian characters. They talk a little bit differently than Americans so it took a little getting used to some of their phrases.
The book is about triplets and the mess they make of their lives, and the relationships they have with each other. It was a good book. It was one of those light-hearted books that make for a good vacation book. Each of the sisters has a different problem in her life and some of them are heavier problems than others, but overall it has that light-hearted feel to it, if you know what I mean.
I liked Three Wishes, it was a good, easy, fun read. I had a harder time putting it down than I thought I would.
I give Three Wishes 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up- Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater # 33
Linger is the second of a three book series. The first one is called Shiver. I read it earlier this year and have been waiting for Linger to come out for quite a while. I really like Shiver, and the ending made me want more and quickly. I remember being so disappointed when I saw the Linger was due to come out until July. So I was happy when it finally arrived at the library and I got my hands on it.
I was disappointed by Linger. I can't exactly pinpoint why either. I was a little irritated that it picked up a few months or so after the first one left off. The other problem was that it had been so long since I read the first one that I had forgotten some key information (characters, storylines, etc.) and I didn't feel like the author did a good job of reminding me. In a lot of the series books that I have read recently I feel like they do a good job of explaining things from the previous book, and this one was missing that.
That said, this book once again left me hanging and wanting to know what is going to happen next. I will probably read the third one when it comes out (July 2011). But I feel like I might need to re-read this one and maybe even the first one before I do. We'll see how I am feeling next July.
Overall it was worth reading to see what happens next in the story and it was entertaining. But I did not have a hard time putting it down, which is not a good sign.
I give Linger 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
I was disappointed by Linger. I can't exactly pinpoint why either. I was a little irritated that it picked up a few months or so after the first one left off. The other problem was that it had been so long since I read the first one that I had forgotten some key information (characters, storylines, etc.) and I didn't feel like the author did a good job of reminding me. In a lot of the series books that I have read recently I feel like they do a good job of explaining things from the previous book, and this one was missing that.
That said, this book once again left me hanging and wanting to know what is going to happen next. I will probably read the third one when it comes out (July 2011). But I feel like I might need to re-read this one and maybe even the first one before I do. We'll see how I am feeling next July.
Overall it was worth reading to see what happens next in the story and it was entertaining. But I did not have a hard time putting it down, which is not a good sign.
I give Linger 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
Monday, August 2, 2010
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale #32
The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is another book that I found at my mom and dad's house. This will probably be a common theme in the next little while because I found a whole stack that I will probably end up reading. I have already read Goose Girl by Shannon Hale this year and loved it so I had a good idea that I would like this one as well, and I did. I read the whole thing in less than one day. It is just over 300 pages, but they are short pages and it is an easy read.
It does not follow any of the same characters or places that Goose Girl does, it is an entirely different story. I liked this one because I liked the main character. I thought she was believable and likable.
Overall it was a good, entertaining story. I had a hard time putting it down and when I finished it, I found myself wishing I had more to read, even though the story was wrapped up nicely. The ending was great because it was different than I had predicted, which is always nice.
Princess Academy gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
It does not follow any of the same characters or places that Goose Girl does, it is an entirely different story. I liked this one because I liked the main character. I thought she was believable and likable.
Overall it was a good, entertaining story. I had a hard time putting it down and when I finished it, I found myself wishing I had more to read, even though the story was wrapped up nicely. The ending was great because it was different than I had predicted, which is always nice.
Princess Academy gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Mother in Me Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper # 31
The Mother in Me is a book that I found at my mom's house. I packed it in my hospital bag and read it while recovering from having my third child. It was the perfect book to read after having a baby. Especially since I already have two and know how hard it can be at times to be a mother. The book is full of a essays written by a bunch of different women about their experiences of being pregnant, giving birth, adopting children, and being a mother. Some of them were funny, some were interesting but all of them were uplifting and thoughtful.
This is the type of book that I like to read because I finish a whole story from start to finish in a short amount of time and put the book down if I need to. Plus if there is a part that I don't like as much as the others I know I will be done with that part soon and on to something else. On the flip side I always end up reading "just one more" and reading much longer than I had planned or have time for.
I loved this book. It might have a lot to do with what was going on in my personal life, but it was a good short read that left me feeling good, and happy and proud to be a mother.
The Mother in Me gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
This is the type of book that I like to read because I finish a whole story from start to finish in a short amount of time and put the book down if I need to. Plus if there is a part that I don't like as much as the others I know I will be done with that part soon and on to something else. On the flip side I always end up reading "just one more" and reading much longer than I had planned or have time for.
I loved this book. It might have a lot to do with what was going on in my personal life, but it was a good short read that left me feeling good, and happy and proud to be a mother.
The Mother in Me gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Circle of Grace by Penelope J. Stokes #30
Circle of Grace was a random choice for me. I took my kids to the library and wanted something for myself but didn't have my list of books that I want to read with me. So I did something I am usually not very successful at and just browsed the shelves until I found something I thought looked like it could possibly be good. Circle of Grace was the first one to stand out to me so I got it.
It is a story about 4 college roommates and the things they go through while going to college. It then goes on to follow the different paths each of their lives take and how it changes their friendship over the 30 years after graduating from college.
It was a good story and I really enjoyed reading it. It (again) wasn't the type of book that I couldn't put down, but I always enjoyed reading it and did not struggle to get through it at all. It was a pretty successful book for one that I just picked up off the shelf. I did think about the characters a little bit after I finished reading it, which is a positive sign.
Circle of Grace gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Mother in Me Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
It is a story about 4 college roommates and the things they go through while going to college. It then goes on to follow the different paths each of their lives take and how it changes their friendship over the 30 years after graduating from college.
It was a good story and I really enjoyed reading it. It (again) wasn't the type of book that I couldn't put down, but I always enjoyed reading it and did not struggle to get through it at all. It was a pretty successful book for one that I just picked up off the shelf. I did think about the characters a little bit after I finished reading it, which is a positive sign.
Circle of Grace gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Mother in Me Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger # 29
I wanted to read The Time Traveler's Wife before seeing the movie, but it ended up not working that way. I always enjoy the book more than the movie of any story, which I think most people would agree with. I can't think of any movies I enjoyed more than the book. The movie was alright. It felt a little long for me, but I was able to follow it and it wasn't too confusing which is obviously a good thing.
The book was just okay for me. I liked it and read it pretty quickly, but it wasn't one of those books that I just can't put down. It was a good story and worth reading though. I am wondering if I would have like the book more if I had waited to see the movie after reading it. I did find myself having to turn back to previous pages to figure out where we were in time according to which character I was reading about at the time.
If you liked the movie you will like the book. I felt pretty equally about the movie as I did the book. If I could go back I would read the book first though. Overall I will say it was a good story and I am glad it was on my list of books to read, but I wouldn't re-read it.
The Time Traveler's Wife gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Circle of Grace by Penelope J. Stokes
The book was just okay for me. I liked it and read it pretty quickly, but it wasn't one of those books that I just can't put down. It was a good story and worth reading though. I am wondering if I would have like the book more if I had waited to see the movie after reading it. I did find myself having to turn back to previous pages to figure out where we were in time according to which character I was reading about at the time.
If you liked the movie you will like the book. I felt pretty equally about the movie as I did the book. If I could go back I would read the book first though. Overall I will say it was a good story and I am glad it was on my list of books to read, but I wouldn't re-read it.
The Time Traveler's Wife gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-Circle of Grace by Penelope J. Stokes
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer #28
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer is a novella that Stephenie Meyer wrote based off of a character that appears for a short time in one of the Twilight books, Eclipse . This book goes through the beginning of her life as a vampire and through everything that happens to her in Eclipse . It is pretty short only 178 pages although each page is pretty short. I was able to read it in one day. You can find it in bookstores or you can read it for free on breetanner.com until midnight on July 5th.
I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer's and have liked everything that she has written, and this one was no exception. I found myself drawn to the characters and the story line just like in every other book she has written. I thought it would bug me that I knew what was going to happen in the end, but it didn't bug me very much at all.
It was a good book and a very quick and easy read. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Stephenie Meyer's other works.
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer's and have liked everything that she has written, and this one was no exception. I found myself drawn to the characters and the story line just like in every other book she has written. I thought it would bug me that I knew what was going to happen in the end, but it didn't bug me very much at all.
It was a good book and a very quick and easy read. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Stephenie Meyer's other works.
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte #27
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was written by Anne Bronte in the 1840's. For that reason alone it was a little different than the type of book I usually read. The language was different than the what we speak today which means that I actually had to pay attention to what I was reading in order to follow along. I am used to being able to read and think about other things at the same time, and I wasn't able to do that with this book.
It was a little bit difficult for me to keep the different characters straight. There were several that were called by different names that began with the same letter so I kept getting them confused. It also took me a while to get into the story, it took me about 2 weeks to get through the first 100 pages (which is a long time for me). Then once I got through that it took me another 2 weeks to read the other 400 or so pages.
Overall it was a good book with a good story and worth reading. Would I take the time to read it again? Probably not. Should you read it? Yes, if the language differences aren't too annoying for you.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
It was a little bit difficult for me to keep the different characters straight. There were several that were called by different names that began with the same letter so I kept getting them confused. It also took me a while to get into the story, it took me about 2 weeks to get through the first 100 pages (which is a long time for me). Then once I got through that it took me another 2 weeks to read the other 400 or so pages.
Overall it was a good book with a good story and worth reading. Would I take the time to read it again? Probably not. Should you read it? Yes, if the language differences aren't too annoying for you.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Next up-The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult #26!!!
Well, I finished The Tenth Circle (in less than 24 hours including breaks) and am now halfway to my goal! The Tenth Circle is a newer (2006) Jodi Picoult so I did enjoy it quite a bit. It did have some controversy in it although not to the extent that My Sister's Keeper or Handle with Care had. Jodi Picoult did not disappoint in this book.
Basically the story is about a young girl that is raped by someone she knows and how everyone must deal with the aftermath of what happened. Overall I liked it a lot. There were parts of it that I found myself wanting to skip but just as I would start to think that it would get back to the better parts.
The Tenth Circle gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
Basically the story is about a young girl that is raped by someone she knows and how everyone must deal with the aftermath of what happened. Overall I liked it a lot. There were parts of it that I found myself wanting to skip but just as I would start to think that it would get back to the better parts.
The Tenth Circle gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater #25
Shiver is a book that I found from Amazon. I did not read any of the synopsis so I had no idea what to expect. I was not disappointed.
Shiver is a little bit like Twilight in that it is about a girl that falls in love with a mythical creature (in this case, a werewolf). When I figured that much out I was thinking "Great! Am I going to have to sit through this whole book thinking about Bella, Edward and Jacob?" The answer would be "no". First of all because there are no vampires in this book. Also because the characters are a lot less annoying than Edward and Bella can be at times. I can hear everyone gasping right now that I would say something like that, but it's true, they are kind of whiny sometimes.
Overall I loved the book. It is told from the point of view of the two main characters which is something I have always loved in a book. I was surprised by the end and even said out loud "That's a stupid ending". What I really meant by that was that it is a stupid ending because there is a part 2 (and 3) that aren't even out yet (book #2 will be out in July) and I want to read what happens next. I am hoping that book #2 (called Linger) will pick up right where Shiver left off, but I have a feeling it will pick up a few months later. I am already on the hold list for Linger at the library.
Shiver gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
P.S. This will be book #26 and then I will be halfway already! I had to pick a Jodi Picoult book since I am determined to finish reading each of her books this year, it seemed like a fitting book for the halfway mark.
Shiver is a little bit like Twilight in that it is about a girl that falls in love with a mythical creature (in this case, a werewolf). When I figured that much out I was thinking "Great! Am I going to have to sit through this whole book thinking about Bella, Edward and Jacob?" The answer would be "no". First of all because there are no vampires in this book. Also because the characters are a lot less annoying than Edward and Bella can be at times. I can hear everyone gasping right now that I would say something like that, but it's true, they are kind of whiny sometimes.
Overall I loved the book. It is told from the point of view of the two main characters which is something I have always loved in a book. I was surprised by the end and even said out loud "That's a stupid ending". What I really meant by that was that it is a stupid ending because there is a part 2 (and 3) that aren't even out yet (book #2 will be out in July) and I want to read what happens next. I am hoping that book #2 (called Linger) will pick up right where Shiver left off, but I have a feeling it will pick up a few months later. I am already on the hold list for Linger at the library.
Shiver gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
P.S. This will be book #26 and then I will be halfway already! I had to pick a Jodi Picoult book since I am determined to finish reading each of her books this year, it seemed like a fitting book for the halfway mark.
The Survivors by Gregg Luke #24
The Survivors is another book that I found from the reviews on the libraries website. I didn't realize until I picked it up to read that it is a LDS-fiction book. I tend to shy away from some of those types of books because they can be a little too cheesy for me. This one was no different, I wish I could say that it was and that I loved every bit of it, but I just can't.
The good parts about it is that it was an uplifting story and I did like one of the main characters a lot. There were other characters along the way that I liked too. There were also parts that made me laugh.
Unfortunately there were also parts that were too predictable for me, and others that made me roll my eyes a little bit.
As far as LDS fiction books go, it was pretty typical. If you like those types of books you should read it. Otherwise, there are a lot of other books that I would rather read.
The Survivors gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
The good parts about it is that it was an uplifting story and I did like one of the main characters a lot. There were other characters along the way that I liked too. There were also parts that made me laugh.
Unfortunately there were also parts that were too predictable for me, and others that made me roll my eyes a little bit.
As far as LDS fiction books go, it was pretty typical. If you like those types of books you should read it. Otherwise, there are a lot of other books that I would rather read.
The Survivors gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Letters for Emily by Camron Steve Wright #23
Letters for Emily was one I found from the libraries website. Someone had written a review and I decided to try it out. It wasn't a very long or hard read. I think I read the whole thing in one sitting and it took me about 3 hours.
The story is about an old man who leaves behind some letters for his young granddaughter, Emily, to read when he passes away. Instead of leaving them out in the open, she has to find clues which will help her find each letter. The letters are meant to be inspiring and to teach her how to live a good life. It is a little more complicated than that, of course, but that is the basic idea.
I liked the story a lot. It was nice to be able to start and finish a book in the same night. It was interesting to watch the characters deal with the different situations they had going on in their lives.
Letters for Emily gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Survivors by Gregg Luke
The story is about an old man who leaves behind some letters for his young granddaughter, Emily, to read when he passes away. Instead of leaving them out in the open, she has to find clues which will help her find each letter. The letters are meant to be inspiring and to teach her how to live a good life. It is a little more complicated than that, of course, but that is the basic idea.
I liked the story a lot. It was nice to be able to start and finish a book in the same night. It was interesting to watch the characters deal with the different situations they had going on in their lives.
Letters for Emily gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Survivors by Gregg Luke
Goose Girl by Shannon Hale #22
Goose Girl was recommended to me by my mom who (I think) read it for her book club. She didn't rave about it a whole lot so I wasn't sure what to expect. One thing this year has taught me is to be a little more skeptical about books when I pick them up, which is probably a good thing. It also has taught me how to predict what is going to happen next, and if the author actually manages to surprise me, it is a good thing.
It didn't take me very long to get into Goose Girl, but the end of the first or second chapter I was pretty much hooked. Throughout the book I kept guessing what I thought would happen next, and most of the time I was wrong. A few times I was right, but before I found out I was right I would start thinking I was wrong again. So needless to say, this book kept me on my toes.
The book is part of a series called the Books of Bayern. I don't think the stories are all tied in together, but I could be wrong about that. I will probably read some of the other books, but it won't be for a little while, but list of books I want to read seems to be getting longer and longer.
Goose Girl gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Letters for Emily by Camron Steve Wright
It didn't take me very long to get into Goose Girl, but the end of the first or second chapter I was pretty much hooked. Throughout the book I kept guessing what I thought would happen next, and most of the time I was wrong. A few times I was right, but before I found out I was right I would start thinking I was wrong again. So needless to say, this book kept me on my toes.
The book is part of a series called the Books of Bayern. I don't think the stories are all tied in together, but I could be wrong about that. I will probably read some of the other books, but it won't be for a little while, but list of books I want to read seems to be getting longer and longer.
Goose Girl gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Letters for Emily by Camron Steve Wright
The Maze Runner by James Dashner #21
The Maze Runner was one that I found through Amazon's Other People Bought tool. It is written by a local (Utah) author. I found his blog which you can see here if you are interested.
The Maze Runner is another far-fetched story about our world in a different time and in different circumstances. It starts out interestingly enough with a boy waking up in a box that sounds similar to an elevator, but not quite the same and he can't remember anything about his life before that moment. He gets to this alternate world where there are a bunch of other boys. It took me a while to get into it. Just as I was starting to get annoyed because I had a bunch of questions and they weren't being answered, it started getting better, than it got good.
I always know when a book I am reading is good because I fall asleep thinking about the characters and wake up still thinking about them. I did both of those with this book and couldn't stop trying to figure out the solution to their problems. I found myself missing the characters a little bit when I finished the book. There is a second book, but it doesn't come out until October. The first one left just enough unanswered questions that I will be getting the second one in October.
The Maze Runner gets 5 out of 5 stars for me. If you try it just remember to keep reading, it gets better, I promise.
Next up-Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
The Maze Runner is another far-fetched story about our world in a different time and in different circumstances. It starts out interestingly enough with a boy waking up in a box that sounds similar to an elevator, but not quite the same and he can't remember anything about his life before that moment. He gets to this alternate world where there are a bunch of other boys. It took me a while to get into it. Just as I was starting to get annoyed because I had a bunch of questions and they weren't being answered, it started getting better, than it got good.
I always know when a book I am reading is good because I fall asleep thinking about the characters and wake up still thinking about them. I did both of those with this book and couldn't stop trying to figure out the solution to their problems. I found myself missing the characters a little bit when I finished the book. There is a second book, but it doesn't come out until October. The first one left just enough unanswered questions that I will be getting the second one in October.
The Maze Runner gets 5 out of 5 stars for me. If you try it just remember to keep reading, it gets better, I promise.
Next up-Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fire by Kristin Cashore #20
Fire is a "companion" to Kristin Cashore's other book, Graceling, that I also read this year. It is not a sequel or prequel, it takes place in the same world, but a whole different part. There is one character that makes a crossover appearance and although he deeply impacts both stories he is not seen or heard of a whole lot, other than the very beginning of Fire. I would love to read a book based on this character though, it could be very interesting.
I loved Fire. I think I like Graceling a little more, but I would be interested to hear what people think if they have read Fire first and then Graceling if they felt different about which was their favorite. I like the main character in Fire more which is probably why I like the book more. I would definitely recommend either of these books if you are looking for a good read.
I give Fire 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Maze Runner by James Dashner
I loved Fire. I think I like Graceling a little more, but I would be interested to hear what people think if they have read Fire first and then Graceling if they felt different about which was their favorite. I like the main character in Fire more which is probably why I like the book more. I would definitely recommend either of these books if you are looking for a good read.
I give Fire 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad #19
This is one of those books that I feel a little embarrassed to admit that I have read. For those that may not know, Lauren Conrad is the star of the MTV show, The Hills. I will admit that I am a fan of The Hills, more when Lauren was on than I am now though. This is a sequel to L.A. Candy, her first book. I read L.A. Candy last year mostly to see if she could write at all. When you take into account that her target audience is teenagers, it wasn't all that bad.
Both L.A. Candy and Sweet Little Lies have enough similarities to her life on The Hills that it makes you think none of it is made up, just changed here and there to make it a little different than her real life. It was an entertaining read and does show you how real "reality tv" really is. This book isn't anything that will change your life or make you think at all, but it was an entertaining read which was all I was really expecting.
Sweet Little Lies gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Fire by Kristin Cashore
Both L.A. Candy and Sweet Little Lies have enough similarities to her life on The Hills that it makes you think none of it is made up, just changed here and there to make it a little different than her real life. It was an entertaining read and does show you how real "reality tv" really is. This book isn't anything that will change your life or make you think at all, but it was an entertaining read which was all I was really expecting.
Sweet Little Lies gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Fire by Kristin Cashore
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins #18
Suzanne Collins is the author that wrote the Hunger Games series, and I was told that her Gregor the Overlander series was good as well. The second I opened the book I could tell it was a kids book not really adult. I flipped it to the back cover and sure enough there was a "RL5" written on it. It kind of turned me off but I decided to give it a try anyway.
It was actually good. Suzanne Collins is a good author that does a good job of getting you interested in the characters so it wasn't that surprising to me that I liked it. I thought it was a book that boys would like more than girls, but if you are looking for a book for your kids and they are at or near a reading level of 5 it might be worth giving it a shot. It is very clean, no swearing or anything like that. It is about a boy that falls into an underground world that had huge cockroaches and rats that talk and things like that so it might be a little scary or strange for young kids.
Overall I liked it and if I had kids that could read on that level I would let them read it, and I think it does a great job of keeping the interest of the reader. There are 3 or 4 more books in the series, I am not running out to read them, but I would consider it if there weren't any other books on my list.
I give Gregor the Overlander 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad
It was actually good. Suzanne Collins is a good author that does a good job of getting you interested in the characters so it wasn't that surprising to me that I liked it. I thought it was a book that boys would like more than girls, but if you are looking for a book for your kids and they are at or near a reading level of 5 it might be worth giving it a shot. It is very clean, no swearing or anything like that. It is about a boy that falls into an underground world that had huge cockroaches and rats that talk and things like that so it might be a little scary or strange for young kids.
Overall I liked it and if I had kids that could read on that level I would let them read it, and I think it does a great job of keeping the interest of the reader. There are 3 or 4 more books in the series, I am not running out to read them, but I would consider it if there weren't any other books on my list.
I give Gregor the Overlander 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom #17
I have read 2 other Mitch Albom books and liked them so I knew that this would be a good one. I needed a short book that I knew I could finish in a day or two. The few books before this one were either longer or took me a while to finish and I just wanted a quick easy read. Have a Little Faith was a very interesting book. It is about a man who is asked by his childhood rabbi to give the eulogy at the rabbi's funeral. The rabbi is old, but not terminally ill or anything like that.
It was a good book, nothing that I found to be super special, but it was uplifting and a nice good read. Was it worth reading? Yes. Was it my favorite book ever? No. I wouldn't even say that it was my favorite Mitch Albom book (Five People you Meet in Heaven probably was though if you are wondering).
I give Have a Little Faith 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
It was a good book, nothing that I found to be super special, but it was uplifting and a nice good read. Was it worth reading? Yes. Was it my favorite book ever? No. I wouldn't even say that it was my favorite Mitch Albom book (Five People you Meet in Heaven probably was though if you are wondering).
I give Have a Little Faith 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Monday, April 12, 2010
Graceling by Kristin Cashore # 16
Graceling was recommended to me by someone I don't even know. I was in the church library one night making copies and started up a conversation with librarian that was there. She had just finished reading it and told me how much she enjoyed it. She also shared with me her tip to finding good books to read. She goes to amazon.com and looks up a book that she liked and then looks at the "Customers who bought this item also bought" list. Then she will only consider it if it has 4 or more stars for the rating with a lot of reviews. I will be using this tip in the near future. So I got Graceling at the library not really knowing what to expect. I don't even know this girl that recommended it to me but thought I would trust her after she gave me that good amazon tip.
I really liked Graceling. It is another one of those books about someone who lives in a time/place that is not like where we live today and who is trying to revolt from the ways of their world. It was harder for me to put down this book than it was for some of the other books I had read before it, which is a good sign. All in all I was impressed with how well I liked it considering I didn't even know the person who suggested it to me.
I give Graceling 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
I really liked Graceling. It is another one of those books about someone who lives in a time/place that is not like where we live today and who is trying to revolt from the ways of their world. It was harder for me to put down this book than it was for some of the other books I had read before it, which is a good sign. All in all I was impressed with how well I liked it considering I didn't even know the person who suggested it to me.
I give Graceling 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult # 15
Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult is one of her older books. I think I have discovered that I like Jodi Picoult's newer books better. The reason I like the newer books better is because they are usually a little more controversial and make me look at different situations in a new light. The older books are somewhat controversial but not in the same way. I don't know how to explain it better than that.
This book was okay. It started out looking like it would be a pretty intriguing story but the story quickly changed into a different topic than I thought I would be reading about. The newer topic wasn't one that I was as interested in, but it still turned out to be pretty good.
All in all Picture Perfect was just okay. If you want a good Jodi Picoult book to read there are others I would recommend before I would recommend this one.
Picture Perfect gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Graceling by Kristin Cashore
This book was okay. It started out looking like it would be a pretty intriguing story but the story quickly changed into a different topic than I thought I would be reading about. The newer topic wasn't one that I was as interested in, but it still turned out to be pretty good.
All in all Picture Perfect was just okay. If you want a good Jodi Picoult book to read there are others I would recommend before I would recommend this one.
Picture Perfect gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows #14
I'm going to call this book The Potato Peel Society just because it is a little shorter. I actually heard about this book from Stephenie Meyer's website (the author of the Twilight series). She recommended it so I thought I would give it a try.
It was a little strange for me at first because the whole book is written in letters to and from the different characters in the book. It took me a little while to get used to that and to figure out who they were talking about in the letters, but once I got into it a little more I grew used to it and kind of enjoyed it. It is a different way of reading a book and I ended up liking it that way, especially as I figured out everyone's relationship to each other and how they tend to interact with each other.
Overall I would say it is a good book, but you have to make sure to give it a honest effort in the beginning. I thought it was a little predictable but a good fun read. I read some of it while on vacation with my sisters and mom and think it is a good "vacation book" if that makes sense to you. A vacation book is something light and fun and a good easy read.
I give The Potato Peel Pie Society 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult
It was a little strange for me at first because the whole book is written in letters to and from the different characters in the book. It took me a little while to get used to that and to figure out who they were talking about in the letters, but once I got into it a little more I grew used to it and kind of enjoyed it. It is a different way of reading a book and I ended up liking it that way, especially as I figured out everyone's relationship to each other and how they tend to interact with each other.
Overall I would say it is a good book, but you have to make sure to give it a honest effort in the beginning. I thought it was a little predictable but a good fun read. I read some of it while on vacation with my sisters and mom and think it is a good "vacation book" if that makes sense to you. A vacation book is something light and fun and a good easy read.
I give The Potato Peel Pie Society 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult
Monday, March 22, 2010
Extras by Scott Westerfeld #13
Extras is a spin-off from the Uglies series. It takes place in the same world, but in a different city, and different main characters although we do hear and see from Tally Youngblood again. They also answer one of the main questions I had when the triology ended although I had to wait until the very end to get the full answer.
I still liked this one a lot although not as much as the original triology. The story itself was good, but I didn't like the characters as much. I found them annoying at times and likeable at others, which really made it just seem like I wasn't connecting to them like I did in the triology. I found myself wishing that I was reading the same story but from Tally's point of view.
So overall it was a good story, the characters were so-so, but if I could have made some changes, I would have.
Extras gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I still liked this one a lot although not as much as the original triology. The story itself was good, but I didn't like the characters as much. I found them annoying at times and likeable at others, which really made it just seem like I wasn't connecting to them like I did in the triology. I found myself wishing that I was reading the same story but from Tally's point of view.
So overall it was a good story, the characters were so-so, but if I could have made some changes, I would have.
Extras gets 4 out of 5 stars.
Next up-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
A Prison Diary by Jeffrey Archer #12
A Prison Diary was a strange choice for me and I still haven't figured out how I feel about it. Maybe writing the review will help me decide. In 2001 Jeffrey Archer was sent to prison in Great Britain and kept a diary of what happened every day for the 2 years he was in prison, and has now published 3 books talking about each day. The first book starts with him being booked into prison, and he never explained what for, so I had to go searching on the internet to find out what he did. Turns out he was found guilty for perjury and perverting the court of justice.
It was very interesting to read about some of the things we experienced while locked up. The first book was pretty long and hard for me to get in to at times. I like to have a lot of dialogue and there was very little in this book. It was interesting to see what prison is like from the eyes of someone who has not been in and out of it his whole life, and who has the ability to describe everything in detail yet keep it interesting.
There were definitely parts that were intriguing, while others parts I could have done without. When I finished the book I was wondering what happens next but I don't know if I could make it through another whole book to find out.
Prison Diary gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Extras by Scott Westerfeld
It was very interesting to read about some of the things we experienced while locked up. The first book was pretty long and hard for me to get in to at times. I like to have a lot of dialogue and there was very little in this book. It was interesting to see what prison is like from the eyes of someone who has not been in and out of it his whole life, and who has the ability to describe everything in detail yet keep it interesting.
There were definitely parts that were intriguing, while others parts I could have done without. When I finished the book I was wondering what happens next but I don't know if I could make it through another whole book to find out.
Prison Diary gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Next up-Extras by Scott Westerfeld
Uglies, Pretties, Specials by Scott Westerfeld Books # 9, 10, and 11
This is a triology written by Scott Westerfeld, I read all 3 books in 3-4 days. These books are kind of like Hunger Games, but also nothing like Hunger Games, just because I think they would probably be found in the young adult section, but adults will like them just as much as any teenager/young adult. They are also very clean, I can't remember if there is any swearing, but if there is there is very little.
They are about a civilization living on earth 300 years after the world as we all know it today is destroyed. They talk a little bit about what happened to destroy our world. It is full of different kinds of technology that we don't have yet, but is kind of fun to think about. Each of the books follows one girl, Tally Youngblood, who is 15-16ish through all 3 books.
I liked these books a lot and would recommend them to anyone that wants a good read. I had a hard time putting them down and had quite a bit of laundry and dishes to do after I was finished, which is always the sign that I have been reading a good book. I wish I hadn't read them yet so I could read them for the first time all over again.
Uglies is the first one and it took me a little while to figure out what exactly was going on, but I was able to get into it pretty quickly. I liked this one a lot, even though it ended up being my least favorite of the three.
The second one is Pretties and picks up shortly after the first one ends. I liked this one more than the first because I already knew what was going on and could understand the "language" of the book if you know what I mean.
The last one is Specials. I think this one was probably my favorite of the three, although it was close between this one and Pretties. This one introduces some new characters and new parts of the civilization that we didn't know about in the other books.
Each book leaves you wondering what will happen in the next one, but it doesn't leave you hanging too much. The last one wraps up pretty nicely although there were still a few unanswered questions I had that I ended up having to decide on my own. It took me a while to pick up another book after I finished these three because I needed time to digest them after I finished.
The Uglies, Pretties and Specials each got 5 out of 5 stars from me...the first ones of this year, with hopefully more to come!
Next up-A Prison Diary by Jeffrey Archer
They are about a civilization living on earth 300 years after the world as we all know it today is destroyed. They talk a little bit about what happened to destroy our world. It is full of different kinds of technology that we don't have yet, but is kind of fun to think about. Each of the books follows one girl, Tally Youngblood, who is 15-16ish through all 3 books.
I liked these books a lot and would recommend them to anyone that wants a good read. I had a hard time putting them down and had quite a bit of laundry and dishes to do after I was finished, which is always the sign that I have been reading a good book. I wish I hadn't read them yet so I could read them for the first time all over again.
Uglies is the first one and it took me a little while to figure out what exactly was going on, but I was able to get into it pretty quickly. I liked this one a lot, even though it ended up being my least favorite of the three.
The second one is Pretties and picks up shortly after the first one ends. I liked this one more than the first because I already knew what was going on and could understand the "language" of the book if you know what I mean.
The last one is Specials. I think this one was probably my favorite of the three, although it was close between this one and Pretties. This one introduces some new characters and new parts of the civilization that we didn't know about in the other books.
Each book leaves you wondering what will happen in the next one, but it doesn't leave you hanging too much. The last one wraps up pretty nicely although there were still a few unanswered questions I had that I ended up having to decide on my own. It took me a while to pick up another book after I finished these three because I needed time to digest them after I finished.
The Uglies, Pretties and Specials each got 5 out of 5 stars from me...the first ones of this year, with hopefully more to come!
Next up-A Prison Diary by Jeffrey Archer
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