Kaye's Book Review Page

Changes

2011-02-26T18:52:00.003-07:00

For those of you who might be interested in knowing, as of January 2011 I will no longer post reviews on this blog, but will post reviews on my main blog "The Road Goes Ever Ever On"

A Country Christmas

2010-12-04T19:19:00.001-07:00

A Country Christmas

by

Louisa May Alcott

ebook
Published 2005 by ebooksonthe.net
ISBN97815943

About the Author:

Louisa May Alcott's career as an author began with poetry and short stories that appeared in popular magazines. In 1854, when she was 22, her first book Flower Fables was published. A milestone along her literary path was Hospital Sketches (1863) based on the letters she had written home from her post as a nurse in Washington, DC as a nurse during the Civil War.

When Louisa was 35 years old, her publisher Thomas Niles in Boston asked her to write "a book for girls." Little Women was written at Orchard House from May to July 1868. The novel is based on Louisa and her sisters’ coming of age and is set in Civil War New England. Jo March was the first American juvenile heroine to act from her own individuality; a living, breathing person rather than the idealized stereotype then prevalent in children’s fiction.

In all, Louisa published over 30 books and collections of stories. She died on March 6, 1888, only two days after her father, and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord.

My thoughts:

If your are familiar at all with the Author's books you will enjoy A Country Christmas. The story begins with a letter from one Miss Sophie Vaughan to her friend Emily. She invites her to spend Christmas with her in the country with her Aunt Plumy and her cousins Saul and Ruth. An author and artist, Randall, is also joining them. Sophie decides to leave the ways of the city behind and have an old fashioned country Christmas. I enjoyed being reminded of simpler times. My family and I have a tradition of choosing a different country each year to learn about and adopt their customs for the evening. After reading this book I thought it just might be delightful to celebrate our own country Christmas one year. I enjoyed the story very much.

hosted by all about {n}
book #5

book #39

and finally I read a book by Louisa May Alcott for the all about Alcott challenge hosted by Margot

Paper Bag Christmas

2010-12-04T18:46:00.001-07:00

The Paper Bag Christmas

by

Kevin Alan Milne

Kindle Edition, 160 pages
Published October 12th 2008 by Center Street (first published August 1st 2006)
ASINB001I33

About the book: (Goodreads)

Dr. Christopher Ringle is the last person you'd expect to find moonlighting as Santa Claus at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving. But it is there that he meets a young man named Molar Alan, who desperately needs a new perspective on the underlying value of Christmas. Dr. Ringle recruits Mo and his older brother as volunteers at a nearby children's hospital for the holiday season. Almost in spite of himself, Mo finds that Christmas joy emanates from a source far greater than the North Pole . . .

You can read a humorous bio about the author at his web page.

My thoughts:

The Paper Bag Christmas is one of those Christmas books that you will find yourself smiling, laughing, identifying with, and shedding tears over. It is a rare story. The author has a delightful voice that welcomes the reader in and makes one feel they are part of the story. I won't write details of the story--just pick it up and read it and you won't be sorry, one of the best stories I've ever read.

One thing I will mention that I absolutely loved, at the beginning of each chapter the author had the most wonderful Christmas quotes.

hosted by all about [N]
book #4

book #38

Changes ahead

2010-12-01T20:26:00.001-07:00

I know I don't have many who follow my reviews, but for those of you who might be interested in knowing I will be deleting this blog after the new year and will now review books on Saturday's on my main blog:

http://ladygaladrielkj.blogspot.com/

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

2010-11-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

by

J. K. Rowling

Hardcover, 759 pages

Published July 21st 2007 by Scholastic (first published 2007)

ISBN0545010225 (ISBN13: 9780545010221)

literary awards: Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adolescent Literature (2008), Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction, Books I Loved Best Yearly (BILBY) Awards for Older Readers (2008), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2008), Teen Read Award Nominee for Best All-Time-Fave (2010)

About the Book: (Goodreads)

The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart--such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission--not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man--and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself.

About the Author: (Goodreads)

J.K. Rowling (Joanne "Jo" Rowling) is the writer behind the best selling "Harry Potter" series. The Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, sold more than 400 million copies and been the basis for a popular series of films.

*warning, spoilers*

My thoughts:

I first read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when it was originally released (Jul 2007). With the debut of the new Harry Potter Movie I decided I needed to reread it as I had forgotten most of the details. I was not in a good frame of mind the last time I read this book. I took Dumbledore's death very hard (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince). I've never forgiven J. K. Rowling for killing off the best of men. I do understand it had to be done in order for Harry to be able to fulfill the prophecy, but I think I grieved for more than a year (In retrospect as I write this review, I realize I read Half Blood Prince just months after my father passed away, which may explain why I was so affected by Harry's Father figure dying.)

Anyway I was so angry, and hoping that somehow Dumbledore would return that I more or less skimmed my way through the book reading it in three days. I missed a lot of the detail. I especially found the time Harry, Ron and Hermione spent traveling from one camping spot to the next particularly annoying. It was like wading through mud trying to get to the important things. I did not have a good experience.

So I'm glad I picked it up again (three years later). This time I read more slowly, looking for clues to the Horcrux's and the Hallows and for explanations that would tie this story up and bring it to its conclusion. I was not disappointed. Ms. Rowling carefully explained everything and tied up all loose ends. And gratefully also supplied an ending that was positive and left me with a hopeful feeling for the wizarding world. I miss the characters that died along the way and I still have not forgiven her for Dumbledore. But that says a lot for her writing. My heart was affected.

Let me conclude by saying that I have enjoyed this journey with Harry Potter in the wizarding world. My thanks to J. K. Rowling for imagining it and bringing it to life.

Other books in this series that I have read twice as well

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (my favorite of the series)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Book # 12

Caroline's Christmas Angel

2010-11-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Caroline's Christmas Angel

by

Aimee St. Claire

Kindle Edition
Published December 10th 2009 by Red Rose Publishing

ASINB003WJRHQQ

My Thoughts:

Caroline's Christmas Angel only took me a half hour to read, it is a short Christmas story with an unusual twist. Caroline is a single mother raising her young son. Her husband has been deceased for five years. The Holiday's are especially hard for her. This year her best friend gives her what she thinks will be the best Christmas present ever---a session with a medium.

Book #3

Book #37

An Amish Christmas

2010-11-19T16:10:00.007-07:00

An Amish Christmas

by

Cynthia Keller

Kindle Edition, 256 pages
Published October 19th 2010 by Ballantine Books

ASINB003F3PK7M

About the book (goodreads)

Meg Hobart has everything: a happy marriage to a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and three wonderful children. But it all comes crashing down around her the day she learns that her husband, James, has been living a lie—and has brought the family to financial ruin. Penniless and homeless, the Hobarts pack up what little they still ...more Meg Hobart has everything: a happy marriage to a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and three wonderful children. But it all comes crashing down around her the day she learns that her husband, James, has been living a lie—and has brought the family to financial ruin. Penniless and homeless, the Hobarts pack up what little they still possess and leave behind their golden life for good. But it’s not the material things Meg finds herself mourning. Instead, she misses the certainty that she should remain married to James, who has betrayed her trust so thoughtlessly. Worse, she is suddenly very aware of just how spoiled her children have become. Meg wonders what her family has really sacrificed in their pursuit of the American dream.

A frightening twist of fate forces the Hobarts to take refuge with a kind Amish family in Pennsylvania, where they find themselves in a home with no computers, no cell phones, nothing the children consider fashionable or fun. Her uncooperative brood confined to the Amish world of hard work and tradition, their futures entirely uncertain, Meg fears she can never make her family whole again.

Celebrating life’s simplest but most essential values, packed with laughter and tears, this is a story of forgiveness and the power of love. You will never forget the special moment in time that is An Amish Christmas.

The Author Cynthia Keller lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading "An Amish Christmas". The story starts off with tragedy that leads the Hobart family to an unexpected stay with an Amish family in Pennsylvania during the Christmas Season. This book was informative for me as I learned about Amish ways and customs right along with the Hobarts. I loved the tranquil feeling and slow pace of the book that seemed to fit right in with the way this Amish family lives. This book was a good reminder that it would be profitable to step away from the noise and distractions in the world around us and get back in touch with what is really important--family. The book had a very good message to it.

Some quotes from the book that I enjoyed:

"Maybe the day you got to the end of your to-do list was the day you died."

"The horse trotted over the hilly roads, its hooves making their own music in the otherwise total quiet. The sun was setting, orange and pink streaking the sky."

"'You have been so good to us,' she said. 'I can never repay you.' Catherine frowned. 'Repay me? What a bad idea. That makes it sound like business.'"

"They knew how to just be. They knew what they valued: religion, community, work. They followed those values, and as a result they were completely genuine in everything they did. To be, rather than to seem. A far, far, harder ideal than Meg had ever imagined."

Book #36

Book #2

The Forever Queen

2010-11-18T11:28:00.002-07:00

The Forever Queen

by

Helen Hollick

ebook, 0 pages

Published November 1st 2010 by Sourcebooks, Incorporated (first published 2004)

ISBN1402258860 (ISBN13: 9781402258862)
primary language: English
original title: A Hollow Crown: The Story of Emma, Queen of Saxon England
characters: Emma of Normandy, Cnut the Great, Æthelred the Unready
setting: United Kingdom

About the Book (goodreads)

Married to a king incompetent both on the throne and in bed, Emma does not love her husband. But she does love England. Even as her husband fails, Emma vows to protect her people-no matter what. For five decades, through love and loss, prosperity and exile, Emma fights for England, becoming the only woman to have been anointed, crowned, and reigning queen to two different kings, the mother of two more, and the great aunt of William the Conqueror.

About the Author (goodreads)

Born in Walthamstow, North East London, in 1953 I began writing at the age of 13. I have no qualifications, nor have I been to college or university, although I have studied part-time for my Medieval History Diploma, which, I'm pleased to report, I passed with honours.

My thoughts:

The Forever Queen was a recommended read by Staci at Life in the Thumb. I was totally captivated by the cover art and the title when she featured it on her blog. After reading Staci's review I knew I had to read the book. I enjoy historical fiction, especially books about royalty. I had never heard of Emma of Normandy so this was an educational experience as well as entertaining. Emma was twice queen of England serving with two different Kings. She was also the mother of two Kings. She was involved actively with the politics at the time and her influence on English law is still in effect. I found Emma to be an intelligent and powerful woman. I also enjoyed the author's ability to make her real and bring her to life. The author also paints brilliantly the historical elements of the book. I enjoyed her descriptions of the political atmosphere, lodgings, lifestyle, food and country. I also appreciated the fact that the author took a great amount of information and broke it down comfortably into smaller books according to the King who was ruling during the period of Emma's life. This simple organizational structure of the book allows the reader to pause, take a break and digest the material. I enjoyed this book very much and if you are interested in historical fiction I would suggest you read it.

Emma lived at a time in history when war never ceased. The following is a quote from the book that struck a sympathetic chord with me.

"Ah, the glories of battle? Glory belonged only to the harpers' songs, not to the reality of a battlefield"
I also enjoyed this description of Emma when she arrived as a child bride in England

"A man she had never seen until this moment, who was four and thirty years to her three and ten, spoke a language she barely understood, and who, from the morrow, was to be her wedded husband. Did he approve of what he saw? Her sun-gold hair, blue eyes, and fair skin?"

this summary of Queen Emma's life was very helpful

Book #35

Return to Christmas

2010-11-16T10:27:00.002-07:00

A Return to Christmas

by

Chris Heimerdinger

Mass Market Paperback, 224 pages
Published November 2nd 1999 by Ivy Books (first published 1996)
more details...
ISBN0804118264 (ISBN13:

About the Book (Good Reads)
Andrew and Artemus Holiday are twin brothers who share everything, until the tragic Christmas Day when Andy is killed in an accident. Chess Folsom is an orphan who runs away to travel with his abusive Uncle Boone who is at least family. One snowy Christmas season, Artemus and Chess met and by chance switch places. They look amazingly alike and no one notices the change has taken place--at first.

About the Author (Good Reads)
Chris Heimerdinger is an author and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who has presently written sixteen adult and young adult novels, most of which center on religious themes familiar to LDS members.

My Thoughts:
Chess Folsom, an orphan who has lived with a criminal and abusive uncle his entire life, suddenly finds himself accepted as the son of a wealthy Salt Lake Family. For the first time in his life he finds out what it's like to have parents and a sister and all the things he needs and more. Chess is overwhelmed by it all and soon finds that he would give anything to be a part of this family for the rest of his life. But his uncle has other plans. Artie on the other hand who finds himself separated from his family finds that he suddenly misses what he took for granted. This is a heartwarming tale about family, Christmas and acceptance.

Chess and Artie are only eleven years old. My grandson is the same age. I found this tale a little unbelievable because I couldn't see my own grandson being able to do the things these boys did.

book #1 in the Holiday Reading Challenge

Book #6

Dead Reckoning

2010-11-08T10:12:00.001-07:00

Dead Reckoning

by

Ronie Kendig

Kindle Edition, 400 pages
Published March 1st 2010 by Abingdon Press (first published 2010)
more details...
ASINB003K15NOO

About the book: (good reads)

Dead Reckoning is the story of a young woman anxious to abandon the crushing effects of her father’s espionage career only to find herself tangled in the very web of mystery and intrigue that consumed his life.

Underwater archaeologist Shiloh Blake is consumed with passion for the water and inflamed at the injustices of life, blaming her secret agent father for her mother's death. When her first large-scale dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she flees for her life and is followed by an unknown man. Who is he? How is he always one step ahead? Reece Jaxon is a former Navy SEAL, who now serves his country as a spy. His mission is threatened by the beguiling Shiloh Blake as he hunts down the sources to a nuclear dead drop in the Arabian Sea. The only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is for Shiloh to join forces with Reece. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become a spy like her father? Will she reconcile with her father? Will her trust issues destroy her chance for love? And will she allow God to help her through this ordeal?

About the Author: (good reads)

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 (Abingdon Press), and Nightshade , Book#1 in The Discarded Heroes will release July 2010 through Barbour Publishing). She speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com."

My thoughts:

I downloaded Dead Reckoning onto my kindle as a free book. The genre was listed as Christian fiction so I was a little surprised to find that it was a mystery based on international espionage. It was actually pretty good. I liked the spunky main character Shiloh Blake. Her life was a mystery at the beginning of the book that was slowly unraveled through the course of events. I liked the fast pace, the setting and the characters.

The book did have a few weak points, the story would be rolling along--building up to a "mission". The moment would arrive, there would be a break between the paragraphs with the next paragraph picking up at the "after mission" point. The author left the whole mission out! I'm not sure why she did this.

Another weak point was Christianity. It wasn't really a main thread in the story but the author would throw it in at odd moments--it really didn't make sense to me. The story would have been the same with or without the struggle for the main character to resolve her feelings towards God.

The Author also left the involvement of some key characters unresolved--I wanted to know more about their story.

That said, I will conclude that the story was a fun mystery/romance that I enjoyed quite a bit. Espionage always makes a good tale.

I found this little tidbit of information in the "questions for reader's group" at the end of the book that I would have liked to read before I started so I'll put it here for any who may have this book on their TBR

"The title of this book, Dead Reckoning, is a navigational term that means the process of estimating one's current position based upon a previously determined position, or fix, and advancing that position based upon known or estimated speeds over elapsed time and course."

The author then asks the question, "Have you ever been so intimately aware of someone that you have been able to predict their reaction, or even prevent something bad from happening?" The reader might benefit by keeping the title information and this question in mind while reading the story.

book #34

Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet

2010-10-20T09:28:00.001-06:00

Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet

by

George Q. Cannon

Kindle Edition
Published July 30th 2008 by LDS Book Club (first published 1986)
ISBN 9780877471486

About the Book:
Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet by George Q. Cannon comes with all the vividness of eyewitness account. Elder Cannon met the Prophet when George was a lad and came as a convert to Nauvoo, Illinois. From that moment forward he bore testimony to the divine call which had come to the Prophet and the truthfulness of the gospel message which he had been appointed by God, the Eternal Father, to restore to the earth.

Throughout this book the author has shown with vigor the ordeals that the Prophet endured in order to work out the plans for the restoration. From the book emanates the spirit of complete dedication from the Prophet to the divine calling which he had received.

Fascinating firsthand accounts, letters, and other original matter-all become part of this dramatic and truthful account of the early life of the Church as bound to the life and death of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Jesus himself said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Fittingly the book ends with this sacrifice of the Prophet and with the sure knowledge that the true Church has been reestablished, never to be taken from the earth again until Jesus Christ himself will come to reign.(Goodreads)

About the Author:
you can read about the author here

My thoughts:
Reading the Life Of Joseph Smith: The Prophet was a challenge for me. It was a long book with many facts. It took me a whole year. I did learn many things about Joseph Smith, his family and friends and the struggles of the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I learned to appreciate the extent of their trials, persecutions and dedication to greater degree. It was interesting reading about the prophet and events from an author who had lived at the time and experienced the same things.

Book #33

Book #3

Elvis Takes a Backseat

2010-10-19T08:53:00.004-06:00

Elvis Takes a Backseat

by

Leanna Ellis

ebook
Published December 3rd 2009 by B&H Publishing Group (first published January 1st 2007)
more details...
ISBN1433669668 (ISBN13: 9781433669668)

About the Book:
Elvis Takes a Back Seat by award-winning novelist Leanna Ellis is the endearing story of Claudia, a young widow determined to fulfill her husband’s last request by hauling a three-foot bust of Elvis Presley in the backseat of a vintage Cadillac from Dallas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. (Goodreads)

About the Author:
Leanna Ellis writes quirky women's fiction for B&H Publishing. She has won the Golden Heart award as well as the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids, menagerie of critters -- two dogs, two cats and a beta fish named Bobby. (Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I downloaded Elvis Takes a Backseat as a free e-book offered from Kindle. I listened to it instead of reading it. The story is a pilgrimage for three women, Claudia, her Aunt Rae, and her friends daughter Ivy. The journey finds them all exploring their personal griefs, sharing common bonds, discovering secrets and coming to terms with what life has given them. This is Christian fiction so faith in God plays a large part in their ability to cope. The story was not light hearted although there were moments of humor. Many tears were also shed. I'm not a fan of excessive grief and tears or Elvis so I was glad the book was free.

Book #32

Seven Miracles That Saved America

2010-10-18T08:12:00.003-06:00

Seven Miracles That Saved America

by

Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart

Kindle Edition
Published November 11th 2009 by Deseret Book Company (first published 2009)
ISBN 9781606411445

About the Book:
There was a time when it was accepted that America was a God-blessed land, that God ruled the fate of this nation and raised up great leaders when they were most desperately needed to assure that our history would unfold as He desired. Do we still believe this is true? Bestselling author Chris Stewart and his brother, Utah Federal District Court Judge Ted Stewart, present seven significant events in American history to show how God has provided miracles to sustain and protect this nation at critical times. (Goodreads)

About the Author:
Chris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries. He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center. (Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading the book. The author's discussed seven significant events in America's History.
1. Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
2. Jamestown
3. The with drawl of George Washington and his troops at the East River
4. The writing and passing of the constitution
5. Abraham Lincoln and the Battle of Gettysburg
6. The battle of Midway
7. The near assassination of President Reagen
The author's had an interesting format for this book. Interspersed with obscure facts about these events was a fictionalized short story that related to the event. Besides being informative it was entertaining as well. I was most amazed by the little things that had such a significant effect on how these events unfolded . . . I suppose those were the miracles. At the end of each chapter the author's reviewed by asking, "what if?". It really had me thinking how things would have been different if events had played out differently.

My favorite event to read about was probably the battle of Midway. To be truthful I'd never even heard of it. I felt bad that I'd never heard of it. So many pilots flew to certain death--but it was the turning point in the war in the south pacific. It was a story of heroism that touched me deeply.

In wrapping up the book the author's discussed why America matters, why this country is important. It was nice to be reminded that I live in the greatest country on earth and that I am blessed because of it. This books was truly eye-opening.

Book #31

Curly Grandma's Letter's

2010-10-01T10:47:00.001-06:00

Curly Grandma's Letter's: Writing to Kids & Capturing your Autobiography

by

Anita Bryce

ISBN-13: 9781606046128
Published: 09/08/2009
Kindle Edition

About the Book:
Communicating is fun and easy. Find out how simple it is in this easy-to-understand guide to penning your autobiography.(Barnes and Noble)

My thoughts:
For about 10 years prior to my dad's passing he spent a lot of time typing out his memoirs. My dad's memories had blurred over time making it difficult to organize his history into chronological order. Instead he wrote "stories". This turned out to be a delightful format to read. The little children especially enjoy these brief stories focusing on a particular event.

I've enjoyed my dad's memoirs very much, and as a result I've tried several times to write my own story. I've been overwhelmed by the task. It's hard for me to step back and objectively analyze my life, decide what is important and put it in some kind of order. Like my dad my memories have blurred with time.

I came across Grandma Curly's Letter's quite by accident. But I was intrigued with the idea of capturing my autobiography via letter's to my grandchildren. I love my grandchildren and spend a lot of time with them. I was excited to think that I could begin now, it just might turn out to be fun and informative for both me and the grandchildren.

Grandma Curly's premise is that I write letter's to my grandchildren and in a creative way tell them about my life--one story at a time. The book is full of fun and creative ideas for making the letter's appealing to children. Ms. Bryce (Grandma Curly) breaks down the information according to age groups and teaches one how to write age specific letter's. I'm very excited about sharing my story with my grandchildren via letter's. The way one captures their autobiography is to keep a file with a copy of each letter written. The history won't be in order, and probably never complete. But the file will give readers a glimpse into my life, and a record of my "voice" or the way I speak.

Grandma Curly is a Grandma, not an author. She discovered this method as she wrote letter's to her grandchildren. Her book is not a professional "how-to" book. It has good ideas and tips but she was redundant, repeating her tips from chapter to chapter. She did get her point across and was inspirational. I would also recommend that you purchase this as a physical book and not as a kindle edition. She has photo copied and included many of her letter's in the book. The pictures were too small to view on the kindle. I'm not sure how they would look in the paperback edition. But I would have liked to have had a look at them.

Here are a few quotes from the book that give you a glimpse as to its contents:

"when writing to your grandchildren, keep in mind 'The Four E's: Easy, Entertaining, Engaging, and Everlasting'"

"Everlasting is the element of writing with purpose: we want our letters to be here after we are gone as a window into our character and personality, so we write with that in mind."

"The letter should have a setting, characters, and plot if possible."

"Tell your history the way you remember it, with warm stories, but interspersed with poignant specifics."

"Grandparents reap many benefits from corresponding with grandchildren. It seems that letter-writing promotes good emotional and mental health in seniors. Studies have shown healthy results occur--such as avoiding depression, gaining feelings of self worth, and possibly even averting dementia--just from writing to our offspring"

I would recommend this book to any grandparent that would like to preserve their history as well as deepen their relationships with their grandchildren.

I thought I would include my first letter with this review:

September 30, 2010

Dear Little Bear,

This week you have been playing with rubber band guns. You brought a little pistol from your house. Auntie came over and when she saw you playing with your gun she got really excited and told you that she had a rubber band gun that she loved playing with.

Auntie’s gun was a black plastic repeat shooter; six bands on the wheel. Auntie found it for you and was very excited to demonstrate how it worked. Just for fun she shot both you and Sweetings.

NOW you and I both know you never shoot a person with a gun even if it is a rubber band gun. And just HOW did we learn this lesson? Well let me tell you . . .

A long time ago when you were little . . . (oh wait, it was just yesterday) . . . anyway you and Sweetings were playing with the little animal toys. You wanted to play with the Polar Bears and Sweetings was choosing not to share. That made you mad. So you came running up to Auntie and said, “Auntie shoot Sweetings!” Auntie laughed and said, “No, I’m not going to shoot Sweetings.”

Well you can think and act for yourself pretty much so you took that rubber band gun, marched into the TV room and shot Sweetings. Sweetings started to cry. You’re smart enough to figure out that when Sweetings cries you’re probably in trouble. So you thought you’d beat her to the reporting and ran back to Auntie. “Sweetings is crying”, you tell Auntie. Auntie laughs and tells you, “Of course she is, because you shot her with the rubber band gun.” And just because you knew you hadn’t done the right thing you decided to join in the crying.

But at least you learned an important lesson— “NEVER SHOOT A PERSON WITH A GUN, EVEN IF IT’S A TOY GUN!!!!!”

Would you like to know how Grandma Kaye learned that same lesson? It happened a long time ago when I was little . . .

Back in the Wild West days there were two rascally villains. Killer Kaye (that’s me) was on the hunt for Surly Steve (my little brother). The parents were away working hard out on the range. That meant that the only law the pair had to keep their eyes open for was Burly Bill (my older brother). Killer Kaye wasn’t too worried about Burly Bill. He was sittin’ in the jail with his nose glued to the TV watching his favorite cop show (The Mod Squad). And so Killer Kaye set out to hunt down her arch enemy Surly Steve.

Killer Kaye was armed with a BB gun. Since the hunt was taking place indoors the rule was “no BB’s” only matchsticks with the heads broke off, and only 3 pumps in the air chamber. Killer Kaye wasn’t happy with the rule and thought she’d shake old Surly Steve up a bit. That sneaky girl loaded the gun with a toothpick and pumped the gun up with ten whole pumps of air! What a dastardly villain!

Killer Kaye snuck stealthily through the house hunting for Surly Steve. Suddenly she spotted him. He was flying through the family room right behind Burly Bill. Steve was making a mad dash for the parents’ bedroom.

Killer Kaye didn’t care, she took aim and fired!!! That toothpick sailed straight and true sticking Surly Steve right in the butt!!! That toothpick went through the pocket of his Levi’s and right into the tender skin of his right butt cheek.

Time stopped Surly Steve’s mouth fell open as he stared in disbelief at Killer Kaye. Killer Kaye glanced nervously from Burly Bill to Surly Steve wondering who would get her first. Burly Bill jumped up from his spot on the couch and stared dumbstruck at the two villains!

Time started Killer Kaye and Surly Steve erupted in a roar of laughter as Steve pulled the toothpick from his hinny. Burly Bill exploded in a fit of anger as he scolded the two for being so stupid! (You might have shot him in the eye!) Burly Bill confiscated the BB gun and went back to his TV program leaving the pair of criminals in crumpled heaps on the floor as they shook with laughter.

And so Killer Kaye and Surly Steve learned an important lesson— “NEVER SHOOT A PERSON WITH A GUN, EVEN IF IT’S A TOY GUN!!!!!”

Love to you,
Grandma Kaye

* * * * *

I read this book to meet challenge #6 in the "Take Another chance Challenge" hosted by Jenner's

pick a genre that you have NEVER read before. Find a book from that genre, read it, and write about it.

I found a genre called "letters" that I have never read before. This genre includes books that contain actual correspondence between 2 or more persons. I downloaded Curly Grandma's letter's because I was interested in the "personal history and the grandchildren". I also downloaded letter's that Ronald and Nancy Reagen wrote to each other. I hope to get to that one.

book #30

The Sweet Far Thing

2010-09-02T08:57:00.058-06:00

The Sweet Far Thing

by

Libba Bray

Kindle Edition, 832 pages

Published July 1st 2009 by Simon & Schuster Children's (first published December 26th 2007)
literary awards: ALA Teens' Top Ten (2008)

About the Book:
It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Having bound the wild, dark magic of the realms to her, Gemma has forged unlikely and unsuspected new alliances both with the headstrong Felicity and timid Ann, Kartik, the exotic young man whose companionship is forbidden, and the fearsome creatures of the realms. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test those bonds. As her friendship with Felicity and Ann faces its gravest trial, and with the Order grappling for control of the realms, Gemma is compelled to decide once and for all which path she is meant to take.Pulled forward by fate, the destiny Gemma faces threatens to set chaos loose, not only in the realms, but also upon the rigid Victorian society whose rules Gemma has both defied and followed. Where does Gemma really belong? And will she, can she, survive? (Good Reads)

About the Author:
Libba Bray is the author of the New York Times Bestselling novels A Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels. She has never lived in the Victorian era, is not British, and has no superpowers, though if she did they would involve being able to eat her weight in Swedish fish without feeling the urgent need to shave her tongue afterward. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, their son, and a cat of questionable intelligence. Feel free to visit her at her web site, http://www.libbabray.com/. (from the book)

my thoughts:
I have mixed feelings about "The Sweet Far Thing". I loved the story. I loved Gemma the protagonist. I loved Kartik--her soul mate. I loved her best friends Felicity and Ann. I loved how this story took place in two different settings as Gemma and her friends traveled from the real world to the magical realms and back. I loved the dark, occult element that was in such contrast to the Victorian lifestyle of the girls. I absolutely loved the battle sequence, and the Gorgon was my favorite mythical creature. I imagined several endings for this book as the story rolled to its climax. But I can honestly say I was blind-sided at the end. I just didn't see it coming. It took me a few days to think about it, but I have decided that it was a good ending and it left me hope that the story could continue and happiness was in Gemma's future. I enjoyed the series as a whole, with a few exceptions. It was all very imaginative, original and intriguing.

I do feel like I need to mention those things I didn't like.
1. Lengthy--As often happens when a series is winding down the author clings to glory and stretches the story unnecessarily. For a good chunk of this book I felt like I was wading through mud and had to force myself to continue.
2. Subplots--I've read a number of series where the author develops subplots that don't really have anything to do with the main plot of the story--I felt this way about Pippa's story. It just wasn't necessary.
3. Soapbox--I just hate when an author uses a story for a personal soapbox , the voice of the character is lost, another voice takes over and there we are--an author on a soapbox. (This one was women rights).
4. Blasphemy--I was particularly disturbed by the blasphemy in this book and had to skip a chapter or two. There was a little at the end of Rebel Angels, but this book had chapters that were downright offensive if you sincerely believe in Christ. Pippa was a beloved character through most of the series but by the end I dreaded the mention of her name.

There were quite a few passages from the book that were thought provoking, I enjoyed the style of this author's writing very much.

"Greatness lies in even the smallest of moments, in the humblest of hearts, and we shall, each of us, be called to greatness. Whether we shall rise to meet it or let it slip away is the challenge put before us all."

location 942 on my kindle

"Peace is not happenstance. It is a living fire that must be fed constantly. It must be tended with vigilance, else it dies out."

location 4365 on my kindle

"Power changes everything till it is difficult to say who are the heroes and who the villains, and [power] itself is neither good nor bad; it is intent that makes it either."

location 5316 on my kindle

"But the past cannot be changed, and we carry our choices with us, forward, into the unknown. We can only move on."

location 9218 on my kindle

Book #11

Book #29

Rebel Angels

2010-08-29T10:03:00.000-06:00

Rebel Angels

by

Libba Bray

Published: December 18th 2007 by Random House Children's Books
(first published August 23rd 2005)
eBook, 592 pages
ISBN: 0307433676 (ISBN13: 9780307433671)
Series: Gemma Doyle #2
Literary awards: ALA Teens' Top Ten (2006)

About the Book:
In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy A Great and Terrible Beauty, Gemma continues to pursue her role as the one destined to bind the magic of the Realms and restore it to the Order--a group of powerful women who govern the world of the realms. (Good Reads)

Read 21 things you don't know about the author here

My thoughts:
Rebel Angels follows Gemma Doyle as she discovers that she is "The Lady of Hope" of the Eight Realms. In the previous book Gemma destroyed the crystals formed by the order that kept the magic of the realms contained. The magic is now free in the realms and chaos is taking hold. Gemma's task in this, the second novel is to find the temple and bind the magic to herself. The story continues with plenty of 16-year old girl silliness alternating with experienes pertaining to the occult and the impossible task of bringing order to a magical realm. The contrast is what makes the story interesting.

At one point in the story the girls visit an art museum with their teacher. They are captivated by a painting of the Son of God wrestling with the Son of the Morning or the Rebel Angel. The author brings this symbology in at the end of the story as Gemma finds herself in a similar situation.

And now it's on to volume #3 "A Sweet Far Thing"--I wonder what adventures await Gemma and her friends?

Book#10

Book #28

A Great and Terrible Beauty

2010-08-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty

by

Libba Bray

published: December 9th 2003 by Random House Children's Books
details: ebook
series: Gemma Doyle #1
literary awards: ALA Teens' Top Ten (2004), Iowa High School Book Award (2007)
isbn: 0375890491 (isbn13: 9780375890499)

About the Book:
A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel. Read more about this book at Goodreads.

Twenty-one things you didn't know about the Author can be found on her Goodreads author page.

My thoughts:
This story follows the adventure of the protagonist, Gemma Doyle as circumstances take her from her home in India to Spence a finishing school for girls in London. Gemma has visions that she doesn't understand, but soon she is lead, through the help of a spirit, to a diary that sheds light on an organization of powerful women called "The Order" and 8 magical realms that they governed. Gemma finds that she has the ability to enter these realms. With the help of her friends and the diary Gemma begins to unravel a great and terrible mystery.

This story took me by surprise. I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading. It has the elements of fun and frivolity that you would expect from a story about teenage girls in a boarding school, but the story has deeper and darker elements that left me feeling a little creeped out. The book is well written, with a good story line and enough of the occult to leave me shivering. I can't wait to continue the adventures of Gemma Doyle in the next two books of the series. (Rebel Angels and The Sweet Far Thing)

Book #9

Book #27

The Storyteller's Daughter

2010-08-19T16:16:00.000-06:00

The Story Teller's Daughter

by

Cameron Dokey

published: June 30th 2008 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (first published September 1st 2002)
details: ebook, 240 pages
isbn: 1439107904 (isbn13: 9781439107904)

About the Book:
How do all great stories begin? With "Once Upon A Time..."

Once upon a time, there lived a king whose heart was heavy. He had been betrayed by the woman he loved. Though the queen's schemes were discovered before she could deprive her husband of his life, her dying curse killed something deep within him: his ability to love and trust.

And so he makes a terrible resolution: He will take a bride for one night only. In the morning she will face a horrible fate. Then he will choose another. Nothing can change his course, until one brave woman steps forward. Shahrazad, the Storyteller's Daughter.

Steeped in the ancient art of her mother's people, Shahrazad embarks upon a perilous course. With words alone, she will seek to restore the king's heart. As she tells her tales a bond forms between them that neither can deny. But will it be strong enough to hold them together when unexpected danger erupts? (Good Reads)

About the Author:
Cameron Dokey is an American author living in Seattle, Washington with her 3 cats and her husband. She has a collection of over 50 old sci-fi and horror films. Cameron was born in the Central Valley of California. Cameron grew up reading classical literature and mythology, perhaps due to her father, Richard, being a teacher of Philosophy, Creative Writing, and Western Literature. Both Cameron's parents are authors. (Good Reads)

My Thoughts:
The Story Teller's Daughter reminded me of the story "The Little Princess" in that the little girl in that story would gather the girls together and tell them tales of India. This book had that same feel. The heroine of the story, Shahrazad, is the daughter of a great story teller. It has been prophesied that her daughter will be the greatest story teller of all. This book tells Shahrazad's story from birth to end--sprinkled with the stories she tells to others.

This book is based on "The Arabian Nights", which I've never read. I loaded it onto my kindle but was a little overwhelmed when I saw that it had 16 volumes. I think I'll just be satisified reading Ms. Dokey's re-working based on these stories.

Book #5

Book #26

The Continous Atonement

2010-08-18T20:30:00.000-06:00

The Continuous Atonement

by

Brad Wilcox

published: December 8th 2009 by Deseret Book Company (first published February 4th 2009)

details: Kindle Edition
asin: B00309SD3E

About the book:
Christ doesn't just make up the difference. He makes all the difference. "I'll never do it again," we say, and then we do it. In a world full of challenges, temptations, and even addictions, it is easy to lose hope for ourselves and those we love. During times of discouragement, we must remember that the purpose of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just to cleanse and console, but also to transform - and that takes time. Christ is not waiting at the finish line once we have done -all we can do.- He is with us every step of the way, and His Atonement will be available as long as the perfecting process takes - continually. This book offers valuable insights about God, Christ, and our relationship with them. (Good Reads)

Read about the author at his website

My thoughts:
This book is actually a compilation of quotes from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormons), Scriptural passages, and inspirational stories. The author worked on this compilation for approximately ten years and then decided to put it into a book. The book is inspiring as well as comforting. The most comforting aspect of this book for me was to discover that over the course of my lifetime, through my own study and experiences, I have learned the same things about Christ and the power of the atonement for myself. Nothing was new or a surprise to me. I feel a deep love and gratitude for my Savior and reading this book reaffirmed my faith.

book #2

book #25

Book of a Thousand Days

2010-08-17T19:40:00.004-06:00

Book of a Thousand Days

by

Shannon Hale

published: December 1st 2008 by BLOOMSBURY USA/WALKER (first published September 18th 2007)
details: Kindle Edition, 320 pages
asin: B000UZNSTA

About the Book:
Based on a classic Grimm's fairy tale, this is the story told by Dashti, a maid from the steppes of a medieval land, who sacrifices her freedom to accompany her mistress into exile. Imprisoned in a remote tower after Lady Saren refuses to marry the man her father has chosen, the maid and the lady have almost nothing in common. But the loyalty that grows between the two, the man they love in different ways for different reasons, and the lies they tell because of and in spite of each other, combine to evoke the deepest bonds, transcend the loneliest landscapes, and erupt in a conclusion so romantic, so clever, and so right that no reader will be left dry-eyed. (Good Reads)

About the Author:
Shannon Hale is the author of five award-winning young adult novels, including the bestselling Newbery Honor book Princess Academy. Austenland is her first book for adults. She and her husband are co-writing a series of graphic novels, and live with their two small children in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Good Reads)

My thoughts:
The Author gives this explanation in an afterword in the book, "This book is based on the fairy tale 'Maid Maleen,' as recorded by the Grimm brothers, though I took many liberties with the original in my quest to find Dashti's story. Although I invented the Eight Realms, the setting was inspried in part by Medieval Mongolia."

The author wove an intricate tale of love, loyalty, courage, true friendship and heroism into this story of Dashti the maid. I fell in love with the girl and wished for such a friend for myself, or better yet--that I could be a friend like Dashti. One cannot help but feel she is real and wish only the best for her. I loved the story, and I loved the ending. This book is a treat to read in every way.

book #4

Book #24

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@Barrie Summy

The Goose Girl

2010-08-15T19:36:00.007-06:00

The Goose Girl

by

Shannon Hale

published: December 1st 2008 by BLOOMSBURY USA/WALKER (first published 2003)
details: Kindle Edition, 400 pages
series: The Books of Bayern - book 1
literary awards: Texas Lone Star Reading List Book, Utah State Book Award Winner …more Texas Lone Star Reading List Book, Utah State Book Award Winner, Utah Speculative Fiction Award Winner, Bank Street College of Education Josette Frank Award, ALA Teens' Top Ten (2004)
asin: B002UM5BJG

About the Book

Anidora-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kilindree spent the first years of her life listening to her aunt's incredible stories, and learning the language of the birds. Little knowing how valuable her aunt's strange knowledge would prove to be when she grew older. From the Grimm's fairy tale of the princess who became a goose girl before she could become a queen, Shannon Hale has woven an incredible, original and magical tale of a girl who must understand her own incredible talents before she can overcome those who wish her harm. (Good Reads)

"A beautifully textured and deeply re-imagined version of the Grimm Brothers Goose Girl . . . Luscious language . . . leads to a gorgeous, dramatic climax." (Kirkus Reviews)

"I wanted the settings (in the story) to feel like real places, places where we've been before, places that could exist but don't. To me, it makes the story feel as though it's starting in a distant fairy tale then bursting through into reality. The Goose Girl has always been one of my favorite fairy tales . . . I was always intrigued by the story--frustrated with the princess and eager to understand more about Falada and the wind. I tend to favor fairy tales with a good douse of mystery and enchantment . . ." ~Shannon Hale

My thoughts:

I had seen "The Goose Girl" reviewed on a number of book blogs from week to week so I loaded it on to my kindle waiting for the month I had set aside to read re-worked fairy tales. I'm glad I added this wonderful story to my kindle library. The tale is remarkable really. Princess Ani possesses a rare gift, the story marks her path of self-discovery. Adversity, betrayal, sorrow, friendship and love are her mentor's. The story is well developed and the ending is very satisfying. I did discover that it was the first in the "Bayern" series--so now I need to make time to read the rest. I'm sure I won't regret it.

I had actually never read this particular fairy tale so after finishing this rewrite I downloaded the original and read it. Ms. Hale stayed fairly true to the original tale, enhancing it with greater detail. It does end differently than the original. The original has a typical happily ever after ending and the story has a little bit of bitter sweet at the end.

The Brother's Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm) were German academics who were best known for publishing collections of folk tales and fairy tales and for their work in linguistics, relating to how the sounds in words shift over time (Grimm's Law). They are among the best known story tellers of novellas from Europe, allowing the widespread knowledge of such tales as Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel. (Good Reads)

I read this book to fill requirement #8 in the "Take Another Chance Challenge"--"Real and Inspired".

Book #3

Book #22

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book reviews

Return With Honor

2010-08-11T12:31:00.002-06:00

Return With Honor

by

Captain Scott O'Grady

with

Jeff Coplon

published: November 1st 1995 by Doubleday
details: Hardcover, 224 pages
isbn: 0385483309 (isbn13: 9780385483308)

About the Book (Good Reads)

On June 2, 1995, U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady was helping enforce the NATO no-fly zone in the skies over Bosnia when a Soviet-made missile slammed into his F-16. With the aircraft exploding around him, O'Grady ejected. Five miles up and traveling 350 miles per hour, he had escaped certain death. But his ordeal was just beginning. Relying on his survival training, cunning and deep faith in God, O'Grady eluded the Bosnian Serbs for six days and nights. Told in his own words, Return with Honor is the incredible true-life thriller of one man's fierce struggle to survive in the hostile territory of war-torn Bosnia.

My thoughts:

Return with Honor was an inspiring read. I remember watching the news feed when this event occurred and not long after that a documentary aired on television that was fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the account from Captain O'Grady's own narration. The author not only describes what happened he includes details of how he felt, and how he found the determination to do whatever it took to survive. Captain O'Grady also includes back flashes into his past life, letting the reader be part of the events that lead to his experience in Bosnia. And as we all know events like this don't only affect the person involved but those who are closely associated with him. Captain O'Grady writes of his concern for the loved ones worrying about him. In his his writing he also shares the anguish his family experienced while he was missing. The most inspiring part of this story for me was his mighty faith in God, he attributes that, along with his training, to be the most significant force that helped him survive.

Book #5

Posey, The Last Indian War

2010-08-08T01:16:00.002-06:00

Posey, The Last Indian War

by

Dr. Steve Lacy

published: March 20th 2007 by Gibbs Smith, Publisher
details: Paperback, 208 pages
isbn1423601106 (isbn13: 9781423601104)

About the Book (Good Reads)
William Posey, a Paiute, along with small bands of Indians from the Four Corners area, raised havoc among the early settlers and cattlemen of San Juan County, Utah. A small but unique slice of Indian history, this narrative dwells on this tribesman and his final exploits.

My thoughts:

When I was a young girl my family owned an Album by Utah Folk Singer Stan Bronson. He wrote and sang songs about life in the Four Corner's area. One of my favorite songs was one about Posey a renegade Paiute and his bride Toorah. At the end of this ballad Posey is shot, he takes a rather rugged trail into the mountains and hides until he dies. As he passes from this life he hears his Toorah call his name. I loved this song because of the romantic story between Posey and his Bride. It also helped that this story takes place in my native state of Utah. (A Jeep Safari is available to ride Posey's trail and see the place where the famous Paiute died)

My father-in-law was reading this book about Posey one day at his house so I asked him if I could borrow it. I must say that the life of William Posey was not near as romantic as the ballad, but it was interesting to read the factual accounts, newspaper clippings and look at the pictures. It was a lot different than my young girl romantic mind imagined. Apparently the war with Posey was the last one fought in this area. During this last disagreement that Posey had with the settler's in Southern Utah he was shot in the buttocks, gangrene set in and that's what he died of. Some of the rider's from the Posse were sent out to make sure Posey was really dead. They found him and buried him out there on the hillside. I found the book quite interesting.

If you'd like to read a brief history about Posey you can visit the Native American Nations; Your Source for Indian Research

A Curse Dark As Gold

2010-07-18T00:23:00.003-06:00

A Curse Dark as Gold

by

Elizabeth C. Bunce

published: May 1st 2010 by Scholastic, Inc. (first published March 1st 2008)

details: ebook
literary awards: William C. Morris YA Debut Award (2009), Smithsonian Notable Book …more William C. Morris YA Debut Award (2009), Smithsonian Notable Book, Oprah's Book Club Kids' Reading List Teen Selection, Starred Review - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Amelia Bloomer Project Selection, Kansas Notable Book (2009), Shortlisted-Arkansas Teen Book Award (2009), Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee (2011), Fantasy and Science Fiction, Cybils Nomination (2009)
isbn: 0545281563 (isbn13: 9780545281560)

About the Book

Upon the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Charlotte struggles to keep the family's woolen mill running in the face of an overwhelming mortgage and what the local villagers believe is a curse, but when a man capable of spinning straw into gold appears on the scene she must decide if his help is worth the price. (Good Reads)

The Author also adds this explanation about the story in her notes at the back of the story. "The story of Rumpelstiltskin is what folklorists call a "Name of the Helper" tale, in which a character must defeat a mysterious helper by discovering his True Name (or Secret Name or Hidden Name). Germany's "Rumpelstiltskin" is certainly the most familiar of these . . . but the motif occurs in at least fifteen versions worldwide, including the English "Tom-Tit-Tot" and the Scottish "Whuppity Stoorie," in which the title characters assist the heroines with their spinning."

I personally hadn't heard of these other stories so the author has sparked my interest in reading these other versions.

The author adds another note of interest, "I've also found it fascinating that in 'Rumpelstiltskin,' the heroine is known only as 'the miller's daughter' while Rumpelstiltskin's name becomes a magical talisman--an object of power in and of itself. In a story about the potency of names the heroine is anonymous. Charlotte Miller's story began there."

About the Author (Author's Web Page)

I write historical fantasy for young adults, and discerning not-so-young adults. “Historical fantasy” means my work is influenced by real places and cultures of the past, but I get to make up (or fudge) the details!

My thoughts:

A Curse Dark as Gold was an enjoyable re-working of the fairy-tale Rumpelstiltskin. I like how the author kept the basic elements of the fairy tale intact by having her heroine be the miller's daughter and the man who came to her rescue could spin straw into gold. And in the end, just like the fairy-tale the spinner exacted a heavy price of the miller's daughter. But unlike the fairy-tale the author created a wonderful village full of true to life people and filled the pages of the book with a story that expanded and gave life to the people in this village. I was involved in the story from first page to last. I have added this author to my reading list.

I would like to share one of my favorite passages from the book, this is shortly after Charlotte has given birth to her first son, "Do other mothers behold their newborn sons as I did? Do they all find themselves stopped, breathless, in what they were doing to merely stare, in wonder, at the tiny life before them?"

Book #2

Book #21

Suite Scarlett

2010-07-17T01:36:00.002-06:00

Suite Scarlett

by

Maureen Johnson

published: December 29th 2009 by Scholastic Press (first published May 1st 2008)
details: Kindle Edition, 368 pages
literary awards: Sakura Medal Nominee for High School Book (2010), Florida Teens Read Nominee (2009)
asin: B0030MTPW4

About the Book (good reads)
Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City, and Scarlett lives there with her four siblings - Spencer, Lola, and Marlene.

When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest called Mrs. Amberson.

Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, Broadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deceptions. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off.

About the Author (good reads)
Maureen knew from an early age she wanted to be a writer. She went to high school at an all-girls' Catholic school and graduated from University of Delaware with a degree in writing. She now lives and writes in New York City.

My thoughts:

Suite Scarlett has an original story line with fun and creative characters. Scarlett does not live the typical teen-age life that all her friends do but her rather unusual life style provides the opportunity for her to have adventures that the typical teenager can only dream of. Scarlett has developed a close relationship with the members in her family and over the course of the summer when she finds herself in need of helpp it is her family that comes through for her. I enjoyed reading this light-hearted story.

Book #9

Book #20

Midnight in Madrid

2010-07-05T13:17:00.003-06:00

Midnight in Madrid

by

Noel Hynd

published: July 14th 2009 by Zondervan (first published March 1st 2009)
details: Kindle Edition, 384 pages
asin: B001NLL3HY

About the Author
(Good Reads)

I've been a published novelist for longer than I care to admit, since 1976. I'm frequently asked, however, how I first got published. It's an interesting story and involved both Robert Ludlum and James Baldwin, even though neither of them knew it --- or me --- at the time.
(read more)

About the Book
(Good Reads)
When a mysterious relic is stolen from a Madrid museum, people are dying to discover its secrets. Literally.U.S. Treasury agent Alexandra LaDuca returns from Conspiracy in Kiev to track down the stolen artwork, a small carving called The Pietà of Malta. It seems to be a simple assignment, but nothing about this job is simple, as the mysteries and legends surrounding the relic become increasingly complex with claims of supernatural power.As aggressive, relentless, and stubborn as ever, Alex crisscrosses Europe through a web of intrigue, danger, and betrayal, joined by a polished, mysterious new partner. With echoes of classic detective and suspense fiction from The Maltese Falcon to The Da Vinci Code, Midnight in Madrid takes the reader on a nonstop spellbinding chase through a modern world of terrorists, art thieves, and cold-blooded killers.

My thoughts:

I enjoyed reading Midnight in Madrid. The story was good, although I thought it bogged down a bit with the history. I did enjoy it mostly because my husband spent some time in Madrid and it was fun discussing the places and history with him. I was a little dissappointed that the art piece that was stolen doesn't actually exist--anyway I couldn't find any information when I googled it.

Book #8

Book #19

A Dog's Tale

2010-07-04T12:30:00.001-06:00

A Dog's Tale

by

Mark Twain

published: April 18th 2008 (first published 1904)

details: Kindle Edition
asin: B0018051AU

About the Author
(good reads)
For deft plotting, riotous inventiveness, unforgettable characters, and language that brilliantly captures the lively rhythms of American speech, no American writer comes close to Mark Twain.

My thoughts:

This Novella, A Dog's Tale, written by Mark Twain is a story told from the point of view of a dog. The story begins, "My father was a St.Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me." From this beginning we follow the adventures Aileen Mavourneen from the time of her birth to her death. One of my favorite lines from the book comes after Aileen is given to her new family, she states, "And I was the same as a member of the family; and they loved me, and petted me." This short story was fun to read imagining life as a dog. All was not merry, Mark Twain included some danger and dark moments for our sweet Aileen as well. This short story is a fun quick read that would be enjoyed by dog lovers or fans of Twain.

Challenge #12 the novel

Book #18

The Ultimate Collection of American Short Stories

2010-06-19T15:12:00.003-06:00

Take Another Chance Challenge
Challenge #12 asks us to find an anthology of our choice. Read at least five entries in the anthology. Of the five entries read, pick a favorite one and then find a book by that writer and read it. I chose "The Ultimate Collection of American Short Stories" to select my entries from. The book contains stories from five authors: L. M. Montgomery, Edgar Allen Poe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, O. Henry and Mark Twain. I enjoy reading from all these authors, so I've decided to read one story from each to meet this challenge.

Story #1
In Spite of Myself (1896)

by

L.M. Montgomery

About the Author
(Good Reads)

Lucy Maud Montgomery, (always called "Maud" by family and friends) and publicly known as L. M. Montgomery, (1874-1942) was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables (1908).

My thoughts:

I enjoy reading the Anne of Green Gables Books by L.M. Montgomery so I knew I would enjoy reading a short story also written by her. In Spite of Myself is a story about a young man who was requested by his Aunt Lucy to come and superintend the business of the farm and mills while her husband was on a month's vacation. He leaves behind his darling Nellie and becomes acquainted with his step-cousin, Augusta Ashley, a rather independent young woman who challenges his narrow views about women. The story was delightful.

Story #2
The Pit and the Pendulum

by

Edgar Allen Poe

About the Author:
(Good Reads)

Edgar Allan Poe was an American poet, short-story writer, editor, and literary critic, and is considered part of the American Romantic Movement. Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, Poe was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story and invented the detective-fiction genre. He is credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.

About the Story
(Good Reads)

"The Pit and the Pendulum" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and first published in 1842. The story is about the torments endured by a prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, though Poe skews historical facts. The narrator of the story is deemed guilty for an unnamed crime and put into a completely dark room. He passes out while trying to determine the size of the room. When he wakes up, he realizes there is a large, deep pit in the middle of the room. He loses consciousness again and awakens strapped on his back, unable to move more than his head. He soon realizes there is a large blade-like pendulum hanging above him, slowly getting closer to cutting through his chest. He finds a way to escape but the walls of his prison start to move and close in on him, pushing him closer and closer to falling into the pit.

The story is especially effective at inspiring fear in the reader because of its heavy focus on the senses, such as sound, emphasizing its reality, unlike many of Poe's stories which are aided by the supernatural. The traditional elements established in popular horror tales at the time are followed but critical reception has been mixed.

My thoughts:

I selected this story because when I was about 13 years old I saw the 1960 film version of this story. I was curious to compare the movie to Poe's writing. After finishing it I could see that the movie was based loosely on the story, building around the prisoner's experience in the dungeon. I don't think the movie quite caught the horror of this man's experience but they did a good job with the pendulum dropping slowly towards the victim in the intent to slowly carve him open . . . I've actually never forgotten that image.

I don't think I'll ever forget Poe's actual words as he described the lowering of the pendulum and the prisoner's desperate attempt to escape . . . and what a horrible escape it was. It involved rats chewing through his bindings. *shiver*

I actually enjoyed Poe's writing. As he wrote I could picture in my mind the horror of the dungeon as the prisoner explored it in complete darkness as he tried to orient himself to his surroundings. The dungeon was square with a pit in the center, that most prisoners fell into and experienced a slow painful death. When the prisoner avoided the pit he was next tied to a wooden pallet and the pendulum slowly lowered as the prisoner watched it's descent. Upon escaping that horror the iron walls of the prison became hot and gradually squeezed into the center of the room forcing the prisoner to the pit . . . I'll stop there, so as not to spoil the end.

I found Poe's writing in this short story to be as dark and lyrical as the writing in his poetry. Here is a passage that to me was quintessential Poe

"I quickly unclosed my eyes. My worst thoughts, then, were confirmed. The blackness of eternal night encompassed me. I struggled for breath. The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me."

Story #3
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

by

F. Scott Fitzgerald

About the Book
(Good Reads)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and first published in Colliers Magazine during 1921. It was subsequently anthologized in his book, Tales of the Jazz Age, which occasionally is published as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Other Jazz Age Stories. Development rights to the story were held for years by the late Hollywood mogul Ray Stark. He retained those rights until his death, when they were purchased from his estate and used for an adaption of the story as the 2008 film of the same name, which was directed by David Fincher.

About the Author
(Good Reads)

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was an American writer of novels and short stories, whose works have been seen as evocative of the Jazz Age, a term he himself allegedly coined. He is regarded as one of the greatest twentieth century writers. Fitzgerald was of the self-styled "Lost Generation," Americans born in the 1890s who came of age during World War I. He finished four novels, left a fifth unfinished, and wrote dozens of short stories that treat themes of youth, despair, and age.

My thoughts:

I have to confess I chose "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" because of the movie. I haven't seen the movie but the previews were intriguing. I thought I'd read the story and then go rent the movie. I found the story to be very curious. The whole concept of being born as an old man and aging backwards is very strange. When the babe was born there was no mention of his mother so I did wonder if delivering a 70 year old man had physically killed her. But since she does eventually get mentioned it appears she survived. I'm not sure how she ever did. It was interesting to walk backward through life until Benjamin Button closed his eyes and remembered no more.

An Afternoon Miracle
Story #4

by

O. Henry

About the Author
(good reads)

1923. William Sydney Porter (O. Henry) was the most popular short story writer of his time. His stories typically revolved around two of his favorite themes, the situation of the impostor and fate as the one unavoidable reality of life. Another device he used was the surprise ending, usually coming about through coincidence. He was the founder of the humorous weekly The Rolling Stone. When the weekly failed, he joined the Houston Post as a reporter and columnist. He was convicted of embezzling money, although there's much debate over his actual guilt, and while in prison he started to write short stories. His first work, Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking appeared in McClure's Magazine. After emerging from prison Porter changed his name to O. Henry. He then moved to New York and wrote a story a week for the New York World, while also publishing in other magazines. The Heart Of The West present tales of the Texas range. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

My thoughts:

This story begins, "At the United States end of an international river bridge, four armed rangers sweltered in a little 'dobe hut, keeping a fairly faithful espionage upon the lagging trail of passengers from the Mexican side". Among these four rangers is the famous "Buckley" who is renown for his bravery and going after the toughest criminals. Unknown to his peers Buckley is a coward in his heart. He keeps forcing himself into these situations hoping someday to conquer his fears. One hot Texas afternoon Leandro Garcia, a famous bandit from Mexico, disguised as an old woman selling firewood crosses the border right in front of the border guards. Later word comes to the guard that he is town, shoot and killing and causing fear. Buckley goes after him. The story takes a diversion and we temporarily learn about a woman who charms snakes. One of her python's has escaped and she goes off into the evening to see if she can locate him before the townspeople find him. Well Leandro and the voluptuous snake charmer cross paths and the villain accosts her, but Buckley shows up just in time and saves the day--an in a somewhat cheesy ending, Buckley gets the girl. This is my first O. Henry story so to be fair to him I think I'd have to read a bit more. But if I was to base my opinion on this story I probably wouldn't be reading any more from this author.

On the Decay of the Art of Lying
Story #5

by

Mark Twain

About the Story and the Author
(good reads)

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), better known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American humorist, satirist, lecturer and writer. Twain is most noted for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885). He is also known for his quotations. His first important work, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, was published in 1865. His next publication was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which drew on his youth in Hannibal. The character of Tom Sawyer was modeled on twain as a child, with traces of two schoolmates, John Briggs and Will Bowen. His next major published work, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, solidified him as a noteworthy American writer. Some have called it the first Great American Novel. Finn was an offshoot from Tom Sawyer and proved to have a more serious tone than its predecessor. The main premise behind Huckleberry Finn is the young boy's belief in the right thing to do even though the majority of society believes that it was wrong.

My thoughts:

Mark Twain is his quintessential self in this essay, the point he makes is that we all lie. He begins, "Observe, I do not mean to suggest that the custom of lying has suffered any decay or interruption--no, for the Lie, as a Virtue, a Principle, is eternal;" Twain claims that "An habitual truth-teller is simply an impossible creature; he does not exist; he never has existed. Of course there are people who think they never lie, but it is not so--and this ignorance is one of the very things that shame our so-called civilization. Everybody lies--every day;" The essay then goes on to recount and inform the reader of various forms of lying. I have to say that I agree with Twain--lying is ingrained into our very existence. This little essay had me catching myself in well-meaning good-intentioned forms of lying all the time. Mark Twain writes humorously but has a way of getting the reader to examine their own life at the same time. I enjoyed this "essay, for discussion, read at a meeting of the historical and antiquarian club of Hartford, and offered for the thirty-dollar prize. (it did not take the prize.)"

Book #18

Murder at Avedon Hill

2010-06-06T02:26:00.008-06:00

Murder at Avedon Hill

by

P. G. Holyfield

Published: May 7th 2010 by Dragon Moon Press (first published 2008)
details: Paperback, 324 pages
ISBN: 1897492103 (isbn13: 9781897492109)

About the Book
(Good Reads)

Lord Avedon has a problem. Generations of Avedons have watched over Avedon Hill and controlled the only pass through the Lantis Mountains. Traditions are important to the Avedon family, but one tradition has tragically come to an end. Gretta Platt, Housemistress of Avedon Manor, has been murdered. A member of the Platt family has always served the Avedons as Housemistress. until now. Only a handful of people live at Avedon Hill, and most are suspects. Arames Kragen, retired Aarronic Advisor and scholar of prophecy, arrives at the gates of Avedon Hill, hoping to gain access to the mountain pass. Lord Avedon is not in a giving mood, however.

This is the story of Arames Kragen and his attempt not only to discover who killed Gretta Platt, but also to uncover the truth about a town that apparently has more secrets than inhabitants.

About the Author
Author's Web Site

Author, Podcaster, Father, Husband - First novel, Murder at Avedon Hill, is being published by Dragon Moon Press, Spring 2010. His current podcast is "Tales of the Children," a short story anthology set in his fantasy world, "The Land of Caern."

My thoughts:

I loaded a free sample of this book onto my kindle--read the first chapter and was sucked into the story immediately.

The story begins with a murder of the house mistress, Gretta Platt, of Avedon Manor. The story is a murder mystery but the setting is the Land of Caern and involves such creatures as God's, Priests, Royalty, Sorcerers, Vampires, Moon Beasts, Orcs and other fantastical creatures. The story is both original and creative. I loved following the protagonist Arames Kragen and his student Arrin through the process of solving the mystery, discovering each clue as they did and trying to fit the pieces together. After finishing the book I turned once again to the Prologue and read the murder sequence again just to see how events occurred after gathering all the facts.

I did visit the author's website where I learned that this book began as a multiple ending computer game that wasn't picked up and after some encouragement from his wife he began writing the story into a novel that he released chapter by chapter as a podcast. The Novel was released just this past month.

I would not have discovered this novel if it weren't for Jenners and her "Take Another Chance Challenge". I read this book as part of Challenge #9, reading two books with the same word in the title. I chose the word "murder" typed it into my kindle search bar and this was the first book that came up. I read the summary and ordered the free sample and as I said at the beginning that is all it took.

If you like fantasy, if you like a good murder mystery . . . having the two genre's combined is an excellent experience. I highly recommend this book.

I would just like to thank Author P.G. Holyfield for stopping by to read my review and leaving a kind comment.

Book #8

Book #17

Murder Takes the Cake

2010-06-02T03:30:00.005-06:00

Murder Takes the Cake

Gayle Trent

Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
published: September 30th 2008 by Bell Bridge Books
details: Paperback, 260 pages
isbn: 0980245362 (isbn13: 9780980245363)

About the Book

(Good Reads)

When the meanest gossip in Brea Ridge dies mysteriously, suspicions turn to cake decorator Daphne Martin. But all Daphne did was deliver a spice cake with cream cheese frosting--and find Yodel's body. Now Daphne's got to help solve the murder and clear her good name. Problem is, her Virginia hometown is brimming with people who had good reason to kill Yodel, and Daphne's whole family is among them.

About the Author

(Good Reads)

Gayle is a Southwest Virginia based author who is working on the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating Mystery series.

My thoughts:

I do enjoy reading cozy mysteries but for some reason "Murder takes the Cake" and I just didn't click. Even though I didn't feel like I would like to continue with the series I'm sure anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries would enjoy this book. There were some nice cake recipes included at the back of the story that I thought I might like to try.

Challenge #9 (same word, different book--I chose the word "Murder")

Book #16

The Ordinary Princess

2010-05-28T11:52:00.004-06:00

The Ordinary Princess

written and illustrated
by

M. M. Kaye

published: March 18th 2002 by Puffin (first published 1980)
details: Paperback, 128 pages
isbn: 0142300853 (isbn 13: 9780142300855)

About the Book
(Good Reads)

Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness. Unlike her six beautiful sisters, she has brown hair and freckles, and would rather have adventures than play the harp, embroider tapestries . . . or become a Queen. When her royal parents try to marry her off, Amy runs away and, because she's so ordinary, easily becomes the fourteenth assistant kitchen maid at a neighboring palace. And there . . . much to every one's surprise . . . she meets a prince just as ordinary (and special) as she is!

About the Author
(Good Reads)

M. M. Kaye was born in India and spent her early childhood and much of her early-married life there. Her family ties with the country are strong: her grandfather, father, brother and husband all served the British Raj. After India's independence, her husband, Major-General Goff Hamilton of Queen Victoria's Own Corps of Guides (the famous Indian Army regiment featured in The Far Pavilions), joined the British Army and for the next nineteen years M. M. Kaye followed the drum to Kenya, Zanzibar, Egypt, Cyprus and Germany.
M. M. Kaye won worldwide fame for The Far Pavilions, which became a worldwide best-seller on publication in 1978. This was followed by Shadow of the Moon and Trade Wind. She also wrote and illustrated The Ordinary Princess, a children's book and authored a dozen detective novels, including Death in Kashmir and Death in Zanzibar. Her autobiography has been published in three volumes, collectively entitled Share of Summer: The Sun in the Morning, Golden Afternoon, and Enchanted Evening. In March 2003, M. M. Kaye was awarded the Colonel James Tod International Award by the Maharana Mewar Foundation of Udaipur, Rajasthan, for her "contribution of permanent value reflecting the spirit and values of Mewar".

My thoughts:

I discovered The Ordinary Princess quite by accident. Challenge #1 in Jenners "Take Another Chance Challenge" challenges us to find a book written by an author with the same name. I typed "Kaye" into the kindle book search bar and after looking through the books I selected The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye. I was glad I did. After reading the forward by the author I was completely captivated.

"This story was written many moons ago under an apple tree in an orchard in Kent, which is one of England's prettiest counties . . . I had read at least twenty of the [fairy tales] when I noticed something that had never struck me before--I suppose because I had always taken it for granted. All the princesses, apart from such rare exceptions as Snow White, were blond, blue-eyed, and beautiful, with lovely figures and complexions and extravagantly long hair. This struck me as most unfair, and suddenly I began to wonder just how many handsome young princes would have asked a king for the hand of his daughter if that daughter had happened to be gawky, snub-nosed, and freckled, with shortish mouse-colored hair? None, I suspected. They would all have been of chasing after some lissome Royal Highness with large blue eyes and yards of golden hair and probably nothing whatever between her ears! It was in that moment that a story about a princess who turned out to be ordinary jumped into my mind, and the very next morning I took my pencil box and a large rough-notebook down to the orchard and, having settled myself under an apple tree in full bloom, began to write . . . the day was warm and windless and without a cloud in the sky. A perfect day and a perfect place to write a fairy story."

This story is based somewhat loosely on Sleeping Beauty (she was princess Amy's great grandmother after all). Princess Amy is the 7th daughter of King Huldebrand and Queen Rhodemsia. And in typical fairy tale fashion the fairies are invited to the princesses christening. The Sea Fairy Crustacea who was late, feeling grumpy tired and rather dried out from getting stuck in a traffic jam, bestowed upon the princess the gift of being "ordinary". And thus the story begins.

When Princess Amy was young her nurse would sing her a lullaby:

Lavender's blue,
Rosemary's green,
When you are King
I shall be Queen

The book is divided into four parts, each bearing as title one line from the rhyme in consecutive order. I thought this was very creative and the rhyme followed Amy through her ordinary adventures all the way through the book. It was a delightful fairy tale that should be read to all girls over and over to remind them that even ordinary girls are very special.

Challenge #1, Read you doppleganger

Book #1

Book #15

Dragon Slippers

2010-05-27T10:38:00.003-06:00

Dragon Slippers

by

Jessica Day George

published: March 20th 2007 by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
details: Hardcover, 321 pages
literary awards: Whitney Award for Best Novel by New Author (2007), Whiting Writers Award
isbn: 1599900572 (isbn13: 9781599900575)

About the Book
(Good Reads)

Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel's enormous talent at embroidery, and you can't help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it's up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom. Creel's feisty spirit breathes fiery new life into this epic world at every turn, making this one of the most memorable and fun fantasy debuts to hit shelves.

About the Author
(Good Reads)

Jessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she has a Maltese named Pippin, and grew up with a poodle mix and a Brittany Spaniel). You could talk about Norway, and how it's the Greatest Place On Earth, and Germany, The Second Greatest Place On Earth. You could ask her about yarn, and indicate a willingness to learn to knit your own socks, if you can't already do so.

My thoughts:

My daughter read this fun little story to her girls and recommended it to me. Dragon Slippers is a delightful fantasy tale that paints dragons as friendly and amiable beings. Each Dragon that the protagonist Creel meets as she journey's from her home in the country to the kings seat has a unique talent and personality. I enjoyed the images created by the author of these magnificent, sentient beings as Creel becomes acquainted with each of them. The end of the book was especially endearing as Creel calls upon the friendships she has made with each of her dragon acquaintances. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever dreamed of speaking to a dragon--I have been in love with the thought of having a dragon of my own ever since I first read Anne McAffery's Dragon Singer.

Challenge #5 asks us to go to random.org, using 1 as the minimum and 5 as the maximum generate a number (I got a 2) and then read a book with that many words in the title.

Book #7

The Kings of Clonmel

2010-05-24T22:56:00.001-06:00

The Kings of Clonmel
Book #8 in the Ranger's Apprentice Series

by

John Flannagan

published: May 18th 2010 by Philomel (first published November 3rd 2008)
details: Hardcover, 400 pages
isbn0399252061 (isbn13: 9780399252068)

About the Book
(Good Reads)

Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?

About the Author
(Good Reads)

John Flanagan is an Australian author. His best known work is the Ranger's Apprentice (series). Prior to becoming a novelist, John Flanagan spent his career writing for advertising and television. He co-created the television series Hey Dad..!.

My thoughts:

I am a huge fan of John Flanagan and this well written series. The stories in the Ranger's Apprentice series follow the adventures of Will Treaty from the time he is a young boy, through his adventures as a Ranger's apprentice, and as a fully fledged Ranger with a fief of his own to protect. The Kings of Clonmell is the 8th book in the series. Will is given a new assignment along with his mentor Halt and best friend Horace to represent the kingdom of Araluen abroad. As with all the other volumes the three comrades are soon involved in adventure that takes them across the sea to Halts home country of Clonmel. The action as always was fast paced and entertaining, right up to the conclusion. This book leaves us hanging a bit as we wait for the 9th and I believe final volume in the Ranger's Apprentice Series.

Book #6

Book #3

Poems by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell

2010-05-21T13:15:00.000-06:00

Poems

by

Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell
(pen names for Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte)

About the Book
(wikipedia)

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell was a volume of poetry published jointly by the three Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne in 1846 (see 1846 in poetry), and their first work to ever go in print. To evade contemporary prejudice against female writers, the Brontë sisters adopted androgynous first names. All three retained the first letter of their first names: Charlotte became Currer Bell, Anne became Acton Bell, and Emily became Ellis Bell. The book was printed by Aylott and Jones, from London. The first edition failed to attract interest, with only two copies being sold. However, the sisters decided to continue writing for publication and began work on their first novels, which became commercial successes. Following the success of Charlotte's Jane Eyre in 1848, and after the deaths of Emily and Anne, the second edition of this book (printed in 1850 by Smith & Elder) fared much better, with Charlotte's additions of previously unpublished poetry by her two late sisters. It is believed that there are fewer than ten copies in existence with the Aylott and Jones title-page.

My thoughts:

This is my first experience reading poetry. I enjoy the Bronte Sisters style of writing and thought this might be a nice beginning point for me. I found that I had to read the poems occasionally and individually. At first I found my self reading the poem out loud so I could find it's cadence. Once I caught the rhythm I would begin again this time listening to the words.

I was divided in my reactions. Some I loved, some I liked, and some I simply scanned. There were several of Charlotte's that touched me deeply. I felt she was the better composer of the three. But I did enjoy Anne's simple and direct approach. Charlotte's poems contained a great story. Anne seemed to select her subject quickly, bring it to light and quickly draw the conclusion. Her meter was simple as well. Anne's poetry was by far the easiest to read, which might account for why I liked it. I found Emily's poetry to be somewhat "wild" in nature similar in style to Wuthering Heights.

I have learned that reading poetry is like reading scriptures. You can't read it like a novel and get much out of it. You have to read it bit by bit, reflecting and pondering and calling the image created to mind. The reader in order to appreciate the poems would have to visit the pages often, committing favorite passages to memory in order to completely enjoy the work.

This is a selection Charlotte's poem "Home" that I particularly enjoyed:

How brightly glistening in the sun
The woodland ivy plays!
While yonder beeches from their barks
Reflect his silver rays.

That sun surveys a lovely scene
From softly smiling skies;
And wildly through unnumbered trees
The wind of winter sighs:

Now loud, it thunders o'er my head,
And now in distance dies.
But give me back my barren hills
Where colder breezes rise;

I love the images created in my mind of sun on ivy and white bark, I can hear the wind sighing as it weaves in and out of the trees--I can almost imagine the wild moors of her English home as she longs for sight of them as well as feeling the briskness of the Moorish wind that exists in her memory. I love Charlotte's use of words! It was a literary treat to read this collection of poems.

All About the Bronte's--Book #3

Challenge #11--All in the Family (Bronte)
as a second book in this challenge I read Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

Book #14

Agnes Grey

2010-05-20T11:10:00.000-06:00

Agnes Grey

by

Anne Bronte

About the Book and the Author
(good reads)

When her family becomes impoverished after a disastrous financial speculation, Agnes Grey determines to find work as a governess. This is a personal perspective on the desperate position of unmarried, educated women in Victorian society. "Agnes Grey" is undoubtedly a deeply personal novel, in which Anne Bronte views on the 'contemporary' issue of the treatment of governesses, as well as her passionate religious sympathies, find very deliberate expression; but she also touches on issues of moral behaviour, moral responsibility, and individual integrity and its survival.

Anne Brontë was a British novelist and poet, the youngest member of the Brontë literary family. Anne's two novels, written in a sharp and ironic style, are completely different from the romanticism followed by her sisters. She wrote in a realistic, rather than a romantic style. Her novels, like those of her sisters, have become classics of English literature.

My thoughts:

I have previously read one novel each by two of the Bronte Sisters. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I thought it would be good if I added a novel of Anne's to my repertoire. Agnes Grey was a wonderful, succinct story. I like how she wrote so matter-of-factly without "boring" us with the details. The story came out plainly and simply. I did feel however that she was expressing her inner disappointments with the way she was treated as a governess. I found the novel enlightening as well as entertaining. I also enjoyed discovering how these young women, the Bronte's, dreamed of love, romance, and marriage--the same as every girl the world over does.

book #2
All About the Bronte's Challenge

challenge #11--All in the Family
as a second book for this challenge I read Poems by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell

book #13

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte

2010-05-13T11:58:00.014-06:00

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte

by

Syrie James

published: June 30th 2009 by Avon A (first published 2009)
details: Paperback, 352 pages
isbn: 006164837X (isbn13: 9780061648373)
I purchased the e-book from Amazon.com

About the Book
(from Goodreads)

From Syrie James, the acclaimed, bestselling author of "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen," comes a powerful, compelling, and romantic novel that explores the passionate heart and unquiet soul of Charlotte Brontë, the writer who gave us "Jane Eyre."

Charlotte Brontë lives a secluded life in the wilds of Yorkshire with her sisters Emily and Anne, their drug addicted brother, and an eccentric father who is going blind. Though poor, plain, and socially unconnected, Charlotte and her sisters each possess a passionate side which they reveal only in their writings, creating novels that stand among the most beloved and enduring works ever written in the English language. At the same time, Charlotte Brontë dreams of a real love story as fiery as the ones she creates.

When an impassioned proposal throws Charlotte's household into confusion, she takes up her pen to examine the truth about her life...exposing her deepest feelings and desires, her triumphs and shattering disappointments, her relationship with her family, the inspiration behind her work, her scandalous, secret passion for the man she can never have . . . and her intense, dramatic relationship with the man who has loved her for years, the enigmatic Arthur Bell Nicholls.

About the Author
(from Goodreads)

Syrie James was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and moved west at age one because her father didn't like shoveling snow. She has lived most of her life in California, if you don't count the two years as a child when she lived in France.

After a successful career as a screenwriter, in which she sold nineteen screenplays and teleplays in a variety of genres to Tri-Star Pictures, Fox Family Films, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX TV and the Lifetime Network, Syrie decided to follow her passion and write a novel. She was thrilled when her first work of historical fiction, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, sold at auction after a two-day bidding war between three major publishing houses. To read more about the author click here.

My thoughts:

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” This is one of my favorite quotes from author Paul Sweeney. Last night I closed a book . . . and felt like I had lost a friend. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried.

“The Lost Diaries of Charlotte Bronte” was an amazing journey through the life of one of my very favorite authors. When I was a teenager my parents joined a Readers Digest book club, one of those mail order clubs that sends a couple of books a month. Among these books was “Jane Eyre”. I read this book and fell in love . . . with love, with the wild beautiful moors of England, and with Charlotte Bronte.

Not long after that I read “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte. Kathy and Heathcliff’s wild and unfulfilled love was hauntingly beautiful.

Off and on through my High School years and into my one college semester, teachers would teach about and refer to the classical works of the Bronte Sisters. I have also over the course of the years read several articles about the life of the Bronte’s, so I was already familiar with a lot of the information written about in “The Secret Diaries”.

What author Syrie James does is take the information about the Bronte’s and weaves a beautiful story that fleshes out the skeleton and breathes life into a much loved and respected family in the literary world. Her language is flawless, blending in with the period. The words could be Charlotte’s own as the story unfolds. Syrie’s book is even set up in the “three volume novel” style that was required for publication in that era. Her careful use of period English and style lends authenticity to the story. Included are footnotes and an author’s afterword that walks the reader through her careful research. I feel the tale is an honest representation of the life of Charlotte Bronte and her family.

The following is one of my favorite passages from the book. Charlotte Bronte has been married for about six months . . .

“I was thumbing through Jane Eyre one day, and found this passage. Tears stung my eyes as I read it; for at the time of its composition, these words were but an expression of an idealized sate of marital bliss which—until now—had existed only in my imagination:

‘I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blest—blest beyond what language can express; because I am my husband’s life as fully as he is mine. No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am: ever more absolutely bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. I know no weariness of my Edward’s society: he knows none of mine, and more than we each do of the pulsation of the hart that beats in our separate bosoms; consequently, we are ever together. To be together is for us to be at once as free as in solitude, as gay as in company. We talk, I believe, all day long: to talk to each other is but a more animated and an audible thinking. All my confidence is bestowed on him; all his confidence is devoted to me; we are precisely suited in character—perfect concord is the result.’

Those words which I had penned so many years ago, from the depths of a lonely and longing heart, were now a perfect reflection of the wonderful new life I was living with my Arthur. My husband was so good, so tender, so loving and true; my heart was knit to his.” [Charlotte expressed this final sentiment in a letter to her friend Nellie]

Charlotte Bronte was 39 when she finally married. She had received more than one proposal. Her husband, Arthur Nicholls had carefully worked to win her affections for about 8 years before she consented to marry him. Charlotte was blissfully in love with her husband and approximately a year later became pregnant. Pregnancy was to be her bane and she died in her first trimester.

In the afterword the author noted that if Charlotte Bronte were diagnosed today she would have known that she suffered from hyper-emesis a condition that causes some women to vomit violently throughout their pregnancy. It is a very serious condition.

I have firsthand experience with this disease because my daughter has it. Three times she has gone to the door of death to bring her babies into this world. We keep her alive through intravenous hydration and when needed TPN feedings. Zofran is also injected into her port to keep the nausea at bay. She lies like a dead thing for almost 5 months. It is heart breaking for a mother to watch. As I read I could actually see in my mind’s eye the deterioration of Charlotte as she lay wasting away and empathized with the heart break of her husband as he was powerless to stop it—I felt gratitude for living in a day when my daughter could be saved.

The most heart breaking moment for me in this book is when Charlotte wakes out of her delirium, sees her husband’s tormented expression and expresses her surprise, “Am I going to die? Surely he will not take me, we are so happy.”

I wish she could have been spared—I wish she could have enjoyed a long life with her husband and her children. I wish we could have had more of her books to read.

note--a thank you to author Syrie James for stopping by to read my review and leaving a comment. I recommend stopping by and visiting her web page.

this book also contains a readers guide for discussion with a reading group

Book #1--All About the Bronte's Challenge

Book #12

Book #5

hosted by Barrie Summy

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman

2010-04-22T08:25:00.005-06:00

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman

by

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

About the book
(Seagull Book)

In our world of change, challenges, and checklists, it can be diffi cult to keep up. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shares two principles to help us find a path to peace, hope, and joy-even during times of distress. Offering reassurance and accented with inspirational images throughout, this book is the perfect gift for every woman in your life.

About the Author
(From the Book)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf is the second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book is an adaptation of an address delivered at the general Relief Society meeting on September 27, 2008.

My thoughts:

Elder Uchtdorf is one of my favorite religous speakers. I loved this talk when he originally gave it. The text of the book is interspersed with detail work similar to the cover art featuring scriptures pertaining to the subject matter. There are also beautiful pictures throughout the book. I purchased an e-book so I was afraid I would miss out on the beauty of the book--but surprisingly the pictures and details were scanned in and looked very nice--I'm sure the e-book is not as beautiful as the the hard back version. This talk reminds women everywhere how important and how loved they are by their Heavenly Father.

words of inspiration challenge #1

e-book #11

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-04-20T09:18:00.003-06:00

To Kill a Mockingbird

by

Harper Lee

About the Book
(from the jacket)

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into forty languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

Nelle Harper Lee is known for her Putltzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird, her only major work. In 1999, it was voted "Best Novel of the Century" in a poll by Library Journal. Ms. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to literature in 2007. Her father was a lawyer who served in the Alabama state legislature from 1926 to 1938. As a child, Lee was a tomboy and enjoyed the friendship of her schoolmate, Truman Capote. After completing To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee accompanied Capote to Holcomb, Kansas, to assist him in researching his bestselling book, In Cold Blood. Since publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee has granted very few requests for interviews or public appearances and has published no other novels.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading "To Kill a Mockingbird". At first I was bothered by the intelligence of Scout--after all she was only in first grade. In fact I found myself re-reading the beginning just to make sure she was only six. I finally decided to let that go and just enjoy the story. And it was worth reading. I can see why the tale is timeless. The author wrote using plain common sense in an era of our country's history that had none when it came to racism. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Atticus and his children and between Jem and Scout. The familial ties in this book were very tender. I also loved how the the author ended this book with Scout having a look at her street through new eyes. I would recommend this book to all readers.

Take Another Chance Challenge #2
blog Roulette
from literary omnivore's blog roll I selected A Striped Armchair and from her 2009 wrap up post I chose this book.

Silver Borne

2010-04-08T11:54:00.007-06:00

Silver Borne

by

Patricia Briggs

About the Book
(from Goodreads)

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe. Now a book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be.

About the Author:

Patty writes books. You can find a complete list of titles on her web site.
read more on her web page

My thoughts:

I enjoy reading the adventures of Mercy Thompson a skin walker who changes into a coyote. Mercy was raised by werewolves, lives with a lone werewolf and is the mate of the local Alpha. Every book takes Mercy on a new adventure involving all kinds of magical creatures. This particular book finds Mercy once again in the middle of a dangerous mystery, this time involving the world of Fae. I also liked that this book finally deals with Samuel, the lone wolf. We learn some of his history and some of his future as well. I also like how Mercy and Adam finally bond in wolfish fashion in this book. I don't think this was the best story of the bunch but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.

This book is #5 in the Mercy Thompson Series

Book #5

Book #4

Book #10

Keys to the Demon Prison

2010-04-05T14:18:00.015-06:00

Keys to the Demon Prison
Fablehaven #5

Brandon Mull

About the Book

(Good Reads)

Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison. Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.

About the Author

(Jacket)

Brandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. As time goes on, he is more the golem of the household than ever, following whatever orders trickle down the chain of comand. Brandon is the author of the New Yor Times bestselling Fablehaven books, the popular children's novel The Candy Shop War, and a children's picture book, Pingo.

My thoughts:

I have read the entire Fablehaven series and I love it. It’s a little along the same lines as Harry Potter in that children become involved in a magical realm and discover they have magical powers. I like the Fablehaven series better than Harry Potter because it is faster paced and quite a bit more adventurous. The two main characters Kendra and Seth are a brother and sister team. Kendra is 15 in this book and Seth is a few years younger. It has been fun to watch them grow up together as they have taken on responsibility to help grandparents and friends fight the secret society that would open the demon prison and ultimately become the ones depended on in the end to save the day. The series is delightful. It has a good fun feel to it and leaves the reader feeling upbeat and ready for more. I never wanted to skip a page through all five books. I especially liked that the author wrapped up the adventure in the last book, clearly pulling all threads together from the preceding novels. I did not have to get the books out and comb for forgotten pieces of information. Everything that was important to know for the “grand finale” was available in the final volume. Kudo’s to Mr. Mull for writing a fantastic series.

The thing I like most about Brandon Mull as an author is that he includes questions at the end of his works that invite parent/children conversation about the story. These questions not only apply to comprehension skills but the child is also invited to explore his own world as he/she answers these questions.

If you could visit any magical preserve described in the Fable haven series, which would it be? Why?

I would visit Fablehaven--because it feels like home, and home is my favorite place to be.

Book #4

Book #3

Book #2

Running With Angels

2010-04-05T09:58:00.002-06:00

Running With Angels

by

Pamela Hansen

About the Book
(Good Reads)

The inspiring journey of a woman who turned personal tragedy into triumph over obesity

On a beautiful April morning in 2001, Pamela Hansen decided to do something she hadn't done for a very long time. She decided to walk. Fearful that she would not be able to take more than a few steps with her morbidly obese body, she was desperate to focus her attention on something other than the tragedies of her life - the death of an infant daughter, the cruel and debilitating autoimmune diseases that had attacked two other children, and finally the stillbirth of a son just a few weeks earlier. The first walk, which lasted just 10 minutes, was the beginning of an amazing journey that ultimately led to a 100-pound weight loss (without surgery or pills) and the fulfillment of her dream to run a marathon.

My Thoughts:

The cover art of Running With Angels combined with the above information drew me to this book. I wanted to read it and discover this woman's story. I really enjoyed reading about her experiences with her children and the difficulties she faced. I even like how she admitted that with all these pressures she pushed care of herself to the bottom of her priority list. I liked how brave she was when she tackled both coping with the losses and illnesses of her children and I especially liked that she finally came face to face with the obesity and started exercising. It amazes me that she lost over 100 lbs. and ran a 26 mile marathon as an achieved goal. It was an inspiring and touching story about the power of the human mind to control the body.

What I didn't like was the whining--this woman whined about her weight gain through the whole book. It was very tiring. I think she could have stated the obvious without whining through hundreds of pages. Maybe it was just because she made me feel guilty for not tackling my own problems with obesity. And who needs to feel guilty? Am I right?

book #1-buy a book challenge

The Lord of the Rings

2010-03-31T15:49:00.028-06:00

The Lord of the Rings

by

J. R. R. Tolkien

About the Book
(Good Reads)

The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's three-volume epic, is set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth -- home to many strange beings, and most notably hobbits, a peace-loving "little people," cheerful and shy. Since its original British publication in 1954-55, the saga has entranced readers of all ages. It is at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale. Critic Michael Straight has hailed it as one of the "very few works of genius in recent literature." Middle-earth is a world receptive to poets, scholars, children, and all other people of good will. Donald Barr has described it as "a scrubbed morning world, and a ringing nightmare world...especially sunlit, and shadowed by perils very fundamental, of a peculiarly uncompounded darkness." The story of this world is one of high and heroic adventure. The saga is sui generis -- a triumph of imagination which springs to life within its own framework and on its own terms.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

It seems an unlikely formula for success: an Oxford professor of Anglo-Saxon, and a book that begins with a little man who lives in a hole in the ground. But The Hobbit, followed by The Lord of the Rings, created the modern genre of heroic fantasy and made J.R.R. Tolkien one of the most widely-read authors in the world.

I purchased the e-book edition of this novel, sold as a single work.

My thoughts:

I’m not sure I can really write an adequate review of this book. I discovered this magical world of middle earth at a young age and was completely taken in. I find it very believable, because the story is multi-faceted; there is a heavy dose of evil kept in check by those who believe in truth. The characters have depth and emotion and remain in the heart long after the tale is finished. I’ve reread the books several times over the years just to immerse myself in the images and the dialogue of Tolkien’s world. This is the first re-reading since the release of the movies. I was delighted once again to see Tolkien’s world through Tolkien’s eyes. I know from experience that Tolkien isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy fantasy then this is a must read—since Tolkien himself is the father of fantasy.

I have written more detailed posts about my thoughts and feelings as I’ve joined the JRR Tolkien read-a-long. You can read them here.

JRR Tolkien read-a-long

Book #2

Book #9

challenge #3

#40 on the •Radcliffe's Rival 100 Best Novels List

The Hobbit

2010-03-04T09:29:00.011-07:00

The Hobbit

by

J.R.R. Tolkien

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

Tolkien's famous saga, the prelude to the Lord of the Rings, has all the ingredients of fantasy and adventure: dwarves, elves, goblins and trolls, a fearsome dragon, a great wizard, a perilous quest and a dramatic climax. At the centre is the unsuspecting hero Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving unambitious Hobbit who is suddenly thrust into the biggest, indeed the only adventure of his life.

My thoughts:

The love of Fantasy for me developed when I first read The Hobbit when I was about 13. In my mind J.R.R. Tolkien invented the genre and all other tales, however good, are measured by the standard he set. This delightful children's story is about a hobbit . . . and what is a hobbit? Well you'll just have to read the book to find out. This particular hobbit has an adventure that contains all the elements that delight and terrify children of all ages.

I am reading this book as part of the "Tolkien Read-a-long", you can read more of my thoughts here.

hosted by the striped armchair

Book #1

Book #8

Tolkien Reading Group: The Hobbit

2010-02-15T12:12:00.003-07:00

I've decided to join up with the Tolkien Reading Group. They began reading on the 1st of January with "The Hobbit". I'm a little late getting started, and feel just like Bilbo on the morning following "the unexpected party"

"“To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money, or anything that he usually took when he went out, leaving his second breakfast half-finished and quite unwashed up, pushing his keys into Gandalf’s hands and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him down the lane, past the great Mill, across The Water, and then on for a mile or more. Very puffed he was, when he got to Bywater just on the stroke of eleven, and found he had come without a pocket handkerchief!”

read my first post here

The Hobbit
(cover art of the copy I recieved as a Christmas gift from my parents when I was a girl)

this portion of the read-a-long is hosted by the striped arm chair

I'm posting about my reading journey on Thursday's on my home page, you can read them here.

Erak's Ransom

2010-02-11T08:48:00.009-07:00

Erak's Ransom

by

John Flanagan

Book #7 in the Ranger's Apprentice Series

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

What does it mean to earn the Silver Oakleaf? So few men have done so. For Will, a mere boy, that symbol of honor has long felt out of reach. Now, in the wake of Araluen's uneasy truce with the raiding Skandians comes word that the Skandian leader has been captured by a dangerous desert tribe. The Rangers are sent to free him. But the desert is like nothing these warriors have seen before. Strangers in a strange land, they are brutalized by sandstorms, beaten by the unrelenting heat, tricked by one tribe that plays by its own rules, and surprisingly befriended by another. Like a desert mirage, nothing is as it seems. Yet one thing is constant: the bravery of the Rangers.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

In this red-hot adventure, winner of the Australian Book of the Year Award for Older Children, John Flanagan raises the stakes on the series that has already sold millions of copies worldwide. John flanagan lives in Australia.

My thoughts:

I am a huge fan of John Flanagan and this well written series. The stories in this series follow the adventures of Will Treaty from the time he is a young boy, through his adventures as a Ranger's apprentice, and as a fully fledged Ranger with a fief of his own to protect. This particular adventure takes place just before Will becomes a Ranger. And what is a Ranger? A Ranger is a specially trained corps of men who spy for the king and defend the kingdom. They are renowned for their abilities to assess situations, infiltrate and survive off the land. In book #7, Erak’s Ransom, Will finds himself in a strange land, separated from Halt, his mentor, as well as the royal delegation that he has been assigned to. Everything that Halt has taught Will during his five years as an apprentice is about to be tested in this fast paced adventure.

the books in the Ranger's Apprentice Series--two more are expected

read my review on "The Seige of Macindaw" Book #6

Book #3

Book #2

Book #7

We Band of Angels

2010-02-10T15:51:00.057-07:00

We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of American Nurses Trapped on Bataan by the Japanese
by
Elizabeth M. Norman

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

In the fall of 1941, the Philippines was a gardenia-scented paradise for the American Army and Navy nurses stationed there. War was a distant rumor, life a routine of easy shifts and evenings of dinner and dancing under the stars. On December 8 all that changed, as Japanese bombs rained on American bases in Luzon, and the women's paradise became a fiery hell. Caught in the raging battle, the nurses set up field hospitals in the jungles of Bataan and the tunnels of Corregidor, where they saw the most devastating injuries of war, and suffered the terrors of shells and shrapnel.

But the worst was yet to come. As Bataan and Corregidor fell, a few nurses escaped, but most were herded into internment camps enduring three years of fear and starvation. Once liberated, they returned to an America that at first celebrated them, but later refused to honor their leaders with the medals they clearly deserved. Here, in letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts, is the story of what really happened during those dark days, woven together in a compelling saga of women in war.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

Dr. Elizabeth M. Norman is an associate professor of nursing and the director of the doctoral program at New York University's Division of Nursing in the School of Education. Her specialty is nursing history. The recipient of many honors and awards, she has written Women at War: The Story of Fifty Military Nurses Who Served in Vietnam and numerous articles. She lives with her husband, Michael, and their two sons, Joshua and Benjamin, in New Jersey.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading We band of Angels. Often the fear in reading true stories about less than pleasant events is that the book will focus on the negative. Dr. Norman did an excellent job of discussing the difficulties these women (and men) faced during the fall of Manilla, Bataan, and Corregidor and their subsequent internment, without dwelling too much on the horrible things that befell them. I think the attitude in her writing came from the women she interviewed for the story. These remarkable women found themselves in a horrible position but refused to give in to it. They remained determined to see it through and to do their best to help others survive as well. I found the whole story well researched, well written and enlightening. As I read I would ask myself, I wonder how I would react if I found myself in this same situation. Would I be as positve, as dedicated, as willing to keep working and to seeing it through. The General that they served under compared them to women pioneers and stated that the pioneers needed to look up to them for examples in courage and bravery. Since I hold pioneers in great esteem this statement really spoke to me.

From the book:

"'Whatever else could happen, first and foremost, we would conduct ourselves as Members of the United States Army Nurse Corps, This was paramount and absolutely inviolate! We reasoned that if we hoped to remain integrated emotionally, our first and primary duty was to carry on in our most professional capacity--that of nurses.' So it was the work that would save them their sense of themselves as professionals".

"So we will not call them heroes or angels, but what they were, what they are—women, made remarkable by history and ennobled by suffering and love. We can learn many lessons from such women. First, that loyalty, sacrifice, obedience and discipline are genderless. Honor may have begun as a male code but the sense of selflessness it requires is much more characteristic of women. The abiding camaraderie that sustained the nurses under fire and in prison should have surprised no one. Maude Davison and Josie Nesbit had an easy time holding their small band together because that is what the women wanted. They prized their affiliation, their sorority, their womanhood because, as women, they were more naturally comrades than men. I do not mean to suggest that women cannot act independently or that among us there are no individualists. History has long since put that canard to rest. Instead, I think that men feel compelled to prove themselves in isolation, while women feel compelled to prove themselves in accord. The voice of a woman is the voice of connection, and this inclination to keep close, to define oneself through affinity, kept the women going.

From a monument at the top of Mount Samat on Bataan erected by the men of the Death March to honor the nurses, the inscription reads

In honor of the valiant American military women who gave so much of themselves in the early days of World War II . . . They lived on a starvation diet, shared the bombing, strafing, sniping, sickness and disease while working endless hours of heartbreaking duty . . . They truly earned the name “The Angels of Bataan and Corregidor.”

pg. 268

Book #6
This book is part of my e-library on my kindle

Challenge #4
Prize Winner
This book is a recipient of the Lavinia Dock Award for Historical Scholarship

click on button to read more reviews

Moving In

2010-02-10T09:08:00.004-07:00

Moving In

by

Alice Audrey

About the Book
Amazon.com

When Diane and Trigvey move into the same building on the same day, more than their suitcases get tangled up. All his life Trigvey never once doubted his calling to be a doctor, but an accident in the ER has him doubting himself. Diane's willingness to listen helps him get his head on straight. If only he felt worthy of a woman like her.

Diane is the kind of woman who would love to be someone's wife. Not a trophy wife, or simply married, but the kind of wife whose job is to stay home and take care of the family, even if the family is only a husband. She feeds Trigvey and consoles him, and doesn't even know she has him wrapped around her finger. Jilted for a career-woman and raised by a bitter divorcée, Diane no longer believes in that dream. It's up to Trigvey to convince her it could still be real, if she chooses him.

About the Author
Wild Rose Press

Accounting and Romance? Why not? Alice Audrey, who does a little accounting in her spare time, likes to plot her novels on a spreadsheet. It seems to be working since she now has more manuscripts than she knows what to do with. She writes Romantic Suspense, Historical Romances, and even now and then something Sweet. You can catch her in action every Friday at her blog, Alice's Restaurant.

http://www.aliceaudrey.com/

My thoughts

I enjoyed reading "Moving In". The book is short, sweet, light-hearted and just plain fun. The story revolves around the two principles, Diane and Trigvey (what a creative name) and the process of the two getting aquainted, trying to avoid the whole falling in love thing and in the end capitulating. It was a great read for the week of Valentines.

I enjoyed this book especially because of the author. I have been blogging for a little over a year and Alice Audrey has been one of my most faithful blogging friends. It was exciting to read about her growing excitement as the manuscript neared publication. Alice Audrey put a lot of hard work and love into this book. I think it is an amazing accomplishment.

Book #5

The UnValentine

2010-02-08T15:21:00.003-07:00

The UnValentine

by

Sam Beeson

This book is small about 5" by 6"
It contains (by my count) a 24 stanza poem
for people who aren't thrilled to celebrate valentines day
It is a perfect gift for a teenage girl
my youngest daughter bought it for herself last valentines day
she recommended that I read it to celebrate the holiday
I pass that recommendation on to you
as well as a portion of the poem
to tease you into finding it

Exactly midway through the frigid month of February
A day is celebrated by the dull and ordinary.
And all around me notes are passed by idiots and stupids--
Packed with sugar mottoed hearts and naked pudgy cupids.
This ritual conducted under heart shaped crimson flag,
Does absolutely nothing for me, but to make me gag!

and the book is wonderfully illustrated by Jesse Draper
a very fun book to read and share

In the back are some punch out unvalentines

In the space below write a word
that describes Valentine's Day
and rhymes with Cupid

see the book at Barnes and Noble

To the Lighthouse

2010-01-27T22:44:00.020-07:00

To the Lighthouse

by

Virginia Woolf

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

The novel is one of Woolf's most successful and accessible experiments in the stream-of-consciousness style. The three sections of the book take place between 1910 and 1920 and revolve around various members of the Ramsay family during visits to their summer residence on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. A central motif of the novel is the conflict between the feminine and masculine principles at work in the universe.

With her emotional, poetic frame of mind, Mrs. Ramsay represents the female principle, while Mr. Ramsay, a self-centered philosopher, expresses the male principle in his rational point of view. Both are flawed by their limited perspectives. A painter and friend of the family, Lily Briscoe, is Woolf's vision of the androgynous artist who personifies the ideal blending of male and female qualities. Her successful completion of a painting that she has been working on since the beginning of the novel is symbolic of this unification. -- Merriam Webster Encyclopedia of Literature

My thoughts

This is my second adventure with Virginia Woolf. My first experience “Mrs. Dalloway” was quite difficult and I did not enjoy it.

I was determined to give “To the Lighthouse” a fair chance, so to prepare for reading this book I read the chapter about Virginia Woolf from the book Modernist Fiction by Randall Stevenson. This book was helpful and informative about Ms. Woolf’s distinctive style of writing, “ . . . in much of Woolf's work, subjective experience forms the whole substance of the novel, but interior monologue, rather than stream of consciousness, is the appropriate term for the style in Woolf's writing generally.” It was helpful for me to read this chapter to understand the way this book was written. To me she did not write a “story” as much as an exploration of thought through fictional characters.

I also studied from “spark notes” as I read. The chapter summaries and other notes helped me to figure out the sequence of events and the importance of those events to the characters. It was also helpful in keeping track of the characters as Ms. Woolf likes to fill her books with people. Interpretations of symbols and passages were also very helpful.

Even with all this help I still had a lot of trouble with this book. This style of writing makes me feel out of control and disconnected. I can’t overcome the urge to define the story and gather it in. That aside I did find myself enjoying portions of “To the Lighthouse”. I identified with the lead character Mrs. Ramsey on a personal level. We are of an age, she has eight children-I have five. I would get lost and confused and wonder what was going on—then Mrs. Ramsey would ground me helping me to locate myself in the sequence of events.

For me the big discovery about Virginia Woolf was finding that I could not expect a traditional story—but an exploration of thoughts stimulated by a series of events and biased by the author's personal experiences.

I found this excerpt in "To the Lighthouse" that describes how I feel about Ms. Woolf's writing style, "the words became symbols, wrote themselves all over the grey-green walls. If only she could put them together, she felt, write them out in some sentence, then she would have got at the truth of things. (location 2490 e-book)

It has been interesting, but I still can’t say that I like reading Virginia Woolf.

Here is a sampling of Mrs. Ramsey's thoughts that I identified with:

[the children] came to her, naturally, since she was a woman, all day long with this and that; one wanting this, another that; the children were growing up; she often felt she was nothing but a sponge sopped full of human emotions. (location 546 e-book)

[Mr. Ramsey] must be assured that he too lived in the heart of life; was needed; she assured him, beyond a shadow of a doubt, by her laugh, her poise, her competence that it was real. (location 644 e-book)

Why, she asked, pressing her chin on James's head, should they grow up so fast? (location 1005 e-book)

A tenpenny tea set made Cam [daughter] happy for days. She heard [the children] stamping and crowing on the floor above her head the moment they awoke. They came bustling along the passage Then the door sprang open and in they came, fresh as roses, (location 1008 e-book)

I also experienced a bit of melancholy after reading this book. My father passed away 5 years ago. The grief was terrible to experience and I miss him a great deal. I liked this poetic description of grief as it enters the hearts and lives of the Ramsey's.

a downpouring of immense darkness began. Nothing, it seemed, could survive the flood, the profusion of darkness which, creeping in at keyholes and crevices, stole round window blinds, came into bedrooms, swallowed up here a jug and basin, there a bowl of red and yellow dahlias, there the sharp edges and firm bulk of a chest of drawers. Not only was furniture confounded; there was scarcely anything left of body or mind by which one could say, "This is he" or "This is she." (location 2158 e-book)

After completing this book I felt that the first part of the book was actually a rememberance of one grand day in the lives of the Ramsey's when everybody was well and happy and their mother was the queen of their lives. I gathered that from the moment that Ms. Woolf states that "Mrs. Ramsey turned upon the stairs and looked like the queen she was". After Mrs. Ramsey dies the book takes on an air of grieving. I love the descriptions of the house in its state of disrepair and emptiness--"It only wants human habitation".

What people had shed and left--a pair of shoes, a shooting cap, some faded skirts and coats in wardrobes--those alone kept the human shape and in the emptiness indicated how once they were filled and animated; how once hands were busy with hooks and buttons; how once the looking-glass had held a face; had held a world hollowed out in which a figure turned, a hand flashed, the door opened, in came children rushing and tumbling; and went out again. (location 2211 e-book)

The place was gone to rack and ruin. Only the Lighthouse beam entered the rooms for a moment, sent its sudden stare over bed and wall in the darkness of winter, looked [on] with equanimity. (location 2367 e-book)

Following the death of Mrs. Ramsey the story takes a break and picks up again 10 years later. There is no center character at this point--just the rambling points of view from fellows affected by the life of Mrs. Ramsey, as if her going has left them in a state of confusion with no direction to their lives.

The threads of the story pick up with Mr. Ramsey, his son James and daughter Cam returning to the Island to take the trip out to see the lighthouse. The now grown children have no idea why they must do this only that there father demands it. Mr. Ramsey in my mind is determined to fulfill his wifes desire to take James to the lighthouse. Lily Briscoe also returns to finish the painting she began of Mrs. Ramsey so many years ago.

The final chapters of the story rotate between the happenings on the beach as Lily reflects on the life of Mrs. Ramsey, eventually recieves a vision of how the painting should look and finishes the work--and the events that take place in the boat as the family finally arrives at the Lighthouse.

from the boat: "Well done!" [spoken by Mr. Ramsey] James had steered them like a born sailor. There! Cam thought, addressing herself silently to James. You've got it at last. For she knew that this was what James had been wanting, and she knew that now he had got it he was so pleased that he would not look at her or at his father or at anyone. There he sat with his hand on the tiller sitting bolt upright, looking rather sulky and frowning slightly. He was so pleased that he was not going to let anybody share a grain of his pleasure. His father had praised him. They must think that he was perfectly indifferent. But you've got it now, Cam thought. (e-book location 3514)

Back on shore Lily has a feeling accompanied by a thought: "He has landed," she said aloud. "It is finished."

There it was--her picture. Yes, with all its greens and blues, its lines runing up and across, its attempt at something. It would be hung in the attics, she thought. But what did that matter? she asked herself, . . . It was done; it was finished. Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision.(e-book location 3561)

So the book ends with the characters feeling satisfied that they have given Mrs. Ramsey what she desired of them.

I read this book as part of the "woolf in winter" reading group

An online discussion will be held Friday January 29

hosted by Emily

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

Book #4

Challenge 7: Break A Prejudice

We all have reading prejudices--authors, genres. or even publishers we don't like. For this challenge, think of a reading prejudice you have and then find a book that is an example of this type of book. Read the book and then write about the reading prejudice you had BEFORE you read the book and how reading the book either changed your prejudice or reinforced it.

The Lost Quilter

2010-01-21T14:14:00.013-07:00

The Lost Quilter
by
Jennifer Chiaverini
#14 in the Elm Creek Quilter's Series

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson treasures an antique quilt called by three names — Birds in the Air, after its pattern; the Runaway Quilt, after the woman who sewed it; and the Elm Creek Quilt, after the place to which its maker longed to return. That quilter was Joanna, a fugitive slave who traveled by the Underground Railroad to reach safe haven in 1859 at Elm Creek Farm.

Though Joanna's freedom proved short-lived — she was forcibly returned by slave catchers to Josiah Chester's plantation in Virginia — she left the Bergstrom family a most precious gift, her son. Hans and Anneke Bergstrom, along with maiden aunt Gerda, raised the boy as their own, and the secret of his identity died with their generation. Now it falls to Sylvia — drawing upon Gerda's diary and Joanna's quilt — to connect Joanna's past to present-day Elm Creek Manor.

Just as Joanna could not have foreseen that, generations later, her quilt would become the subject of so much speculation and wonder, Sylvia and her friends never could have imagined the events Joanna witnessed in her lifetime. Punished for her escape by being sold off to her master's brother in Edisto Island, South Carolina, Joanna grieves over the loss of her son and resolves to run again, to reunite with him someday in the free North. Farther south than she has ever been, she nevertheless finds allies, friends, and even love in the slave quarter of Oak Grove, a cotton plantation where her skill with needle and thread soon becomes highly prized.

Through hardship and deprivation, Joanna dreams of freedom and returning to Elm Creek Farm. Determined to remember each landmark on the route north, Joanna pieces aquilt of scraps left over from the household sewing, concealing clues within the meticulous stitches. Later, in service as a seamstress to the new bride of a Confederate officer, Joanna moves on to Charleston, where secrets she keeps will affect the fate of a nation, and her abilities and courage enable her to aid the country and the people she loves most.

The knowledge that scraps can be pieced and sewn into simple lines — beautiful both in and of themselves and also for what they represent and what they can accomplish — carries Joanna through dark days. Sustaining herself and her family through ingenuity and art during the Civil War and into Reconstruction, Joanna leaves behind a remarkable artistic legacy that, at last, allows Sylvia to discover the fate of the long-lost quilter.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

Jennifer Chiaverini is the author of fourteen Elm Creek Quilts novels, as well as three collections of quilt projects inspired by the series, and is the designer of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric lines from Red Rooster Fabrics. She lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin.

My Review

This is the first book I’ve read from the Elm Creek Quilters Series. It was introduced to my book club by a member that is an expert quilter herself. We met in her home to discuss this book and were surrounded by lovely quilts that hung as displays, were folded in baskets, and layered in a glass display case. The effect was warm and cozy. It also made the details of this story very tangible.

I admired the protagonist of the Lost Quilter, Joanna North, immensely as she faced the daily challenge of not being able to lay claim to those things most dear such as spouse and children because they could be taken away at the whim of a cruel master. The sorrow of being owned but belonging to nothing was overwhelming. The book is heartbreakingly honest. Slavery was a terrible practice and the victims did not deserve the treatment. Joanna was an intelligent person that watched and waited and took advantage of every opportunity offered to her and eventually found her way to freedom. The road to freedom was very difficult—she and her husband that became separated due to slave ownership details had the motto “just keep breathing”. Whenever something terrible happened Joanna would tell herself, “just keep breathing”. In the end she was successful. Her bravery and courage helped her, as well as others, in establishing a new community where blacks could be free.

from the book:

the overseer seized her by the shoulders and dragged her off to be beaten. As her back was torn open by the overseer's whip, her last thoughts before darkness claimed her was that at least her son was safe, at least he would never be beaten . . . .or his dreams of freedom crushed like a flower underfoot . . . When she woke, she was lying on her stomach . . . her back aching and throbbing with such searing pain that she gasped aloud. . . ten days later, Mr. Linney ordered Joanna to the tobacco fields. The effort of stooping and bending to pluck the leaves opened the newly forming scars on her back until her dress soaked through with blood and dried stiff beneath the hot sun . . . later that evening, she cried out as Honor peeled the fabric from her skin and appilied a salve to her wounds. . .in the morning she put on her dress and reported to the fields, where the wounds once again tore open and bled. but each day they bled a little less as her skin knit together and hard ropes of scars formed. The tree of life, slaves called the pattern of branching scars.

I found this description both disturbing and poetic.

see more great book reviews by clicking on this button
hosted by Barrie Summy, Author

Book #3

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

Woolf in Winter: Mrs. Dalloway

2010-01-15T13:44:00.004-07:00

Mrs. Dalloway

by

Virginia Woolf

About the book
(Barnes and Noble)

Heralded as Virginia Woolf's greatest novel, this is a vivid portrait of a single day in a woman's life. When we meet her, Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway is preoccupied with the last-minute details of party preparation while in her mind she is something much more than a perfect society hostess. As she readies her house, she is flooded with remembrances of faraway times. And, met with the realities of the present, Clarissa reexamines the choices that brought her there, hesitantly looking ahead to the unfamiliar work of growing old.

"Mrs. Dalloway was the first novel to split the atom. If the novel before Mrs. Dalloway aspired to immensities of scope and scale, to heroic journeys across vast landscapes, with Mrs. Dalloway Virginia Woolf insisted that it could also locate the enormous within the everyday; that a life of errands and party-giving was every bit as viable a subject as any life lived anywhere; and that should any human act in any novel seem unimportant, it has merely been inadequately observed. The novel as an art form has not been the same since.

"Mrs. Dalloway also contains some of the most beautiful, complex, incisive and idiosyncratic sentences ever written in English, and that alone would be reason enough to read it. It is one of the most moving, revolutionary artworks of the twentieth century."

—Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours (Inspired by Mrs. Dalloway)

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

The early decades of the 20th century saw the rise of the “experimental” novel, and few writers had more success with their experiments than Virginia Woolf. Her innovative approach as a novelist, critic, and biographer made her an author who is even more widely read today than she was in her own time.

My thoughts and feelings about the book:

I saw the button for this reading group on a blog I follow. I was entranced by the things she said about the author and how excited she was to read this book. I was more intrigued by the idea of reading a book with a group of bloggers and then on a designated day (today Jan. 15) all who read the book would participate in a discussion about the book. So I signed up to participate.

My first step in preparation to read this book was to look up information about the author. As seems to be the case for many creative people this woman lived a tortured life as she dealt with the effects of physical abuse and mental illness. In the end she took her own life.

This is my first experience with Virginia Woolf, in fact I had never heard of her prior to this challenge. But I like to try new things and I was taken in by the cover art. So I began reading.

Mrs. Dalloway is
one never ending sentence without breath
that wanders in and out of the minds of 25 people
over the span of one day

It made me dizzy with confusion and I longed for a resting place so I could shut the book and put it away.

It reminded me of a Star Trek episode where the alien was bodiless but wanted to study the crew of the enterprise so he flitted from mind to mind absorbing all their knowledge until satisfied and then passing off to inhabit another unsuspecting individual.

There was no story. There was no point. Only the wandering thoughts of mindless people. It drove me batty.

There were a lot of pretty words, bits and pieces to tease the reader, and if you took them out of context there were a lot of ways they could be interpreted and quoted. But as a whole I found no purpose in the book.

Enough said. There are plenty of people in today’s discussion who love the book and have lots of beautiful and heartfelt things to say about it. I’d suggest you visit them to get a better perspective on Mrs. Dalloway.

As for me this may be my one and only adventure with Virginia Woolf.

Today's discussion about Mrs. Dalloway is being hosted by Sarah

Post Script:

There were a lot of wonderful posts and comments to read with today's discussion and after reading them I have a few thoughts I'd like to add:

The posts were well written and thought provoking. I must admit to being a little fearful about posting my own opinion for fear I would sound ignorant. However, I felt I wouldn’t be true to myself if I posted something else.

I have learned a lot reading the reviews and comments. There were a number of reviewers that said they had to read the book several times before they enjoyed it. I especially liked the way Claire compared the book to a song. It did have a lyrical feel to it and there were many phrases, sentences and paragraphs that I enjoyed immensely. If that is the readers’ intent then the book is perfect. But even after studying the spark notes and reading about characters, motifs, symbols and such, I still can't see the point of the book. The only symbol that I got and really enjoyed was Big Ben tolling the hour and marking time. One cannot escape the passage of time, as all of the characters in Mrs. Dalloway discovered. I also like the fact that the story ended where it began, with Mrs. Dalloway as the central figure—symbolizing the futility of all our worry.

I really enjoyed participating in the reading group. This was my primary reason for joining up. I think it is great fun to share thoughts about a book with other people. I would like to join up with more people conducting reading groups. And I do plan on continuing with this group at least through the next book. I just hope it has a plot ;-P

Book #2

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

The Undaunted

2010-01-13T00:01:00.018-07:00

The Undaunted
A Historical Novel

by

Gerald N. Lund

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

When it comes to creating spellbinding historical fiction, nobody does it quite like Gerald N. Lund. In The Undaunted, he transports readers first to the coal mines of Yorkshire, then across the ocean and the plains to the territory of Utah, where, even in 1879, there is pioneering to be done. A little- known and perhaps even less- appreciated chapter in the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--the Mormons] history comes to life in this gripping story of a stalwart group of Saints called to create a settlement to serve as a buffer between the established communities of Utah and the lawless frontier of the Four Corners area. Their challenge will be enormous— but the biggest part of it may be getting there in the first place. Skillfully interweaving historical figures and events with fictional characters, Gerald Lund takes us through the Hole in the Rock and over miles of uncharted country that even today is impassable without all- terrain vehicles. His account of the adventure, romance, and sacrifices of these undaunted pioneers will resonate with readers who love a good story as well as those who want to better understand the incomparable legacy and unconquerable faith of those valiant Saints.

genre: Historical Fiction

Read more about the story and the author at the author's website

My Review:

Picture: A look down through the "Hole in the Rock" to Lake Powell in Southeastern Utah--see the full article at Wikipedia

The Undaunted was a great book that was very well written. The story is one of courage and fortitude as a group of about 250 early settlers in Southwestern Utah are called by the prophet of their church—President Brigham Young to advance colonization of the state to the Southeastern reaches of the territory or the Four Corners area.

If one is at all familiar with the terrain of Southeastern Utah they would immediately recognize what a formidable challenge awaited these pioneers. The terrain in this section of the state for hundreds if not thousands of miles is covered with convoluted sandstone cliffs and impassable gorges. These awesome formations can be seen and traversed safely in our day and age in places such as Lake Powell, Canyon lands National Park, Arches National Park, or Capitol Reef National Park. Even though the Grand Escalante Staircase has been named a National Monument it is a dangerous place for the inexperienced. I would guess at least 80% of this area of the state still remains impassable.

When the exploratory party set out to find a way to reach the 4 corners area they traveled a circuitous route down the Northern rim of the Grand Canyon, through the Navajo reservation and up into the 4 corners area. The route back to Parowan, Utah was a northern route that took them through Moab, Green River, Castle Dale, Salina and back down to Parowan. It was a journey of over a thousand miles.

Another party had taken a more easterly approach and even though they reported that the terrain was nearly impassable they thought it could be done.

The group decided to take the shorter route through the tougher terrain. It took them 6 months, four months longer than planned; they arrived completely worn out and out of food but they did the impossible.

This is a remarkable story. The author has researched his topic thoroughly; footnotes and documentation are included at the end of each chapter. Interwoven into the historical aspects of this story the author has also included fictional characters that are part of the expedition. It is through them we experience the history.

read another post I made about this book
more information and pictures about the expedition

TBR 2010 hosted by Miz B
Book #1

hosted by the royal reviews
Book #1

This book is part of my e-library on my kindle

Challenge #10 in Jenner's “Take Another Chance Challenge”: Become A Character (worth 2 entries)
For this challenge write about the book as one of the characters from the book.

In the book, The Undaunted by Gerald Lund, the main character, David Draper, comes to a small town in Southwestern Utah to work as a mail carrier. He is hired by Mr. McKenna who owns the local Motel and runs the Post Office. The first two people he meets are Mr. McKenna’s daughters, Molly who runs the Post office and Abby who works behind the desk at the Motel. Molly is charming and flirtatious and David soon finds himself in love with her. Abby is somewhat irritated with the flippant attitude of the young man and the two are constantly picking at each other. The McKenna’s are asked to sell their property and to join an expedition to settle Southeastern Utah. Mr. McKenna hires David to help them with their wagons and with other trail details. As well as writing about the historical aspects of this trip the author builds a story around the relationship between David Draper and the McKenna’s. For Challenge #10 I’ve decided to have Abby write a letter to Molly as a follow-up to the end of the novel.

*warning—spoilers*

Molly McKenna
Cedar City, Utah
September 28, 1880

Dearest Molly,

I suppose by now you have arrived safely in Cedar City. I hope you have found all well there and to your satisfaction. Did Carl have your room ready with all your belongings? What are you doing to fill your time? I miss you terribly, it has been so difficult having my sister and my best friend in the world removed from my constant companionship. I think of you daily and hope I am in your thoughts as well.

I know Mother and Father have sent letters with every wagon and rider that has returned to Cedar City for supplies and so I hope you have had news of our advancements in the colony. As you know Bluff was too small of an area to accommodate our group. We chose to settle in at Montezuma Creek so as to be close to the Davis’s. It has turned out to be a good choice. With the help of Brother Davis, David, his father, John and our Father we have built three beautiful homes (though you might think of them as simple cabins) and are getting ready to harvest our first crops.

With the family doing so well here David has finally decided it is time to start looking seriously at starting that Cattle Ranch up in the Blue Mountains just north of us. This month he filed a claim on some property on the southern slopes. He and his father have gone up to do some surveying and lay out stakes. If all goes according to plan I may be moving once again early in the next year.

I do not mind though. A year ago when we set out to settle this country I had no idea how much I would love the wildness and remoteness of it. The vermillion sandstone cliffs are so otherworldly and beautiful. I never tire of the views. We’ve discovered that the rich red soil produces a nice garden. We will have a good harvest. David and John believe that the soil at the base of the Blue Mountains will be excellent for farming as well. They plan to put in a crop of winter wheat before the snow falls.

A year ago, can you believe it Molly? A year ago we clambered aboard a wagon and began an adventure that changed our lives. I missed you most terribly when David and I were married. I wish I could be there to hold you, comfort you and explain to you how I feel about him. He is my eternal love, my best friend and companion. I hope you will forgive the two of us. I know that you had already decided you didn’t want to marry him—but I know it must still hurt. I hope it comforts you to know that we are both very happy. I would also like to share with you my secret—that I have not told anyone else as of yet. I am expecting a little one in the spring. I’m praying for a golden haired little girl that I will name Molly Anne after you and David’s mother.

I hope to hear all the details of your life very soon. It will be such a comfort to me and the family to know that you are happy. I hope all is well.

Your loving sister
Abigail Draper
Montezuma Creek, Utah

- - - - Molly's reply - - - -

Abigail Draper
Montezuma Creek, Utah
November 20, 1880

Dearest Abby,

And you are still my dearest Abby! Do not anguish over that. I received mother’s letter about yours and David’s marriage about the time the wagon’s arrived at Cottonwood Canyon. I will not lie. I was hurt and angry and felt much betrayed. I knew I didn’t want to marry him but I couldn’t quite fathom that you would want to marry him either. Mother wrote a tender letter that I have reread many times beseeching me to be prayerful, kind and understanding. I put the letter aside and didn’t take it out again for two days.

In those two days our wagons went up through the hole. Oh my Abby, it was a horrifying experience—the worst of this terrible trip. Ropes had to be tied around the box of the wagon and it literally had to be lifted up through the hole. It was a sight to look up and see that wagon dangling on the precipice. But we made it and I was humbled and felt grateful. That is when I reread mother’s letter and since then have read it many times. I am at peace with your decision and David’s and I am glad you have each other as you begin a new life in a rugged country. I am so pleased with your news of the little one; my only sorrow is the distance between us.

I arrived in Cedar City on July 22nd. Carl did have my room set up with all of my belongings. I felt just like I had died and gone to Heaven. How glorious it was to soak in a real bath, to wash my hair, curl my hair, do my nails and make myself pretty. Do not wonder or worry about me, I am where I belong. I would not have been happy if I had stayed. Just two days after my arrival the city celebrated Pioneer day. I must admit to crying a great amount of tears with the memories of my own recent pioneer experience so fresh upon my mind.

I have happy news of my own to share with you. David guessed at it and I should have spoken truthfully to him about it but did not want to hurt him at the time. Before Carl returned to Cedar City he spoke to me of his feelings for me and asked if I would come with him. He clearly stated that he would like to court me. I was somewhat taken aback and confused and so let him return on his own. But that was when the seed was planted in my heart that I would return, and that I would marry Carl.

Carl has courted me with much kindness and tenderness since my return and a Christmas Day wedding is planned. I hope this letter along with letters to the family arrive before that time. Carl sent a letter to Mother and Father a few weeks ago. Isn’t it funny how we thought Carl would be for you and David for me and now it has turned out to be just the opposite? So I hope you will find happiness in your heart for us as well.

I miss you all so much but I will never visit you until the road is much improved!

All my love,
Molly
Cedar City, Utah

The Christmas Train

2009-12-30T17:24:00.010-07:00

The Christmas Train

by

David Baldacci

About the Book
(Barnes and Noble)

Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, is banned from flying when a particularly thorough airport security search causes him to lose his cool. Now, he must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas with his girlfriend.

About the Author
(Barnes and Noble)

Washington, D.C.-based lawyer-turned-author, David Baldacci writes legal thrillers that are as tightly constructed as they are authoritative. Readers know his books, with their cinematic plots and colorful details, are sure to offer the sort of breathless entertainment that thrillers always promise but can’t always deliver.

In the tradition of John Grisham's Skipping Christmas, this holiday tale offers humor, romance, mystery, and a reminder of what Christmas is all about-by seven-time New York Times, bestselling author David Baldacci.

My Review:

The Christmas Train was a fun read. In 2007 I took an overnight trip on the Am Trak so as the author described things from the train I could see it all clearly. I had many a chuckle as he describe the unusual phenomenon that takes place as people travel together in such close quarters. It’s amazing how people let go of their inhibitions and make friends of total strangers.

This story was a delightful travelogue as well as a romance with a little mystery thrown in. It was a fun and entertaining holiday read.

my favorite quote from the book

"It's my experience that most folk who ride trains could care less where they're going. For them it's the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. You see, at every stop this train makes, a little bit of America, a little bit of your country, gets on and says hello."

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

more January reviews can be found here

Reading Challenges for 2010

2009-12-27T12:13:00.019-07:00

I'm new to this having only participated in 2 reading challenges so far. I've found it fun and interesting to look for books with the challenges in mind. From looking at the "bookish" blogs it seems that I'm supposed to make a post at the beginning of the year indicating which challenges I'm participating in and then do a wrap up at the end of the year. I'm a spontaneous reader--so I'm finding it difficult to pick what books I'll read, so I'll just pick the challenges now and the books as I go along.

I've chosen to participate in the following challenges"
2010 Fantasy Reading Challenge--this challenge ends in October so I will read 4 fantasy books
Bronte Challenge--this challenge ends in June so I will read 2 works I have not read yet; Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell and Juvenilia by Charlotte Bronte.
Buy a Book Challenge--only 1 book is required and as I've already purchased 2 Neil Gaimon books I think I will read these and add whatever other books I purchase
E-book Challenge--Since I purchased my Kindle most of my reading is in e-book form
Fairy Tale Reading Challenge--I've read many of these books based on Fairy Tales and really enjoyed them. I'll set my goal for 2
Take Another Chance Challenge--There are 12 challenges so I'll try to complete 1/month
TBR Challenge--I like to do things in clusters so I have selected three months that I will read from my TBR list

I guess I'll wrap up 2009 in this post as well--I read 42 books, I'm happy with that.

Woolf in Winter Reading Group

2009-12-25T17:59:00.003-07:00

Details and sign-up for the reading challenge can be found at Kiss a Cloud. The posting and discussion schedule, and first few lines, as follows:

Mrs Dalloway. January 15 hosted by Sarah.
Mrs Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself. For Lucy had her work cut out for her. The doors would be taken off their hinges; Rumpelmayer's men were coming. And then, thought Clarissa Dalloway, what a morning--fresh as if issued to children on a beach.

To the Lighthouse. January 29 hosted by Emily.
'Yes, of course, if it's fine to-morrow,' said Mrs Ramsay. 'But you'll have to be up with the lark,' she added.

Orlando. February 12 hosted by Frances.
He--for there could be no doubt of his sex, though the fashion of the time did something to disguise it--was in the act of slicing a Moor which swung from the rafters. It was the colour of an old football, and more or less the shape of one, save for the sunken cheeks and a strand or two of coarse, dry hair, like the hair on a cocoanut.

The Waves. February 26 hosted by Claire.
The sun had not yet risen. The sea was indistinguishable from the sky, except that the sea was slightly creased as if a cloth had wrinkles in it.

Read more about Virginia Woolf here
and here

What Do You Want for Christmas

2009-12-21T16:53:00.002-07:00

What Do You Want for Christmas
by
James W. Moore.

I'm not reviewing this book because I didn't enjoy it, The author rambled a lot and I really never got the point--- that may be my fault, someone else might enjoy it quite a bit.

I did read it for my Christmas Challenges

The Christmas Lamp

2009-12-19T00:35:00.008-07:00

The Christmas Lamp

by

Lori Copeland

About the Book:
(Barnes and Noble)

When the small town of Nativity, Missouri, loses its much-needed seasonal business, more than the economy suffers. Lifelong resident Roni Elliot clashes with the new outside consultant Jake Brisco, whose drastic budget-slashing threatens the traditions and spirit of Nativity. However, as forgotten joys rekindle and new traditions emerge, Christmas once again becomes a season of hope.

About the Author:
(Barnes and Noble)

Lori Copeland has been writing for twenty-five years and has over three million copies of her books in print, including Now and Always, Simple Gifts, Unwrapping Christmas, and Monday Morning Faith, which was a finalist for the 2007 Christy Awards. Lori was inducted into the Springfield Writers Hall of Fame in 2000 and lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband and family.

My Review:

This was a light-hearted holiday Romance. After reading the synopsis of the book the reader knows that the two main characters are destined to fall in love--despite their difference of opinions about how to save the town. The authors focus is on how important traditions are to this small community, and to the key characters. I enjoyed this short novel and the author's afterword added some depth to the book.

"As I wrote 'The Christmas Lamp' I realized that tradition is priceless, whether you have a small family, a large family, or no family."

"Tradition doesn't have to be logical; it only has to emphasize the light of Christ and his everlasting love."

My favorite lines from the story were:

"Man, Duke and I work our fannies off. We don't eat expensive dinners out. We don't go to the movies or buy our clothes anywhere but Kmart--our biggest treat is taking the kids to Walmart on Friday nights, having a fast food hamburger and doing the grocery shopping."

I'm from a small town so this line really made me chuckle.

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

The Christmas Angel

2009-12-15T09:35:00.008-07:00

The Christmas Angel

by

Abbie Farwell Brown

illustrated by Reginald Birch
published October 1910

You can view and read this delightful little Christmas story in it's entirety here

As introduction an excerpt from the beginning of the book:

"Stuff and nonsense!" mused Miss Terry scornfully. "What is our Christmas, anyway? A time for shopkeepers to sell and for foolish folks to kill themselves in buying. Christmas spirit? No! It is all Humbug!"

That might sound familiar--it reminds the reader of the Dickens tale "A Christmas Carol" which was written in 1843. This book was written approximately 50 years later but had a similar feel to it.

I like to read the old stories now and again to be reminded of the simple roots of today's mass marketing of printed materials. This book is simple and predictable and very similar to Dickens Christmas story. The first letter in each chapter is illustrated in the old way and the book has delightful ink illustrations of key scenes in the story.

The protagonist of this story is a bitter spinster woman who finds herself alone on Christmas Eve. Miss Terry has determined that it is time to clean the attic. She has the maid bring down her old toy chest prior to her leaving to join in the town's Christmas festival. Miss Terry uses the bellows to build up the fire and then reaches in for the first toy she is to burn. But for some reason she finds she is unable to burn these rememberances from her childhood.

Miss Terry then decides to conduct a Christmas experiment. Each toy is tossed one at a time from the window onto the sidewalk below. Miss Terry hides in the draperies and watches the fate of each toy. She finds that her belief of Christmas being a humbug is true as each toy meets a miserable fate.

After emptying the toy box she is left with a pink paper-mache angel that she and her brother at one time hung on their Christmas tree. She cannot bring herself to destroy the angel and so places it on her mantel. Miss Terry drifts off to sleep only to be wakened by a bright light. As she wakes she sees before her an angel--the Christmas angel.

The rest of the story follows as the angel shows Miss Terry the real fate of each of the toys and how they brought the Christmas spirit into the hearts of the people who picked them up.

This book is a short book of less than 100 pages, a quick and fun little holiday read.

the original cover of the book

This book is part of my e-library on my Amazon Kindle
It was a free download

Fireflies in December

2009-12-14T11:48:00.004-07:00

Fireflies in December

by

Jennifer Erin Valent

About the book
(Barnes and Noble)

"The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I killed a man."

So begins the story of Jessilyn Lassiter, a young girl whose world is torn apart the summer of 1932. When Jessilyns best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyns father vows to care for her as his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town.

It doesn't take long for the Lassiters to attract the attention of a local band of Ku Klux Klan members, who make increasingly violent threats on Jessilyn and her family.

As she struggles to navigate a complex world of first crushes, loyalties, and betrayals, Jessilyn ultimately discovers what it takes to be a bright light in a dark world.

My Review

This book takes place in 1932 in South Virginia. Because the Lassiter's have taken in an orphaned black girl whose parents were employed by them their friends and neighbors soon distance themselves. The Lassiter's find themselves victims of several Ku Klux Klan visits. This is a terrifying and troubling experience for all of them.

The story is well written. Jessilyn Lassiter is the protagonist of this story and as we follow her story we see how difficult it was living in the south and dealing with racial prejudice. Jessilyn's story recounts vividly how a young victimized girl feels. She tries to appear brave when she is constantly terrified, she makes less than thought out decisions based on her confused emotions. I found myself feeling very strongly attached to the girl.

As well as dealing with terrors most of us never have to face, Jessilyn is also experiencing her first love. The love story is sweet and tender, we watch as Jessilyn grows from tomboy to young lady.

I really enjoyed this story of courage and tender emotions.

A quote from the book:

Daddy didn’t say anything for a minute or so, and then he reached up and caught a firefly as it glowed beside him. “See this light?” he asked me when the firefly lit up his hand.

“Yes’r.”

“That light is bright enough to light up a little speck of the night sky so a man can see it a ways away. That’s what God expects us to do. We’re to be lights in the dark, cold days that are this world. Like fireflies in December.”

Another quote:

“Time meandered on without Gemma’s momma and daddy, and it meandered on without Cy fuller and Walt Blevins. . . but those of us left behind viewed life more dearly, felt it more keenly. I’d learned a bit more about God and I’d seen His powerful hands at work. As I was growing, my heart was changing. And the way I figured it, there were lessons learned in those dark days that would help me for years to come.”

And a final quote:

“As I sat on the porch on that December day . . . I leaned my head against the rail and sighed deeply. The way I figured it just then, my summer may have been full of bad luck, but my life wasn’t. I figured as far as family went, I was one of the luckiest girls alive.”

When I did a search for Christmas stories on Amazon—this title came up but it was not a Christmas story. I read it anyway—and I was glad. So I picked this book as part of my Holiday Reading Challenge.

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle
It was a free download

The Return

2009-12-06T23:44:00.005-07:00

House of Israel Vol #1

The Return

by

Robert Marcum

Audio Book
ISBN #9781591560678
Genre: LDS Fiction (Fiction based on historical facts and the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--the Mormons)

About the Book:
Seagull Book

As the end of the Second World War nears, the Western nations breathe a collective sigh of relief as many of their soldiers rush back to anxious families and friends. They are safe. They are home. But for Hannah Gruen, a young Jewish woman in post-war Germany, threats still abound in many forms.

Rescued from the horrors of a concentration camp, she finds that she has no family left, and that her home has long since been destroyed. Ephraim Daniels, an LDS (Mormon) American pilot, is initially drawn to Hannah by his need to help her survive. Through his visits and assistance, Hannah's desire for life and her longing to know God are rekindled. As she regains her health and her fighting spirit, Ephraim realizes that his feelings for Hannah are changing from those of concern to affection.

But soon Hannah finds herself in a battle for her life and the lives of others, as she seeks to provide safe passage to the home of which Hannah dreams, the home where she will find safety and freedom, in faraway Palestine, the ancient and future Israel.

The Return, Volume 1 of the epic series House of Israel by best selling author Robert Marcum, is an electrifying and emotional novel about one woman's desperate quest for her freedom, the horrendous obstacles that stand in her way, and the support of a faithful man that gives her the strength to see her journey through to the end.

My Review

I listened to this audio book as I traveled over Thanksgiving weekend. I found it to be very interesting.

Hannah Gruen the protagonist of the story was a Jew living in Poland when WWII broke out. Her parents were captured and she and her two sisters were taken to a concentration camp. The most poignant part of the story for me is when Hannah relates while recounting her experiences that her younger sister became progressively weaker and would lean on her. Hannah became weary of her neediness. One day her sister fell down and Hannah out of weariness turned her back on her. Her sister was then shot by the guard. I can’t imagine living through the atrocities of a forced march followed by life in a concentration camp burdened with the guilt of knowing your sister died because you turned your back on her. This one scene in the book broke my heart.

Despite all the hardship Hannah survives and when the allies arrive in Germany she is set free. I have never really thought much beyond that point. This book is the story of what Jews experienced once they were freed. They had no home, no money, many had lost their families. For the most part they were placed in refugee camps which were barely better than the concentration camps. Here they waited for passage to other countries.

Hannah and her companions want to go to Palestine—to their ancient homeland, Israel. England who has controlling interests in the Middle East is against immigration and do all they can to thwart the immigration of Jews to Palestine. Over the course of time, and harrowing hardships Hannah and her companions finally arrive in Palestine. To a place they are not welcome. I’m pretty sure the next volume will be about the struggle of Israel to become a nation and the part these fictional characters play in bringing about the restoration of that nation.

Whenever I read historical fiction that describes mans brutality to man it makes me cringe. I just can’t understand how we as a human race can treat one another so terribly. But it never seems to end. Even though it makes a good story I find myself wishing at the end that things could have been different and wishing that things could change.

All or Nothing

2009-11-28T22:02:00.010-07:00

All or Nothing

by

Claire Cross

About the Book
(from the author's web page)

Some people will do anything for true love — even if they have to fake it.

Jen Maitland had no use for handsome guys with easy charm — until she met Zach. He's the perfect fake date to end her mother's matchmaking scheme before it starts. Besides, he'd probably just use her and leave her like her ex-fiancé did. At least that's what Jen tells herself. The only problem is that Zach isn't as predictable as he appears...

Zach Coxwell hates commitment, but loves a challenge. Like the pretty bar waitress who turned him down flat for a date — only to invite him to her family's Thanksgiving dinner. Zach knows he can make Jen smile — and he's betting that he can unravel her mysteries — even if he has to do it over candied yams.

A tofu turkey, a sister who threatens to have Zach's love-child, the untimely appearance of a knitted avocado — and Zach's discovery of her real motive — combine to turn Thanksgiving dinner into Jen's worst nightmare. Zach, on the other hand, has the time of his life.

And when he makes Jen smile, he finally finds a commitment he's willing to make...but persuading Jen to believe him will take everything he's got.

Read about the Author, Claire Cross--at her home page

My Review

I enjoyed this book. It is a sweet little holiday romance. The reading is light--the plot a no brainer. One knows how the story will turn out just by reading the jacket. But if you're in the mood for a relaxing holiday read, this book will fit the bill.

hosted by all about {n}

hosted by The True Book Addict

this book is part of my e-library on my kindle

Holiday Reading

2009-11-16T12:07:00.017-07:00

I've found two holiday reading challenges.

hosted by all about {n}
Challenge Requirements:
1- Challenge will start Friday, November 20 and will end Thursday, December 31.
2- You can read anywhere from 1 to 5 books for the challenge and, of course, if you're like me, you are more than welcome to surpass that number.
3- And now, here's the clincher... they must be holiday related books. That's right, the holiday doesn't really matter, but it would be more "jolly" if your choices were Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.
4- The size of the book does not matter, nor does the genre. It is also okay for the book to overlap with other challenges. The only thing I ask is that they are not children's books. YA is okay. And so are re-reads. I for one tend to read the same books every Christmas - they are tradition.
5- To sign up - leave a link back to your challenge post. There will also be a post for review links as well as one for challenge wrap-ups.
6- And.... there will be goodies. That's right, we'll call them presents. At the end of every week that the challenge is running I will choose one winner from the review links and I will allow them to pick a book of their choosing (of course, I will provide a list). Meaning the more books you read, review and link up, the more chances you have at winning a "present".

Books I've read for these challenges*:

1. The Santa Letters by Stacy Gooch-Anderson
2. All or Nothing by Claire Cross
3. Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent
4. The Christmas Angel by Abbie Farwell
5. The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland
6. What Do You Want For Christmas? by James W. Moore
7. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

click on titles to read reviews

* also to be counted for

Christmas Reading Challenge
hosted by
The True Book Addict
who challenges readers to read just one Christmas Book this holiday season

Yuletide round up hosted by Ju Ju at the Tales of Whimsy

The Hundred Dresses

2009-11-09T14:03:00.012-07:00

The Hundred Dresses

by

Eleanor Estes

About the Author
(Wikipedia)

Eleanor Estes (May 9, 1906 – July 15, 1988) was an American children's author. She was born in West Haven, Connecticut as Eleanor Ruth Rosenfield. Originally a librarian, Estes' writing career began following a case of tuberculosis. Bedridden while recovering, Estes began writing down some of her childhood memories, which would later turn into full-length children's books.

Estes's book Ginger Pye (1951) won the Newbery Medal, and three of her other books (The Middle Moffat, Rufus M., and The Hundred Dresses) were chosen as Newbery Honor books. She also received the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Literature and was nominated for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. By the time of her death at age 82, Estes had written 19 children's books and one novel for adults.

About the Book:
A Letter to Readers
by
Helen Estes
Forward to book (2004)

In the edition of the book I read a letter written to readers by the author's daughter answers the question, "Is this book true?". Ms. Estes answers, "Well, most stories are based on both fact and fiction, and certainly this is true for 'The Hundred Dresses'”. She then relates her mothers similar experience, that served as the basis of this story. "What could she do so many years later, my mother wondered, to set things right—to reach out to the girl who had stood lonely and silent against the red brick wall of the school? Well she thought, the one thing she could do was to write her story. And so 'The Hundred Dresses' was born. Was the character Maddie based on my mother? Probably."

My Review:
The opening paragraph of this book reads:

Wanda

“Today, Monday, Wanda Petronski was not in her seat. But nobody, not even Peggy and Madeline, the girls who started all the fun, noticed her absence.”

This children’s book is written in retrospect, from the point of view of Maddie. Maddie recounts how she and her friend Peggy tease Wanda daily about her Polish name, about her one worn out dress that she wears every day and about where she lives. Wanda is an immigrant from Poland and as poor as they come. Peggy did the teasing but Maddie never says or does anything to stop it for fear Peggy would turn on her.

This unforgettable children's story brings the problem of teasing and bullying to the forefront and addresses it in a simple childlike way. Children are often thoughtlessly cruel and the behavior goes unchecked unless they are caught. Fortunately for Maddie and Peggy they both learn a valuable lesson before this tale is through.

This book is well written with a message as timely today as it was when it was written over 60 years ago.

genre: children's fiction
ISBN #0-15-205170-8

My book club held an activity in conjunction with this book. We collected dresses for a couple of months, our goal was 100. I don't have a tally but it was well over a hundred. For our activity we had dinner, reviewed the book, discussed how its message affected us, mapped out where our ancestors came from and colored dresses (like they did in the book for the contest). The tables were decorated with fat quarters, porcelain dolls, paper dresses and mason jars filled with buttons, ribbons and sewing notions. We hung the donated dresses all over the room. The dresses were then delivered to several charities that help women.

The Santa Letters

2009-11-09T01:37:00.006-07:00

The Santa Letters

by

Stacy Gooch Anderson

About the Book
(Cedar Fort.com)

The falling December snow brings with it the sadness that has engulfed the previous year for the Jensen family. This first year without their father and husband has been trying. Money is tight, but it's the emotional strain that threatens to snap under the weight of grief. Just as Emma and the children begin to sink beneath the surface, a mysterious package arrives on the doorstep. An ornate wax seal beckons them to open the accompanying note and start on a journey through Christmas.

The note is signed simply, "Santa," and each day a package arrives to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas - love, family, memories, and, most important of all, Christ.

category: fiction/Christian/Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-59955-145-6

About the Author
(Cedar Fort.com)

Stacy Gooch-Anderson moved often during her growing-up years, living in Phoenix, Anaheim, Chicago, Denver, and St. Louis, and finally ended up in Salt Lake City, where she currently resides with her husband and four sons.

She attended the University of Utah before turning her focus to raising her family. She never abandoned her love of writing, however, and later returned to her roots as a journalist, winning several awards through the Society of Professional Journalists for her feature writing and investigative skills.

She is currently a corporate trainer for new writers and spends her extra time publicly speaking, teaching, and editing a newsletter for her church.

She enjoys reading, learning, anything creative, and soaking in the sunshine with her friends and family.

My Review:

I enjoyed this sweet Christmas story of one man’s kindness towards a family grieving over the loss of their husband and father. It has been a year since William died and the mother of the family, Emma, is still shutting others out. She is trying to cope with her grief, and provide for her family. She has allowed herself to become estranged from family members and friends as she wraps herself up in her sorrow. A kind man, who cares for her and her children very much, decides that something needs to be done to lure Emma back to the land of the living. And so begins the Jensen’s Christmas adventure. Beginning twelve days before Christmas a letter along with a box of items is delivered secretly to the doorstep. Each letter reminds the Jensen’s of something that they can be grateful for during the Christmas Season. An example of how the Savior, Jesus Christ, lived and taught about these things is included in each letter. Over the course of the 12 days the Jensen’s find themselves smiling, laughing, doing things with each other and with their friends and finding others to care for. Emma finds a way to move back into life and bring her husband’s memory with her. This is a tender story full of love, joy, compassion and Christmas Spirit. It was a great way to start my holiday reading.

Book 1, Christmas Reading Challenge Holiday Reading Challenge

The Mia Fullerton Series

2009-11-05T14:34:00.003-07:00

Mia the Meek

by

Eileen Bogess

About the Book
(from the Author's webpage)

What could be worse than having your mom as your English teacher? For fourteen year-old Mia Fullerton, it would be accidentally setting a science lab table on fire, getting stranded on the bathroom floor in a suit of armor, hiring the school custodian as a DJ for the first school dance and having her first kiss with the hottest guy in school right in front of her parents.

Before starting her freshman year at St. Hilary's High School, Mia had on goal: get rid of her horrible nickname, Mia the Meek. But, after being tricked into running against the viciously popular Cassie Foster for student council president, becoming the girlfriend of Cassie's ex, the home-boy wannabe Jake Harris, and unwillingly falling for her obnoxiously arrogant neighbor Tim Radford--all during the first month of school--Mia soon realizes she has bigger worries than getting rid of a silly nickname. She has to survive the rest of her ninth grade year!

Mia the Melodramatic

by

Eileen Boggess

About the Book
(from the Author's web page)

Summer has finally arrived, but Mia Fullerton doesn't have much to celebrate. Her best friend, Lisa is spending the summer at a Mensa camp, and her boyfriend, Tim, will be at his grandparents' house in Maine. So, stuck with a choice of spending the next two months hanging out with her younger brother, Chris--who has declared a prank war on her--or taking a job at a local children's theater group, Mia chooses the lesser of two evils and begins working at Little Tyke's.

During the summer, Mia is forced to perform kids' songs while dressed as a clown, sing in a punk rock band, and work with Zoe--a girl with fifteen piercings in her face. But, as the summer progresses, Mia discovers a strange truth. She enjoys being on stage! And when the summer ends, Mia has a decision to make. Should she return to her old friends and shy ways or let the new Mia grab some limelight of her own?

My Review:

I enjoyed these books. They were a fun and light read. It did make me glad that my high school years have ended. Such drama! I feel that that even though these books were about Mia's high school career the books are really geared to a 12-13 year old girl age group. The books are simple and would appeal to those young girls who are dreaming of the day when they can assert their independence and become grown up. I think high school age girls would feel these books were too young and unrealistic. So if you have young girls just heading into the drama of the teenage years they would probably really enjoy this series. A third book, Mia the Magnificent is due to be released in December.

These books were sent to me by Staci at Life in the Thumb read her review here
read my teasers here

The Blue Star

2009-10-28T01:24:00.013-06:00

The Blue Star

Tony Earley

About the Book

(Barnes and Noble)

Seven years ago, readers everywhere fell in love with Jim Glass, the precocious ten-year-old at the heart of Tony Earley's bestseller Jim the Boy. Now a teenager, Jim returns in another tender and wise story of young love on the eve of World War Two. Jim Glass has fallen in love, as only a teenage boy can fall in love, with his classmate Chrissie Steppe. Unfortunately, Chrissie is Bucky Bucklaw's girlfriend, and Bucky has joined the Navy on the eve of war. Jim vows to win Chrissie's heart in his absence, but the war makes high school less than a safe haven, and gives a young man's emotions a grown man's gravity. With the uncanny insight into the well-intentioned heart that made Jim the Boy a favorite novel for thousands of readers, Tony Earley has fashioned another nuanced and unforgettable portrait of America in another time—making it again even realer than our own day.

This is a timeless and moving story of discovery, loss and growing up, proving why Tony Earley's writing "radiates with a largeness of heart" (Esquire).

About the Author:

(Barnes and Noble)

Tony Earley is the author of Jim the Boy, Here We Are in Paradise, and Somehow Form a Family. He lives with his family in Nashville, TN, where he is the Samuel Milton Fleming Associate Professor of English at Vanderbilt University.

My Review:

The story of “Jim the Boy” continues in the sequel “The Blue Star”. Jim is now a senior in high school preparing to graduate. I appreciated the fact that the author gave him characteristics common to young men of that age. Jim was obnoxiously aware of himself and the girls around him. Being a senior he had the attitude that he was the top dog in the school and behaved accordingly. His friends were equally obnoxious.

This story is a love story, not a romance novel, but the story of a young man discovering his first love (a car named Major and a girl). A long with discovering his first love Jim also discovers that the life of the young woman he loves, Chrissie, is very different from his own. The process of courting her also becomes a time of change for Jim as he comes to view life from a different perspective.

Tragic events that occur as Jim finishes out his senior year prepare him for the outbreak of WWII. He consigns himself to his duty and enlists in the army. The title “The Blue Star” is for the service star his family hangs in the window for their man in service to his country.

The story ends as Jim departs for the war; hopefully Mr. Earley is planning on continuing this story. Jim the boy has been a pleasure to know and I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with Jim the man.

read a teaser from the book here and here
read my review for the first book in this series "Jim the Boy" here

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