A few months after I graduated from college, I was introduced to the House of Night series by PC Cast and Kristen Cast by my friend, Alex. She told me it was like a cross between Harry Potter and Twilight. In a way, I guess she was right. It's teen lit, so noone actually expects it to be good, and having read all ten books in the series, I think I can say, it's not good anymore.
The series had potential to be great, but it "jumped the shark" early in the series, and has never really recovered. I just read, as I said, book ten in the series, Hidden.
In this installment, Neferet is wreaking havoc (what else is new?), and Zoey and the nerd herd have to save the day. Again, what else is new? You'd think that after ten books, the Casts would be able to think of something more creative.
My main problems with the series are as follows:
1. They are vampyres in name only. Everything they do suggests witchcraft, not vampyres. Blessed be, Merry meet, and calling the elements? Totally witchcraft.
2. The heroine, Zoey, is a whiny teenage girl. For crying out loud, make the heroine a stronger person. I have no problem that she's a teenager, but, for heaven's sake, does she have to whine and snot cry so much?
3. Neferet is evil. No, really? Got it. Perhaps changing the villain with each book might help. The whole "Neferet is trying to take over the world and Zoey is in her way" is old.
4. The authors try to hard to talk like modern teenagers and fail miserably.
5. The characters are annoying, except perhaps Aphrodite. She's the only "real" one in the whole series.
I'll finish the series. I have too much time and money invested in it to quit now, but I don't expect them to get better.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Private: London
As you know, James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. His books are suspenseful, and a fast read. His newest offering, Private: London, is very good. This new Private series is one to get involved in. It's not as good as the Alex Cross series, The Women's Murder Club series, or even the Michael Bennett series, but they are well worth the read.
Private: London is about Dan Carter, an agent for Private, who is charged with keeping a young girl safe. Said young girl was kidnapped on her 13th birthday, and watched her mother being raped and murdered because her father didn't pay the ransom. While in college in London, the girl is kidnapped again. Dan Carter has to find her. Additionally, some sick bastard is murdering people, and cutting off their ring fingers. Dan's ex-wife is in charge of finding out who was doing that.
There's a ton of drama and suspense, and you won't want to put this book down. I know I didn't anyway.
Private: London is about Dan Carter, an agent for Private, who is charged with keeping a young girl safe. Said young girl was kidnapped on her 13th birthday, and watched her mother being raped and murdered because her father didn't pay the ransom. While in college in London, the girl is kidnapped again. Dan Carter has to find her. Additionally, some sick bastard is murdering people, and cutting off their ring fingers. Dan's ex-wife is in charge of finding out who was doing that.
There's a ton of drama and suspense, and you won't want to put this book down. I know I didn't anyway.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Lost
Long time, no post. Between teaching, parent choir, and knitting scarves, I haven't exactly had time to read lately. But, I am on winter break, and I have several new books, so maybe I can get back on track.
Lost by Gregory Maguire. I tried to read this several years ago, but couldn't get into it. Having read nearly everything else he's written-some good, some not so good-I thought I'd give it another shot.
Winnie Rudge is the protagonist. The book starts out with her at an informational meeting about overseas adoptions-research for her next book, she says. Then Winnie is off to London, also research, but she has a cousin there that she generally stays with. The house this cousin owns belongs to a great-great grandfather, Ozias Rudge, who is said to be the inspiration for Dickens' Scrooge.
When Winnie gets to Rudge House, she cannot find her cousin, John, and there is a renovation going on in the house. The renovators release a ghost, and the existence of said ghost plagues Winnie throughout the book. This ghost forces Winnie to examine her life, and visit the past to see where things went wrong.
This book was only ok. It took nearly two months to read because I could put it down. If a more interesting read came up, I read it instead.
Onto the next one...
Lost by Gregory Maguire. I tried to read this several years ago, but couldn't get into it. Having read nearly everything else he's written-some good, some not so good-I thought I'd give it another shot.
Winnie Rudge is the protagonist. The book starts out with her at an informational meeting about overseas adoptions-research for her next book, she says. Then Winnie is off to London, also research, but she has a cousin there that she generally stays with. The house this cousin owns belongs to a great-great grandfather, Ozias Rudge, who is said to be the inspiration for Dickens' Scrooge.
When Winnie gets to Rudge House, she cannot find her cousin, John, and there is a renovation going on in the house. The renovators release a ghost, and the existence of said ghost plagues Winnie throughout the book. This ghost forces Winnie to examine her life, and visit the past to see where things went wrong.
This book was only ok. It took nearly two months to read because I could put it down. If a more interesting read came up, I read it instead.
Onto the next one...
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
I saw this book at Barnes and Noble last year, but they wouldn't let me purchase it. Apparently, it was free with any James Patterson purchase. I already had every James Patterson book at that time, or so I thought (see an earlier post), so I had no reason to purchase a book to get it free. In the year that passed, I had pretty much given up hope about ever getting to read it. Lo and behold, the new Patterson book of November 2012 was Merry Christmas, Alex Cross. I belong to the James Patterson Library book club, so all I had to do was wait a few days from its release until it landed on my doorstep. Got it yesterday, and finished it a few minutes ago.
As for the book, let me just say this: Alex Cross is one busy man. On Christmas eve, he has to handle a hostages situation with some crazy ex lawyer who is planning to kill his ex wife, his three children, her new husband, and a neighbor. Needless to say, Cross saves the day. Then, on Christmas day, Alex is pulled away from his family again so that he can deal with a terrorist. Again, he saves the day.
You know Alex Cross is a work of fiction because he nearly always saves the day, his kids are incredibly well balanced, and he always makes it out of the most dire situations. Doesn't matter to me though; I still love the books.
As for the book, let me just say this: Alex Cross is one busy man. On Christmas eve, he has to handle a hostages situation with some crazy ex lawyer who is planning to kill his ex wife, his three children, her new husband, and a neighbor. Needless to say, Cross saves the day. Then, on Christmas day, Alex is pulled away from his family again so that he can deal with a terrorist. Again, he saves the day.
You know Alex Cross is a work of fiction because he nearly always saves the day, his kids are incredibly well balanced, and he always makes it out of the most dire situations. Doesn't matter to me though; I still love the books.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Future of Us
I may or may not have mentioned this, but one of my absolute favorite young adult books is Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. When I was in my methods classes at SHSU, I had to observe and teach a ninth grade class over the course of the semester. When I was observing, one of the students had that book. I was intrigued by the cove, so I checked it out from the public library. I couldn't put that book down! It's about a girl who kills herself, and gives her reasons why. What was neat about that book was that it was told from the point of view of the girl who died, as well as the boy who had a crush on her.
So, when I was visiting the school library one day and saw that Jay Asher's new book was a possible TAYSHAS book, I knew I wanted to read it-despite the negative review from one of the library aides. The Future of Us was co-written by Carolyn Mackler, and chronicles nearly a week in the life of Emma and Josh.
The year is 1996. Emma is a junior in high school, and Josh is a sophomore. They live next door to one another, and have been best friends their whole lives-until six months ago. Lately, their relationship has been strained, but that doesn't keep Josh from bringing Emma an AOL disk with 150 free internet hours when she gets a new computer from her estranged father.
When Emma logs onto AOL, a strange thing happens: she logs into Facebook. Facebook, as you know, did not exist in 1996. Emma can see into the future through her posts on Facebook. She tells Josh, and over the course of the week, they can see how little things they do in their lives in 1996 affect their lives in 2011.
I enjoyed this book, and it will be hitting my classroom shelf when I go in tomorrow.
So, when I was visiting the school library one day and saw that Jay Asher's new book was a possible TAYSHAS book, I knew I wanted to read it-despite the negative review from one of the library aides. The Future of Us was co-written by Carolyn Mackler, and chronicles nearly a week in the life of Emma and Josh.
The year is 1996. Emma is a junior in high school, and Josh is a sophomore. They live next door to one another, and have been best friends their whole lives-until six months ago. Lately, their relationship has been strained, but that doesn't keep Josh from bringing Emma an AOL disk with 150 free internet hours when she gets a new computer from her estranged father.
When Emma logs onto AOL, a strange thing happens: she logs into Facebook. Facebook, as you know, did not exist in 1996. Emma can see into the future through her posts on Facebook. She tells Josh, and over the course of the week, they can see how little things they do in their lives in 1996 affect their lives in 2011.
I enjoyed this book, and it will be hitting my classroom shelf when I go in tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
TAYSHAS Book 1?
One day, about a week and a half ago, I found myself in the school library. I like our librarians very much, and enjoy talking to them. How could I not? They, like me, love books!
While I was visiting, it was suggested to me that since I read alot, I should read books from the TAYSHAS list. I am still learning about what the TAYSHAS list is exactly, but it appears, so far, to be a list of books that librarians in Texas think young adults should read. The librarians let me peruse the list of possibilities for this year's list. Honestly, I was only familiar with two books on the entire list: one because I've read something by the author, and the other because I was intrigued by the book on many different trips to Target.
The book I ended up reading first was The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern. This was the one I kept coming across at Target. The librarian told me the book was good but there were things that would bother me, being an English teacher and all. She was right. The book starts out a bit slow, but once you get into it, you want to know how it ends. The bothersome part is that the book is written in present tense, a writing no-no when telling a story. Once I got used to that, however, it wasn't a big deal.
The book itself is about a "competition" between the pupils of two great magicians. A duel to the death, if you will. The "battleground" of the "competition" is a circus that is only open at night. This circus is like no other because it is controlled by magic. To be entirely truthful, I am not even sure that my imagination gave that circus justice. The details were intricate, and I wanted to be in the circus itself, but I am fairly certain it would've been better that I could have imagined. I have a pretty active imagination, so I think that is saying something.
As always, I don't want to give anything away, and I am afraid that if I go on much more, I will. Read the book. It has elements that are like being a child again, with all the wonder that is involved in the circus.
While I was visiting, it was suggested to me that since I read alot, I should read books from the TAYSHAS list. I am still learning about what the TAYSHAS list is exactly, but it appears, so far, to be a list of books that librarians in Texas think young adults should read. The librarians let me peruse the list of possibilities for this year's list. Honestly, I was only familiar with two books on the entire list: one because I've read something by the author, and the other because I was intrigued by the book on many different trips to Target.
The book I ended up reading first was The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern. This was the one I kept coming across at Target. The librarian told me the book was good but there were things that would bother me, being an English teacher and all. She was right. The book starts out a bit slow, but once you get into it, you want to know how it ends. The bothersome part is that the book is written in present tense, a writing no-no when telling a story. Once I got used to that, however, it wasn't a big deal.
The book itself is about a "competition" between the pupils of two great magicians. A duel to the death, if you will. The "battleground" of the "competition" is a circus that is only open at night. This circus is like no other because it is controlled by magic. To be entirely truthful, I am not even sure that my imagination gave that circus justice. The details were intricate, and I wanted to be in the circus itself, but I am fairly certain it would've been better that I could have imagined. I have a pretty active imagination, so I think that is saying something.
As always, I don't want to give anything away, and I am afraid that if I go on much more, I will. Read the book. It has elements that are like being a child again, with all the wonder that is involved in the circus.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Thoughts on School Reading
As I have mentioned previously, I am an English teacher. I teach English III, which is American literature. This is my second year teaching, but only my first teaching English III. Last year I taught English I. While I enjoyed English I, I think I have found my niche in English III.
When I started last year, I came in late, so I did not get to teach the short story unit with my students. No big loss on my part, as it sounds like the things that were read were stories I wasn't familiar with. I got to teach Homer's Odyssey, which I never bothered to read myself in high school. The Greek gods and goddesses were interesting, but, honestly, I could take or leave Odysseus. Next came Orwell's Animal Farm. Again, not a favorite. The fourth unit was poetry, not my favorite, but we made it through. Once we got to the fifth six weeks, I finally came into my own. We read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. I was so excited to read that with my students, and their grades reflected that my enthusiasm carried over to them. The last six weeks, we read Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, which I love as well.
So, that first year, I only got to teach two things I truly enjoyed. I knew this year was going to be better; we would be reading The Hunger Games instead of Animal Farm. I was excited for the upcoming year. Then I got the news that I would be changing grade levels.
Don't get me wrong, I love American literature, but I was wary of moving to the English III team. What if we only read boring works? Luckily for me, this has not been the case much this year so far.
We started out the year reading Native American origin myths. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I've read worse. Plus, I discovered student made videos on YouTube of many of these myths, so I was able to make them fun for the students and me. We moved onto Putiran literature- "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and some poetry. Not bad, but not my favorite either. Next up though, was The Crucible by Arthur Miller. That play is one of the works that made me want to teach literature, and I was getting to teach it! I embraced the witch thing, and we had a good time reading that play. Plus, we got to watch the movie version, which kept the students interested.
Not everything has been fun. We just finished reading The Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Convention ("Give me liberty, or give me death!), and Paine's "The American Crisis #1." Not the most exciting reading, but in an election year, it has spawned some interesting conversations.
I am very excited about the works we are starting this week. We planned it perfectly...we are starting Poe. Up first is "The Raven." In order to heighten the creepiness, we will be watching a video of Vincent Price reading Poe's most famous poem....in the dark, no less. How can that not be exciting? Then, we will be reading "The Black Cat." I just read this myself for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and it is a bit morbid. Can't wait to experience it with my students. On Halloween, we will be watching the corresponding section of Tales of Terror starring Vincent Price. Getting to teach Poe is something to be excited about.
We're only nine weeks in, so I can't guarantee that I will be as excited about everything we read, but so far, so good. I have learned that my excitement carries over to my students, so my goal is to make our literature as fun and enjoyable as I can.
When I started last year, I came in late, so I did not get to teach the short story unit with my students. No big loss on my part, as it sounds like the things that were read were stories I wasn't familiar with. I got to teach Homer's Odyssey, which I never bothered to read myself in high school. The Greek gods and goddesses were interesting, but, honestly, I could take or leave Odysseus. Next came Orwell's Animal Farm. Again, not a favorite. The fourth unit was poetry, not my favorite, but we made it through. Once we got to the fifth six weeks, I finally came into my own. We read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. I was so excited to read that with my students, and their grades reflected that my enthusiasm carried over to them. The last six weeks, we read Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, which I love as well.
So, that first year, I only got to teach two things I truly enjoyed. I knew this year was going to be better; we would be reading The Hunger Games instead of Animal Farm. I was excited for the upcoming year. Then I got the news that I would be changing grade levels.
Don't get me wrong, I love American literature, but I was wary of moving to the English III team. What if we only read boring works? Luckily for me, this has not been the case much this year so far.
We started out the year reading Native American origin myths. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I've read worse. Plus, I discovered student made videos on YouTube of many of these myths, so I was able to make them fun for the students and me. We moved onto Putiran literature- "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and some poetry. Not bad, but not my favorite either. Next up though, was The Crucible by Arthur Miller. That play is one of the works that made me want to teach literature, and I was getting to teach it! I embraced the witch thing, and we had a good time reading that play. Plus, we got to watch the movie version, which kept the students interested.
Not everything has been fun. We just finished reading The Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Convention ("Give me liberty, or give me death!), and Paine's "The American Crisis #1." Not the most exciting reading, but in an election year, it has spawned some interesting conversations.
I am very excited about the works we are starting this week. We planned it perfectly...we are starting Poe. Up first is "The Raven." In order to heighten the creepiness, we will be watching a video of Vincent Price reading Poe's most famous poem....in the dark, no less. How can that not be exciting? Then, we will be reading "The Black Cat." I just read this myself for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and it is a bit morbid. Can't wait to experience it with my students. On Halloween, we will be watching the corresponding section of Tales of Terror starring Vincent Price. Getting to teach Poe is something to be excited about.
We're only nine weeks in, so I can't guarantee that I will be as excited about everything we read, but so far, so good. I have learned that my excitement carries over to my students, so my goal is to make our literature as fun and enjoyable as I can.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
NYPD Red
I received this book in the mail last week after a short drought from the James Patterson Library. Not because Mr. Prolific Writer hadn't published anything, but because I forgot to change my credit card number on my account when I was issued a new card this summer. Oops. I ended up missing out on three books because of that.
NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp was a good one, but then, nearly every offering from James Patterson has been good.
Our hero, and I do mean hero, is Zach Jordan. He is a member of an elite branch of the police force in New York City that deals with celebrities, and all they entail called NYPD Red. Zach's partner was injured before the book started, so he is paired with Kylie McDonald, a former girlfriend from the police academy. Some unresolved feelings remain, and Zach tries, fairly successfully, to push them aside.
Obviously, the story is not about the relationship between Kylie and Zach. It wouldn't be a Patterson page turner if it was.
Our evil villain is a man who calls himself "The Chameleon." His real name is Gabe, and he is a disgruntled actor wannabe. Gabe's screws are a little loose. Ok, they're ALOT loose. Gabe is filming his own movie, except there are no cameras. His movie is all in his head. The plot of his movie is mayhem, and his goal is to take out as many Hollywood heavyweights that are visiting New York as he can.
Zach and Kylie are charged with chasing this maniac down before the death toll gets out of hand. Can they do it? Read and find out. :)
NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp was a good one, but then, nearly every offering from James Patterson has been good.
Our hero, and I do mean hero, is Zach Jordan. He is a member of an elite branch of the police force in New York City that deals with celebrities, and all they entail called NYPD Red. Zach's partner was injured before the book started, so he is paired with Kylie McDonald, a former girlfriend from the police academy. Some unresolved feelings remain, and Zach tries, fairly successfully, to push them aside.
Obviously, the story is not about the relationship between Kylie and Zach. It wouldn't be a Patterson page turner if it was.
Our evil villain is a man who calls himself "The Chameleon." His real name is Gabe, and he is a disgruntled actor wannabe. Gabe's screws are a little loose. Ok, they're ALOT loose. Gabe is filming his own movie, except there are no cameras. His movie is all in his head. The plot of his movie is mayhem, and his goal is to take out as many Hollywood heavyweights that are visiting New York as he can.
Zach and Kylie are charged with chasing this maniac down before the death toll gets out of hand. Can they do it? Read and find out. :)
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Matchless
Needed something to read while I was taking a bath, so I grabbed the shortest unread book on my shelves that I could find. That is how I ended up reading Matchless by Gregory Maguire. I have read many of Maguire's books: The entire Wicked series, Mirror, Mirror, and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Sometimes I like his books, sometimes not. Matchless was a sweet, short read. I do mean short. My baths last, usually, no longer than 30 minutes, and I was done with the book by the time I got out.
Apparently, it is a retelling of The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen. Having never read that one, I cannot be absolutely certain. What I do know, was that it was a nice story. I can't say much without giving it away, but if you want a short read that makes you feel all warm inside, this is the book.
Apparently, it is a retelling of The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen. Having never read that one, I cannot be absolutely certain. What I do know, was that it was a nice story. I can't say much without giving it away, but if you want a short read that makes you feel all warm inside, this is the book.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The House at the End of the Street
Last Saturday, I was at Barnes and Noble with Hannah. I made a deal with her that if she actually reads, I will buy her books. She's currently reading The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. As we were in the young adult section buying her book, I came across the book I ended up buying for myself. I bought The House at the End of the Street by Lily Blake because I had seen the commercials for the movie, and wanted to see if the movie would be worth it.
Looking back, I wish I had looked at the title page of the book. Had I done so, I would have seen that the book is based on the screenplay of the movie, which usually indicates the book is not going to be good. I paid $13 to read a book based on a screenplay. I am so ashamed.
This book is about Elissa, who moves with her mother, Sarah, from the Chicago area to the Seattle area (I think). Elissa's parents are divorced, and Elissa never sees her father. A partial reason for the move halfway across the country is because Sarah is worried that Elissa will end up a pregnant teen with no future. She feels that moving will get Elissa away from bad influences.
The house they move to is large, and the rent is cheap. Why, you ask? Because it is next door to a house where a little girl was injured, became mentally impaired, and killed her parents. The house is still inhabited by older brother, Ryan, who is a bit of an outcast. Elissa meets Ryan, and they become fast friends. There are times when you think their relationship will come to more, but something always stops it.
I won't ruin the suspense, but Ryan is hiding things and Elissa gets caught up in it.
Perhaps if this had been a legitimate book that they made a movie out of, I would have enjoyed it more. The book itself was nowhere near as scary as the commercials for the movie make it appear. I am looking forward to the movie though. I have a feeling that this will be one of the rare occasions where the movie is better than the book.
Looking back, I wish I had looked at the title page of the book. Had I done so, I would have seen that the book is based on the screenplay of the movie, which usually indicates the book is not going to be good. I paid $13 to read a book based on a screenplay. I am so ashamed.
This book is about Elissa, who moves with her mother, Sarah, from the Chicago area to the Seattle area (I think). Elissa's parents are divorced, and Elissa never sees her father. A partial reason for the move halfway across the country is because Sarah is worried that Elissa will end up a pregnant teen with no future. She feels that moving will get Elissa away from bad influences.
The house they move to is large, and the rent is cheap. Why, you ask? Because it is next door to a house where a little girl was injured, became mentally impaired, and killed her parents. The house is still inhabited by older brother, Ryan, who is a bit of an outcast. Elissa meets Ryan, and they become fast friends. There are times when you think their relationship will come to more, but something always stops it.
I won't ruin the suspense, but Ryan is hiding things and Elissa gets caught up in it.
Perhaps if this had been a legitimate book that they made a movie out of, I would have enjoyed it more. The book itself was nowhere near as scary as the commercials for the movie make it appear. I am looking forward to the movie though. I have a feeling that this will be one of the rare occasions where the movie is better than the book.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Kingmaker's Daughter
The most recent offering from Philippa Gregory in her series about the Cousin's War is The Kingmaker's Daughter. It is the story of Anne Neville, the youngest daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. It begins when she is first presented to Elizabeth Woodville, wife and queen of Edward V. It follows her through the marriage of her sister Isabel to George of Clarence, and her own marriage to the man who becomes Richard III.
I have never given much thought to Anne Neville in my reading of British historical fiction, but I think I would have liked her, provided she is anything like Ms. Gregory portrayed her.
One thing I like about this book is the rivalry between sisters Anne and Isabel. It is reminiscent of The Other Boleyn Girl, which is still my favorite by this author. Something I like about this series (as well as the Tudor series) is that Ms. Gregory visits the points of view of multiple people. I have read about Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Neville, Jaquetta Rivers, and Margaret Beaufort, all female players in the Wars of the Roses.
I look forward to the next installment.
I have never given much thought to Anne Neville in my reading of British historical fiction, but I think I would have liked her, provided she is anything like Ms. Gregory portrayed her.
One thing I like about this book is the rivalry between sisters Anne and Isabel. It is reminiscent of The Other Boleyn Girl, which is still my favorite by this author. Something I like about this series (as well as the Tudor series) is that Ms. Gregory visits the points of view of multiple people. I have read about Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Neville, Jaquetta Rivers, and Margaret Beaufort, all female players in the Wars of the Roses.
I look forward to the next installment.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
World Without End
A little over two years ago, the miniseries, Pillars of the Earth, aired on Fridays on Starz. I enjoyed the series, so I decided to read the book. This, by the way, seems to be my curse: if I like a show or movie and it happens to be a book, I'll read it. Most of the time, it works out ok. There were two memorable instances where it did not: Carrie by Stephen King, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote.
Anyway, back to the point.
Not long after I read Pillars of the Earth, my quasi-sister-in-law purchased World Without End by Ken Follett for me. It is a sequel of sorts. It also takes place in the village of Kingsbridge, England, but it is 200 years after the events in Pillars. This time, they are building a bridge instead of a cathedral, at least at first. Instead of the long, drawn out love story of Jack and Aliana, it's Merthin and Caris.
The main thing I got out of this book is that monks are bad guys. Seriously. Caris' cousin, Godwyn, becomes prior of the cathedral after his uncle dies, but he is a most unscrupulous character. He steals from the nuns, lies, blackmails people, and instead of working for the good of the village, he does everything he can to thwart their efforts. His right hand man, Philemon, is just as bad.
When I was reading, I genuinely wanted to know what happened with/to Caris and Merthin, and Gwenda and Wulfric. I would go to bed at night wondering what was in store for them. Some of the characters I couldn't care less about, like the aforementioned monks, and Merthin's brother, Ralph.
There was one whole section that took place during a war, which just happens to be where I was when school started back. I have no problem watching wars and battles in movies, but I find them tedious to read about. So, when school started, I didn't feel too compelled to read because I was stuck at a part that was boring to me. I was so glad when I pushed through it.
A week ago, I was halfway through the book; today I finished. This was an ok book. Not my favorite, and definitely did not live up to its predecessor. However, I am glad I read it.
Anyway, back to the point.
Not long after I read Pillars of the Earth, my quasi-sister-in-law purchased World Without End by Ken Follett for me. It is a sequel of sorts. It also takes place in the village of Kingsbridge, England, but it is 200 years after the events in Pillars. This time, they are building a bridge instead of a cathedral, at least at first. Instead of the long, drawn out love story of Jack and Aliana, it's Merthin and Caris.
The main thing I got out of this book is that monks are bad guys. Seriously. Caris' cousin, Godwyn, becomes prior of the cathedral after his uncle dies, but he is a most unscrupulous character. He steals from the nuns, lies, blackmails people, and instead of working for the good of the village, he does everything he can to thwart their efforts. His right hand man, Philemon, is just as bad.
When I was reading, I genuinely wanted to know what happened with/to Caris and Merthin, and Gwenda and Wulfric. I would go to bed at night wondering what was in store for them. Some of the characters I couldn't care less about, like the aforementioned monks, and Merthin's brother, Ralph.
There was one whole section that took place during a war, which just happens to be where I was when school started back. I have no problem watching wars and battles in movies, but I find them tedious to read about. So, when school started, I didn't feel too compelled to read because I was stuck at a part that was boring to me. I was so glad when I pushed through it.
A week ago, I was halfway through the book; today I finished. This was an ok book. Not my favorite, and definitely did not live up to its predecessor. However, I am glad I read it.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Long time, no see...er, blog. I started back to work the week before last, and the students started school this week, so I've been a bit busy. Too busy to get much reading done. I am halfway through World Without End by Ken Follett, but I think I've only managed to read a chapter or so the past two weeks.
We bought the blu-ray version of The Hunger Games on August 18th, and watched it that evening. One of the previews on the movie was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I had heard about this book from my days of posting on the message boards on the-n.com. Didn't really give reading it much of a thought until I saw the movie trailer. The movie has Emma Watson, Hermione from the Harry Potter movies. Love her. Also has the guy who played Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Looked good, so I went in search of the book. I checked ebay and Amazon, but it was going to be upwards of $12 for a paperback, and that didn't include shipping. Fast forward to today...we were at Target, and they had it for $11.20. My husband bought it for me. Took a little less than twelve hours to read cover to cover, and I kinda feel bad that he spent that much for something I read so fast. :/
Anyway...The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. The format of this book is that of an epistle novel, meaning that it is written in letters. In this case, the letters are from Charlie to A Friend. Charlie, as well as all of the other names he mentions, is not his actual name. He changed them to protect the innocent, so to speak.
Charlie is beginning his freshman year of high school. He is the youngest child; his brother is a football star, and his sister is pretty and smart. Charlie cries easily and alot. Charlie has a troubled past, and has spent time in the hospital-the kind for mental health issues. Charlie doesn't have any friends until one Friday night, he goes to a football game and sees someone he recognizes from shop class, Patrick. Patrick is there with his stepsister, Sam, who Charlie has a crush on. Patrick and Sam introduce Charlie to their friends, and they go to alot of parties and showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Charlie also has what I would term a weird relationship with his advanced English teacher. The teacher insists that Charlie call him Bill, and gives him special assignments. Toward the end of the book, Bill invites Charlie to his house-a huge teacher no-no.
The book chronicles Charlie's freshman year, and everything he goes through. Then there is the epilogue, which parts of came completely out of left field for me. I had to go back and re-read something because I missed it the first time, and it makes the revelations of the epilogue make sense.
Pretty good book. Right up there with Go Ask Alice by Anonymous, and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
I will be taking it to school on Tuesday when we go back, and putting it on my classroom library shelves.
Now to finish the Follett book....
We bought the blu-ray version of The Hunger Games on August 18th, and watched it that evening. One of the previews on the movie was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I had heard about this book from my days of posting on the message boards on the-n.com. Didn't really give reading it much of a thought until I saw the movie trailer. The movie has Emma Watson, Hermione from the Harry Potter movies. Love her. Also has the guy who played Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Looked good, so I went in search of the book. I checked ebay and Amazon, but it was going to be upwards of $12 for a paperback, and that didn't include shipping. Fast forward to today...we were at Target, and they had it for $11.20. My husband bought it for me. Took a little less than twelve hours to read cover to cover, and I kinda feel bad that he spent that much for something I read so fast. :/
Anyway...The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. The format of this book is that of an epistle novel, meaning that it is written in letters. In this case, the letters are from Charlie to A Friend. Charlie, as well as all of the other names he mentions, is not his actual name. He changed them to protect the innocent, so to speak.
Charlie is beginning his freshman year of high school. He is the youngest child; his brother is a football star, and his sister is pretty and smart. Charlie cries easily and alot. Charlie has a troubled past, and has spent time in the hospital-the kind for mental health issues. Charlie doesn't have any friends until one Friday night, he goes to a football game and sees someone he recognizes from shop class, Patrick. Patrick is there with his stepsister, Sam, who Charlie has a crush on. Patrick and Sam introduce Charlie to their friends, and they go to alot of parties and showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Charlie also has what I would term a weird relationship with his advanced English teacher. The teacher insists that Charlie call him Bill, and gives him special assignments. Toward the end of the book, Bill invites Charlie to his house-a huge teacher no-no.
The book chronicles Charlie's freshman year, and everything he goes through. Then there is the epilogue, which parts of came completely out of left field for me. I had to go back and re-read something because I missed it the first time, and it makes the revelations of the epilogue make sense.
Pretty good book. Right up there with Go Ask Alice by Anonymous, and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
I will be taking it to school on Tuesday when we go back, and putting it on my classroom library shelves.
Now to finish the Follett book....
Monday, August 13, 2012
Oliver Potzsch Sequel
Summer Book #20: The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzsch
The first book I got for my kindle that I actually paid for was The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch. That book was only ok, and the title a misnomer since Magdalene, the Hangman's Daughter was a minor character in the book. I cannot pinpoint why I bought the sequel for my kindle this summer. Perhaps I am a glutton for punishment who cannot start a series, no matter how bad, and not finish it. Perhaps I was hoping that this installment would be better than the first. Luckily for me, the latter was true, so this wasn't a total waste of time.
This book was only titled slightly better than the first book in this series. At least it wasn't named for a minor character. In this case, it is named for the villain.
At the beginning, a priest is poisoned because he found something he shouldn't have. While investigating the death, the hangman, Jakob Kuisl, and the town medicus, Simon, stumble upon a mystery, the same one the priest died for. The mystery has to do with a possible Templar treasure. The priest's sister, Benedikta, comes to town for his funeral, and becomes drawn into the mystery herself because she wants to know what it was her brother died for. Clues to this mystery take Simon and Benedikta all over the Priest's Corner in Bavaria. Jakob helps where he can, but he has been charged by the Elector's Representative to locate and capture bands of robbers who are tormenting the town. The hangman's daughter, Magdalena, plays her part in helping to solve the mystery as well, while being jealous of the relationship she perceives that Simon is having with Benedikta.
Simon solves the mystery, Jakob rids the town of robbers, and we get a Scooby Doo ending. You know the kind I'm talking about. For all intents and purposes, the mask is pulled off, and the person says "And I would've gotten away with it too, if not for you meddling kids!" The subject of the Scooby Doo ending was not a total surprise; you had to know that there was going to be some kind of twist involving this person. I just thought the reveal was cheesy, hence the term Scooby Doo ending.
If you slogged through The Hangman's Daughter, give The Dark Monk a chance. The storyline makes much more sense, and was, at times, fun to read. I will be reading the third installment when it is released.
The first book I got for my kindle that I actually paid for was The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch. That book was only ok, and the title a misnomer since Magdalene, the Hangman's Daughter was a minor character in the book. I cannot pinpoint why I bought the sequel for my kindle this summer. Perhaps I am a glutton for punishment who cannot start a series, no matter how bad, and not finish it. Perhaps I was hoping that this installment would be better than the first. Luckily for me, the latter was true, so this wasn't a total waste of time.
This book was only titled slightly better than the first book in this series. At least it wasn't named for a minor character. In this case, it is named for the villain.
At the beginning, a priest is poisoned because he found something he shouldn't have. While investigating the death, the hangman, Jakob Kuisl, and the town medicus, Simon, stumble upon a mystery, the same one the priest died for. The mystery has to do with a possible Templar treasure. The priest's sister, Benedikta, comes to town for his funeral, and becomes drawn into the mystery herself because she wants to know what it was her brother died for. Clues to this mystery take Simon and Benedikta all over the Priest's Corner in Bavaria. Jakob helps where he can, but he has been charged by the Elector's Representative to locate and capture bands of robbers who are tormenting the town. The hangman's daughter, Magdalena, plays her part in helping to solve the mystery as well, while being jealous of the relationship she perceives that Simon is having with Benedikta.
Simon solves the mystery, Jakob rids the town of robbers, and we get a Scooby Doo ending. You know the kind I'm talking about. For all intents and purposes, the mask is pulled off, and the person says "And I would've gotten away with it too, if not for you meddling kids!" The subject of the Scooby Doo ending was not a total surprise; you had to know that there was going to be some kind of twist involving this person. I just thought the reveal was cheesy, hence the term Scooby Doo ending.
If you slogged through The Hangman's Daughter, give The Dark Monk a chance. The storyline makes much more sense, and was, at times, fun to read. I will be reading the third installment when it is released.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Rival to the Queen
Summer book #19: Rival to the Queen by Carolly Erickson
I bought this book because I am fascinated by all things Tudor. Because this was about Elizabeth I, this "rival" could have been anyone: Amy Dudley, Lettice Knollys, Mary Stuart, etc. This particular book was about Lettice Knollys.
Lettice Knollys was Elizabeth's cousin. When Elizabeth came to the throne, she wanted all of her "Boleyn relatives" by her side in places of honor. Lettie was made one of Elizabeth's ladies in waiting. Elizabeth, at least in this book, hated Lettie because Lettie was beautiful where Elizabeth was not. As the book progresses, we find that Elizabeth hates Lettie even more because Lettie marries Robert Dudley, a great favorite of the queen.
Ms. Erickson takes liberty with history in this book, which is fine by me, to an extent. For a "great" historian, it seems silly that she changed names and events that are historically noted. One example of this is changing Kat Ashley to Ms. Clinkerte. Another is the event that gets Lettie's son banished from court: historically, it is because he walked into Elizabeth's room while she was in a state of undress. In this book, it was because he acted as though he was going to draw his sword when Elizabeth struck his face. Perhaps it's just me, but I think if an author is going to take liberties to keep the story moving, they shouldn't mess with the actual historic accounts. Mess with the filler instead.
Unlike many other books I have read about Elizabeth I, this was a bit on the boring side. I don't know if this is because I have already read so much about Elizabeth I, or if the subject matter was itself just boring. This was told from Lettie's side, which was ok. It's safe to say I wouldn't read this one again.
I bought this book because I am fascinated by all things Tudor. Because this was about Elizabeth I, this "rival" could have been anyone: Amy Dudley, Lettice Knollys, Mary Stuart, etc. This particular book was about Lettice Knollys.
Lettice Knollys was Elizabeth's cousin. When Elizabeth came to the throne, she wanted all of her "Boleyn relatives" by her side in places of honor. Lettie was made one of Elizabeth's ladies in waiting. Elizabeth, at least in this book, hated Lettie because Lettie was beautiful where Elizabeth was not. As the book progresses, we find that Elizabeth hates Lettie even more because Lettie marries Robert Dudley, a great favorite of the queen.
Ms. Erickson takes liberty with history in this book, which is fine by me, to an extent. For a "great" historian, it seems silly that she changed names and events that are historically noted. One example of this is changing Kat Ashley to Ms. Clinkerte. Another is the event that gets Lettie's son banished from court: historically, it is because he walked into Elizabeth's room while she was in a state of undress. In this book, it was because he acted as though he was going to draw his sword when Elizabeth struck his face. Perhaps it's just me, but I think if an author is going to take liberties to keep the story moving, they shouldn't mess with the actual historic accounts. Mess with the filler instead.
Unlike many other books I have read about Elizabeth I, this was a bit on the boring side. I don't know if this is because I have already read so much about Elizabeth I, or if the subject matter was itself just boring. This was told from Lettie's side, which was ok. It's safe to say I wouldn't read this one again.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Sisterhood Everlasting
Summer book #18: Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
I came across this book one day while perusing the aisles at Target. I didn't buy it that day because I am vehemently opposed to spending $12 for a paperback book. So, I came home, and bought it off of ebay for a fraction of that.
I have read all of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants books. Way back when I used to watch Good Morning America, it was recommended for mothers to read with their daughters. I thought I'd read them to see if the books were something I would share with my daughter when she was old enough. I fell in love with these books. The bonds that Bee, Tibby, Lena, and Carmen shared were magical, and you knew that they'd always be friends. When Forever in Blue came out, I thought that was the end for these girls. Imagine my surprise to learn that there was another book.
I started this book on Sunday evening, and finished last night. It started out like all of the other books in the series: catching up on the lives of each of the girls. It's been ten years in their lives, and although they are still good friends, their lives have taken different directions. Carmen is an actress in New York, engaged to a man she's not sure she loves. Lena is an art teacher in Rhode Island, but still wonders what would have happened between herself and Kostos. Bee live in California with Eric, the boy she met at soccer camp all those years ago. She's a wanderer, and has trouble staying in one place. Tibby lives in Australia with Brian.
They've lost touch incrementally over the years, and Tibby tries to bridge that gap. She sends them each a plane ticket to meet her at Lena's grandparent's house in Santorini, Greece. Bee, Lena, and Carmen can't hold in their excitement to all be together again, but are quickly sobered when Tibby doesn't come to pick them up. Why? Because Tibby died, drowned in the waters of the Caldera. This is a blow to the girls, and they grow further apart. For months they don't talk to each other. Things don't feel the same without Tibby. Tibby, however, anticipates this, and gives each of them letters from beyond the grave with instructions.
Will the remaining Septembers follow the directions? What will they learn about themselves? Will they ever be close again? Read and find out.
Despite the fact that I was sad throughout most of this book, I enjoyed it. It ended well, and Brashares left it open to revisit it later, if she so chooses. Maybe not my favorite summer book, it was one I enjoyed. Not it will find a place on a shelf in my classroom library.
I came across this book one day while perusing the aisles at Target. I didn't buy it that day because I am vehemently opposed to spending $12 for a paperback book. So, I came home, and bought it off of ebay for a fraction of that.
I have read all of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants books. Way back when I used to watch Good Morning America, it was recommended for mothers to read with their daughters. I thought I'd read them to see if the books were something I would share with my daughter when she was old enough. I fell in love with these books. The bonds that Bee, Tibby, Lena, and Carmen shared were magical, and you knew that they'd always be friends. When Forever in Blue came out, I thought that was the end for these girls. Imagine my surprise to learn that there was another book.
I started this book on Sunday evening, and finished last night. It started out like all of the other books in the series: catching up on the lives of each of the girls. It's been ten years in their lives, and although they are still good friends, their lives have taken different directions. Carmen is an actress in New York, engaged to a man she's not sure she loves. Lena is an art teacher in Rhode Island, but still wonders what would have happened between herself and Kostos. Bee live in California with Eric, the boy she met at soccer camp all those years ago. She's a wanderer, and has trouble staying in one place. Tibby lives in Australia with Brian.
They've lost touch incrementally over the years, and Tibby tries to bridge that gap. She sends them each a plane ticket to meet her at Lena's grandparent's house in Santorini, Greece. Bee, Lena, and Carmen can't hold in their excitement to all be together again, but are quickly sobered when Tibby doesn't come to pick them up. Why? Because Tibby died, drowned in the waters of the Caldera. This is a blow to the girls, and they grow further apart. For months they don't talk to each other. Things don't feel the same without Tibby. Tibby, however, anticipates this, and gives each of them letters from beyond the grave with instructions.
Will the remaining Septembers follow the directions? What will they learn about themselves? Will they ever be close again? Read and find out.
Despite the fact that I was sad throughout most of this book, I enjoyed it. It ended well, and Brashares left it open to revisit it later, if she so chooses. Maybe not my favorite summer book, it was one I enjoyed. Not it will find a place on a shelf in my classroom library.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
I, Michael Bennett
Summer book #17: I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson
This is from the Michael Bennett series. Michael Bennett is an NYPD detective with 10 children, a Catholic priest for a grandfather, and a strange relationship with his nanny. Michael is a very likeable character, and I generally enjoy reading the books in this series.
The premise of this book is this: Michael is out to capture Manuel Perrine, a very dangerous drug lord from Mexico. He does so, and one of his friends is killed by one of Perrine's bodyguards. But jail does not keep Perrine from causing havoc for Michael. Two of his sons are shot, and cops are being taken out at an alarming rate.
My only problem with this book is that Patterson doesn't tie up the loose ends like he usually does. Looks like I have to wait a year to find out what happens.
This is from the Michael Bennett series. Michael Bennett is an NYPD detective with 10 children, a Catholic priest for a grandfather, and a strange relationship with his nanny. Michael is a very likeable character, and I generally enjoy reading the books in this series.
The premise of this book is this: Michael is out to capture Manuel Perrine, a very dangerous drug lord from Mexico. He does so, and one of his friends is killed by one of Perrine's bodyguards. But jail does not keep Perrine from causing havoc for Michael. Two of his sons are shot, and cops are being taken out at an alarming rate.
My only problem with this book is that Patterson doesn't tie up the loose ends like he usually does. Looks like I have to wait a year to find out what happens.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Drunken Imagery
Summer book #16: Drinking with Dead Women Writers by Elaine Ambrose and AK Turner
I am not sure what I expected when I saw this on one of the many free Kindle download pages of Facebook. This book is short. Very short. I read it in under an hour. Basically, the two authors thought it would be a good idea to have drinks with some of the greatest female writers of all time. As the title suggests, these women authors are all dead, which means that any conversations the authors of the book have are made up. Don't get me wrong, I like the book in theory, if not execution. I just happen to feel it would be more believable had they sought out authors who were alive, and gone drinking with them. Really this sounded like an excuse for these women to get drunk and let their minds run wild. I can't imagine someone actually paying to read this, and I am glad I didn't. The dead women writers included in this book are: Margaret Mead, Willa Cather, Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Erma Bombeck, the Bronte Sisters, Emily Dickinson, Carson McCullers, Margaret Mitchell, Dorothy Parker, George Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Flannery O'Connor, Louisa May Alcott, and Ayn Rand.
I am not sure what I expected when I saw this on one of the many free Kindle download pages of Facebook. This book is short. Very short. I read it in under an hour. Basically, the two authors thought it would be a good idea to have drinks with some of the greatest female writers of all time. As the title suggests, these women authors are all dead, which means that any conversations the authors of the book have are made up. Don't get me wrong, I like the book in theory, if not execution. I just happen to feel it would be more believable had they sought out authors who were alive, and gone drinking with them. Really this sounded like an excuse for these women to get drunk and let their minds run wild. I can't imagine someone actually paying to read this, and I am glad I didn't. The dead women writers included in this book are: Margaret Mead, Willa Cather, Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Erma Bombeck, the Bronte Sisters, Emily Dickinson, Carson McCullers, Margaret Mitchell, Dorothy Parker, George Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Flannery O'Connor, Louisa May Alcott, and Ayn Rand.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Witches and vampires in Elizabethan England
Summer book #15: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Last week I finished A Discovery of Witches by the same author. This is the second book in her All Souls trilogy. Who knows when the last one will be out, but I will be anxiously awaiting it.
This book finds Diana and Matthew in Elizabethan England. Admittedly, this is one reason why I liked this book better-I am fascinated by Tudor and Elizabethan England. They are still searching for Ashmole 782. Additionally, Diana must find a with to help her learn to use her powers. Diana and Matthew are friends with the likes of Christopher Marlowe (who doesn't like Diana, and is jealous of her relationship with Matthew), Sir Walter Raleigh, Henry Percy, and Mary Sidney. They also visit Sept Tours, where Diana and Matthew are formally married, and they spend time with Matthew's vampire father, Philippe. After a brief sojourn in Blackfriars, they are sent on a mission for Elizabeth I, and sent to Prague. The Emperor, Rudolf, has a thing for Diana, and he tries to win her over to be his mistress with lavish gifts. It doesn't work. They flee back to England, meet Diana's father, who is also a timewalker, and Diana learns how to use her powers.
I know this is a bare bones account of this fantastic novel, but I don't want to ruin your enjoyment. If you are like me, and enjoy vampires and witches, you should run, not walk, out to get these books.
Last week I finished A Discovery of Witches by the same author. This is the second book in her All Souls trilogy. Who knows when the last one will be out, but I will be anxiously awaiting it.
This book finds Diana and Matthew in Elizabethan England. Admittedly, this is one reason why I liked this book better-I am fascinated by Tudor and Elizabethan England. They are still searching for Ashmole 782. Additionally, Diana must find a with to help her learn to use her powers. Diana and Matthew are friends with the likes of Christopher Marlowe (who doesn't like Diana, and is jealous of her relationship with Matthew), Sir Walter Raleigh, Henry Percy, and Mary Sidney. They also visit Sept Tours, where Diana and Matthew are formally married, and they spend time with Matthew's vampire father, Philippe. After a brief sojourn in Blackfriars, they are sent on a mission for Elizabeth I, and sent to Prague. The Emperor, Rudolf, has a thing for Diana, and he tries to win her over to be his mistress with lavish gifts. It doesn't work. They flee back to England, meet Diana's father, who is also a timewalker, and Diana learns how to use her powers.
I know this is a bare bones account of this fantastic novel, but I don't want to ruin your enjoyment. If you are like me, and enjoy vampires and witches, you should run, not walk, out to get these books.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Read in less than 4 hours
Summer book #14: Lifeguard by James Patterson.
Remember the other day when I said there were two James Patterson books I was missing? This is the second one. As it turns out, I never read this one when it came out in 2005, which is weird since I read Patterson's books almost as soon as they come out.
This, like most Patterson books, was a fast read. I started at a little after 11 pm, and finished at roughly 2:45 am.
Our main character is a guy named Ned Kelly, just like the outlaw. He is from Brockton, MA, but is living in Palm Beach, FL. At the beginning, we find Ned in a swanky hotel room with a woman he met just two days before. He goes to meet his friends, who need his help with an art heist. The girl in the hotel is killed, the art heist goes bad, and Ned's lifelong friends are killed. Ned, is implicated in it all. While trying to clear his name, Ned meets an FBI agent names Ellie. She helps him clear his name, and they fall in love.
Read the book. James Patterson tells the story much better than I do.
Remember the other day when I said there were two James Patterson books I was missing? This is the second one. As it turns out, I never read this one when it came out in 2005, which is weird since I read Patterson's books almost as soon as they come out.
This, like most Patterson books, was a fast read. I started at a little after 11 pm, and finished at roughly 2:45 am.
Our main character is a guy named Ned Kelly, just like the outlaw. He is from Brockton, MA, but is living in Palm Beach, FL. At the beginning, we find Ned in a swanky hotel room with a woman he met just two days before. He goes to meet his friends, who need his help with an art heist. The girl in the hotel is killed, the art heist goes bad, and Ned's lifelong friends are killed. Ned, is implicated in it all. While trying to clear his name, Ned meets an FBI agent names Ellie. She helps him clear his name, and they fall in love.
Read the book. James Patterson tells the story much better than I do.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Witches and Vampires
Summer book #13: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
I guess it could be said that my interest in witches began with the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. For the most part, this included dressing as a witch for Halloween. When I was a junior in high school, the first bit of literature we had to read for the year was Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible. After that, I was hooked. I read and watched everything I could about witches and witchcraft. I even went to Salem, MA, to see the place where the witch scare took place. Needless to say, when the Harry Potter books came out, I was over the moon. While I don't believe witchcraft actually exists, it's the possibility of its existence that holds so much interest for me.
Vampires. We live in a society today where everything is vampire related, thanks to the Twilight saga. Don't get me wrong, there was a time, not so long ago, that I was a Twi-hard. I like to think I am way over that. Additionally, there are better vampire books out there that are worth my time more than Twilight: Anne Rice's vampire novels, and Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books. Even PC and Kristin Cast's House of Night novels surpass Twilight (though they are more witchy than vampire-y, in my opinion).
I had no idea what A Discovery of Witches was going to be about when I bought it; it had witches in the title, and that was enough for me.
The book is about Diana Bishop, who is descended from Bridgett Bishop, one of the "witches" executed in Salem in 1692. Diana is a scholar, whose parents were powerful witches, and subsequently killed when she was seven. Diana has spent her life trying not to use her powers. One evening while doing reserach in the Bodelian library at Oxford, Diana calls up an enchanted text. Somehow word gets out that Diana found this book that has been missing since 1859. Daemons, witches, and vampires begin coming out of the woodwork to get her to find the book again. One of these vampires is Matthew Clairmont. Diana is now in danger because of this book, and Matthew protects her. Matthew and Diana fall in love, which is a huge no-no. They also find out that Diana is possibly the most powerful witch ever, which is also a danger because other witches are trying to harm her to find out her powers.
I won't give away too much, but toward the end, Matthew and Diana decide it is safer for themselves and those around them to travel to a time where Diana can learn from a powerful witch to control her powers.
There is a sequel that just came out in stores today, so I will be running out to buy it tomorrow.
I guess it could be said that my interest in witches began with the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. For the most part, this included dressing as a witch for Halloween. When I was a junior in high school, the first bit of literature we had to read for the year was Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible. After that, I was hooked. I read and watched everything I could about witches and witchcraft. I even went to Salem, MA, to see the place where the witch scare took place. Needless to say, when the Harry Potter books came out, I was over the moon. While I don't believe witchcraft actually exists, it's the possibility of its existence that holds so much interest for me.
Vampires. We live in a society today where everything is vampire related, thanks to the Twilight saga. Don't get me wrong, there was a time, not so long ago, that I was a Twi-hard. I like to think I am way over that. Additionally, there are better vampire books out there that are worth my time more than Twilight: Anne Rice's vampire novels, and Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books. Even PC and Kristin Cast's House of Night novels surpass Twilight (though they are more witchy than vampire-y, in my opinion).
I had no idea what A Discovery of Witches was going to be about when I bought it; it had witches in the title, and that was enough for me.
The book is about Diana Bishop, who is descended from Bridgett Bishop, one of the "witches" executed in Salem in 1692. Diana is a scholar, whose parents were powerful witches, and subsequently killed when she was seven. Diana has spent her life trying not to use her powers. One evening while doing reserach in the Bodelian library at Oxford, Diana calls up an enchanted text. Somehow word gets out that Diana found this book that has been missing since 1859. Daemons, witches, and vampires begin coming out of the woodwork to get her to find the book again. One of these vampires is Matthew Clairmont. Diana is now in danger because of this book, and Matthew protects her. Matthew and Diana fall in love, which is a huge no-no. They also find out that Diana is possibly the most powerful witch ever, which is also a danger because other witches are trying to harm her to find out her powers.
I won't give away too much, but toward the end, Matthew and Diana decide it is safer for themselves and those around them to travel to a time where Diana can learn from a powerful witch to control her powers.
There is a sequel that just came out in stores today, so I will be running out to buy it tomorrow.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
A Golf Book
Summer Book #12: Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson.
A little backstory, if you please. I began reading James Patterson books in late 1997, after Stoney took me to see Kiss the Girls. I enjoyed the movie, and had no idea that it was a book until I came across it one day at Target. After that, I was pretty much hooked. In the past almost fifteen years, I have read every James Patterson book, or so I thought. Well, close anyway, as I am not at all interested in reading his one nonfiction book, Against Medical Advice. As it turns out, I was wrong. Last weekend, my husband finally repainted our study. In order for him to do this, I had to take all of my books off of the floating shelves. When I went to put them up, I sorted my Patterson books. All of the Alex Cross books together by order of publication, same with the Women's Murder Club series, Michael Bennet series, Private series, and books that don't belong in a series (all the Maximum Ride books, Daniel X books, and Witch and Wizard books will now have a home in my classroom). As I was putting the non-series books in order of publication, I noticed that there were two James Patterson books I was missing: Miracle on the 17th Green and Lifeguard.
This book is short. It was all of 149 pages long, and not even a regular sized hardback book. It didn't take long at all to read. It is about a man, Travis McKinley, who is unhappy in his life. He has three kids that he loves, a wife he adores (although they are on course for a divorce), and a job he hates. When the book opens, it is Christmas day, and Travis goes to play golf. He has an amazing game, so he continues to play, and loses track of time. This causes him to miss Christmas dinner, which is not a good thing. Travis decides he wants to try to make the Senior Pro Team, but has trouble telling his wife. Then, on the first workday of the new year, Travis is let go from the company he has been working for for 23 years. Suddenly, he sees that he has the chance to do what he really wants to do with his life. Over dinner, he tells his family that he is going to try to be a pro golf player.
When Travis calls home to tell his family that he made the tour, his wife tells him she is going to consult a lawyer about a divorce. Tons of golf follows. At the end, Travis is in a major gold tournament at Pebble Beach, and his family is there. All of the sudden, his wife wants to give their marriage another shot, and the book ends on a happy note.
Not the best Patterson has to offer, though that may be because I don't care much for golf, so it wasn't interesting to me.
A little backstory, if you please. I began reading James Patterson books in late 1997, after Stoney took me to see Kiss the Girls. I enjoyed the movie, and had no idea that it was a book until I came across it one day at Target. After that, I was pretty much hooked. In the past almost fifteen years, I have read every James Patterson book, or so I thought. Well, close anyway, as I am not at all interested in reading his one nonfiction book, Against Medical Advice. As it turns out, I was wrong. Last weekend, my husband finally repainted our study. In order for him to do this, I had to take all of my books off of the floating shelves. When I went to put them up, I sorted my Patterson books. All of the Alex Cross books together by order of publication, same with the Women's Murder Club series, Michael Bennet series, Private series, and books that don't belong in a series (all the Maximum Ride books, Daniel X books, and Witch and Wizard books will now have a home in my classroom). As I was putting the non-series books in order of publication, I noticed that there were two James Patterson books I was missing: Miracle on the 17th Green and Lifeguard.
This book is short. It was all of 149 pages long, and not even a regular sized hardback book. It didn't take long at all to read. It is about a man, Travis McKinley, who is unhappy in his life. He has three kids that he loves, a wife he adores (although they are on course for a divorce), and a job he hates. When the book opens, it is Christmas day, and Travis goes to play golf. He has an amazing game, so he continues to play, and loses track of time. This causes him to miss Christmas dinner, which is not a good thing. Travis decides he wants to try to make the Senior Pro Team, but has trouble telling his wife. Then, on the first workday of the new year, Travis is let go from the company he has been working for for 23 years. Suddenly, he sees that he has the chance to do what he really wants to do with his life. Over dinner, he tells his family that he is going to try to be a pro golf player.
When Travis calls home to tell his family that he made the tour, his wife tells him she is going to consult a lawyer about a divorce. Tons of golf follows. At the end, Travis is in a major gold tournament at Pebble Beach, and his family is there. All of the sudden, his wife wants to give their marriage another shot, and the book ends on a happy note.
Not the best Patterson has to offer, though that may be because I don't care much for golf, so it wasn't interesting to me.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Sequel to a much loved childhood book
Summer book #11: The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson. I kinda feel like a cheater pants including this book on my summer list because it is so short, and geared toward elementary students. However, it is summer, it is a book, and I did read it, so it counts.
A little back story...Several years in a row, in elementary school, my teachers read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to us, and showed us the movie. I always enjoyed it. A couple of years ago, I found that neither of my kids had ever heard of the book, much less read it. I purchased the book, and as soon as it came in the mail, I read it aloud to them. I enjoyed sharing something from my younger days with them.
Not long after I read the Christmas book to them, The Best School Year Ever was a selection in a book order form that my daughter brought home from school. I didn't know that a sequel existed, but I had to have it. Sometime after the book came in, it went missing. I found it a couple of weeks ago when cleaning my daughter's room. I read it today.
This book chronicles the antics performed by the Herdman children-the worst kids in town-during a school year. It starts with the narrator's (Beth's) teacher giving the students an assignment at the beginning of school: they have to find compliments for their classmates. They have to come up with at least one for everyone in class. At some point in the year, each student draws the name of another student, and has to come up with several compliments for that student. Beth draws Imogene Herdman. Again, she is a juvenile delinquent, and Beth finds it difficult to come up with nice things to say about Imogene. Beth uses the antics chronicled in the book to come up with her compliments. Her compliments make Imogene feel good.
Not as good as the Christmas book, but this was a cute, lighthearted read. If I taught elementary school, this would be one I read to my class.
A little back story...Several years in a row, in elementary school, my teachers read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to us, and showed us the movie. I always enjoyed it. A couple of years ago, I found that neither of my kids had ever heard of the book, much less read it. I purchased the book, and as soon as it came in the mail, I read it aloud to them. I enjoyed sharing something from my younger days with them.
Not long after I read the Christmas book to them, The Best School Year Ever was a selection in a book order form that my daughter brought home from school. I didn't know that a sequel existed, but I had to have it. Sometime after the book came in, it went missing. I found it a couple of weeks ago when cleaning my daughter's room. I read it today.
This book chronicles the antics performed by the Herdman children-the worst kids in town-during a school year. It starts with the narrator's (Beth's) teacher giving the students an assignment at the beginning of school: they have to find compliments for their classmates. They have to come up with at least one for everyone in class. At some point in the year, each student draws the name of another student, and has to come up with several compliments for that student. Beth draws Imogene Herdman. Again, she is a juvenile delinquent, and Beth finds it difficult to come up with nice things to say about Imogene. Beth uses the antics chronicled in the book to come up with her compliments. Her compliments make Imogene feel good.
Not as good as the Christmas book, but this was a cute, lighthearted read. If I taught elementary school, this would be one I read to my class.
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Pemberly Medley
Summer book #10: A Pemberly Medley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds. Another Pride and Prejudice related freebie on my kindle. I started this after downloading it last week because Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books, and I read nearly everything I come across related to it. I was excited about this one as I thought it was going to be stories told from the inhabitants of Pemberly after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy married. I was wrong. Only one story actually took place at Pemberly, so in my view, the book was misnamed.
When I read the first short story, I was a bit miffed because the author took liberties with the timeline and situations that occurred in Jane Austen's masterpiece. I kept thinking "How dare she mess with this book?" As I continued to read, I realized that was exactly the point: to tell parts of Pride and Prejudice in different ways. Once I made my peace with that, it was ok, for the most part.
You have to keep in mind that I hold Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in an exalted status in my mind. I mention that only because it is sometimes hard for me to read things that are out of character for them based on Ms. Austen's work. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was conducted with the utmost propriety. In this work, however, Mr. Darcy is undecorous in his behavior, always trying to find ways to act inappropriately with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is often painted as a wanton, slutty figure. I'm not saying that their behavior is outside the realm of possibility, but I never picture them that way. I would venture that not many people do, based solely upon the numerous retellings and sequels that I have read based on this book the past few years.
If I were to rate this book on a scale from one to ten, I'd give it a five. Not the best read, but not terrible either. I applaud the author for asking herself the question "What if it had been this way?" and taking the time to write what she thought the answer to that question would be.
I have been inspired by all of these Jane Austen and Austen wannabe books to aquire for myself a portable writing desk similar to those used by Austen's heroines. I have my eye on one on ebay, and I'll post how that goes.
When I read the first short story, I was a bit miffed because the author took liberties with the timeline and situations that occurred in Jane Austen's masterpiece. I kept thinking "How dare she mess with this book?" As I continued to read, I realized that was exactly the point: to tell parts of Pride and Prejudice in different ways. Once I made my peace with that, it was ok, for the most part.
You have to keep in mind that I hold Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in an exalted status in my mind. I mention that only because it is sometimes hard for me to read things that are out of character for them based on Ms. Austen's work. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was conducted with the utmost propriety. In this work, however, Mr. Darcy is undecorous in his behavior, always trying to find ways to act inappropriately with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is often painted as a wanton, slutty figure. I'm not saying that their behavior is outside the realm of possibility, but I never picture them that way. I would venture that not many people do, based solely upon the numerous retellings and sequels that I have read based on this book the past few years.
If I were to rate this book on a scale from one to ten, I'd give it a five. Not the best read, but not terrible either. I applaud the author for asking herself the question "What if it had been this way?" and taking the time to write what she thought the answer to that question would be.
I have been inspired by all of these Jane Austen and Austen wannabe books to aquire for myself a portable writing desk similar to those used by Austen's heroines. I have my eye on one on ebay, and I'll post how that goes.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Finally Finished
I finally finished Gregory Maguire's Out of Oz, the last book in the Wicked series. I am counting this as book #9 on my summer reading expedition, even though I started it six months ago. First I should say this: I loved Wicked. I enjoyed reading the Wicked Witch's point of view. It was a page turner. I have never read any of Baum's Wizard of Oz, so I didn't know anything about Oz other than what I'd seen in the 1939 movie. Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men were not that interesting to me either, but I stuck with it because I wanted to know what happened. I was really hoping that Out of Oz would be a return to the page turning I enjoyed at the beginning of the series. I was wrong.
Out of Oz centers around the Wicked Witch of the West's, Elphaba's, granddaughter, Rain. Because she is Elphaba's granddaughter, it is thought that she can operate the witch's book, the Grimmerie, which means Rain is always in danger. Oz is at war; the Munchkinlanders against Loyal Oz. Both sides believe that they can "win" the war if they can obtain the Grimmerie and Rain. Most of the book is about Rain escaping impending danger.
One small side plot that could have been completely ignored is that Dorothy is back in Oz. An earthquake brought her to Oz this time. She is put on trial in Munchkinland for the murder of Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, that occurred on her first trip to Oz.
The Ozma line that everyone thought died out resurfaces at the end of the book and Rain ends up alone. Whoop-tee-doo.
Seriously? Six months of my life on this book that I'll never get back. Sheesh.
Gregory Maguire isn't that bad a writer, really. Check out Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and Mirror, Mirror. I explained a bit about Wicked. Confessions is his take on Cinderella, and Mirror is Snow White but centers around Lucrezia Borgia.
Out of Oz centers around the Wicked Witch of the West's, Elphaba's, granddaughter, Rain. Because she is Elphaba's granddaughter, it is thought that she can operate the witch's book, the Grimmerie, which means Rain is always in danger. Oz is at war; the Munchkinlanders against Loyal Oz. Both sides believe that they can "win" the war if they can obtain the Grimmerie and Rain. Most of the book is about Rain escaping impending danger.
One small side plot that could have been completely ignored is that Dorothy is back in Oz. An earthquake brought her to Oz this time. She is put on trial in Munchkinland for the murder of Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, that occurred on her first trip to Oz.
The Ozma line that everyone thought died out resurfaces at the end of the book and Rain ends up alone. Whoop-tee-doo.
Seriously? Six months of my life on this book that I'll never get back. Sheesh.
Gregory Maguire isn't that bad a writer, really. Check out Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and Mirror, Mirror. I explained a bit about Wicked. Confessions is his take on Cinderella, and Mirror is Snow White but centers around Lucrezia Borgia.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Summer reading 1-8
As promised, books 1-8 that I have completed this summer. I will give a brief synopsis of each, and whether or not I liked it.
1. 11th Hour by James Patterson. This is the most recent Women's Murder Club book. Lindsay Boxer is pregnant, and there is a dirty cop taking out drug dealers in San Francisco. There's also some crazy person who murdered several women and planted their heads in the backyard of a famous house. Lindsay is on both cases, and, of course, she solves them.
I enjoyed this book because Lindsay Boxer is one of my favorite modern heroines. This was a page turner, and a fast read.
2. Unseen by Luke Alistar. This was a free book for my kindle, so expectations were not exactly high. As for the story...A girl sees phantoms. Her family thinks she's crazy and send her to an asylum when she is five, where she is beaten and tortured. With the assistance of a "bad" phantom, she escapes the asylum at age 17. After her escape, she is raped twice as she is making her way home to her family. When she finally makes her way home, she finds that her family wants nothing to do with her. She goes off into the woods, is attacked by the "bad" phantom, and dies.
I didn't really care for this book. Basically, the girl never got over having imaginary friends, and people thought she was a nutjob. Who cares? At least it was free.
3. Sasha the Extraordinary Dachshund by CJ Adams. Another freebie for my kindle. I bought it because the dog on the cover was cute, and I have dachshunds. At it's core, this is a book about a woman's dachshund, and the relationship she shared with the dog over the course of it's life. That aspect of the book I liked; some of the stories reminded me of my own dogs. What bothered me was that this woman was using the book as a vehicle to persuade the reader that they need to look into alternative medicine when dealing with their pets. Also, she claimed to have this amazing relationship with her vet. If that were the case, then she'd have known not to feed her dog grapes-which can kill dogs.
4. His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel by Nancy Kelley. Pride and Prejudice is one of my very favorite novels, so I read a good deal of the sequels and what not that are associated with it. This one popped up as a freebie for my kindle. This novel is Pride and Prejudice told from Mr. Darcy's point of view. What's not to like? I really enjoyed this one.
5-7. Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades of Freed by EL James. I am dealing with these together. A friend sent them to me, so I didn't actually pay to read these. First of all, I am not sure why these needed to be three books. The story could have been told in one. Second, if you're reading for the "steamy" sex scenes, you'd do better to sit in a steam room with a Danielle Steel novel. These books are poorly written, and based on the Twilight saga (also poorly written). First we have Anastasia Steele, our "heroine," recent college graduate. I wanted so much to like her because she is so much like myself-bookish and cute. Next we have Christian Grey, an uber-rich guy who's into bondage and s&m. They meet. He wants her to be his submissive, and she readily agrees because she fell in love with him on sight. He doesn't allow her to have much of a life outside of him (like Edward Cullen), and falls in love with her. He no longer wants her to be his submissive, and proposes to her after knowing her all of 3 weeks. They marry, she gets pregnant. A few outside things happens (crazy former boss tries to kill and kidnap the Greys).
These books were so redundant. Every time they would have sex, with the exceptions of the times in the "playroom," he said and did the EXACT SAME THINGS. Oh, and she had an orgasm EVERY time she had sex-like that is reality! It got to the point where I just skimmed the sex scenes (which were every couple of pages) because I knew what was going to happen. Also, if I have to see "inner goddess" in print any time soon, I am going to cause bodily harm to someone. Seriously, it was on nearly every page!
8. Vet Tech Tales: The Early Years by Phoenix Sullivan. Another kindle freebie. I read this because I was expecting fantastic tales of a vet tech. This was not it at all. My best friend was a vet tech, so I have heard some really cool, and sometimes disturbing stories from her. This book involved discussing the author's love of animals, and spent several chapters discussing her first day as a vet tech. It took me an hour to read this, and it wasn't very good because it wasn't what I expected.
1. 11th Hour by James Patterson. This is the most recent Women's Murder Club book. Lindsay Boxer is pregnant, and there is a dirty cop taking out drug dealers in San Francisco. There's also some crazy person who murdered several women and planted their heads in the backyard of a famous house. Lindsay is on both cases, and, of course, she solves them.
I enjoyed this book because Lindsay Boxer is one of my favorite modern heroines. This was a page turner, and a fast read.
2. Unseen by Luke Alistar. This was a free book for my kindle, so expectations were not exactly high. As for the story...A girl sees phantoms. Her family thinks she's crazy and send her to an asylum when she is five, where she is beaten and tortured. With the assistance of a "bad" phantom, she escapes the asylum at age 17. After her escape, she is raped twice as she is making her way home to her family. When she finally makes her way home, she finds that her family wants nothing to do with her. She goes off into the woods, is attacked by the "bad" phantom, and dies.
I didn't really care for this book. Basically, the girl never got over having imaginary friends, and people thought she was a nutjob. Who cares? At least it was free.
3. Sasha the Extraordinary Dachshund by CJ Adams. Another freebie for my kindle. I bought it because the dog on the cover was cute, and I have dachshunds. At it's core, this is a book about a woman's dachshund, and the relationship she shared with the dog over the course of it's life. That aspect of the book I liked; some of the stories reminded me of my own dogs. What bothered me was that this woman was using the book as a vehicle to persuade the reader that they need to look into alternative medicine when dealing with their pets. Also, she claimed to have this amazing relationship with her vet. If that were the case, then she'd have known not to feed her dog grapes-which can kill dogs.
4. His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel by Nancy Kelley. Pride and Prejudice is one of my very favorite novels, so I read a good deal of the sequels and what not that are associated with it. This one popped up as a freebie for my kindle. This novel is Pride and Prejudice told from Mr. Darcy's point of view. What's not to like? I really enjoyed this one.
5-7. Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades of Freed by EL James. I am dealing with these together. A friend sent them to me, so I didn't actually pay to read these. First of all, I am not sure why these needed to be three books. The story could have been told in one. Second, if you're reading for the "steamy" sex scenes, you'd do better to sit in a steam room with a Danielle Steel novel. These books are poorly written, and based on the Twilight saga (also poorly written). First we have Anastasia Steele, our "heroine," recent college graduate. I wanted so much to like her because she is so much like myself-bookish and cute. Next we have Christian Grey, an uber-rich guy who's into bondage and s&m. They meet. He wants her to be his submissive, and she readily agrees because she fell in love with him on sight. He doesn't allow her to have much of a life outside of him (like Edward Cullen), and falls in love with her. He no longer wants her to be his submissive, and proposes to her after knowing her all of 3 weeks. They marry, she gets pregnant. A few outside things happens (crazy former boss tries to kill and kidnap the Greys).
These books were so redundant. Every time they would have sex, with the exceptions of the times in the "playroom," he said and did the EXACT SAME THINGS. Oh, and she had an orgasm EVERY time she had sex-like that is reality! It got to the point where I just skimmed the sex scenes (which were every couple of pages) because I knew what was going to happen. Also, if I have to see "inner goddess" in print any time soon, I am going to cause bodily harm to someone. Seriously, it was on nearly every page!
8. Vet Tech Tales: The Early Years by Phoenix Sullivan. Another kindle freebie. I read this because I was expecting fantastic tales of a vet tech. This was not it at all. My best friend was a vet tech, so I have heard some really cool, and sometimes disturbing stories from her. This book involved discussing the author's love of animals, and spent several chapters discussing her first day as a vet tech. It took me an hour to read this, and it wasn't very good because it wasn't what I expected.
A little about me and my blog
I am a voracious reader. I will read most anything, and if a friend or family member recommends it to me, I will get around to reading it at some point. I've read some good stuff and some terrible stuff. I read traditional books, and ebooks on my kindle.
I am an English teacher, so that doesn't leave tons of time to read what I want to during the school year. Summer is my catch up time. Every summer, I try to read as much as I can. It was suggested to me that I review what I read this summer. Obviously, this is what inspired me to start this blog.
I have already completed eight books since school got out, but I will try to go back and write my reviews on them.
Right now, however, I am trying to finish Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire. I have been working on this book since I bought it in December. It is the fourth and final book in the Wicked series, and I am just not enjoying it. I am not entirely surprised by this as I felt the same way reading Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men. None of the subsequent books measure up to Wicked. Wicked was a page turner for me. I couldn't get enough of it, which is why I spent time and money on each of the sequels. There's roughly 150 pages to go on this last one, so we'll see if the end is satisfying.
I am an English teacher, so that doesn't leave tons of time to read what I want to during the school year. Summer is my catch up time. Every summer, I try to read as much as I can. It was suggested to me that I review what I read this summer. Obviously, this is what inspired me to start this blog.
I have already completed eight books since school got out, but I will try to go back and write my reviews on them.
Right now, however, I am trying to finish Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire. I have been working on this book since I bought it in December. It is the fourth and final book in the Wicked series, and I am just not enjoying it. I am not entirely surprised by this as I felt the same way reading Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men. None of the subsequent books measure up to Wicked. Wicked was a page turner for me. I couldn't get enough of it, which is why I spent time and money on each of the sequels. There's roughly 150 pages to go on this last one, so we'll see if the end is satisfying.
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