Elisha + Books = Love

The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss

2011-01-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

I suppose I shouldn’t find it odd that I discovered this book by reading other book blogger’s blogs (say that three times fast!). The friendly internet book-world informed me that The Name of the Wind was the next Lord of the Rings and would absolutely rock my world.

And it did. I probably wouldn’t go so far as to put it on a shelf with Lord of the Rings, but that is probably because I’ve immortalized Lord of the Rings beyond all possible comparison. It would be like comparing Mother Teresa to Jesus. Mother Teresa is cool and all, but did she walk on water? No, I don’t think so.

Despite that it isn’t Lord of the Rings, this is one of the best fantasy novels that I’ve read. It is definitely on par (maybe exceeds?) the Terry Brooks Shannara series. I was riveted from about 30 pages in to the very end of the book (and the sequel to come!). Like so many great novels, it starts out a little slow, but builds into a crescendo of pure awesome. If awesome could be refined into purer awesome, it would be this book.

So all that said, my rating is: 9- Top 100 - this book tops the charts of my favorite books!

Eeek!

2010-11-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

You can lynch me now. I know that I've disappeared from the world of blogging for months now - three to be exact - but I really do have good excuses. What? You don't want to hear my long list of excuses? Good beacuse I didn't want to tell you anyway.

Well I'm back now and I have a TON of books to catch you up on. This first blog will be a summary blog so that I can keep nice and neat records of my reading history and then I promise you'll get real posts with lots of interesting factoids.

The Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins - Good, but it was slightly less captivating than the two prequels. My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Echoes, by Danielle Steele - Suprisingly delightful. I really should stop being surprised that I have actually enjoyed two of Danielle Steele's books. Again, there was no smuttiness. It was simply a beautiful story about a girl and her family trying to survive the Holocaust. My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Only the Good Spy Young, by Ally Carter - I can't honestly remember this book very well. I'm pretty sure there is a sequel and I'm also pretty sure that I'll read it, but while this series is enjoyable, it is also forgettable. As such, I can't remember whether I liked it or not, so I can't even give it a rating. :(

The Han Solo Trilogy - Paradise Snare, by AC Crispin - AWESOME. I'm a nerd. I like Star Wars. However, I thought it would be all action and no sappy romance crap, but there was!! Han Solo falls in love... and then... well, you'll have to read it to find out, but it certainly explains the tough demeanor that you see in the Star Wars movies. I definitely enjoyed this read that took me back to my childhood. My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski - Love and Hate. Sometimes they can be felt simultaneously. This book was incredibly written, but frustrating for various reasons. It really deserves its own blog post in which I vent and rave, but unfortunately, it gets a short summary. I wouldn't recommend it, but... it deserves a little more than that as well. It is sad and it doesn't have a happy ending. The writing though = superb.

The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho - LOVED. It was fascinating and challenging. I found myself thinking about it all the time during the following weeks and analyzing life through the lens presented in The Alchemist. I believed I actually tried to quote it a few times. Thank you to my blog readers for recommending this book! My rating: 8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off.

Need, by Carrie Jones - Blah. I can't remember it. I don't think I liked it. I probably won't read the sequel. Imagine Twilight gone wrong. My rating: 3- Bleh. I wouldn't bother, but maybe you have more patience.

The Vampire Diaries, Vol 1 & 2, by LJ Smith - Interesting, but not captivating. My rating: 5- Pretty good, for the most part.

The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa - I'm pretty sure I really enjoyed this book and I'm definitely planning on reading the sequel, but my memory is so bad, I just can't remember. Which was initially why I started this blog - to help me remember the books I forget! My rating is probably (if I can remember correctly...): 6- Good. Solidly good.

Sphinx's Princess, by Esther Friesner - I love this series. I love Esther Friesner. These are definitely my childish indulgence books, but I can't help it. They're just so fun! 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Burned, by PC Cast & Kristin Cast - Boo. This series gets worse and worse and I still can't put it down. I hate that I'm interested even while I'm not. I'm determined to NOT read the next book in the series. Someone - please keep me accountable to this. Remind me that the series is a waste of time and is trash. Help please? My rating: Runaway while you still can. Don't let this book snatch you in its clutches to hold you for all 8+ books...

That's all for now!

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

2010-08-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Per many recommendations from my lovely blog followers, I've just finished reading The Help.

I loved it.

I was a little sad that the ending wasn't wrapped up all nice and neat, but even so, everything was concluded well.

My rating: 8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender

2010-07-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

I've had the unfortunate experience lately where EVERY book I pick up is either dull, badly written, or depressing.

I'm definitely getting sick of it. I've stopped mid-read in five books now, which is A HUGE deal for me. I, rarely, will stop in the middle of a book - this occurrence happens maybe once to twice a year. So, five books in one month seems a tad bit extreme.

This ridiculously high number of book failures is either due to karma, my mood, or stupid publishers. I voting for the stupid publishers.

Either way, I won't be blogging about the stupid books because I just can't bring myself to think about them any longer.

However, if you want to feel depressed all day long and contemplate how miserable the world is, go ahead and read "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake."

You would think the name would tip me off - the PARTICULAR SADNESS. But no, I dive in expecting a happy delightful novel full of lemon cake with a twist of sadness that still ends up happy.

Well, it isn't happy. There's not one moment of sustained happiness in the whole book. All happiness dies.

I will give it this - it definitely has that Independent-film style, which I know a lot of people actually like. Me? I don't like Independent films. I much prefer Disney.

Interestingly, the author apparently did not learn how to use quotation marks in school as all dialogue is quotation-mark-less. I've never read anything written like this before and it definitely lends the book that noted independent-film style, but I am not keen on this writing technique. And I'm a little annoyed at whatever publisher was like - "Hey, let's be unique. Let's publish a book with no quotation marks in our dialogue. No one's done that before..."

Unlike the idiotic publishers and this artsy-fartsy author, I like quotation marks. They help move the story along without stopping every moment with he-said and she-saids.

She said, I love the flowers.

I love them too, he said.

Doesn't that just sound so morose and melancholy?

At any rate, the book was written with enough to keep me interested until the end, but I just don't love this writing style so I can't highly recommend it.

However, if you are one of those goth souls in surburban clothes then maybe this book will be right up your alley. However, I'm really a disney princess dressed up as your average American and this book just didn't sweep me off my feet.

My rating: 5- Pretty good, for the most part.

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert

2010-06-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was hesistant to start reading this book initially. It is just so darn popular and my inner self rebels against doing something popular. I don't want to follow the crowd. I'm a unique invididual. Right? Wrong.

With books, however, I'm ~~quickly~~ slowly learning that popularity usually denotes a delicious read. And fortunately (or unfortunately?) Eat Pray Love was indeed yummy.

When this book was recommended to me (by several people), all of them agreed that the pray part of the book was a bit dull. A few friends also mentioned their theological diferences and how it made them unable to relate to her experiences.

Interestingly, while I found this section somewhat slow, it felt somehow necessary to the telling of her healing experience. However, this section wasn't interesting to me because of her spiritual experience(s), but rather because of her interactions with her gregarious friend - Richard of Texas. You'll have to read it to understand. But he made me laugh.

I really enjoyed this book - way more than I thought I would. Perhaps because I, like many other women, have experienced similar struggles as Ms. Gilbert. Struggles like bouncing from guy to guy in my younger days in an effort to find fulfillment or avoid depression. Or struggling with being who everyone else wants me to be instead of who I really am. Or struggling with the value of your dreams.

I don't think her answers are my answers. I don't even know that her answers are healthy answers. In some ways her book felt like a story of a runaway - a girl who was just trying one more thing to deal with her pain.

But I don't think her intent was to say "This is how you deal with your crap" or "This is the right way to fix your life." I don't think she was trying to change anyone's life when she wrote Eat Pray Love. I think she is just telling her story.

And all of our stories are worth telling and being heard. Which is one reason why I think I enjoyed reading this book so much. I love listening to life stories. People fascinate me.

It doesn't help that she tells her story oh-so-well. :D

My rating: "7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending."

The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephanie Meyer

2010-06-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I'm a Stephanie Meyer junkie. You might interpret this as being a Twilight junkie, but I'm not. I don't love all things Twilight. I don't want my own personal Edward. I don't make believe I'm Bella. I'm not going to name my first-born Jacob.

But I do love reading Ms. Meyer's books - all of them. I love The Host. I love the Twilight series. And Stephanie Meyer's new book - The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner - is no exception.

The only sad thing about this book is that the ending was already written in Eclipse; Bree, the main character, dies at the hands of the Volturi. I wish I could change the ending, but so does Stephanie Meyer. At least we both agree on that.

This book isn't really a stand-alone. I wouldn't recommend it if you haven't read the Twilight series since the ending won't make much sense.

My Rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

I listened to this book on audio and loved this reading format.

(I think the cover art is pretty clever considering the ending of this novella).

Stories

2010-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

I'm getting so behind on blogging about books that I'm going to blog about a slew of books all at once. I've choosen to blog about all the books I've read recently that are enjoyable and worth recommending, but which aren't going to completely revolutionize your world or bring you to tears if you don't get the sequel. Right. Now.

Heist Society, by Ally Carter - If you liked Ally's I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You series, then you'll love this new adventure in the world of adolescent art thieves.

My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

H.R.H., by Danielle Steele - I was convinced that Danielle Steel was a smutty writer who put lots of sex and lusty scenes in her book, but I'm happy to report that this book (my first foray into the works of Ms. Steele) was as clean (or cleaner!) than most of the YA books I've read. It does allude that the couple sleeps together, but it leaves out all romantic descriptions thereof. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book and that it was a clean romance.

My rating: 6- Good. Solidly good.

The Last Juror, by John Grisham - Another fantastic John Grisham novel. What can be said except that John Grisham consistently publishes interesting and fascinating tales that revolve around our justice system?

My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Sea Glass (Book 1) & Storm Glass (Book 2), by Maria V. Snyder - This series is captivating and full of adventure and romance in unexpected places. I'm excited for the next book in the series (Spy Glass) to see where Ms. Snyder takes things. I'm happy to report that this series gets better as it goes along.

My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Princess of the Midnight Ball, by Jessica Day George - A delightful retelling of the old faery tale of the twelve dancing princesses whose father promised one of his daughter's hand in marriage if their suitor could discover where they went dancing each night. Jessica does a fantastic job of weaving a believable and interesting back-story to this commonly known tale.

My rating: 6- Good. Solidly good.

That's it! I'll blog about some of the books I've really enjoyed recently and some of the books that I disliked immensely soon!

Spirit Bound, by Richelle Mead

2010-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

How do I start a review midway through the series? I just can't without divulging all the juicy details.

My only word of advice then: Read. This. Series.

I'm hanging by a string for the next book in December!

Spellwright, by Blake Charlton

2010-06-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

My brief opinion of this book: not impressed.

I got halfway through and didn't finish it, which is saying a lot because I rarely stop in the middle of a book. In its defense, Andy was reading Spirit Bound while cuddling with me on the couch [Yes, my amazing husband has read the Vampire Academy series. And Twilight. And Hunger Games. O How I Love Him].

Of course, my husband is a genius and voracious reader and finished the whole book in... you know... a normal ~~five to ten~~ two hours (seriously?! ugh). While I, sitting next to him, had only made it halfway through my book. This maybe (just a teensy bit) influenced my decision to be done with the book at the same time he finished Spirit Bound. Just maybe. Competitive much?

In regard the book itself, it could have been pretty interesting if the author had followed the writing advice I've received from teachers my whole life: show - don't tell.

And Mr. Charlton told...and told...and told. I simply got tired of reading whole sections of text that sounded like they were plucked directly from a MUD RPG. If you don't speak geek, this means those nerdy video games that are usually completely text-based. If you watch Chuck (like Andy and I do religiously) then you might remember this scene:

Morgan: What is it?

Chuck: Zork. You remember Zork, the old text-based video game? Well, Bryce and I programmed our own version of it back at Stanford using a TRS-80.

Morgan: Wow, you guys were really cool.

Chuck: Yeah, if I could only I could remember what was in my hero's satchel... (Morgan looks at him quizzically) The weapons I would use to kill the Terrible Troll.

Morgan: Right! You know what, you're still really cool.

Chuck: [types in computer] Kill troll with nasty knife.

In text-based video games, you use commands like "Kill Troll with Nasty Knife." Huge sections of this book read just like that - telling, not showing. He could easily have taken sentences like this and created emotion and not just imagery. He could have said, "Green caustic blood oozed from the jagged knife wound in the Troll's heart. My fingers trembled, dropping the knife while cold relief flashed through me burning away the angry adrenaline pumping through my body. The troll was dead and I was still alive."

I may not be the next Tolkien, but I know that my little makeshift troll-killing story has a dollup more emotion and imagery than "Kill troll with nasty knife." And that is something Mr. Charlton could have used in his story - a dollup more emotion that was shown and not told.

My rating of Spellwright: Somewhere between "3- Bleh. I wouldn't bother, but maybe you have more patience," and "4- Could be good with a little work."

Giveaway Winner!

2010-06-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who participated in the giveaway last week! I loved reading everyone's favorite fiction novel and I now have a lot more books to add to my "must-read" list.

The winner of these fabulous books by Sophie Kinsella is.... ::drum roll::.....

Jenna Allen at The Indecisive Organizer!

Congrats Jenna!

GiveAway: Confessions of a Shopaholic

2010-05-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love free stuff? Or more specifically - free books. That's right, you heard it folks, this is ElishaReads' first giveaway. I would make inappropriate innuendos regarding my giveaway virginity, but as the Bare Naked Ladies' song goes, it's all been dooooone before.

So I'll simply get down to business. The deets:

You can win these two lovely books by Sophie Kinsella - Confessions of a Shopaholic & Shopaholic Takes Manhattan.

All you have to do is a leave a comment below answering this question:

What is one of the best can-not-live-without-it fiction novels that you've read?

Please leave a way for me to contact you (email address, link to your blog, etc.).

Good Luck!

Magic Study & Fire Study, by Maria V. Snyder

2010-05-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to say that this series declines as it continues. The first book, Poison Study, was a perfectly delightful read that left me literally obsessing for the these sequels. Unfortunately, with such an emotional anticipation, the books disappointed.

My feelings are mostly due to the lack of frequent interaction between Yelena and the chief of security in Ixia/super assassin/the love of Yelena's life, Valek. I can't even fathom why Ms. Snyder thought the series would be any good if she took Valek out of the majority of the book. I am, rightly, annoyed at his absence and would be much happier with the series if their romance had continued in a similar fashion as in the first book.

No matter, the series is still enjoyable and I'm glad I mustered my way through these subsequent books because somewhere in the second book, we're introduced to Opal, who is the fascinating star in Maria Snyder's newest series - Sea Glass and Storm Glass - which I am happy to report only gets better as the series progresses.

My rating of Magic Study & Fire Study: 6 - Good. Solidly good.

Poison Study, by Maria V. Snyder

2010-05-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there is someone who can just say it better. I read the below review on Science Fiction Reader and since reading it, I've been writing and deleting and writing and deleting my review, finding that each time I am simply trying to write exactly what this reviewer put on his/her blog, in different words.

Of course, my unique review would have been witty and amusing, full of funny anecdotes and suspenseful details [does such a thing as suspenseful details even exist?]. Unfortunately, ~~my seven devoted followers~~ the world, will have to content themselves without my enlightened opinion of Poison Study. While I am confidant that there will be mourning regarding the withholding of my treasured jewels of wisdom, I sincerely hope that you will be able to find delight in the words of another.

[Okay, I'm puking a little in my mouth with my own ostentatiousness. Go ahead and puke in yours too. We can be puking buddies.]

Onto the review by Science Fiction Reader:

This enjoyable fantasy – like all of the better quality books in any genre – possesses all the ingredients that make speculative fiction fans look for more of the same, but also gives a new spin on the premise. So you have your intrepid, but severely victimised heroine; a satisfyingly nasty and dangerous villain and a plethora of awkward and potentially lethal choices confronting your plucky protagonist…

And the difference? Already convicted for murder, Yelena is under the death sentence when the book opens and has a choice – be executed for murder or become food taster to the Commander of Ixia. She leaps at the chance for survival, but her relief may be short-lived. The Commander’s food tasters don’t have much life expectancy – and small wonder. Life in the palace is full of hazards and secrets. Yelena must learn to identify poisons before they kill her, recognise whom she can trust and how to spy on those she can’t. And who is the mysterious Southern sorceress who can reach into her head?

I liked the fact that Snyder opted not to give us a blow-by-blow account of Yelena’s grim history of coercion, torture and rape – but started the book at the point when she is offered a way out. Told in first person POV, the story whips along at a suitably cracking pace as Yelena struggles to survive in this hostile environment. Snyder gives us a reasonably rounded protagonist and the supporting cast are well drawn and interesting. Although I found the main male character just a little too much in command of everything going on around him. If he’d floundered a little bit more, there could have been a greater sense of danger during the main crisis point of the plot.

However, this is a relatively picky point in a well-written and slickly crafted story that zips along with plenty of action and character development. When I finished the book, I immediately reached for Magic Study, the second book in the series. And when I finish it tonight, I’m going to dive straight into the third book.

My Review: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Spirit Bound, by Richelle Mead

2010-05-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Eeekk!! I just started the next installment of the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

I'm only a little excited about this - just a teeny-tiny-itsy-bitsy excited.

I am definitely not in love with Dimitri and I definitely don't want to be a bad-arse strigoi killing damphir. Definitely not. And I definitely am not excited about the new twist with Adrian. I could pretty much care less. I mean, seriously, who likes vampire novels anyway? I certainly don't.

::jumps up and down in an extremely young adult fashion::

[This isn't the cover for the book, but I like it better, so I'm posting it instead]

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Schaffer

2010-05-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society is a mouthful of a name and every time I inform the uninformed about this book, I get some variation of "The what??"

However, while the name may fill your mouth with a handful of unintelligible babble, the book is one of the most captivating and interesting books I've read in a quite a while. I "read" this book on audio and I have to highly recommend this reading format. The audio version gives each character their own voice and makes the novel come alive in a way that transports you into Juliet's world. I believe I might have fallen in love with Guernsey more than Juliet did, and I've seriously looked at my suitcase hanging in my closet with a longing to travel to Guernsey to meet these imaginary friends that Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Schaffer have created in my mind.

It's a beautiful story and I can hardly believe that it is fiction. Or perhaps its place in the fiction world makes it all the more beautiful for creating a life and a story that feels so real.

If you only read one book this year, read this one. The book is so delicious that you'll find yourself wishing to devour it all over again.

My rating: 9- Top 100 - this books tops the charts of my favorite books!

Fill in the Blank Friday

2010-05-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend, Lauren [who has an awesome blog at http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/], does these fun "Fill in the Blank Friday" posts every - you guessed it - Friday

I haven't posted one of these before, but since it is about my absolute favorite subject (well, right after how wonderful my husband is), I figured I might as well play along.

So here we go:

1. My favorite book growing up was: The Mark of the Lion series, by Francine Rivers. It is probably the only book I've read more than twice. Actually, I'm pretty sure I read it every other week throughout my entire adolescence.

2. The funniest book I've ever read was: I haven't really read that many "funny" books, but the Anne of Green Gables series completely captivated me and etched a perma-smile on my face whenever I read it. I found myself frequently finding a long-suffering family member and holding them prisoner while I shared amusing quotes and sections from the books.

3. The one book that has truly changed my life is: Obviously, the Bible. However, if I choose another book I think I would choose Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge or Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.

4. If you're looking for a real "tear jerker" you should probably read: My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. I bawled. Snotty yucky bawling.

5. If I could meet any author living or dead I would want to meet: LM Montgomery - Her writing makes me feel like we're soul-sisters.

6. The next book on my "to read" list is: The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa

7. If I was snowed into remote cabin in the woods and could only choose three books to bring with me I'd bring: Eeek! I can't pick just three... Maybe three series??? Or three hundred?? Okay, I'll try to narrow it down. The Anne of Green Gables series, Redeeming Love, & Ella Enchanted. Ugh. I'm literally forcing myself not to make a ~~ridiculous~~ long list of all the books that I would stack around this imaginary cabin.

If you'd like to play along, just fill in the blanks on your own blog (or in the comment section!) and then link back here using by leaving a comment.

Ciao!

A Quickie

2010-04-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

I get close to being caught up on blogging and then I go and read more. I really need to work on self-control.... or maybe not. :D

Sorry for skimping on the book reviews recently, but remember, this blog is for me (hah!) and not for you. ::sticks tongue at all the internet readers out there in mock disregard:: If you are confused, read my first post in which I declare my independence and state the purpose of this blog.

1. Nightworld, Vol. 1, by LJ Smith

2. Aurelia, by Anne Osterlund (I love the cover for this book!)

3. Nobody's Princess (Book 1), by Esther Friesner

4. Nobody's Prize (Book 2), by Esther Friesner

5. Ever, by Gail Carson Levine

My review for all of the above books is pretty similar in that I found them all to be interesting and simple reads. Unfortunately while trying to blog about them, I found myself dragging my unwilling fingers to hit the keyboard repetitively in the hopes that something interesting would magically appear. After minutes of fruitless abuse to my keyboard, I discovered my brain had vacated the premises and - voile! - I'm on facebook...

As such, my review is simply that I would recommend reading them. I just can't bring myself to blog about them. It is not a reflection of the books, but more a reflection of my frustrating attention span. Can someone say - attention deficit disorder?

My review for all the above books: Somewhere between "6- Good. Solidly good," & "7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending."

When you read more than you blog...

2010-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Eeekk! I'm getting so behind on blogging about books!

Here's what I've read recently:

1. To Catch a Pirate, by Jade Parker - I ♥ this book. Pirates, a head-strong aristrocratic heroine, adventure on the high seas, love, and betrayal. Need I say more?

My Rating: Somewhere between "6- Good. Solidly good" and "7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending. "

2. Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, by Ally Carter - this series is still enjoyable, but it's losing steam for me. However, I'll let you know what I think of the next book in the series. I'm starting to think that her publishers are keeping the series going due to the all-important-dollar and, sadly, not as a result of inspiration on the part of Ms. Carter. My theory is reinforced by the fact that Ally just published a new book (Heist Society) that has nothing to do with the I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You series. However, I'm anxiously waiting for my copy of her new book to come in at the library - it looks fantastic!

My Rating: 6- Good. Solidly good.

3. The Morning Gift, by Eva Ibbotson - Have I mentioned that I LOVE Eva Ibbotson?? Well, if you haven't read that far back, let me educate you on my opinions of this stellar author. She's amazing. Simple enough. Read her adult/teen novels. They're amazing. All of them. The Morning Gift was one of my favorites of her novels thus far. I've plowed through all of her adults books now and I'm thinking I might give her children's novels one last chance...

My Rating: 9- Top 100 - this books tops the charts of my favorite books!

4. Madensky Square, by Eva Ibbotson - I told you I was plowing through her books. However, Madensky Square is my least favorite of her adult novels. It doesn't have a lot of movement in it. The main character is a forty-something woman whose life is centered around her shop in Madensky Square where she designs clothing for women. It is certainly a delightful story full of those superfluous relationships that reveal your primary character's strengths and flaws in a pleasing manner, but the story-line is so subtle as to hardly exist.

My Rating: 6- Good. Solidly good.

5. Evermore/Blue Moon/Shadowland, by Alsyon Noel - Goodness, I read these books so many weeks ago that I can hardly remember what they were about. My blogging can't keep up with my reading! Now that I'm pulling my memories out of their box, the books remind me a bit of the Twilight Series, even the introduction of a second "guy" into the story is reminiscent of Jacob in Twilight. However, the direction that Alyson takes these is a bit different and also enjoyable. They were hard to put down while I was reading them, but not so memorable weeks afterwards.

Sadly, if I had reviewed them directly after reading, I would have given the series a "7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending." As it is, I'm relegating it down a step due to the fact that I can hardly remember anything about these books.

My rating: 6- Good. Solidly good.

5. Princess Ben, by Catherine Murdock - This is a great rainy-day-got-ya-down fairy-tale that instantly transports you to another world. Princess Benevolence - Ben, for short (don't you love that?)- is a headstrong princess who is being forced by her step-mother to marry a "specimen of imbecilic manhood." Attempting to flee this fate (as all good adventure-story princesses should), she escapes her castle-prison and finds herself in the neighboring warring kingdom where she falls in love with a prince, discovers magic, and discovers her princessy-self is ready for the responsiblities of ruling her future kingdom. Very fun. Very childish. Very Me.

My Rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

Okay folks, I'm mostly caught up. Only three more books to review and we'll be right on track!

Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-03-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have very little to say about this book which is why I suggest you read another blogger's succint review with which I wholly agree excepting the slight insults thrown in Twilight's direction. Twilight - I heart you.

Review of Shiver

Does it make me a mediocre reader that I love Twilight so?

My Rating: 5- Pretty good, for the most part.

The Appeal, by John Grisham

2010-03-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

If you've ever read more than one of John Grisham's books, than you'll know that they're all equally intriguing but they rarely leave a lasting impression [at least for me]. I find that all of his books merge together in my mind to create an cacophony of blended memories that can only be described as a tale of suspense and intrigue in the legal and political realms.

This book, as usual, lived up to my standard's of John Grisham's consistent quality, but is more memorable than his other books I've read. Whether you love John Grisham's works or this is your first introduction, The Appeal will intrigue. My father-in-law, if he hasn't already, would add it to his "John Grisham" bookshelf which houses the abundant works of this capable author.

The Appeal, more so than his other books, caused me to dwell on our justice system and the effect of ~~money~~ politics in it. I was surprised at the ending John Grisham choose for this book (which I won't give away to those of you who haven't read it), but I found I agreed with his fitting conclusion as it caused the reader to analyze our political situation.

As a Political Science major in college, I should be pleased by books that spark a righteous anger at the failings of justice in our system, but I must admit that the more I learn about our methods of governance, both locally, internationally, and historically, the more inept I feel to incite any real change. This disillusionment of my abilities to change the world, as we all long to do when we are in our early twenties, makes me want to crawl into my cacoon of disinformation and ignore the tyranny of money that is like a bomb exploding near the walls of my protected shell.

I find my theory on politics is growing closer to that which I have criticized the American public for on countless occasions - ignorance is bliss. And yet, ignorance does not spur action and the world needs action.

While this book angered my sense of justice, it captured the thing that excites me in a book - the everyday little actions that make the world a better place. Things like the love of a parent towards their child, the love of a pastor for his congregation, and a judge with a passion to see justice and compassion combined.

My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett (Note to reader: Rated R for graphic violence and sexual content)

2. The Winner, by David Baldacci

3. The Associate, by John Grisham

The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks

2010-03-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

I adore the inspiration for this love story - Nicholas Sparks, inspired by his grandparents (who he says flirted shamelessly with eachother well into their old age), created a novel about two people whose love for eachother outlasted the murderer of most love stories - time.

I listened to this book on DVD while driving around for work [which was my first experience in audio books and an experience I thoroughly enjoyed] and endangered my fellow drivers by routinely sniffling and crying every time I got in my car. I can only imagine getting pulled over with puffy eyes and explaining that I was driving carelessly because I couldn't stop tearing up at a love story on audiobook - yah, that would go over well.

Despite the countless shed tears during this book, I was not extremely impressed with the writing (which sounds paradoxical, I know). I felt that the book was written at a junior high reading level, but was filled with adult content (including a lengthy sex scene that I skipped over). Without the frequent references to sexual content, I would recommend The Notebook as a captivating love story perfect for junior high students and young adult readers.

However, I feel the writing is too juvenile and "dumbed-down" to recommend to most of my reading friends and is too rife with sexual innuendos to recommend to a younger reader.

I'll simply say that I wouldn't recommend this novel if you are accustomed to a higher quality of literature, but if you are in the mood for a beautiful romance with a tad bit more than appropriate amounts of trashy sexual innuendos (again, the paradox is unusual), then go for it.

Of course, it could be that the sexual references are more notable when listening to them said aloud. I think the innuendos registered as more innappropriate hearing them spoken, instead of simply read.

And yet this whole post is skewed by the fact that I simply liked the movie better, which I find odd as books are usually 100% better than their movie counterparts. I felt the movie did a better job capturing their love for eachother as young people.

However, the one aspect I found the book excelled where the movie lacked, is their relationship as an older couple. It was beautiful to hear Noah's memories about his life with Ally after they were married and had children. This was the part that consistently brought me to tears - hearing the recount of their married life, their feelings and thoughts when they were given Ally's diagnosis, their fight against the disease, and their love for eachother over their lifetime.

My rating of this book: 5- Pretty good, for the most part.

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

2. Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks

3. A Walk to Remember, by Nicholas Sparks

The Dragonfly Pool, by Eva Ibbsotson

2010-03-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'll preface this post by giving the disclaimer that I don't often read children's literature and therefore feel inadequate to review this book. With that being said, you should also know that I adore Eva Ibbotson's writing and have bulldozed my way through all of her adult literature. She has simply captivated me and is stationed somewhere in my top 20 favorite authors of all time.

Sadly and unexpectedly, I was sorely bored throughout this entire book. Perhaps it is not a fascinating book, but I can't help thinking that I built up her writing in my mind to such a peak that when I dove into her children's work I expected nothing short of a caliber similar to that of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series.

Perhaps children may find this book compelling, but I am sorry to say that I could hardly muster my way through the book. I'll even admit that I skimmed full chapters towards the end as I just couldn't wait to finish and move on to the next book.

I'm curious to see whether anyone else had a different and more pleasant experience with this book. I wonder if my expectations were simply too high and therefore my disappointment more acute.

My sad and reluctant review: 3- Bleh. I wouldn't bother, but maybe you have more patience.

Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

2010-03-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

Oddly enough, I feel as if I've known about this book forever. It seems to have hovered on the edges of my peripheral book vision as a "classic." As for it's attainment of that status, since my definition of a classic necessitates that the author be buried, cremated, or otherwise deceased, Ender's Game does not fit the bill. Though it may not yet be a classic, it is, in my opinion, only due to the author's continued happy existence in our world.

However, this book is not unlike the classics in which I find I am either delighted or disgusted and rarely anything in between. Initially, I was nervous that I would find this book dull and too far on science side of science-fiction and I delayed picking it up for fear that it would end up in the "disgusted" section of my bookshelf. Happily, the book meandered merrily into my delighted pile where it will continue to remain.

I feel I could say a great many things about this book and Orson Scott Card's masterful weaving of a fascinating story, but I'll be succint and simply encourage you to pick it up and enjoy the intrigue for yourself.

My rating: 8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off.

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner

2010-02-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

I've been debating how to review this book for weeks now. I really REALLY want to gush about how much I love this book because I really did love it. And yet, I'm restraining the gushing because I'm just not sure I'm in love.

My feelings toward this book remind me of that perfect guy you want to fall in love with - that you should fall in love with - but some unnameable lack of passion prevents you from ever being more than friends. I've been pondering why I am not in love with The Maze Runner and the following is what I've concluded. While James Dashner creates a new reality that is both fascinating and creative with characters who are well rounded and a story-line that is interesting and unique, he has left out one important aspect:

Love.

I'm not only talking about love between a guy and girl, but love in general - love for the brotherhood, love for the character who resembles your little brother, love for your best friend, love for a high power. He simply doesn't do anything with love. The characters like eachother. They even build a comradarie that pulls you through their interactions in the book. And yet, as great as comradarie is, it is always the love at the base of comraderie that holds a reader's attention.

James Dashner does try to throw love into the book a little, but the relationships he attempts are so ill-developed that when one of the characters doesn't make it to the end of the book, you don't mind and you certainly aren't in tears.

So while I liked this book A LOT and I wish I could say I loved it, I have to hold back because a hint of love is never the same as true love. And who really wants only a hint of love in their life?

My rating: 7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

2. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

3. Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld

On Libraries

2010-02-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Library has revoked my privileges. While many of you may jump to the conclusion that my delinquent self must have accomplished some great feat of mischievousness to have my library privileges suspended, it is in fact due to something infinitely less interesting and more frustrating.

Damascus has refused to pay taxes that will give their over burdened tax-payers access to the one of the few reliefs we have from this world - reading. Unfortunately for my reading addiction, I live in Damascus.

[Beware of rant to follow}

Honestly, when we pay some $5,000+ a year in property taxes (which is high even for Portland standards), they should bloody well include a library card. Not only am I outraged by this public service that we've been denied, but so are many others. The revolting decision to remove our library access was made by officials and nary a Damascus citizen consulted.

[Rant somewhat abated below]

I can easily continue on about politics and the deficiencies in our system, but I will be succinct and simply say that I'm disappointed that our city values reading and continued education so little that they are unwilling to pay the measly fee that would ensure that their people have access to the library.

Perhaps I'll stage a peaceful protest demanding our library rights back. I'm ready to grab my picket and start marching against this injustice, following the example of those written about in books I no longer have access to.

The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing. - John Adams

What are you reading?

2010-02-22T11:24:00.001-08:00

Of course, my list of books to read is long and, really, never-ending, but it is always up for revision.

So I'm curious - what are you reading? Are you loving it? Hating it?

Eva Ibbotson - Author Extraordinaire

2010-02-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Perhaps I'm a sucker for a good romance (minus the lusty aspects that seem to inhabit the pages of the typical romance novel), but I've recently fallen in love with Eva Ibbotson's romantic novels. I really cringe to call them romance novels because they're clean and full of sunshine. The heroine in each book is wholesome and a person you respect, if not wish to emulate. These ladies are the snow-whites of our world - the girls who you find meandering through forests with birds perched on their shoulders while singing a catchy tune.

While each of her books is filled with love and attraction, it is all the "superfluous" relationships that the character develops along the way that make these books worth reading.

Most of her books are set before or during WWI and WWII and I have to own up to a certain fascination with the events surrounding this time period (which is perhaps inherited from my mom who watched every discovery channel documentary she could find revolving around WWII).

One of the many things I love about these books is that Eva includes fascinating historical and geographical descriptions that transport you to a different time. Each of the stories read a bit like a Jane Austen novel - full of descriptive social customs and yet true to human nature.

I'm unable to choose a favorite from this set of books and in many ways, the books are so similar that it feels like you are reading the same book in different setttings with new characters. Which is why all the below books received one review and rating: 8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off.

A Company of Swans -

A Countess Below Stairs -

A Song for Summer -

The Reluctant Heiress

I just started The Dragonfly Pool by Eva and I'm finding that I'm not loving it as much as her other novels. However, it will get its own review once I'm finished.

Fire, by Kristin Cashore

2010-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

I believe that I have fallen in love...

...with a book character's hair.

For those of you who know me in real life (which is probably all four of you lovely people who manage through my book blog simply because you love me so much), you know my obsession. Red Hair.

I would literally trade almost every possesion I own for red hair - bright flaming, natural, red hair. I tried dying my hair bright red once and I believe that I resembled a fire truck - which isn't quite what I intended.

However, Fire (the main character of the book) is my hair soul-sister. Her hair, the color of fire with various hues of reds, makes me burn with envy. Fortunately, since she's a book character, I can pretend that I'm her and that I have the stunningly gorgeous red hair.

Alas, while the flames of my fascination [is that a strong enough word for my undying love?] with red hair are fanned in this book, I believe that all readers will be equally captivated by Fire herself. She is daring, beautiful, caring, and every other attribute a good heroine should be. The book itself is incredibly well composed and, I believe, is even better than Graceling, Fire's companion novel.

Did I also mention that she's a kick-butt archeress?

My rating: Somewhere between "8 - Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off." and "9 - Top 20 - this books tops the charts of my favorite books!"

[Why is it that I can never bring myself to give a book it's actual rating. It's always between this rating and that. I'll work on changing that - or maybe I'll create half-ratings as well!]

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. A Countess Below Stairs, by Eva Ibbotson

2. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore

3. The Host, by Stephanie Meyer

Extras, by Scott Westerfeld

2010-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Uglies series is redeemed. Although, I have to laugh a little at myself because of the rating I gave this series on Shelfari.

I am an emotional person. I make decisions based on my emotions. I view life through the lens of my emotions. This also means I rate books under the effect of these same frustratingly unpredictable emotions. Under the influence of said feelings, I gave Uglies a 5 on Shelfari, Pretties a 5, and Specials a 3. Why? Because I was just so disappointed in the ending Scott bestowed on Specials.[You can read my review here]

Perhaps other Scott Westerfeld fans were equally enraged as I was. Perhaps Scott's editors decided that people like happy endings. Perhaps Scott is a genius and had planned all along for that fourth book to conclude the series well. Whatever the reason, Extras is like a well paired wine to a decadent dessert; combined, the flavors are heavenly.

This is indeed fortunate for Scott's rating on my Shelfari.

As a whole, the series is delightful. I'm surprised that I enjoyed Extras to the extent that I did as the main character is not our heroic Tally-la, but another equally exciting and intriguing Aya Fuse. Her sweet mischieviousness and her fun relationship with Frizz swept me along their crazy and adventurous discoveries. The characters are just as fun as their names and they captivate the reader immediately. What's more is that I love how Scott gives you a new setting that has fun Japanese-styled cultural additions.

So Scott, I rescind my dislike of Specials and have wholly embraced this beautiful series. Thank you for not leaving Tally alone and depressed. Thank you for giving her a future. And thanks for giving me the fun of meeting Aya Fuse.

Cross My Heart & Hope to Spy, by Ally Carter

2010-01-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

If it, indeed, is even possible, I believe that I liked this book better than it's prequel, "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" [which I reviewed here].

The relationship that Cammie Morgan develops with a certain somebody made me giggle and smile throughout the entire book.

I'd tell you more about the book, but then... you know.

My Rating: Somewhere between "7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending," and "8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off."

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Fire, by Kristin Cashore

2. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, by Beth Fantaskey

3. Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Mar

2010-01-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

I read this book over Christmas and I still haven't brought myself around to blogging about it. I really didn't enjoy it and I could hardly finish it. I'm just plain frustrated that this series has slowly been declining.

I dove into Wicked Lovely, the first book in this series, and loved it; I really enjoyed Ink Exchange, the second book, but I'm just plain mad at Fragile Eternity. More to the point, I'm just plain annoyed with Melissa for continuing a series and not ensuring that the sequels were equally as enthralling as the first book in the sereies. Why continue to write a series if the books slowly degrade as you go along?

What is worse, I think, than writing this bad sequel, is that the book had potential and LOTS of it. And Melissa just lets this potential die a slow death as you keep hoping she'll draw you back into the characters in the same way she did in the first book.

And yet, I'll probably read the next book she releases in the series. But then again, maybe not.

I'll give her this - her cover illustrator rocks.

My rating: 5- Pretty good, for the most part.

The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima

2010-01-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

This book was my first introduction to Cinda Williams Chima's writing. I requested this book at the library after Taleah (my lovely "little" sister) convinced me that it looked interesting. Then the 30 person wait list at the library piqued my interest to a higher level and made my wonder if the author was so good and her fans so numerous that the library couldn't keep up with the demand.

However, when the book finally made its way through the ranks of Cinda's adoring fans and landed on the large stack of books reserved for me, I couldn't convince myself to read it. It just didn't look that interesting and I had so many other fascinating worlds to disappear in.

Finally, the day after Christmas, my lovely local library emails me a notice informing me that this book is SOOO popular that it is only a 14 day rental (a fact that had somehow escaped my notice earlier) and is due the day that we return from our Christmas vacation.

Frustrating! Now I'm forced to read this book or return it and wait for another 30 people to read it. So I curl up in bed with a terrible cold and settle down to read this long put-off book.

And I loved it. I'm not sure why I was so hesitant (seeing as the rest of the world already discovered that Cinda's work is amazing), but now I am joining the ranks of her adoring fans. I was completely enthralled by every character and was mesmorized by the perfect combination of love, adventure, and fanstastical happenings. It is a beautifully woven story and I am only disappointed that I have to wait for the sequel!

[Side Note: For the somewhat conservative readers out there, this book is not about demons. However, magic does play a huge role in this book including wiazards, dark magic, good magic, etc.]

My rating: 8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off, but isn't the best book I've ever read. (Although, it might get an 8.5 - it almost makes it to the top 20 books!)

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Wizard's First Rule, by Terry Goodkind

2. The Shannara Heritage, by Terry Brooks

3. Eragon, by Christopher Paolini

Book Ratings

2009-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

I've decided to include a rating on my reviews to help readers decide at a glance whether to consider reading a book.

So here's the legend for the numbers:

0- Burn it. It will be a way better use of your time than reading it!
1- Terrible. Just plain terrible.
2- Don't bother opening it; the cover is the best part.
3- Bleh. I wouldn't bother, but maybe you have more patience.
4- Could be good with a little work.
5- Pretty good, for the most part.
6- Good. Solidly good.
7- Great. This book is worth reading AND recommending.
8- Holy Cow! This book rocks my socks off, but isn't the best book I've ever read.
9- Top 20 - this books tops the charts of my favorite books!
10- THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST STINKIN' BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!!!!!

Sound good? I'll post the rating with each new review. Hope that helps!

"Pretties" & "Specials" by Scott Westerfeld

2009-12-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

The remaining books in the Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld are equally as captivating and rife with adventure as the first novel (you can read my review of Uglies here).

Scott is a wordsmith who draws you into Tally's mis-adventures and who magically enspells you in the world that he's created. I won't write a detailed review as it would give too much away that you'll discover in the first book, Uglies, but I will mention that this is probably one of my favorite series that I've read in a long time.

At the same time that I sing Uglies' praises, I am sadly disappointed in the ending of this series. Scott builds up a specific relationship in the book which he then disperses with in a off-handed manner. He so casually ends this character's involvement in the book that you feel disappointed with the books in general. Sadly, while these may have been some of my favorite books of all time, I can hardly bring myself to continue to love and recommend them simply due to his dissatisfying ending.

Poo. I was really hoping to give the series a glowing review, but I'm simply still too frustrated with the ending to emotionally disconnect myself from it and recommend the book based on its incredible writing and intriguing storyline.

However, Scott has a chance to redeem himself with the fourth addition to the trilogoy (making it a quadrilogy??) - Extras. I'm somehow hoping for the impossible and wishing he'll bring back a character from the dead. It's been done before - anyone heard of vampires?

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

2009-12-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

"I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" is adorable in that way-too-cheesy-but-makes-you-feel-good-anyway kind of way. Everything about this book is corny and yet still so adorable. Ally makes the book so fun that you just don't care that it's pages are filled with teenage love goo and dorky espionage.

ITYILYBTIHTKY [It's even a long name abbreviated!] is like those chick flicks that always end the same, but you watch them over and over again anyway because they just make you feel so girlie-giddy inside.

I, of course, loved this book and giggled the whole way through. However, if you don't have a girlie side and you can't appreciate cheesy romance, don't read this book. If you are a sucker for silliness and some good teenage drama with a little bit of kick butt espionage then this book will make your day.

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

2. Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine

2. Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia Wrede

The Luxe, by Anna Godberson

2009-12-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Eeek! Too many books to write about and not enough time!

I just finished "The Luxe" by Anna Godberson and I don't really feel up to writing a long review about it because I'm just not sure that it is worth wasting the time informing you why you should or shouldn't read it. However, another book reviewer has contributed their opinion on the book and since I agree, I'll show you read what they have to say about it.

"...for a long time I didn't care about anybody in 'The Luxe'. The cast is numerous and largely unlikeable, from Henry the languid libertine to Lina the bitter servant-girl. (There are also a couple of bit players who are mentioned several times for no reason at all, and I'll eat my hat if they don't play prominent roles in a sequel.) Elizabeth's story left me alternately bored and frustrated, and I almost hoped for someone to kill her and get it over with. But the one bright spot is Elizabeth's feisty younger sister Diana, and it was her story, when it finally emerged, that kept me turning the pages. She has her flaws, too - at first I thought she would be insufferable - but for me she was the real heroine of the book. For her sake I warmed up to another character I initially loathed. For her sake, I'm even happy to say I quite enjoyed the book. ... Of course, the ending isn't really an ending at all - the mystery is solved, but nothing is resolved and all is set up for the sequel, already out and titled 'Rumors'. For Diana's sake, I might just end up reading it." - Leena at http://keris.typepad.com/chicklet/2008/11/review-the-luxe.html

And, as Leena succintly stated, "for Diana's sake," I'll probably read the sequel as well.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2009-12-19T19:00:00.001-08:00

I love this book! I can hardly wait for the sequel to come in at the library on Tuesday!!!!

I might post a review about it later, but I loved the book and so should you. :)

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

2. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

3. 1984, by George Orwell

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

2009-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Just the name of this book makes me feel excited. Doesn't dating on the dark side feel so intriguing?

Not to mention the cover completely captivated my attention - sexy red flowing dress and not-so-bad-looking vampire date... Although, I would have been intrigued simply by the red dress swirling around her legs.

As books goes, this was entertaining. Honestly, it might have made it to the status of 5 stars, if one important aspect of the book had been different.

Lucius - he is my problem with this book. He just doesn't make ME fall in love. And so when Ms. Jessica ends up with him, I'm disappointed. Sure - she loves him. Sure - it's the only really good ending to the book. And yet, I wish she didn't. I wish she had started a war between their clans or somehow found a way to move past him UNTIL he was worthy of her love. And yet, she chooses the guy who has treated her like a trash because she believes that beneath it all, he actually does love her more than he's showing.

Isn't that our problem as women? We keep hanging on and holding out because we believe, somewhere in our romantic mind, that he loves us despite the fact that he treats us with disrespect and condescension. We believe that the few glimpses of the good guy beneath the jerk are enough. We hold out hope and "hang in there" until he becomes who we want him to be.

But unlike this story, real jerks aren't going to become the hero and love you always dreamed of. Men do not become who you want them to be - they simply are who they are.

What is this book telling us as women? Allow yourself to belive that if a boy teases you, it means he likes you; if he pushes you down in the playground, it means he really cares; and if he's a complete a** hole, well, he must be in love.

I know the author was trying to make it seem like Lucius was in love with Jessica in a sacrificial way - that he'd make himself seem like a jerk in order to protect her from the harm that would come from loving him. And yet, he was just too convincing. I was convinced and it hurt me, as the reader, to watch Jessica killing her heart over a guy who acted like he didn't care just a little too well.

Despite all this, I still find I enjoyed the book thoroughly. While I think the best love stories are the ones where you actually fall in love with the characters, you can still enjoy a book where you simply like them. Just as it would be unwise to fall in love with everyone you meet, so it is with books. Some you fall madly in love with and some are relagated to the status of friends - which can happily be both deep and shallow relationships.

If this book were a friend, I'd go out to coffee with them on a bi-monthly basis, but they wouldn't become my best friend, my soul mate, or my family.

If you liked this book, you may also like:

1. The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

2. Impossible by Nancy Werlin

3. The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

Shelfari.com

2009-12-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

I heart it. You should too.

Shelfari.com - Add me as a Friend!

Search for:
Elisha C (username)
Full Name: Elisha Catts

**Warning: Shelfari.com is addicting**

On Compassion & Reading

2009-12-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

During a lovely conversation with M.C. while discussing Ink Exchange and Mercy (by Jodi Piccoult), I suggested that reading has made me a less judgmental person. I'm finding that being in the mind of another forces me to analyze what decisions I would have made had I been placed in their situation. And more often than not, I can't say I would have chosen differently.

In books you discover "that there are plenty of examples of exquisitely sensitive torturers, discerning sadists, [and] perceptive tormentors." I find myself feeling compassion for these broken individuals who may have chosen evil paths. I cannot judge them, despite that I loathe their actions. When you live in the mind of another, you recognize another soul that has simply faced more difficult choices or who has more easily fallen prey to their emotions.

I cannot condone, but I do feel compassion.

At which point in our conversation, M.C. suggested that there is a correlation between reading literature and having compassion.

I wonder - is there a correlation between reading and having compassion? Or does reading simply exercise compassion that exists in the mind already? And if one lacks compassion initially, does reading fail to excite compassionate tendencies?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

[Quote from: Republic of Readers? The Literary Turn in Political Thought and Analysis, by Simon Stowe; State University of New York Press; Page 49]

Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

2009-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sad to say, despite an interesting title and a great potential storyline, this book isn't worth your time.

It makes me sad, and somewhat frustrated with the author, that she forces a christian worldview through metaphor to consume the storyline.

I certainly appreciate books and authors who can seamlessly weave metaphors that correlate to our relationship with Christ into the storyline (i.e. The Circle Trilogy [Black, Red, White] by Ted Dekker).

Unfortunately, not unlike Christians who force Christianity down the throat of non-believers, she shoves Christian metaphors into Dragonspell. I appreciate what I assume is her heart for this book - the creation of a fantasy novel that is clean for children and that reflects broader truths about our walk with Christ. However, it simply didn't work for her. There were pages that were enjoyable that were shortly after slaughtered with out of place "sermons" about Wulder (God) living in all things and through believers, about following Paladin's (Jesus) will for your life, and about resisting the Pretender's (Satan) convincing lies.

These are good truths that were badly turned into a metaphoric children's fantasy novel.

One word for this book: Ugh.

If you liked this book, you might also like:

1. Shoving Christianity in Your Face, by The Socially Awkward Christians Club
2. Good Fantasy Books Suck; Read Bad Ones, by People Who Don't Know Anything
3. Fooled Ya! Looked Good but Tasted Bad, by Bertie Bott's Jelly Beans

Ink Exchange, Part II

2009-12-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

I finished Ink Exchange Friday night. It was miles different than the first book, but, as usual, Melissa's writing was creative and clever.

Initially, the second book appears to be similar to the first book (Wicked Lovely) which revolved around Aislinn's introduction to, and purposeful manipulation of, the faerie world. When the author introduces Leslie, Aislinn's best friend, as the main character of the second book, you make assumptions that this book will be about another girl discovering who she is while navigating the difficulties of being introduced to the faerie world.

However, while that presumption is somewhat accurate for the second book, Melissa cleverly deceives you. Ink Exchange isn't about the "main character" Leslie. Melissa simply uses Leslie's character and life to reveal more about the "real" main character(s) - Irial & Niall. It is a fascinating read because you honestly believe that the book is about Leslie for the first half of the story. However, as the story is woven and you still don't have any particular feelings of like/dislike towards the main character, you begin to wonder - what is the author doing here?

And then it comes together - the two men (faeries) who fall in love with Leslie are the true heart and soul of the book. Leslie is simply an accessory to show you the softer sides of two complicated men who are destined to the "Dark Court" of the faerie world. One evil - One who walked away from evil for good. And yet, they both are and aren't what they seem.

Should you read this book?

I would definitely recommend it if you tend to enjoy stories about sentient mythological beings in the modern world. Melissa weaves a crafty and intriguing story and creates characters who are, at once, both believable and imaginative. However, don't expect to fall in love with Leslie's character because she disappoints as the main character. However, prepare to enjoy the unexpected pleasure of the tender feelings that you'll develop towards a character who may not "deserve" your affection and a character who begins to earn your heart.

Buy online:
Ink Exchange, by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

2009-12-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

I'm on the second book in the Wicked Lovely/Ink Exchange series. I'm a little sad that the second book doesn't follow the same characters as the first book, but I'm starting to develop some tender feelings towards these new characters anyway. So far Leslie's character is too conflicting to make me really believe in her, but I think Melissa may develop her character more as the book progresses. I'll keep you updated!

Cool cover, huh? I think I picked up the first book just because of the cover!

*Note: If you liked Ink Exchange, you might also like:

1. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (although you've probably all read it anyway)

2. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

3. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

The Beginning

2009-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been frustrated because I can't remember the books that I've read recently. Even if I read it only 2 weeks ago - once it has been returned to the library, it disappears into the recesses of my memory!

Alas, I've decided the only way to solve this problem is to blog about books! I'm not promising the blog will be anything more than the name of the book and the author, but we might get a book review here and there.

This blog is not for you people in the inter-world, the blog is for ~~my memory~~ me. However, I'm a comment-whore and if people end up leaving me lots of comments, I'll probably be more inclined to write about the books I read. :D

So I'll write - You comment - Happy world.