Princess Sara's Library

Show Gratitude for Books

2011-11-09T09:04:00.000-06:00

So, this post is being spurned on by Beth Revis's Show Gratitude for Books Giveaway. Honestly, though, why didn't I think to do this before? The idea here is to tell about the one book I am most grateful for. That's right, you read correctly: one! Now that is a challenge. Books have always been an immeasurable part of my life. I honestly don't know if I could live without them. As I look back, there are many that have touched my life at one time or another, for one reason or another. I am truly a different person every time I finish a book! Anyways, on to the main point!

If I had to pick one book that I am most grateful for, I would have to say The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I had seen both film versions of the movie while growing up, but had never picked up the book. Honestly, there are just too many good books to choose from and too little time to get them all in. Anyhow, I had hit a very difficult time in my life when a friend let me borrow her copy of The Little Princess. A good indicator for me of how a person feels about a book has always been whether they give it to you or they want it back. She said it would help pick me up and that it was one of her favorites. I dove in. She was right, this friend of mine. She pretty much always is right about things. I found a new capacity for joy and creativity with the "little princess" in the book. I thought a lot about how a young girl in such depressing circumstances could find the creativity and perseverance to make her own happy little world to live in. I also considered how powerful the mind is and the great thing that is Imagination!

So, while I love and am grateful for many books, The Little Princess is the book that I am most grateful for because it's the book that made me realize why I loved books in the first place and how I could always create happiness around me, regardless of my life circumstances.

Alright, there goes. This is not the most well written, but one draft will have to do for today. Ms. Revis is giving away 19 YA books to ONE grand prize winner. If you're interested in the contest, you can go here for details: http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-gratitude-for-booksand-win-19.html

Vote for Jace

2011-08-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

For all my friends who adore Cassandra Clare and The Mortal Instruments...go vote for Jace in the YA Sisterhood Crush-a-Thon. Then go check out Cassie's blog...she been posting extras on her site as thanks to her fans!

Vote here:
http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/2011/08/grande-finale-jace-vs-zachary-match-24.html

Moving Forward, Not Catching Up...

2010-12-21T11:49:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!

Life has kept me running lately, and while that has only slowed my reading a bit, it has obviously slowed my writing a lot! Considering the holidays, the crazy schedule and having a little one recovering from surgery, I am going to skip full reviews for each recently finished book and just give you a little of my impression of each. Hope you don't mind terribly :)

Boy Meets Girl and Every Boy's Got One by Meg Cabot

Last year I read and posted about another Meg Cabot book: The Boy Next Door. Apparently, these two books are of the same series, and I read them all out of order. I really must quit doing that! The character development makes so much more sense when I read a series in order. Ah well. These were fun, light reads. I read these while feeling unwell and in need of general distraction. They are pretty much light romances without the sex of "real" romance novels. I am sure I will not pick them up for a second read, and I could put them down and walk away, but for all that, they were not bad reads.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

Wow! I loved these books. I find I always view books differently when I read them with my children, which is what I did this time. It's like looking through the eyes of a completely different person. The series has also opened up some good conversations with my children, particularly my nine year old because he "gets" more of the story line. I was a bit nervous about some questions that might come up, for example, what all the gods were doing fathering children with various mortals. Thankfully, extramarital affairs are just not a subject my children have had to face. That being said, we sailed through the books and I found the adventures to be perfect for my little boys' imaginations.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

This is the third of Brown's books with the Robert Langdon character. First introduced in Angels and Demons, Langdon became most famous in The Da Vinci Code (according to the non-professional poll of my mind). Well, here he is again, but this time Langdon takes on the symbolism of the Masons, particularly in early America. I'll be honest, when I realized this book was all about some secret that the early American Masons had hid in Washington D.C., I was skeptical. I mean, is this just another National Treasure? I gave Brown the benefit of the doubt. I have read and enjoyed all of his books, so why not this one? In the end, I enjoyed The Lost Symbol. Not at all another National Treasure, the book was true to Brown's style of mystery/thriller. I kept pushing forward, wanting to know what was next. It is not my favorite of all Dan Brown's books, but I definitely enjoyed reading it.

Thanks for bearing with me! More updates coming soon!

An Insufferable Know-it-all?

2010-10-04T09:49:00.005-05:00

Dear me! How to begin?

Let me give you a little background here. A few years back I had the privilege of living in England for a glorious six months. I didn't even know I wanted to visit the country, but now there is a little niche in my heart that calls England home. While in England, I made friends with a lovely woman, an American, with a passion for all things English. She introduced me to many wonderful things, including some fantastic novels. I remember discussing Sherlock Holmes with her, and that she said she "loved" the books and that The Hound of the Baskervilles was one of her favorite books ever. Well, she never steered me wrong, so I added Doyle to my list of to-read authors. Now, as you can imagine, this list is incredibly lengthy and growing all the time. As of June, I had not worked my way down to the Sherlock collection. My current book club voted to read the four novels for summer reading. We don't meet over the summer, so it gives us a bit more time to work through a lengthier piece or series. So, here we are. It's summer. My kids are home. I am excited to dive in. My first mistake was not looking up anything about the books before showing up at the library. Everyone, apparently, has a different idea of the definition of the word complete, and I kept forgetting which four books we were actually reading. Ah, well. I am a bit OCD, so I decided to just read all of the books. I did have all summer long.

Whew! That's a lot of background, huh? Sorry about that, but now you know where I was coming from. I say was because I don't feel the same way anymore. I knew I was starting something good, that I would really enjoy. My experience was not as great as I had hoped, however, it was not all bad. I read the books all out of order. I would not suggest this. The cases stand alone, but the characters and some of their relationships, particularly that of Watson and Holmes, make more sense in order. So, the books took me longer to read than anything else has in the past few years, and it was not simply due to the sheer size of the collection. I kept falling asleep.

The stories seem to follow the same pattern: Holmes announces someone in need is to show up at any moment, said person appears pleading for Holmes help, Holmes insists on Watson's help and involvement while not really letting him do anything, Holmes then collects loads of information while not sharing an ounce of it with anyone else, finally, Holmes announces the case is solved and explains the state of matters to everyone involved. There are some variations, but I think this sums it up. The novels differ in that there is more plot development and a few bits of "leaked" information. Anyhow, I made it through the two volumes by sheer force of will, finishing the very last of the short stories the day of book club. (I did make it through a several other books this summer.)

I was completely prepared to come write some short, not so sweet, to the point blurb about my experience with The Complete Sherlock Holmes. And I do mean complete. This means the four novels and the fifty-six short stories that make up the "canon"* of Sherlock Holmes. Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with preface by Christopher Morley and bound in "two handsome volumes." I found Sherlock Holmes to be a character with a bit too much ego for my liking, and Dr. Watson to be a bit too doting and accepting of a friend. It did help my attitude when I finally read the introduction of the two characters to one another and realized that part of Holmes ego problem, as I saw it, was really some degree of hero worship on the part of Watson. That made Holmes slightly more likable in my book, and I guess it made Watson a bit more excusable.

This is where I must repent, even if I am still in a bit of a state of confusion. Unfortunately, I spent half of last week ill. Fortunately, I wasted some of those hours watching re-runs of Law & Order: Criminal Intent (one of my favorite shows ever) on Netflix. I would not have linked these two subjects at first. I was slow making the connection. I really haven't watched Criminal Intent in a few years anyways. Well, sometime during my binge viewing of "fictional" criminal cases, and in my sleep deprived state, I had brilliant realization: Detective Robert Goren is Sherlock Holmes! I had to repeat this sentence to myself a few times before I was willing to accept it, but it's true. Goren knows everything, literally. Just like Holmes. Conveniently, they both have a stash of random knowledge tucked away in their brains about anything that could possible affect any case they are dealing with. Then, of course, they have the resources on hand to discover any small bit of knowledge they might not actually know by heart. The two detectives also study every aspect of their case to the minute degree, looking at details that the average person, or even their colleagues, would not. In the end, they both neatly wrap up the cases they are faced with by giving a little verbal summary to whomever is involved.

So, I have asked myself, repeatedly, the same question. How is it that I could be put to sleep by the books and irritated by Sherlock Holmes character while glued to Criminal Intent and fascinated by Detective Goren's character? I am not sure I have come to a complete conclusion. However, I believe my reactions are due in part to two things: I have more of an understanding of my own culture than of the culture of Sherlock Holmes and the television show gives some bits of details throughout the episode, so it is possible to follow along the mystery alongside the detectives while still being a bit surprised at the conclusion.

*for the sake of this post, the canon of Sherlock Holmes is limited to and includes the following:

A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear, His Last Bow, and The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes.

The Hunger Games trilogy: 1984, but not

2010-09-28T18:31:00.019-05:00

For my first post-summer post, I would like to give my thoughts on The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins. I actually read the first two books in the series, The Hunger Games andCatching Fire, last year, as a part of my goal to read 100 books in the year. They turned up at numbers 95 and 95 on the list of books that I didn't review. So, it seems only fitting to discuss the whole trilogy at this point in time. Even more perfect, I re-read The Hunger Games andCatching Fire in preparation for the release of Mockingjay, so I'd like to think the details are all fresh in my mind. One last thing before I dive in: there is no way I can separate my thoughts on these books enough to make this post spoiler-free. Sorry. If you haven't read the books, don't read this post. Just know that I would recommend them, then come back when you've finished.

Let's move on.

The Hunger Games are a twisted, barbaric device that the government of Panem has devised in order to keep the members of it's society under complete control. Teens are culled from the twelve districts of Panem to participate in a fight to death against each other, in an arena manipulated by the Gamemakers. As much as the Games are physical, they are much more mental and emotional, both for the competitors and the viewers.

In the world of Katniss Everdeen, information is controlled, limited. Raised in District 12, where acquiring the basic needs for daily survival is a fight, Katniss has little opportunity to consider the possibility of a different life. In fact, it is really an impossibility for her to ponder much about anything outside of feeding, clothing and protecting her family. From a very young age, after the death of her father, Katniss has been neglected the opportunity for further growth and development.

Poor Katniss, another victim of the Capitol, finds herself in the middle of a power play between the government of Panem and the rebel government of District 13, which disappeared off the Panem map 75 years before the start of the second book. Katniss becomes a continual victim, constantly a pawn of someone, never knowing the whole truth of the world around her.

In my head, I group this trilogy with George Orwell's 1984. I believe these to be the only books that I've read involving a fictional, all-powerful government which has created a society in which it's individual members have limited agency. While the societies involved in Orwell's and Collins's world are very different, I can't help but consider them along side each other. My struggle with1984 has always been that it's sad. I know, not all stories are meant to have happy endings. There is a part of me that wants everything to work out for all the good guys and to have warm fuzzies when I close the covers of a book. One of the great things about Collins's series is that there is a hope that change can come, that humanity can overcome the controlling influences of the world.

This is where I got distracted, in confusing the hope for the society as a whole with my hope for the individual characters of the book. This leads us the the hard to swallow bit of this trilogy: it is a hard thing to consider what happens to the individual members of society, especially the children, when agency is revoked, humanity suffers and people are manipulated by those in power. Unfortunately, the truth in this novel is the same as in real life: individuals are hurt in the fight against suppression.

Now, I am no great studier of politics. In fact, I can thank my friend jj for pointing out that we humans can be more opinionated about the political state of our lives than we have a right to be. Some of us just don't read up on the issues as we ought. I am much more careful about spouting my opinions now. Anyhow, I imagine that Suzanne Collins has a great deal more knowledge of political history and theory than I do. However, I did not feel I needed a political background to understand the books. I find her writing includes all the answers to the questions I did not know I had. Collins questions the motives and beliefs of her different characters throughout the trilogy helped in moving me through the story.

As I was part way through Mockingjay this week, a friend commented that her husband had skipped to the end of the book and told her who it was that Katniss chose: Peeta or Gale. I know, I know...for shame! This is just one of those unwritten rules that I just cannot break myself: You do not skip to the end of a book to find out what happens, and you do not tell anyone else the ending. As I was finishing up the book, I realized I wondered if I would get to the end and be happy or upset with Katniss's choice. Well, Collins's choice, really. As it turns out, I feel less like anyone made the choice for how Katniss's life turned out, and more like the choice was dictated by her personality and circumstances. I think the whole story of Panem ended the way it was meant to. I think Collins did an especially fine job of sharing the interlaced stories of many individuals who suffered under the society created by Panem. This trilogy is it's own testament

human beings must have their basic needs met and aspire to higher studies and ideals, learning from others and growing.

In the end, I feel a bit more enlightened for having read this trilogy. I do not regret reading the books one bit, though the ending is not the warm fuzzy I had hoped for. People are lost, injured, changed internally and die. Characters that I have grown to love have not had the perfect happy ending that I had hoped they would. Katniss's experience is one that I hope enough of us can experience in the fictional world that we will avoid the traps that will put us in a similar real world.

I'm Back!!!

2010-09-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

Well now, have we all survived? School is back in session, and if you listen carefully, you can hear a collective sigh of relief. Why isn't year-round school the accepted calendar everywhere? Let me just explain: I love my children and I love spending time with them, we are just much happier when our time together and our time apart is balanced. Anyhow, I digress.

The point of this post is to let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth, or even the Reading Band Wagon. In fact, my literary addiction is in full force. I have spent the summer reveling in new books both with my children and on my own. I have discovered that audio books are a great invention, because I can have my iPod in one ear and still do my chores. Now, my bookcases still testify of my need to hold a book in my hand, smell it, feel the pages. I am no where close to giving those up. It's just that now I can double my reading time. (Please note that reading time has not actually been calculated and this statement is meant simply to say that I am able to "read" way more by employing both aural and visual reading methods.)

I have recently had the great pleasure of attending a Clockwork Angel book signing for Cassandra Clare, and hereby add her to my list of Literary Heroes. At this point in time, this list only exists in my head, but there are plans for publishing it in the future. Cassandra is genius and I would love to work with her some day!

Here I am with Cassandra Clare!

All this leads up to my non-New Year's Resolution to post a minimum of once a week. Hey, if I can read 107 books in one year, I can handle this, right? I also have a personal goal to polish my writing. In truth, my "reviews" here have been fairly relaxed and I feel the need to step-up my writing. If any of you have friendly advice, let me know. See you soon!

Lisa

Books I Picked Out on My Own - The Actor and the Housewife

2010-06-17T01:19:00.004-05:00

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale

Let me just start by saying this whole post should probably have a Spoiler Alert, at least that's the way I am feeling right now.

A brilliant book, of course. It is written by Shannon Hale, and she has already proven to be quite the author. She has a few books under her belt and I have read all but one of them now (only because it wasn't out at the time I went through my complete Shannon Hale review). I have enjoyed them all and loved a few enough to put on my Read Again List, which is not very long actually.

Oh, but I was not prepared for this book. Hale's graphic novels, Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack have made me smile and love a western the way I never have. Her young adult books have filled me with warm fuzzies, despite any trials the characters endure. That leaves Hale's one previous adult fiction, Austenland, which I found to be a fun, easy read. The Actor and the Housewife is not like any of Hale's other books.

Perhaps I did not read the summary well enough, but I began the book feeling rather lighthearted. I mean, a book that follows the idea of what would happen if you met your all time favorite hollywood crush has dreamy implications, even if there are definite reality questions address: A married woman doesn't run away with said crush, right? But, wow, this book takes the reader to whole new levels of experience. The reader is led through serious bouts of hilarity as well as deep, soul searching times. There are too many "what if" questions broached for me even to list concisely here, but I am sure they will be bumbling around my mind for weeks or months to come.

Hale's writing did make me laugh out loud (really) more than once. She also made me cry, which I have only done two other times with a book. I cried more than I thought possible. I smiled and I hurt, and though my heart kept hoping for a different ending, I salute Shannon for being true to the characters. She has let them lead the story, and I don't think they would want it any different.

Books I Picked Out on My Own - Arch Enemy

2010-05-23T22:20:00.007-05:00

Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor

I just love it when a trilogy, or series, for that matter, wraps up. It gives me a sense of closure. Ah. What a relief! Funny, this relief is in no way related to whether or not I enjoyed the book, or books. It is just knowing that this bit of unknown is done with.

So, I read Looking Glass Wars at the prompting of my nieces and nephews, who tend to have great taste in books, and a much better idea of what is new, fun and exciting out there in the reading world than I do. I enjoyed it well enough to need to read the sequel, Seeing Redd, when it came out. Now,

thankfully, I have completed my journey with Arch Enemy.

May I sidetrack for just a moment here? I would love it if all trilogies, series, etc. were published as big, fat books. You know, the whole story bound in one volume. I hate getting into a series before it's all been published. I should do like some of my friends and just refuse to read any series that still have planned books that have not reached their fruition. Somehow, I have not managed that.

Alright, back on track. Arch Enemy, book three in the Looking Glass Wars trilogy by Frank Beddor. I've spaced a few details in the first two books, I'm sure. However, I remembered enough to follow along with the story. I really did not think Beddor was going to wrap up the story in this book. There are so many loose ends right up to the end of the book, I kept checking if there was a fourth I hadn't heard about. There is not, although there are spin-offs (see http://www.lookingglasswars.com/lgw_books/lgw_books_fs.html).

I have to say that this book was not as enjoyable as the first two, but I might feel differently if I had read them straight through, without the gap before this last book came out. The writing was not as smooth, or the story as interesting as I'd hopped. My favorite things about the series: the sense of imagination, literally anything is possible and Beddor's writing is very visual.

Books I Picked Out on My Own - The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

2010-04-25T17:43:00.001-05:00

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam translated by Edward FitzGerald

Written by Persian mathematician, philosopher and astronomer around the early 1100s, but not discovered until the mid-1800s. Victorian Edward FitzGerald loosely translated the Persian quatrains into English quatrains. Apparently, these are not a direct translation, but more one mans work based on another. It seems FitzGerald rewrote and rearranged several of the quatrains. That being said, contemporary scholars seemed to agree that his translation captured the spirit of Khayyam's original work.

The resulting work of poetry is a journey of 110 quatrains, arranged from morning to night. I have so much to learn, and have very little knowledge to back-up my feelings, but I found the journey to be a sad one. It seems to me that the belief in predestination come up repetitively and is tied to the idea that God does not care for men. Why bother keeping commandments, living "good" when it doesn't affect your experiences or where you will end up in the end?

I did really enjoy reading this work, and intend to revisit it. I hope to do a little historical and biographical study before re-reading, so I'll have a bit more perspective.

Friends' Suggestions - The Bracelet

2010-04-25T17:24:00.004-05:00

The Bracelet by Jennie Hansen

LDS Fiction. Georgiana is a maid and hairdresser for well-to-do Lady Burton. She has fallen in love with Lady Burton's son, and believes her love returned. Unfortunately, Sidney Burton is not the gentleman he seems. Georgiana flees. Eventually she finds work and friendships with an actress. Small world, the actress is also on Burton's hit list. When the household goes in hiding, and prepares to go to America, they encounter missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Conversion follows and adventures follow.

I enjoyed the end of the book more than the rest, as there is more momentum. The plot is fun. The writing fair. The author is at times repetitive, and I find some elements hard to believe, e.g. Georgiana finding five real gems in a row that happen to fit perfectly in her cheap bracelet, and she pulls off stealing all five, at separate times, without getting caught. The story is entertaining though.

**Thanks to Mom for passing this one on. It's always nice to disappear in an easy read with a happy ending.

My Children Made Me Read This - The Time Warp Trio, part 1

2010-04-24T21:26:00.006-05:00

The Time Warp Trio is a collection of books in which three friends, boys, all travel through time using a magic book as a vehicle. Sam, Fred and Joe start calling themselves the Time Warp Trio after Joe's uncle sends him a magic book that randomly whisks them away on random adventures.

These are our first two of the series, which I've learned has many volumes (see http://www.jsworldwide.com/yeah_he_wrote_em.html). These are guys books: brief adventures in extreme circumstances where the boys use their smarts and/or young boy attitudes to survive. My boys love these books. I find them to be fun chapter books for them to read on their own.

The Time Warp Trio: Tut Tut by Jon Scieszca, illustrated by Lane Smith

The Time Warp Trio visit ancient Egypt and the only female pharoah in history, Hatshepsut (I've yet to verify any historical details here). This time, the boys end up dragging Joe's little sister and her pet cat along. The TWT makes friends with the Hatshepsut's son, the future pharoah, teaching him their great basketball moves.

The Time Warp Trio: Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszca, illustrated by Lane Smith

The first book in the series. The boys find themselves in the court of Camelot, meeting the legendary Lancelot, Guinevere and Merlin. The boys are just in time to witness the kingdom threatened simultaneously by a giant and a dragon. The TWT save the day by pitting the dragon and giant against each other.

My Children Made Me Read This - Junie B. Jones

2010-04-19T16:17:00.014-05:00

The Junie B. Jones series is written by children's author Barbara Park. The Junie B. website can be found at http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/junieb/.

Junie B. Jones is a Party Animal

Lucille's richie Nanna finds out just what it's like to have three kindergarten girls overtake her house in a sleep-over.

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook

Junie B. comes to understand the lost-and-found and not taking things that belong to others.

Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy

After watching her Dad get a haircut at the beauty shop, Junie B. decides that she has a future in hair styling. Much to the detriment of her stuffed animals, slippers and more, Junie B. learns that it takes years and years and years of practice to be a Beauty Shop Guy. Too bad her dad never makes the point of needing to go to beauty school. Then maybe she would quit taking scissors to everything else.

Junie B. Jones One Man Band

Junie B. hurts her foot kicking a full watering can in the yard in a fit of temper. Poor Junie B. must then find a new way to participate in the big kickball game at school.

Junie B. Jones Aloha-ha-ha

Junie B. takes a vacation with her mom and dad to paradise Hawaii when her Dad gets a job interview in Hawaii. It's exactly like you would imagine a vacation with Junie B.

Junie B. does and says lots of things that I don't want my children to mimic. I thought perhaps this would be an issue after reading these with the boys. Actually, it has had the opposite effect. Sure, my children try out some of Junie B.'s vocab now and again, but her actions are usually so far from what my kids see as reality that bits of the story lend themselves to good teaching moments.

I used to think that Junie B.'s character was exaggerated for the sake of the story, and thus a little over the top. I enjoy the Junie B. Jones books way more now that I know a real life Junie B. I am quite sure I would not enjoy the books as much if she were my own. =)

*Thanks to my five year old's love, and my 8 year old's reluctant acceptance, of Junie B. Jones for our reading of all the above books.

My Children Made Me Read This - Steven Kroll books

2010-04-19T15:20:00.007-05:00

Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Michael Garland (2005)

A first person story of a dog that sets out on his own little adventure around New York City during the Christmas holidays. I love the illustrations! I love the tour of NYC! I don't love that the dog runs from the "cop" or steals food from a tourist. While these actions are totally fitting of a dog, I don't find them really appropriate in a first person narrative where children will identify with the dog as the speaker in the story.

The Candy Witch by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Marylin Hafner (1979)

This book is alright, but not phenomenal. The baby of the family witch causes loads of mischief while trying to get attention from her family. She tries to make things right with the people she has hurt in the end. While it was not my favorite, I should say that my 5 year old son really enjoyed it.

Toot! Toot! by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Anne Rockwell (1983)

A great imagination book! This story illustrates a young boy going on a train ride all over the place while he is really in his room.

*Thanks to my youngest son for bringing this pile home from the library. Apparently, Steven Kroll has been an author for quite some time. You can find a complete list of books on his
website athttp://www.stevenkrollauthor.com/books_all.html.

Friends' Suggestions - Tangerine

2010-04-19T15:05:00.004-05:00

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

This book goes on my list of Books That Show How Brilliant Young Adult & Children's Authors Can Be. Yes, in my head I have that list. I should probably write it down sometime.

In Tangerine, Bloor explores what happens when parents sweep one son's actions under the rug to avoid some sticky family relationships. While they think this is for the best, it blows up in their, and everyone else's, faces in the end. The fact of the matter remains that though human beings can choose their actions, they cannot choose their consequences. This leads to quite an interesting series of experiences for the main character, Paul Fisher. Paul is a legally blind, brilliant soccer player who happens to be the second son in a family of four. After his family moves to Tangerine, FL, he discovers some truths about his family and what is really important in life.

I don't want to give away the story here, so I will sum up by saying this book is a great read about acknowledging truth and accepting consequences. It's not as nerdy as it sounds.

*Thanks for another brilliant read Denean! Knowing you makes me think, "this is what all those children's authors must be like." You just get the youth.

My Children Made Me Read This - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2010-04-19T14:52:00.005-05:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Let me just clarify here. I did read this book of my own free will and choice the first several times. In an recent effort to help my oldest son with his reading, he has been reading aloud to me. It was his choice to read this to me as one of his reads, and though it took him some time, he finally finished. It was a rewarding experience for both of us.

I have realized in the past how differently I hear a song or view a film or show when my children are present. Different things tend to stand out when I have that Mom Radar fully turned on. I have even had this experience in small doses with books. I should say, the things that stand out are not always "bad" things, sometimes they are things that my kids notice that I might take for granted. It truly changes the experiences when shared with others.

I really enjoyed this reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for this reason. Through new eyes, I saw Harry's first adventures at Hogwart's. I remembered that though Harry and Ron were instant friends, Hermione's bond with the boys was formed through shared experiences and working together toward the same goals. My son and I read through this book much slower than I ever have, forcing attention to little details. It has also opened up discussions we might not have had for some time otherwise: decisions about right and wrong, the love of power, why people make the choices they do, literary tools, etc. My son's reading has improved, and I am noticing small changes in his understanding of literature and the way he feels about literature as a whole.

I find that I still love Rowling's fantasy world and am thrilled to share it with my son!

Friends' Suggestions - The Alchemist

2010-04-19T14:39:00.003-05:00

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In The Alchemist, Brasilian author Paulo Coelho leads the reader on a journey not unlike the folk tales of old. While reading, it is easy to imagine closing one's eyes, leaning back one's head and picturing the story being told by a master story teller around a campfire. In this story, a young Spanish shepherd discovers his own personal mission in life, and learns that every person has their own personal mission. It is up to the individual to follow through with that mission or not. There is a balanced sense of destiny and agency in this story. I love the beautifully crafted story, carrying a young man to new and different planes as he tries to understand life and discover his role therein.

*Thanks for passing this one on Kimmy. It was one of many you've passed into my hands, and I've been grateful for the peace that reading them has given me, as well as their reminder of you.

Books I Picked Out on My Own - Things I've Been Silent About

2010-04-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

Things I've Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi

Published after the well known Reading Lolita in Tehran, I believe this to be a companion volume more than it's own individual book. In Reading Lolita, Nafisi focuses on the affect on literature on her life and the lives of those around her. In Things I've Been Silent About, Nafisi writes her personal history, giving us a frame of reference for all of her experiences. I am not well versed in the history and cultures of the world, as much as I would love it to be otherwise. In this book, we get a glimpse at the culture and world that Nafisi grew up in and has lived in, a world and culture that is much different from that I have known. I love that Nafisi is careful to separate facts from personal perceptions, thus allowing the reader to come to his/her own opinions about the subject. I also love the progression of knowledge and experience apparent in the author's life. I often feel under-qualified to write or teach, here we see that it is alright to do both while still learning, changing and growing.

Friends' Favorites - The Shack

2010-04-07T20:15:00.005-05:00

The Shack by William P. Young

A book about what a man may go through when his daughter is kidnapped on his watch, and later murdered. A hard topic to address, but one that Young does fairly well.

Let me say up front that my religious beliefs do not mesh up with the vision that Young creates in this book. That actually didn't bother me in the least. In fact, I quite enjoy Young's description of Sareyu (the Holy Spirit). Now that this disclaimer is out of the way, I can go on.

I think Young is a talented writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the first third to half of the book. I found myself getting caught up in the beautiful language of the book. Unfortunately, the second part of the book was not as enjoyable to me. I felt like Young lost some of the beauty of his writing in forced sentences. I feel like he was trying too hard to explain the belief system he'd set up, instead of letting the reader just experience it as it was. All in all, a worthwhile read.

**Perhaps I should not be calling this category "Friends' Favorites", but rather "Friends' Suggestions." I know this is not Eileen's favorite, but it was one she thought worth reading and passed on accordingly. Thanks Eileen...discussing books with you is always an adventure.

My Children Made Me Read This - Dear World

2010-03-11T10:54:00.012-06:00

So, here is another new category for you: My Children Made Me Read This. This means that one or both of my children picked this book out all by themselves and asked me to read it to them. Sometimes, they have to persist quite a bit, like when they are asking me to read the 10,000th Scooby Doo book in two days, and sometimes they are lucky and I agree at the first request. Either way, this category will have books that my kids dug up and "made" me read.

Dear World by Takayo Noda

A gorgeous book! Filled with beautiful illustrations and lovely poetry that my five year old could appreciate, and I don't mean the gross bathroom humor kind. This one is going on my Wish List. I definitely want a copy of my very own! Oh, I almost forgot, it is also a 2008 Monarch Award Nominee.

Book Club - Rebecca

2010-03-11T10:47:00.002-06:00

I'm still trying to catch up, so I'm going to be brief on these next few reviews...as if I ever really am wordy.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Phenomenal writing ability! Du Maurier is so very talented. I loved the mid-1920s setting of Europe, particularly England. The story of Mrs. de Winter is quite engaging and very well written. The copy I read (see photo at left) also had a great little background insight into the story by du Maurier. How creative to find that abandoned home and recreate it, both in life and fiction! Of course, I don't mean she recreated the murder bits, but brought back life to the old home while imagining what it had been in former days. Of course, I really am not at all sure of the ending, what with Maxim getting off with murder and Mrs. de Winter backing him up, but he could probably plead insanity.

Books I Picked Out on My Own - Clarice Bean Spells Trouble

2010-03-09T17:03:00.005-06:00

Clarice Bean Spells Trouble by Lauren Child

I am completely going out of order on these CB chapter books. This is the second, while Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now is the third, and I already blogged about that one. Of course, it probably would have made more sense to read them in order to the kids as well.

I love Clarice Bean! This book was still a bit above my kids' heads, but they loved it just the same. I think it's probably just perfect for 3rd to 5th grade. It's great the way Lauren Child writes. She also gives great food for thought. The kids ask me questions and we can discuss some important life lessons. The CB books have helped us to establish that different people make different choices, good and bad, right and wrong. This particular book makes some good points about education and what is really important to learn. Also, this book opens up some discussions about different types of relationships.

Friends' Favorites - The Grasshopper Trap

2010-03-09T16:43:00.006-06:00

The Grasshopper Trap by Patrick F. McManus

A funny collection of short, embellished recollections about growing up in the country and a life time of hunting, fishing and camping expeditions. I am not exactly an outdoorswoman, but still found this an enjoyable read. If you have any outdoors experience, it will only enhance the read.

*Thanks to Denean for this one!

Book Club - The Four Feathers

2010-02-04T09:01:00.003-06:00

The Four Feathers by A. E. W. Mason

A lovely, beautifully written love story. Not a romance, in my opinion! This is more a tale of overcoming self-imposed limitations and learning to view the world with an open mind. At moments, the story seems to be more about Durrance than about Feversham, but then, I guess the title doesn't really signify that the book is about either. The four feathers given to Feversham signify a lack of courage, which he then seeks to redeem through courageous acts. There are many aspects of love touched on in this story: love of self, love of friends, selfless love, love of human kind as individuals, parental love and more. This is a book that makes me think, and if I weren't in a race to pick up the next book, would have pondered even more. I will revisit this one, I am sure. The characters are very interesting and diverse. Ethne proves to be a rather non-traditional female character of the time, and though I don't agree with her actions, I respect that she has integrity.

Books I Picked Out on My Own - Stuart Little

2010-02-04T07:50:00.006-06:00

Stuart Little by E. B. White

Um, yeah, I expected to rather enjoy this one. I'm a bit disappointed. I enjoyed the first movie with the kids. The sequels left a lot to be desired, as is often the case, but this isn't a blog about films. The first part of the book wasn't bad at all. It's a fun idea, a family coming home with a miniature child, resembling a mouse, and the adaptations necessary. About halfway through the book fell off for me. I began to wonder what happened to the plot. It just sort of fizzled. I'm assuming I'm not in the majority here, as the book has lasted so very long, but I just didn't love it.

Friends' Favorites - The Small Rain

2010-01-31T21:09:00.005-06:00

The Small Rain by Madeleine L'Engle

I don't think I'm qualified to comment on this book at all! That being said, it's my blog and I loved the book, so I'm going to make a little note anyhow. Wow!!! What a phenomenal book! I read A Wrinkle in Time ages ago, too long ago to remember any of it. This is only the second L'Engle book I've ever picked up, and it's the first book she published. As I read, I kept thinking how amazing L'Engle's writing is...so graceful and full of meaning. Of course, I think I'll have to read it over a few hundred times before I gather all the meaning out of it. The simple synopsis is that this is the story of growing up, of a young woman discovering life and herself. This is a beautiful story that shows that even though one might not know everything, it's alright to be an individual and to be true to oneself.

*Thanks to Juliana for this one!

Books I Picked Out on My Own - Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now

2010-01-29T10:29:00.008-06:00

A third new category for 2010 blogging: Books I Picked Out on My Own. This means they're not for book club, and not because someone else said, "you have to read this." For whatever reason, these are the books that jumped off the shelf and in to my book bag.

Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now

I hadn't read this one before I read it with the kids. I think that completely affects my perspective. My boys being in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, I think this one was a tad over their head. That aside, a really well written book. Ms. Child deals with the big issue of change. Everyone faces changes in their lives and Clarice Bean is no exception. I love how this book allows for Clarice to worry, to feel and to go through the experiences that she does. This is no 30 minute sitcom in which everything ends happily ever after. It is, however, a chance to learn that life isn't always easy, things are not always the way we think they are, but life is still good and we can live.

Friends' Favorites - Chickens in the Headlights

2010-01-25T11:59:00.004-06:00

Here I have another new category for the blog: Friends' Favorites. These are books that have been passed on from friends, usually with some enthusiasm and the statement "You have to read this." Kicking off this new category at Princess Sara's Library is the following book:

Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley

Recommended by Kimberly, this book had me rolling. Rolling! One of my favorite things is when we get the Reader's Digest. I start by reading all the funnies, then go back for the articles. I always laugh out loud for at least half of them. Well, this book is like a collection of Reader's Digest funnies, all in one story.

The novel is narrated by eight-year-old Matthew, second son of 7 sons. I have two sons. This story covers the one year in the adventures of this family. As I read, I kept thinking "wow, this is my life" and "whew, glad we have only two." Don't get me wrong, I love me boys. However, I often don't get them. Boys just think differently than girls, and, like the boys in the book, my boys can be very creative. This leads to some interesting life experiences.

A fantastic laugh...worth more than one read. However, I'll be hiding it from my children until after they have grown and left home. They have enough ideas of their own.

* Thanks to Kimberly for sharing this one

Book Club - Precious Bane

2010-01-25T11:57:00.006-06:00

In light of the new year and a change of resolution, my posts will no longer be numbered! Yea! I know you're excited. Perhaps, I am progressing and will no longer appear to be internet challenged. Who knows? It could happen. Anyhow, I'll be adding a couple of categories and posting accordingly. First off, I'll have Book Club books, because as a member of two book clubs (how'd that happen) many of my reads natural come from there. Leading off then:

Precious Bane by Mary Webb

I made the mistake of leaving off reading this book until the week of book club. I knew nothing of the book or author prior to my read, so I didn't realize that what appeared to be a little, quick read, would take me a bit longer. Written in the 1920s and set in rural England in the mid-1800s, Precious Bane left me a bit stuck on some of the vocabulary. It always takes me a few chapters when I change time periods in reading also, just to get into the rhythm.

Anyhow, this is a lovely book that tells the story of a family, particularly the brother and sister, who are far from "civilization" as it were. Mary Webb narrates through the voice of Prue (Prudence) Sarn to share the story of Prue and her brother Gideon. As much as Prue loves Gideon, she tells honestly of his choices and consequences. Gideon's life is one filled with greed, murder, suicide, and more. At the same time, Prue's life is one of service, peace, happiness, love for others and a love of life. Though Prue saw much suffering in her life, she found the Spirit of the Lord and peace.

Book club brought out some interesting questions and discussion points. Here are a few:

How do two people raised in the same home turn out so different?
What must it have been like to live in rural England, so cut off from society as to not have major affect from the war your country is in?
Where do some of their (the characters) superstitions come from? What about today's superstitions?
How do a person's priorities affect their choices? and thus, their consequences? and general state of well being?
Why did I choose the spouse that I did? What kind of relationship do we have?
How have the roles of men and women changed over time and differ in various cultures?
How did the roles of men and women in the characters' society affect who they were?

This really was a deep read, one that didn't feel heavy to read, but left you thinking. I love those kind of books. They get under your skin and make you stretch and grow.

New Year's Resolution about New Year's Resolutions, um, huh?

2010-01-11T21:02:00.005-06:00

Well, here we go, another year has come. Time to evaluate last year and set new goals for the year ahead. I've decided that New Year's Resolutions are way more achievable if they are something you really want to do. I had so much fun with last year's goal of reading 100 books. I couldn't believe it when I hit 100, and then passed it up! Wow, what a year! Well, I started this blog to chronicle my reading for the year. Obviously, the reading part went way better than the writing part. So, this year's goal will probably have something to do with writing and not procrastinating, but I'm still polishing that one. For now, here is a list of the books I've yet to blog from last year. I hope to fill in details and thoughts here and there in time, but at least there is a list now:

54. The Looking Glass Wars (book 1) by Frank Beddor

55. Seeing Redd (The Looking Glass Wars book 2) by Frank Beddor

56. Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

57. I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child

58. But Excuse Me That is My Book by Lauren Child

59. I am Not Sleepy and Will Not Go to Bed by Lauren Child

60. The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child

61. I've Won, No I've Won, No I've Won by Lauren Child

62. Snow is My Favorite and my Best by Lauren Child

63. We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers by Lauren Child

64. I Completely Know About Guinea Pigs by Lauren Child

65. Say Cheese! by Lauren Child

66. You Won't Like This Present as Much as I Do by Lauren Child

67. Boo! Made You Jump! by Lauren Child

68. I'm Really Ever So Not Well by Lauren Child

69. I am Really, Really Concentrating by Lauren Child

70. You Can be Friend by Lauren Child

71. But I am an Alligator by Lauren Child

72. This is Actually my Party by Lauren Child

73. I Want a Pet by Lauren Child

74. Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent by Lauren Child

75. That Pesky Rat by Lauren Child

76. Oracles of Delphi Keep by Victoria Laurie

77. Fade by Lisa McMann

78. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

79. Fallon by Louis L'Amour

80. So B. It by Sarah Weeks

81. Magic Street by Orson Scott Card

82. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

83. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

84. Charlie & Lola's Numbers by Lauren Child

85. Charlie & Lola's Opposites by Lauren Child

86. City of Bones (Mortal Instruments book 1) by Cassandra Clare

87. Whoops! But it Wasn't Me by Lauren Child

88. Clarice Bean That's Me by Lauren Child

89. What Planet are you From Clarice Bean? by Lauren Child

90. Clarice Bean Guess Who's Babysitting? by Lauren Child

91. I am too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

92. City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments book 2) by Cassandra Clare

93. Beware of the Storybook Wolves by Lauren Child

94. Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book? by Lauren Child

95. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

96. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

97. Utterly Me, Clarice Bean by Lauren Child

98. City of Glass (Mortal Instruments series book 3) by Cassandra Clare

99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

100. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl

101. Guess Who's Babysitting Clarice Bean? by Lauren Child

102. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

103. The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck with Kevin Balfe and Jason Wright, illustrated by Brandon Dorman

104. Santa Claus by Mauri Kunnas

105. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

106. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

107. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I know I'm missing one or two here at the end. With all the business of the holidays, I missed noting a few down. I'll have to go back and double check...anyhow, great year! I found that some of my favorite books are kids and young adult books. The most brilliant writers seem to have found a home writing for youth. I have had more epiphanies in these genres than any other!

An Intro into my Lauren Child Readings

2009-11-29T21:06:00.003-06:00

So, my first introduction to the work of Lauren Child was the entirely delightful television series Charlie and Lola. I have seen it a number of times, and was surprised when I caught myself watching it with my young children instead of running for some peace and quiet while they were distracted. This was before my brief habitation in the lovely UK. Upon returning to the States, I looked for the show. Alas, I no longer had satellite and had only basic cable. I didn't know if I didn't get the right channel, if the show had quit airing, or what else might have happened. Sometime later, I saw an episode of the show at a friend's house. Yea! It was still on. Well, about this time my son asked me to help him pick out some books at the library. We had been on what seemed a never ending infatuation with the Berenstain Bears. I do happen to love the Berenstain Bears books, but I was ready for a break, so I happily lead my child to the next row of books to search (that way we wouldn't accidentally end up in front of the B section). I was happily thrilled to discover a book that I instantly knew must be Charlie and Lola just from the cover illustration. I pulled a few more books off the shelf and found three Charlie and Lola's! My son and I were both thrilled. Since that day, we have read countless Charlie and Lola books. We have also read several other Lauren Child books and have a complete list of her books so that we can make sure to read them all. I find Lauren Child to be one of those brilliant minds that just gets children, like Louis Sachar but for a younger age group. Many Charlie and Lola books are TV show tie-ins, but as Lauren Child worked quite a bit on the show herself you often can't tell the difference between them and the original books. Also, I just think it would be nice to note here that I've spent loads of time on Lauren Child's website, http://www.milkmonitor.com/, and have found it to be well laid out and very interesting. It also has a complete list of all her books, and is where I discovered the thoroughly wonderful Clarice Bean books.

Well now, that was quite lengthy wasn't it? I think I shall leave this commentary as an introduction in to my comments on the various Lauren Child books, but I think I shall post them separately from this.

NYR - 53

2009-08-31T12:37:00.007-05:00

53. The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot

A very fun, frivolous sort of read, this book was the perfect answer to what I should do with my day of not feeling well and wanting to kick back and not think. Written completely as a series of e-mails, The Boy Next Door tells the story of Mel, a single woman in New York City, who, despite her job as gossip columnist, is a kind and compassionate woman sincerely searching for happiness. Mel dreams of becoming a serious journalist and finding a decent man. Well, she finds him alright, but not under completely honest circumstances. This puts a few kinks into the dream.

I should note that I'm not really a romance novel reader (& I've read enough of them to know I'm not a fan), but I do enjoy romance. I think this novel fits that description. I think Cabot is a good writer, one who can actually write a decent story. I did have a bit of difficulty getting in to the e-mail format as I tended to skip past the headings of the e-mails straight to the message body. This might work in my actual inbox, but Cabot used those e-mail headings to help tell the story. They're worth reading and not just skimming over. It was a creative and different approach and I can appreciate that.

NYR - 52

2009-08-31T12:19:00.004-05:00

52. Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean

The preview for the movie Coraline creeped me out a bit. When I found out it was a book first, well, I had to check it out. The book was creepy. Even when Coraline overcomes her trials in the end, it still leaves you feeling creepy. This is the work of a creative mind and has good themes running through it, about listening to your parents, not giving up and such. It's just not my favorite.

New Year's Resolution - 51

2009-08-31T12:17:00.006-05:00

51. The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl
illustrated by Quentin Blake

A silly short story about a window-washing team of animals, fulfilling dreams and teamwork. This is one of three Roald Dahl books I've read and while the kids have liked it, I just don't get it. I really enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but I didn't get Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. I'm willing to read his other books, but I'm not sure he'll be my most favorite author ever.

NYR - 50 a new favorite

2009-08-31T11:53:00.008-05:00

50. Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas

illustarted by Nonny Hogrogian

This is most definitely one of my favorite new finds! This is most certainly going in to my dream library (the one that exists in my dream house).

Leodhas takes a song, I believe Scottish, and pieces it out in to chapters. It has a great musical sound to it when you read it aloud. I had a bit of trouble with this: 1. I'm not Scottish, 2. I'm terrible with attempting accents and 3. I am not musical. That being said, it was still a wonderful experience and my youngest child thought it was the best thing ever. Despite my insecurities, I read it over and over to him...and I didn't tire of it either. =) The illustrations are not my favorite, just not my style really, but they do tell the story well. But wow, the song lyrics/text of the book is really beautiful. It is a fun song that shares the lovely message of giving and helping within your own community.

NYR - 49

2009-08-31T11:51:00.005-05:00

49. The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth

illustarted by Louis Darling

Published in 1956, this is a lovely "what if" story. "What if" stories are what I call stories that must have started off as a question such as "What would happen if?" or "What if this and this were put together?" These are usually more creative or abstract. So, this is a "what if" for children. What if a young boy on a farm in a rural community found a giant egg layed by the hen in his family's coop? And what if that young boy cared for and hatched out that egg, only to find some sort of lizard-like creature? And what if that creature were identified as a previously-extinct species of dinosaur? So, what if all those things happened? How does that kind of situation affect a community that is used to being out of the limelight? What happens to the innocent and one-of-a-kind creature? How does a person reconcile scientific study with the rights of others? This book is great for the imagination and brought about some interesting discussions with my children. The artwork is well done also. I really think there is something to be said about having a good illustrator.

NYR - 48

2009-08-31T11:49:00.004-05:00

48. A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein

Like all Shel Silverstein books, this is a good bit of fun nonsense with animated and humorous illustrations. My youngest son loved it. We read it over and over.

As an aside, I would like to add that sometimes it is good to get books from the library instead of buying them. For instance, when your kids ask you to read the same book over and over until you're sick of it. "Sorry dear, but we have to return it to the library so someone else can have a turn." =)

NYR - book 47

2009-08-31T11:47:00.005-05:00

47. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This is the most beautiful love story I've ever read! Thanks Addie!!! A true love story, not a happily ever after romance. This is love that triumphs over all trials, love that is stronger than modern medicine and science, love that is real. This is the kind of book that gives you hope and makes you feel that with love, anything is possible.

Spoiler alert: don't read any farther if you don't want to know what happens.

Allie and Noah fall in love in their teen years, when Allie's well to do family summers in the little town where Noah lives. Noah does not meet Allie's family's expectations and they hide his letters from her. Years later, Allie finds Noah again. It's post-World War II, but Allie is now engaged to another man. She truly loves Noah most of all and chooses him. After a full, happy lifetime, Allie is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Noah is diagnosed with cancer. The "notebook" is where Allie and Noah write their love story down for him to read to her when she can no longer remember, and he does, daily. Despite their health problems, they are able to love through their letters, memories and miracles.

New Year's Resolution - book 46

2009-08-31T11:45:00.006-05:00

46. What is Your Language? song by Debra Leventhal ,

illustrated by Monica Wellington

My early childhood/elementary ed training prodded me in to this book. This is a great multi-cultural book. I'm not musical, so I didn't sing the words, but the text is song.

NYR - 45

2009-08-31T11:43:00.005-05:00

45. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf,

illustrated by Robert Lawson

LOVE IT! This book is hardly new, but new to me. So, thanks to Denean for this one. She first introduced it to my family during story time with my kids. Denean is a storyteller! She brought the book to life for all of us, and I still hear her in my head when I read it. Unfortunately for my kids, I'm not the reader that she is. Ferdinand is a wonderfully mellow who was perfectly happy. Poor bull, he gets stuck in the bullfighting ring in Spain. Great fun in both story and drawings, Ferdinand also illustrates that an individual can be happy without doing what everyone else is doing.

NYR - book 44

2009-08-31T11:41:00.003-05:00

44. There's a Map on My Lap: All About Maps by Tish Rabe

I thought this was great for elementary early map learning. I think it would make a great teaching tool. but it was a bit boring to the kids, who had chosen it to as a story to check out from the library. This just isn't a storybook.

NYR - 43

2009-08-31T11:40:00.007-05:00

43. Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley

I love this dedication: "To my mother, who saw worlds in tide pools and taught her children to be comfortable in their own skins. May your beaches be warm and endless."

A fun, easy read, this is a great book for people who enjoy a bit of fantasy. Gwen, a young woman at the opening of the story, nearly drowned when she was ten years old. She is saved under slightly mysterious conditions that she doesn't understand until close to the end of this novel. Gwen, now seventeen, chooses to spend the summer helping her grandmother run the family B & B. She meets up with her mysterious savior from seven years before, only to find out he is really a selkie. Of course, there is a whirlwind romance. In the end, she has to choose whether to keep her love with her or let him return home.

New Year's Resolution - 42

2009-08-31T11:35:00.009-05:00

42. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

This is the second book that I've read by Jerry Spinelli. The first was Maniac Magee. It's not my all-time favorite book, but definitely a good work of literature. This one was wonderful, and going on my all-time favorite list. I'm going to have to go look up the rest.

So, Jerry Spinelli knows how to speak to kids. Some people just have that special ability to relate to youth (e.g. Louis Sachar). This is truly one of the most beautiful books I've read on loving and accepting people as they are, no changes required. I think the book can be summed up in this bit from Mr. Spinelli's dedication: "And to Loren Eiseley, who taught us that even as we are, we are becoming." This is one of those stories that I think everyone should read, that just cannot be properly summarized. Stargirl peels back the vision that society paints as being desirable and shows that people can be valued for who they are already.

New Year's Resolution - 41

2009-08-31T11:28:00.004-05:00

41. P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern

I have to thank my dear friend, Holly, for making me read this one. This is not a book I would've picked up on my own, but it was completely worth the read. Holly (lovely coincidence), the heroine of the novel, loses her husband to a brain tumor after roughly a decade of marriage. Her sweet husband leaves her a "list," a letter per month, to help her through the first months alone. I've never cried so much in a book, but they weren't all tears of sadness. This is a beautiful story of true love and finding your way when you lose someone you love. I wish I'd written more in my notes when I first finished this book, so that I could really explain how it made me feel. I also was quite impressed with Cecelia Ahern. Her notes tell of how she came to write this, her first novel, at only 21. She took on this subject because it is something that she thought would be hard if it ever happened to her. How many of us go after our fears like that, instead of ignoring or hiding from them?

NYR - book 40 & teaching kids good values

2009-08-31T11:21:00.004-05:00

40. Goosebumps: You Can't Scare Me! by R. L. Stine

So, this is not my usual type of book. You might've already guessed that. Nope. I was given this book as an assignment by one of my children. So, I find myself struggling, occasionally, to decide where to draw the line. Of course, I believe in free choice. I believe in not living in a bubble. Also, I believe it is my job to instill values in my children that they can rely on when they are older. So, sometimes I dither about what to allow my children the option of doing. In this case, it's literary related. I remember reading a couple of R.L. Stine's in middle school and being scared to no end. So, I told my child I'd have to read it first. Well, apparently I've toughened up, or maybe R. L. Stine has a greater range of scariness to his books than I know. So, I read the book. My first impression? What a waste of time. With all the good books out there, why do we have a whole series of these? Anyhow, I decided my issue with the book was not one I anticipated at all. My real issue is that there aren't any real consequences for the children in the book. The kids are lying, sneaking around and generally behaving in unacceptable ways, but where are the consequences? I've decided that instead of not letting my children read the books, I'll have to suffer alongside so we can discuss the books. Maybe then they will learn that just because something happens in a story doesn't make it real or right. Plus, they'll have a chance to see how other people have different values.

NYR - book 39

2009-08-31T11:19:00.003-05:00

39. Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick

This is one of those children's books that can be enjoyed even when you're old and gray. Of course, I'm neither yet, so that's just my opinion and I don't have actual proof.

Fifth grader Nick Allen takes an assignment fro his teacher - to learn the history of the English language - and turns it on her by inventing his own word, "Frindle", to replace the word "pen." Mrs. Granger, Nick's teacher, appears to oppose Nick's creativity and regards it as an act of disobedience. The situation quickly mushrooms into a nationwide controversy. In reality, as she says, every story needs a villian, and she realizes that she can play the roll. What happens is inspiring and shows how a little challenge can help a person reach to greater heights.

New Year's Resolution - book 38

2009-08-31T11:17:00.006-05:00

38. Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton, illustrated by Eric Puybaret

I picked up this book to read to my kids because I love the song, and it really has gorgeous cover art. "Don't judge a book by it's cover." The art is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, I think the lyrics are much better set to music than formatted to a children's book. My kids kept asking why the lines were duplicated. However, the notes from Lipton and Yarrow in the back are lovely.

NYR - book 37

2009-08-31T11:16:00.006-05:00

37. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

I really never thought it was possible for an author to retell a story that they wrote from a different character's perspective and still have it hold my attention. I mean, really? I already know how it ends, right? What changed my mind was reading the first chapter of Stephenie Meyer's Midnight Sun, after having raced my way through Twilight. This was well before the leak of the other chapters, which I have not read, by the way. I was so extremely fascinated that I raced through the chapter, and when I got to the end I asked "okay, where's the rest of it?" Well, now I know where Meyer must've gotten the idea. She has said that Orson Scott Card is her favorite author.

When I finished reading Ender's Game, my mind was going for weeks. Such fascinating ideas are presented throughout the narrative. When I learned that Ender's Shadow was the same story from Bean's perspective, I had to read it. Honestly, I still was a teensy bit hesitant. Could he do what Meyer did? I gave him the benefit of the doubt and dove in. What a great ride! Even though the shared experiences are the same, the individual journey of Bean is it's own story. Spoiler alert. He is the genetically altered twin of Nicolai, and as such, brilliant. He survives on the streets in ways that other children never could have even comprehended. Bean has remarkable mental abilities that make up for his slight physical ones. He becomes Ender's parallel and support. He is the only one of the Battle School students that figures out what is really going on. He knows that the "practice" sessions and "tests" at the end are the real deal. With such weight on his conscience as children should never know, he moves continues in the necessary path to save humanity.

Ender's Shadow opens up another whole stream of discussion topics as Card narrates human behaviors and the good and bad within individuals. Some thoughts that have occured to me:

What can psychological traum do to a person?

What defines hope? What change can hope bring about?

How do extreme circumstances cause us to change our values?

NYR - book 36

2009-08-31T11:13:00.005-05:00

36. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo

illustrated by Timothy Basil Eyring

What a wonderful story illustrating the principles of forgiveness to save oneself and of following light and virtue. What a truly lovely story! There are so many discussions waiting to be had, inspired by this lovely story. This book is a classic, one that I will have on my shelf and read over and over again. I read this one to my children and they soaked it up, reveling in the story and pondering it for days. Eventually, we watched the film. They enjoyed it, but neither child loved it the way they did the book. Kate DiCamillo paints pictures in your mind that are of a lasting and glorious brilliance.

This is the kind of book that makes me want to whip out a highlighter, so I don't lose my favorite bits, but I know if I did that, there would hardly be any blank space left. I absolutely love the Coda, as well as the following two quotes:

"Reader, I hope you have found some light here." - narrator

"Stories are light." - Gregory the Jailor

I should also note here that I loved the illustrations. The artwork is lovely!

NYR - book 35

2009-08-31T11:11:00.004-05:00

35. Flotsam by David Wiesner

Now this is a beautiful story. There are no words, but they are not necessary for the experience. This is a book that anyone at any age can enjoy! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is thought provoking.

An old camera finds its way to the shore and discovered by a little boy. The boy develops the film and finds, among other photos, a picture of a kid on a beach holding a picture of a kid on a beach repeated indefinitely. The boy takes a picture of himself holding the photograph he had developed, when the surf washes the camera away.

I especially love the dedication:

"Flotsam: Something that floats.

If it floats in the ocean, it may wash up on the beach,

where someone may find it and be astonished, and share the discovery with someone else -

as David Wiesner shares it with you."

New Year's Resolution - book 34

2009-08-31T11:09:00.004-05:00

34. Brisingr: or the Seven Promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular by Christopher Paolini

Let me just start by owning the fact that I will upset someone and that is okay.

So, I read the first two books of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cylcle series sometime after the second one came out. Those would be Eragon and Saphira, for those of you who haven't read the books. I read them quickly, which is always a sign that I've been pulled in to a book. I enjoyed them, although I always felt Paolini borrowed a bit too much from other creative minds. So, when Brisingr was set to hit bookshelves at a store near me, I took notice. I didn't have to have a copy the first day, but I knew I'd pick it up. Then, I started hearing feedback from trusted sources, people I think are intelligent and have a somewhat comparable opinion of literature to myself. I was getting mixed feedback. Well, that didn't stop me from reading the book, just slowed me down a little.

Well, now that I've read it, I can honestly say I don't think it was really worth my time (sorry, Josh). It took me a few weeks to read, versus my previous record, with Paolini's other books, of three days. My summed up thoughts are as follows: Paolini took twice as many pages to say what needed to be said in this story, at least. The story was really, really drawn out. Yeah, I think that's about it. Spoiler alert I mean really, I think the storyline of this book can be summed up in two sentences: 1. Eragon gets a proper weapon. 2. Eragon and Saphira's tutor's die.

NYR - 33

2009-08-31T11:04:00.004-05:00

33. Beastly by Alex Flinn

This is fantastically fun re-write of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale Told from the perspective of the poor beast, who has to learn some lessons the hard way. I don't think all re-writes are well done. Sometimes, I think author's should leave well enough alone, create something new instead of borrowing from someone else's work. Although, sometimes, an author will get it right. This is one of those cases. In some ways, there are no surprises. It's not like we haven't all seen Disney's Beauty and the Beast, or read various other versions of the tale. There are pleasant little discoveries, however. The way Flinn tells the story of the beast allows for modern day application of a classic tale. It shows that some things stand the test of time.

Spoiler alert: my summary, as follows, gives away the whole of the story

The beast here is Kyle Kingsley, a superficial Manhattan prep school junior. After slighting a fellow student/witch, Kyle finds himself transformed into a beast, with two years to find true love! Kyle's father, a well-known reporter, who is also very superficial, hauls Kyle around to various doctors only to find out that, surprise, nothing can be done for him. As all caring fathers might do, Mr. Kingsley locks his son up in a Brooklyn brownstone with his maid. Kyle quickly discovers how complete is his isolation, and has to borrow a cell phone to even call his dad. Well, a few demands later and Kyle has himself a tutor, Will, who just happens to be blind. Thanks to dad. Nothing like kicking 'em when they're down. Kyle reinvents himself as Adrian and sets about to living in what little peace he can find. One evening, a junkie breaks in to the house. In order to save his own skin, the junkie volunteers to trade his daughter. Lindy appears. It turns out that Lindy was the recipient of Kyle's one act of semi-kindness noted earlier in the book. Ah, the twists of fate. Well, Lindy & "Adrian" make their peace eventually, and even fall in love. Of course, Lindy sees her father in the magic mirror, (Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you that the witch gave it to him), and runs of to his rescue. Only, she never manages to find her way back and "Adrian" almost gives up hope. Then, he remembers Jane Eyre. True loves can hear each other even across large distances. He hears Lindy and saves her, at the cost of his own exposure and death. Ah, but more magic is coming of course. "Adrian" the beast once again becomes Kyle the boy, and Lindy the girl is in shock. Of course, they come to terms with all of this. The maid turns out to be the witch and Will gets his sight back, courtesy of the witch, per Kyle's request. So, all in all, the same fairy tale we know, but modern day.

New Year's Resolution - books 29 through 32

2009-08-31T10:58:00.037-05:00

Well, I had to see what the buzz was about. That's what drove me to these. A Series of Unfortunate Events has been buzzing around for a bit. I knew they were a series of children's books. I knew there were thirteen. That's about it. Um, I think that was enough info. So, I've read books one through four, as follows:

29. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the First - The Bad Beginning

In this book, the Baudelaire children are orphaned and their journey of house and relative hopping begins. The children are inherited by Count Olaf, who tries to trick the oldest child into marrying him so that he can inherit their fortune. Well, the children outsmart Count Olaf, bringing his plan to light, and gaining their freedom from him. Unfortunately, he escapes. This sets up the series.

30. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the Second - The Reptile Room

The Baudelaire children here go to live with a nutty, but good, old uncle. Uncle Monty happens to be a herpetogist. All are having a lovely time, until Count Olaf shows up,in disguise, with a new plan to get to the children and their fortune. The children outsmart him again. Sadly Uncle Monty ends up dead, Count Olaf exposed, the children ready to go to a new relative.

31. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the Third - The Wide Window

The children now find themselves in the home of Aunt Josephine, who is scared of everything imaginable. The children's lives have become quite boring, despite cold (no using electricity) and cut off from the world (no phone either). Here again comes, Count Olaf. Imagine that! Under the new name of "Captain Sham", Count Olaf manages to rid the children of another guardian. At the last moment, the children manage to expose Count Olaf yet again. Guess what? He gets away. Noticing a trend yet?

32. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the Fourth - The Miserable Mill

Here comes book four. The Baudelaires are now sent off to live with "Sir", some relation that relegates them to work in his lumbermill. Count Olaf manages to plant a few comrades in to the mill and the community, and is at his dirty work again. Yet again, Olaf is exposed and the children freed from their current guardian. At least this one doesn't end up murdered. Olaf, of course, gets away.

This brings me to A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the Fifth - The Austere Academy, which I did not finish and am not counting toward my 100 books for the year. I have to admit, when I started in on book five, I was determined to read all thirteen, despite the fact that I'd rather have teeth pulled. Thanks to a sweet friend, I realized I didn't have to perservere. I could quit now and go read something I enjoyed more. I did. Stopped right after the first couple chapters in the book. I'm glad I did. So, that's my advice. Go find something better to read. I am a bit curious about the last book, do the Baudelaire's murder Olaf? Maybe when my kids get older, I'll find out. As of right now, I have found several other authors and books (children, adult, fiction, non-fiction) that have provided me with countless hours of fascinating reading. I would suggest one of those.

NYR - 28

2009-08-31T10:56:00.005-05:00

28. Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright

Of the three Jason F. Wright books, all of which I have read, this was the most well written. Wright covers the journey of a man making peace with his past and his father.

When Luke is a child, his maternal grandmother dies in a car crash. His mother becomes depressed, medicated and eventually overdoses. When she passes on, Luke's father, Charlie, turns to alcohol. Luke leaves his father behind to attend NYU and pursue a career in photography. Periodically, Charlie calls Luke to ask for money. Two years before the story picks up, Luke tells his father "don't call until you're sober." He doesn't. When the story opens, Luke is confronted with the news of Hurricane Katrina and the discovery that his father was living in New Orleans when the hurricane made landfall. Having received a phone call from one of his dad's new friends, Luke has to decide if he will go looking for his father. At the prompting of a good friend, he does. What he finds is that his dad had made a new life for himself. He even completed the Alcoholic Anonymous program, except for making amends with Luke. Luke goes through the difficult emotional journey of "recovering" his father and his ability to love.

This is a very touching story, even if it does touch on some sad things. It speaks to the heart and shows that there is always hope.

Oh, and there is a lovely song that plays a part in the book. It is written by Cherrie Call, and though I haven't heard this particular song, the lyrics are lovely. I have heard Cherrie Call play in person before and have to say I really enjoyed listening to her music.

NYR - 27

2009-08-31T10:53:00.003-05:00

27. The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

Valancy Sterling is an "old maid" in Deerwood, Canada. Twenty-nine years old, she's not allowed freedom in anything. Her home and family are stagnant and she sees no hope of change. She struggles. Her only release: books by John Foster describing the great beauties of nature. Prompted by painful "attacks" in her chest, she secretly heads to the doctor. She receives her diagnosis via mail. She has less than a year to live. Casting away the confinements that society and her family have put on her, Valancy sets out to do whatever makes her happy. I guess that's about all I can say about the background here, without giving away the whole story.

What a lovely story! All about finding yourself, not living your life for other people, not assuming the worst of people, the greatness of freedom and how it allows you to learn, how honesty breeds trust and how true love can grow. This was purely beautiful! I'm sure I'll read it again as well.

New Year's Resolution - books 25 & 26

2009-08-31T10:50:00.010-05:00

Lisa McMann is the author of a newer trilogy, the third of which won't be out until 9 February 2010! Why do I keep getting sucked in to series that are not yet completed? grrr!

I guess I should put a couple of disclaimers here.

First, a spoiler alert. I've tried to not give away too much story, but there are a few things. Second, a language and content alert. There is a certain amount of swearing in the books, as well as some discussion of some difficult topics (e.g. sex, drugs, abuse). That being said, I completely think they are worth reading. I have great respect for Lisa McMann, in that she takes on some very difficult subjects, that many people shy away from, and shows positive ways to deal with them.

25. Wake

The story of a young woman named Janie, only child of a single, alcoholic mother. As such, Janie becomes pretty much responsible for herself. Mom's welfare check only covers rent, utilities and booze, so Janie has to support herself past that. That's enough for a story right there, but Janie has a unique "talent," for lack of a better word. She "falls" in to people's dreams. When we come in to the story, Janie is in high school, where people are falling asleep left and right. When this happens, Janie enters there dream, sapped of her vision, strength and bodily control. Through the story, Janie learns a bit of control over this "talent" and finds a few friends to help her on her way. The closest of which is Cabel, or Cabe. An abused young man who has found salvation in a job working with the police department. Sounds a bit like an odd combination...it is. But, oh how good! This was one of those stories I just could not put down. I had to know what happened next! A couple of my favorite things: I love that Janie's major trial becomes a major blessing. I love that the sexual tension bit is not just sexual, but emotional, really involving love. I love that Janie's salvation comes in the form of helping others.

26. Fade

Totally good! Just as engrossing as the first. Poor Janie learns to manage her gift as she works for Captain. Cabe & Janie sort their problems. A very hopeful book, as it takes two people in an expected to fail situation and yet, they find hope. The case that Janie and Cabe are working on in this book is disturbing - sexual predators. But, it's not about the case/the mysteries - which could be interesting series. That's been done. This story is about using talents and overcoming challenges, and finding people you can love and trust and depend on. Some of my favorite bits:
- Caleb speaks of benefits of therapy. It's about time our culture quit looking at therapy as something for "crazy" people, and started seeing it as a
helpful way to overcome trials.
- Cabe and Janie wait to have sex. Their relationship is much deeper founded than a strictly physical relationship, and they are adults enough to value that relationship and try to nurture it and guard it.
- Captain Komisky gives hope to youth (especially to Cabe, where there is no peculiar talent to benefit her) while still remembering that they are youth. Her role with Janie and Cabe is not just that of boss, it is that of mentor.
- Acceptance of reality (Janie finding out what happens later in life.) There is no trying to run away from problems. Cabe and Janie, together and seperately, show that one must accept their reality and deal with it.
- Cabe & Janie stick together & work it out. They don't give up because their relationship is complicated.
- The characters Learn to love, open up and depend on other people. Not just romantically, but in other aspects of their lives.

NYR - 24

2009-08-21T10:58:00.004-05:00

24. Twilight Director's Notebook: The Story of How We Made the Movie Based on the Novel by Stephenie Meyer by Catherine Hardwicke

I know, more Twilight. Duh.

This was great fun! Catherine Hardwicke is such fun. There were lots of good tidbits, movie making stuff I just didn't know, and lots of great picks. I really liked the notebook format. You get the feeling that Hardwicke is just not a credit hog and that she really is open in her reflections of the Twilight movie-making experience.

NYR - 23

2009-08-20T13:51:00.004-05:00

23. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

I'm seriously disappointed. I loved the Harry Potter series. This was just not up to the same standard. Also, the impression I had of The Tales of Beedle the Bard described in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows does not match up with what I'm holding in my hand as I write now. The idea of having the translation by Hermione & adding the series of commentary by Dumbledore were both great ideas. I think the Intro, Notes & illustrations should have been credited to Hermione, not J.K. Rowling...that would've been much more believable as a piece coming from the wizarding community. Also, I don't think the "voice" of Dumbledore quite meshes with the character from the Harry Potter series. In this book he sounds a bit arrogant and gives away too much information. I always felt like Dumbledore knew more than he let on, but didn't have a blown up ego and guarded his secrets, letting them out on a need-to-know basis. Finally, I think J. K. Rowling spends way more time on Dumbledore's commentary on "The Tale of the Three Brothers" than on the other tales in the book. "The Tale of the Three Brothers" played a much larger, and very necessary, part in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, than did the other tales. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is supposed to be a separate bit of literature, and if Dumbledore were going to write commentary on the book, I don't believe it would be in such a way as to draw loads more attention to the "dark" things that he believed people should be avoiding.

That's it. I know I'm treating this as though Dumbledore, Hermione, et al. are all real people, but that is the way The Tale of Beedle the Bard was set up.

NYR - 22

2009-08-20T13:33:00.004-05:00

22. Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

This is the third book in the Inkheart Trilogy. I suppose it was really too long of a gap for me between reading the second & third books. It took me a bit to "get in to" Inkdeath. A little bit before I could remember quite exactly where things left off and to care what happened next. This third book wrapped up the trilogy nicely. Here we find out the fates of Mo and his family, following their choices and the consequences thereof, in both their "real" lives and their lives as they live read in to Inkheart.

I think the whole idea behind the trilogy is fascinating, being able to come and go in your favorite books. I enjoyed the story, but the writing was bumpy at times. I'm assuming that has something to do with the language translation, being that the books were not written in English. I love Ms. Funke's use of various quotes from other bits of literature to lead in to each chapter. I especially love the poem that introduces the whole book. It is "I am the Song", written by Charles Causley. In my opinion, it fits the book perfectly, as though it were written just for this story.

New Year's Resolution - books 20 & 21

2009-08-16T20:44:00.006-05:00

20. The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

What great fun this was to read! What happens when the whole world as you know it is controlled by the power of imagination. As though it were magic itself, imagination is it's own distinct power in this world. Mr. Beddor has taken the characters from Carroll's classics and used them to tell the "real" story of Alyss, Princess of the Queendom of Wonderland. Beddor's take on the characters use real imagination, as does all of Wonderland. Royal bodyguard, Hatter Madigan may be my favorite character here. I love his style. The caterpillars are great fun, and of course, Aunt Redd is the perfect "bad guy." Traveling through looking-glasses is just the beginning of the fun.

21. Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor

Seeing Redd is the sequel to The Looking Glass Wars. It is incredibly imaginitive and still very fun, but, I felt, left unfinished. Perhaps I'll feel differently when book 3 comes out (Arch Enemy is due to be released Oct. 15, 2009). The Looking Glass Wars came to a close, but left room to expand the series and story. Seeing Redd was more of a "to be continued" episode from TV. Also, Beddor's writing frustrated me on occasion. I felt at times like the speaker was trying to state things he shouldn't know, conclusions that the reader should be able to come to all on their own. Also, characters state the obvious at odd times, or speak in ways that don't fit the character. All in all, an enjoyable, easy read. Just not as polished as I'd like.

New Year's Resolution - books 19 & 20

2009-08-16T20:41:00.006-05:00

Alice's Adventure in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass

by Lewis Carol

So, this one was a two-for-one deal...meaning that the copy I picked up from Barnes & Nobles had both books in one (they were both quite short). It also had a nice little biography & reading guide in the back. This was handy, seeing as the books were published in 1865 (Alice) and 1871 (Looking-Glass). Perhaps I should've done the bit of background reading first this time. It would have been good to understand that Carroll had quite a background in Logic & Mathematics, as well as a fascination with Child Development. Well, here goes:

Alice's Adventure in Wonderland

I found this to be somewhat interesting, but thanks to Disney, I pretty much knew what was going to happen. I've read, and loved, some British literature. This was SO not anything like what I expected. I'm not sure what I expected, actually, but this wasn't it. I found it to be very nonsensical. I don't mind the use of imagination, but I kept wondering what the point of the book was.

Through the Looking-glass

I enjoyed this book a bit more than it's predecessor. This is partially because I didn't know what was coming. There is a bit of interesting play here with chess moves, concepts of the movement of time and growing up. Honestly, I am not a mathematics or logic genius, so some of this was a stretch for me to grasp. I found the reading guide at sparknotes.com was extremely helpful.

*note: for the sake of research and discussion, "Lewis Carroll" is actually the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.

New Year's Resolution - book #18

2009-08-12T14:16:00.012-05:00

18. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

I have to admit, this book has been floating in the back of my head for some time now. I've heard of it several times, even done a bit of background study on it. Alas, I'm not much of a sci-fi reader anymore. So, it got back-burnered. Very sad. My consciousness was once again awakened to an awareness of the book after I read that Stephenie Meyer's favorite author was Orson Scott Card. Well, enough said. I went and hunted it down. There obviously had to be something to it.

As I have said in the past, I have a little notebook where I keep my immediate responses to a book I've read. Obviously, if I just went straight to my blog to post, my blog would not be so far behind my actual reading (at the moment I am reading book 73). Because of the time-lapse here, I'm going to copy my notes verbatim, for a more realistic reaction. This means that my writing will probably be worse than normal, as my notebook is just a sketching of ideas most of the time, but I think it worth it in this case. Here goes:

I've heard several times that this was a great science fiction book. Since Twilight, I've read that it is Stephenie Meyer's favorite. Finally, I've read it. Oh my...for the first few chapters, I wasn't sure about it. I kept thinking, "this is really weird." Of course, most of Stephenie's recommended books, the ones I have read anyhow, are like that. Different, abstract. They completely appeal to me. Anyway, Ender's Game was hard to swallow at several points. Mostly, the turning of children in to such little soldiers and the resulting lack of humanity. I found it quite ironic the loss of humanity that resulted in the quest to "save" humanity.

The psychology and military strategy discussed boggles my mind. Not my area. Card is descriptive and convincing enough for me to buy in - that what he writes makes sense - but I am certain that professionals could argue logistics. At least, I thought so. Card was young when he wrote this. Can you imagine having such thoughts to write such things at so young an age? (17?)Makes the book itself believable. I love that Ender gets the bugger egg and message at the end. And what he does with it. And the actions of the buggers give pause to think as well. I suppose the whole thing could be dissected for a great philosophocal discussion.

Well, once again, I am embarrased by my writing. At least this came from a note book, not an actual paper. I have to say that I am not sure if I read that Ender's Game was Stephenie Meyer's favorite book. I do know that I have read that Orson Scott Card is her favorite author. I think I've even heard her say so in interviews. Also, I am not certain of Card's age at the time he wrote the short story that later became the book, though I remember a discussion of him being a teen.

I really loved the book. I found it to be very engaging and extremely thought provoking. I am certain I'll read this book again as well. That being said, I never liked to read books more than once, but recently I am finding that desire has more to do with the quality of the literature. I think the higher quality the books I am reading, the more books I am finding that I may read again in the future.

UPDATE: Time-out for an Epiphany/NYR book 15

2009-07-04T12:13:00.002-05:00

15. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Dr. Azar Nafisi

UPDATE: I've finished! This is by far the non-fiction book I've enjoyed the most! I learned a great deal of culture and history, but in a way that illustrates hope in troubled times and troubled places. Also, the great love of literature that Dr. Nafisi possesses pours through this book. It's one of the few books I believe I will read over again through the years!

Princess Sara's Library: Time-out for an Epiphany/NYR book 15

NYR - book 16, uh, I mean 17.

2009-07-01T15:46:00.007-05:00

16, really? Only number 16? I promise I've read way more, but somehow it takes me so much longer to do these posts. Hmmm...maybe if I spent more time typing and less time reading? Yeah, that's not going to happen. I guess the laundry will just have to wait.

16. Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion
by Mark Cotta Vaz

I know. I know. Not a real book. Just feeding the frenzy here. That aside, the photos were great and the extra info on the filming of the movie was fun. And yes, I did actually READ the whole thing. I didn't just gawk at the pictures. Even though I may be "the pot calling the kettle black" here. I was not at all impressed with the author's writing voice or grammar. Ah, well. What're you going to do?

UPDATE: So, apparently I can't add. This would be 17, not 16. Nice. I can read, but not add...ah, well. You can't have everything. We'll blame it on being overcome with the Twilight world at the time of writing. =)

NYR - book 16: Shannon Hale, part 3 (& done)

2009-07-01T15:37:00.003-05:00

Well, until Shannon Hale writes some more novels, this will wrap up my study of her writing.

16. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

By far, my favorite Hale book. Apparently, this is a re-write, or interpretation, on Shannon Hale's part, of an old fairy tale. I love the journaling format of this book. It makes the story very real, to me anyhow. You see all things through the interpretation of the heroine, Dashti. Dashti is a mucker, a commoner, a servant. This story is not the story of the princess she serves, though we learn her story as well. Through Dashti's story, we learn that the rules governing a person's behavior can conflict with one another, and that the right choice is not always the obvious one. I love that Dashti stands by her choices and accepts responsibility. This is not the easy thing to do, but shows great character and integrity, even if Dashti doesn't see it herself. Through this story, we see how unconditional love can heal a person, as in the case of Dashti's love for her lady, the princess. We also see how it changes many lives when one person is willing to do all within their ability in a given situation.

Well, I don't want to give away the story this time...just go read it. Then come back and we can discuss it some more.

Time-out for an Epiphany/NYR book 15

2009-05-08T09:54:00.006-05:00

15. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

I just had a beautiful moment that has absolutely overtaken my whole mind. I'm currently reading Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. I got the book for book club, but didn't get it in time & have actually been a bit slow in my reading for the last couple weeks. Well, I should admit that I have been mentally withdrawing from the reading of this particular book. I'm not sure entirely why. It is much easier for me to lose myself in a piece of fiction, that's for sure. Also, I find myself affected by what I read. I've been nervous about reading a memoir discussing a private and unacceptable reading group in Iran. I couldn't imagine it would be a very uplifting book. Here comes the epiphany...it really started in chapter 14, but I didn't complete it until I started in on chapter 18. It is a downfall of mine, I think, that I just have to devour a book sometimes and don't leave myself time to think about what I'm reading. So, in chapter 14 Dr. Nafisi is addressing a question by one of her students. Basically, how can we enjoy such literature as discusses and details events that would be deplorable to live through in reality? Well, Dr. Nafisi needed a week to gather her thoughts on that one...and I'm sure it would've taken me much longer and I wouldn't have near the beautiful response. Basically, we are able to find such joy in such sad things because the opportunity within the literature to overcome these things. Not always, in reality, are those opportunities present. In great literature, there is often some sort of ability to overcome the evil in life...even if it is not a physical overcoming. So, I have been devouring Reading Lolita in Tehran and asking myself, "how am I enjoying such a book as points out such abuses to women?" Well, herein is the epiphany: Even though this is not a work of fiction, it is a testimony of how a small group of women have been able to overcome their sufferings, even if it is only in brief moments, private thoughts and the daring to be individuals...if only, at times, in their minds. Well, that's it. That's my epiphany. I don't know that I can claim it, really, as my epiphany, being laid out for me so eloquently by Dr. Nafisi. I only dare to call it such because it has struck me so beautifully and insistently as true in my own heart and relating to my own experience.

I also find one other small answer for myself. Why, why do I insist on reading like a mad woman and letting my chores pile up? Why do I keep finding myself absorbed in discussing and picking apart bits of literature instead of the reality of my own day to day life? Well, reality isn't going away. The laundry will still be there. I must claim a few escaped hours to find the hope of overcoming the struggles of human life...even if my own personal struggles are not the same as my sisters and brothers around the world.

As I have said, I only made it to the end of chapter 17. I'm sure I'll have much more to say on this book when I've done, but I absolutely had to stop and comment. It just was one of those life moments I had to capture. & I really am finding (through doing this blog) that when I wait to write my thoughts down, they lose their umph. So, here is my resolve...to get my thoughts down as they hit me. We shall see how well I do. As Dr. Nafisi said, "Whether we wished it or not, our lives outside that living room made their claims." (see ch 17, paragraph 3).

I'm Baaaaack! NYR - books 12 thru 14: Shannon Hale, part 2

2009-04-29T19:41:00.009-05:00

Can I just be sick here? It's been 2 month (almost) since my last post! I guess that's proof that life can run you over every now and again. Well, I haven't stopped reading & have a bunch of books to comment on. Some of my notes may be super short for now, but I'll add on as I have time. So, here goes nothin'... Here's part 2 of my Shannon Hale reading spree. For this segment, I'd like to quickly cover the Books of Bayern Trilogy.

12. The Goose Girl (Books of Bayern, book 1) by Shannon Hale

What happens when you're the second-in-line princess? You get married off to the neighboring kingdom, of course. But, what if their is a conspiracy amongst your guards and servants to kill you and substitute one of their own? Well, that does make for an interesting adventure, albeit one better read than lived.

This was actually the first Hale book that I read, and the one that caused me to fall in love with her writing. Hale has a very flowing, beautiful, descriptive sense to her writing. It is very easy to get swept along in the story of Princess Ani. Apparently, this is a retelling of a Grimm fairy tale, but I haven't read those yet (they're on the list). Princess Ani must become the caretaker of geese, a lowly servant, in a foreign kingdom. It is the only way to ensure her survival while trying to discover a way to reclaim her identity. It's wonderful, because it isn't as Princess that Ani discovers her true self and talent (speaking and controlling the wind), but as the lowly goose girl. It is also as the goose girl that Ani learns the ways of her new people, makes friends, learns to lead and falls in love. Ani decides, even though she is happy as the goose girl, she must fight for her place to protect the people from the deceit of those who brought her to Bayern. Ani chooses this more difficult path, even though she is afraid she will lose her true love because she must marry the prince. Then she discovers her love to be the Prince...lucky her. It has a nice, hopeful message that if we do our part and don't give up, things will work out for good. Of course, this doesn't mean that life is difficulty free, but that there is hope.

13. Enna Burning (Books of Bayern, book 2) by Shannon Hale

A great book, and very descriptive (ahem, I already said that about Shannon Hale, didn't I?). A bit harder for me to read. This book uses fire much in the same way that Goose Girl uses wind to tell the story. Having known someone personally endure bad burns, this was a bit emotional for me. Great lessons including: not giving up on people, even yourself, finding your place in the world, unconditional love, not letting power destroy you.

14. River Secrets (Books of Bayern, book 3) by Shannon Hale

Well, we've covered wind and fire, so what's left? Water. Again, a beautiful descriptive, wonderful story. Discusses the acceptance of other cultures and learning that every individual has something to offer. Also, every person has trials to bear. That doesn't mean we give up.

NYR - book 9 thru 11: Shannon Hale, part 1

2009-04-19T21:56:00.009-05:00

Alright, here begins my Shannon Hale run. After reading and loving one Shannon Hale book, I quickly found and read all her others. So worth it! So, here are the first few.

9. The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

This is actually a Newberry Winner. One of these years my goal will be to read all the Newberry winners. They are always thoughtful, enlightening books. This is a truly gorgeous story of learning to love, learning to stand on your own, learning to trust others, to not give up & do your best. Hale has such a beautiful, flowing "sound" to her writing. Hale explores different types of relationships: friendship, romantic love, parent-child, sisterhood, etc. With all of these, Hale touches on different types of communication: verbal, oral, visual & the "quarry speech" peculiar to the story. This is such a lovely story where-in Miri, a young mountain girl, comes of age, learns to value herself and to care for others. Miri attends the Princess Academy with all the other young women of the mountain, with the hopes of being chosen as the Prince's bride. Competing with the other young women, in such close quarters, Miri becomes educated both in the traditional sense as well as in life-lessons.

10. Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale,

illustrated by Nathan Hale

This lovely re-write of Rapunzel's fairy tale is a collaborative effort by Shannon Hale & her husband, Dean Hale. The only children's book by Shannon Hale, Rapunzel's Revenge is brought to life in beautiful comic book fashion by Nathan Hale (no relation to the married writers). I confess to have read this one twice. The first time I read the book, I read it just for me. I couldn't help it. I loved all of Hale's books that I had read to date and couldn't wait to see how she transformed Rapunzel and her world. Of course, I immediately had to read it with my two boys next. They LOVED it! I understand a sequel is under progress. We can't wait!

Alright, rambling aside, in Rapunzel's Revenge, Rapunzel becomes the heroine of her story. Rapunzel is imprisoned by the witch pretending to be her mother, but there isn't any sitting around and waiting to be rescued in this story. Rapunzel's lengthy hair becomes braid lassoes. Using her lassoes, she sets off on a western style adventure. Making one friend along the way, Rapunzel sets off to free her mother from the slave mines and destroy the power of the witch. Of course, Rapunzel can't do it all alone, but in the end she is the one that saves the day.

11. Austenland by Shannon Hale

The only adult book by Hale, Austenland is purely delicious reading whether one is a Jane Austen fan or not. Of course, I am a Jane Austen fan and I'm in love with England, so I may be slightly biased. The main character, Jane Hayes, is a single New Yorker with a career. She thinks she should feel fulfilled, but in reality is lonely. She turns to BBC's Pride & Prejudice, with Mr. Darcy played by Colin Firth, for comfort...over and over again. When she inherits a vacation to Austenland, a period resort in England, she resolves to get Darcy out of her system and come back a new woman. While at Austenland, Jane is required to act, dress and live as though she walked straight out of an Austen novel. Being that this resort is geared to women, the men are all paid actors. By the time her two weeks are up, Hayes feels she has failed to attain her goal. Instead, she finds two of the actors from Austenland have fallen for her. Well, I can't give away the end, but this was so fun to read. I really felt like Hale pulled writing elements straight from Austen herself: the voice of the characters, the fun-poking at society. It was a nice little flip on Pride and Prejudice, for sure. I can't comment on this book with out making one last note. Having read Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler last year, I find this an infinitely better tribute to Jane Austen.

NYR - book 8: Wondrous Strange

2009-04-18T15:20:00.006-05:00

Alright, catching up now...I'm really up to about 22 books now. I just need to get posting...

8. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

This is another book club read, as many of my books happen to be (they keep me well rounded & trying new things). This is a fun twist on Shakespeare's faeries. I love "what if" questions. They really make life so much more fun, and imagination so much more creative. What happens if a a human steals a faerie baby? What if that baby is a faerie princess? Livingston writes a creative story that puts Shakespeares famous faeries through quite an adventure. That said, Livingston is true to Shakespeares characters, in my humble opinion. If you haven't read Shakespeare at all, particularly A Midsummer Night's Dream, don't worry. It's not necessary background for Wondrous Strange, although I think I found it more enjoyable having some Shakespearean background. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the poor humans haven't any control over what the faeries do to them. In Wondrous Strange, Livingston follows a theme of choosing ones own actions even if one is not able to control all the circumstances.

This is Livingston's first book and though it is a very creative and fun read, it is a bit bumpy at times. That is to say, that her writing doesn't always flow perfectly smooth. The story-line itself flows quite nicely. I can't wait for the sequel.

Am I This Boring to Listen To? / NYR almost book: Wicked

2009-04-01T13:55:00.004-05:00

eww...so, in trying to write with decent grammar, I've turned in to a complete bore. Have you read the previous posts? I hope I don't sound like that all the time! Oh, dear! Well, here's hoping that these future posts will sound a bit more like what's in my head, because I know that's not always a boring place to be.

Alright, before moving on to some of the other books I've completed, I need to take a moment for the New Year's Resolution Almost Book. Meaning...the book that I almost finished toward my 100 book count, but had to put down. Yes, that's right, had to put down. I know, I know. It's sacriligious for a true Reader to not finish a book, right? Well, even above being a reader, I'm a Christian, and in the interest of maintaining my morals, I pried my fingers off the book and took it out of the house. Don't get all uppety here....I'm not being all high & mighty. I made it through half the book, over-look ing a few, brief descriptive passages that were of questionable nature, before I had to quit the book. The book to which I am refering is Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story was going a bit slow, to me, for the first 150-200 pages or so, but had enough to keep me going. Well, just about the time I thought it was getting good, I was hit over the head with the most disgusting sexual discription that I've come across in some time, quite possibly, ever. Well, now I'm bummed. I really wanted to see where the rest of the book was going. & there is a whole trilogy here, not to mention a few other books by the same author that looked interesting. Well, there you have it. I'm not going to count this toward my 100, but I sure wish it would've turned out differently.

New Year's Resolution - books 5 through 7: The Midnighters Trilogy

2009-03-26T09:49:00.007-05:00

Alright, I have to combine these next 3 books. They're a trilogy, so that's okay, right? I read them so quickly, while being sick, that I have a little difficulty separating a few details, as to which books they were in.

5 & 6 & 7. The Secret Hour, Touching Darkness, Blue Noon (The Midnighters Trilogy)
by Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld created a new "world" in these books, on earth, but with goings-on and such that most humans are unaware of (much in the same way that Stephenie Meyer's vampires exist while much of the world remains ignorant of their existence and world). These books were short, quick reads, but very fascinating. I whipped straight through them. I was entranced by Jessica's first "dream" sequence, and couldn't put them down after that. Westerfeld did a great job holding to the "rules" he'd created for this "world". He was consistent, but was still able to add a little twist in each book. He makes you question that your's is the only accurate view of the world, and shows how perception of an event may change depending on the view. The theory present in The Secret Hour is that there are 25 hours in a day, but only a few select people are awake for that 25th hour, while everyone else remains frozen. There are Darklings, a species that feeds on humans, that can come out at this time as well. In the first book, the new girl in town finds out that she is a Midnighter. Then we follow the Midnighter group on their adventures, through the remainder of the trilogy. I have to admit that I loved the books, until the last few chapters of Blue Noon. It had the worst ending! I hated the ending! Wow, I've never felt so strong about a book ending before. It is the writer's perogative to write the story how he/she sees fit, right? I could not accept that here. I finally came to the conclusion that I was unhappy with the ending NOT because it didn't end how I would end it, but because it just didn't make sense. I counselled with a couple friends who'd also read the book. Apparently, it's not just me. The consensus is that the book falls off at the last few chapters. All the sudden it loses steam. I was left with the feeling that this was supposed to be a 5 book series and that the publisher made Westerfeld cut off at 3, so he did the best he could. I hope this is right, because it just bothers me that he would end it the way he did on purpose. Well, if I haven't talked you out of reading it, I'd love your opinion...

New Year's Resolution - books 3 & 4: Holes & The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever

2009-03-26T09:33:00.007-05:00

A couple of children's books this time, but definitely worth reading, even if you don't have any children.

3. Holes by Louis Sachar

So, I've seen this movie before. I thought it a good chidren's/family movie. It had a good message. I don't know where I was, but I completely missed that it was a book. Well, I finally discovered this. Then I realized it's a Newberry Winner as well. I have a goal to eventually read all the Newberry books. They won for a reason right? Besides, maybe they'll be good lessons for my kids. Anyhow, I finally read Holes. I loved it. Sachar has a well developed story line here and great morals. What is most important: worldly treasures or the treasure of the human soul? What does hatred do to a person? What does love do to a person? Can a person overcome their circumstances, rise above their trials and succeed? And the whold book is written in the form of a fascinating legend. Sachar is a great story-teller (I've read and enjoyed some of his other books as well) and I'll definitely pass this one on to the kids (Even though they've already seen the movie as well). Oh, I forgot to mention: Wow! Does this man write on the kids level! In a good way! I swear he speaks "youth"!

4. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This one was a Christmas gift from a lady in book club; she got one for each member of the group. How sweet of her! I'm really glad she passed it on as well. I'd never heard of it before, but some of the book club girls had, and they had positive things to say about it. What a fun story. Robinson definitely relates to children. This is a great story of a Christmas Pageant going completely opposite as planned, and a woman good enough to know the true meaning of being Christian. The rough children in here make the pageant unlike any other Nativity I've seen, and that's alright by me, but through their influence, I could feel the Spirit. What a great story to help understand how the Savior accepts and loves all his children.

New Year's Resolution: Tale of Two Cities & Me

2009-03-23T10:44:00.007-05:00

I've been keeping a journal of notes on the books I've read. I started this before the end of the year. I don't know what possessed me to do this, probably the unshakeable desire I have to pick things apart, to understand them. (See Mom, I'm putting my insane needs to ask billions of questions to good use). Now, thanks to Anyse, I have a goal and direction to go with my insanity. I've borrowed her New Year's Resolution to read 100 books in a year. Well, you can't do something like that without noting it. So, here I'll keep track of my 100 books, sketching out my general thoughts. I read mostly fiction, but a few other books will probably pop up. In addition, I've been reading to the kids to help get them excited about more books, so you may see some kids' chapter books here as well.Hopefully, my friends and family will have thoughts to add too, so I can continue learning and exploring. I've already read 20 (& 1/2) books, but I don't have time to write them all up at this very moment. Here are the first two:

1. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Thanks to book club, this is one of the small list of books I've made myself re-read. I have always struggled with that, because I already know what's going to happen...the excitement is gone. (except with Stephenie's...her's are completely re-readable). This being said, this was harder than most re-reads I have done. I suspect this is due to the amount of life experience and historical knowledge that I now have vs. when I read it the first time, in 10th grade. I do think I got more out of it this time and book club discussion has further cemented that suspicion. While reading, I found myself considering Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Dickens' really shows how the depravation of basic needs can turn human beings in to very selfish, animalistic characters. I do love the characters of Miss Pross, Doctor and Lucie Manette. I think that they illustrate the ability of human being to overcome their afflictions if they hold to higher values. This is something I don't think is really covered by Maslow (perhaps it is & I just haven't studied enough). Once our basic needs are met, once we progress up the pyramid and find ourselves in possession of greater knowledge and ideals, are we doomed to lose all of that when our basic needs are threatened or removed? I think not. I think it a challenge to hold on to those higher things, but not impossible. Also, I love Sydney Carton. He values himself so little, yet is able to give his life for his friend. It is this ultimate unselfishness that makes him the hero of the story. How many people have low self-esteem in this world? And how many of them are able to step up and be valiant? I think low self-esteem often paralyzes people. I really do love Carton! I'd just like to add that I think Lucie is an acceptable heroine. I've heard the opinion voiced that Dickens wrote her to be weak. I think her true fault is in the fact that she doesn't really have any. Anyhow.

2. Me by Katharine Hepburn

I didn't exactly grow up in the Hepburn Movie Era. I haven't seen many of her films. I did, however, grow up in a household where Katharine Hepburn was greatly loved as an actress. Thus, I've always found myself fascinated by her. When I ran across Hepburn's autobiography in a second-hand shop, I couldn't help but get it. Wow! I swear that I could hear her talking while I read. She definitely is one of those people that sounds the same in print as in person. That being said, it made for a bit of a brain-stretching read. Ms. Hepburn's speaking style doesn't exactly lend itself to a smooth writing format. That being said, I'm really thrilled I read her book. She gives a snapshot in to a time of life that I have never, will never, experience. Hollywood of her day was definitely different that it is today, and her introduction in to so many well known stars was fascinating. Ms. Hepburn didn't cover only her Hollywood life though. Her life experience let me glimpse in to a different time, of different trials and values. I wish there were biographies of her parents (I don't know, perhaps there are.) because they fascinated me as well. I think Hollywood of yesterday and today tends to place people in their own universe, separate from the rest of the world. This book allows you to see the struggle of balancing the Hollywood universe and reality for the rest of humanity. I think I have even more respect for Ms. Hepburn having a glimpse of her trials and human side. Hollywood of Ms. Hepburn's day put their actors and actresses on display as pinnacles of perfection. In reality, each and ever actor/actress had their own life to lead, complete with good and bad. Of course, this book is strictly from Ms. Hepburn's point of view and it would be fascinating to hear the other sides of the story.