Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
A few weeks ago, when I realized that the FINAL Harry Potter movie would be released soon, I got all in a tizzy to read the whole series and watch all the movies to prepare myself. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on who you are) I could only find book 7 and my brother borrowed all my movies. So my preparation consisted entirely of reading this book. And it took place in a world record amount of time. Because of this simple equation:
5 hour energy + 52 oz diet coke + Harry Potter book 7 = book finished in 3 hours, floor washed, several loads of laundry done and an hour of sewing
You should try it some time, unless you (unlike me - obviously) do not require an unhealthily large amount of caffeine to function normally. If this is you, maybe skip the 5 hr energy.
Oh how I love this book, and this whole series while we are on the subject. I cannot wait for my girls to be old enough to love it like I do. Or, for them to be old enough for me to read it to them whether they love it or not (but also old enough so they don't have nightmares or cry too much about the orphan/unloving guardian part - that is sad)
So, in sum, Harry Potter is awesome. I loved the movie too and cried in advance of all the truly sad parts because I knew they were coming and I got sad just thinking about it. So basically it was a lot of me crying in advance, crying when actually called for, and overall happiness because I had been waiting for that movie for A LONG TIME!!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
No. 46: Smokin' Seventeen
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
Did you know that Janet Evanovich celebrates my birthday? She totally does! Every year, right before my birthday, she releases a new Stephanie Plum book so I can get it as a birthday present! Isn't that sweet? I am thinking of sending a thank you note. I am not sure how many years this has gone on, but at least 5 or 6 if not more. It is awesome to have such a great and famous author recognize my birthday like this :)
Anyway, this is obviously number 17 in the series. And despite a slight repetition in theme, I loved it! I mean, the repetition is what I love - I need some Lula talking crap, the destruction of cars, a trip to the funeral home, a mysterious killer stalking Stephanie. I need it all, or it wouldn't be the same book. Now I will say that this book was slightly different in a few key ways.
(1) More Ranger - and more sexy Ranger which I am 100% in favor of. Seriously.
(2) Less Joe - which is sad, but I guess if you are going to have more Ranger the inevitable result is less Joe. Overall the series has been more focused on Stephanie and Joe's relationship so I can appreciate the break. Especially since said break lead to item 1 on our list.
(3) More explicit sex scenes. Now this doesn't come close to some things I have read (and I am glad) but I thought it was a little sexier than the other books. This may because it was the Ranger show and Ranger is more overtly sexy than Joe (although I can't say that is really true because Joe is pretty hot too). Or it may be because the author felt like it and I am reading too much into it because it is a book and not real people. Hard to say.
Anyway, to sum up - loved it, love Ranger, love Janet Evanovich, love my birthday.
Did you know that Janet Evanovich celebrates my birthday? She totally does! Every year, right before my birthday, she releases a new Stephanie Plum book so I can get it as a birthday present! Isn't that sweet? I am thinking of sending a thank you note. I am not sure how many years this has gone on, but at least 5 or 6 if not more. It is awesome to have such a great and famous author recognize my birthday like this :)
Anyway, this is obviously number 17 in the series. And despite a slight repetition in theme, I loved it! I mean, the repetition is what I love - I need some Lula talking crap, the destruction of cars, a trip to the funeral home, a mysterious killer stalking Stephanie. I need it all, or it wouldn't be the same book. Now I will say that this book was slightly different in a few key ways.
(1) More Ranger - and more sexy Ranger which I am 100% in favor of. Seriously.
(2) Less Joe - which is sad, but I guess if you are going to have more Ranger the inevitable result is less Joe. Overall the series has been more focused on Stephanie and Joe's relationship so I can appreciate the break. Especially since said break lead to item 1 on our list.
(3) More explicit sex scenes. Now this doesn't come close to some things I have read (and I am glad) but I thought it was a little sexier than the other books. This may because it was the Ranger show and Ranger is more overtly sexy than Joe (although I can't say that is really true because Joe is pretty hot too). Or it may be because the author felt like it and I am reading too much into it because it is a book and not real people. Hard to say.
Anyway, to sum up - loved it, love Ranger, love Janet Evanovich, love my birthday.
Monday, June 20, 2011
No. 45: Always the Baker, Never the Bride
Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
This was another free kindle book that I got some time ago and forgot about. I like it when that happens because then when I find it is a happy surprise, and I am usually desperate for something to read. Which I was in this case. I am not sure what genre I would put this in, it is sort of a hybrid inspirational/cosy/romanceish book. But good, because the inspirational aspect was not nearly as annoying as it can be, the cosy cake baking stuff was good because I like cake and baking cakes and recipes, and the romanceish part was alright too. I also enjoyed the secondary characters quite a bit - especially the parents and the MMC's sisters. Not a super ringing endorsement, but I had quite low expectations and they were surpassed. I should also note that I was grumpy when I read this book, so if/when I re-read it I am sure I will have a lot more to say.
This was another free kindle book that I got some time ago and forgot about. I like it when that happens because then when I find it is a happy surprise, and I am usually desperate for something to read. Which I was in this case. I am not sure what genre I would put this in, it is sort of a hybrid inspirational/cosy/romanceish book. But good, because the inspirational aspect was not nearly as annoying as it can be, the cosy cake baking stuff was good because I like cake and baking cakes and recipes, and the romanceish part was alright too. I also enjoyed the secondary characters quite a bit - especially the parents and the MMC's sisters. Not a super ringing endorsement, but I had quite low expectations and they were surpassed. I should also note that I was grumpy when I read this book, so if/when I re-read it I am sure I will have a lot more to say.
No. 44: The Lost Hero
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
I have read this book before, and I liked it a lot then, and I liked it a lot the second time too. I can't wait until the second book in the series comes out. But that isn't until October!
I have read this book before, and I liked it a lot then, and I liked it a lot the second time too. I can't wait until the second book in the series comes out. But that isn't until October!
Nos. 42 and 43: The Kane Chronicles
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The Throne of Fire
I read all of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, then I read the Lost Hero and have been not so patiently waiting for the next installment of that series (The Heroes of Olympus) which doesn't come out until OCTOBER! to come out. So clearly I needed something to read. Then I noticed that Rick Riordan had another series out! Hooray for me! This one is very much like the other two but instead of Greek and Roman gods it is about Egyptian gods, which is very interesting to me because I love to watch televisions shows about Egypt and the pyramids and mummies. I do not however want to go to Egypt, however beautiful and mysterious and amazing it might be, because it seems like it would be filled with bugs and snakes and crocodiles. And I am afraid of those things.
Anyway, this series is focused on a brother and sister who discover that they are both magicians AND direct ancestors of the great Pharaohs of Egypt AND may be hosts/possessed by gods and are responsible for saving the world from an evil god who wants to destroy it. So clearly similar to the other series, but different enough to keep it interesting. One thing I liked is a sort of reference to the Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus thing by mentioning that Manhattan is off limits and that there are other things going on over there (ie: Mount Olympus!)
The Throne of Fire
I read all of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, then I read the Lost Hero and have been not so patiently waiting for the next installment of that series (The Heroes of Olympus) which doesn't come out until OCTOBER! to come out. So clearly I needed something to read. Then I noticed that Rick Riordan had another series out! Hooray for me! This one is very much like the other two but instead of Greek and Roman gods it is about Egyptian gods, which is very interesting to me because I love to watch televisions shows about Egypt and the pyramids and mummies. I do not however want to go to Egypt, however beautiful and mysterious and amazing it might be, because it seems like it would be filled with bugs and snakes and crocodiles. And I am afraid of those things.
Anyway, this series is focused on a brother and sister who discover that they are both magicians AND direct ancestors of the great Pharaohs of Egypt AND may be hosts/possessed by gods and are responsible for saving the world from an evil god who wants to destroy it. So clearly similar to the other series, but different enough to keep it interesting. One thing I liked is a sort of reference to the Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus thing by mentioning that Manhattan is off limits and that there are other things going on over there (ie: Mount Olympus!)
Nos. 38 - 41: Sophie Green Mystery Series
I, Spy? by Kate Johnson
Ugley Business
A is for Apple
Still Waters
This whole series started with a free kindle book - I, Spy?
Authors, if you want to hook me and get me to buy every book you have ever written, all you need to do is offer the first book in a series (you know, if it is good) for free on kindle and I guarantee I will spend all my money to buy the rest. Just ask Aaron. I can't even tell you how many times I have done it. A lot.
Anyway, this is kind of a mystery/action/crime/spy/romance in the same vein as the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovitch but set in ENGLAND! So it is awesome and full of slang I don't know and funny names for things and you can imagine that everyone has a cool accent. I love England. I want to marry Prince Harry and move there. I totally think I can pass Avery off as his illegitimate love child - she totally looks just like him.
Anyway, back to the books, the main character is Sophie Green who kind of accidentally becomes a spy and at the same time has a relationship with her super hot spy partner and murder and mystery and shenanigans ensue. And it is funny, which I think is a very high recommendation indeed. I love funny books that still have elements of romance and action. And there are four! So it is even better. Hopefully the series continues because I am way into it and I need more!
Ugley Business
A is for Apple
Still Waters
This whole series started with a free kindle book - I, Spy?
Authors, if you want to hook me and get me to buy every book you have ever written, all you need to do is offer the first book in a series (you know, if it is good) for free on kindle and I guarantee I will spend all my money to buy the rest. Just ask Aaron. I can't even tell you how many times I have done it. A lot.
Anyway, this is kind of a mystery/action/crime/spy/romance in the same vein as the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovitch but set in ENGLAND! So it is awesome and full of slang I don't know and funny names for things and you can imagine that everyone has a cool accent. I love England. I want to marry Prince Harry and move there. I totally think I can pass Avery off as his illegitimate love child - she totally looks just like him.
Anyway, back to the books, the main character is Sophie Green who kind of accidentally becomes a spy and at the same time has a relationship with her super hot spy partner and murder and mystery and shenanigans ensue. And it is funny, which I think is a very high recommendation indeed. I love funny books that still have elements of romance and action. And there are four! So it is even better. Hopefully the series continues because I am way into it and I need more!
No. 37: Just Like Heaven
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
Yet again I have failed in my resolution to keep up with this blog. I don't know what is up with me this year, maybe I am busier or more add or less organized or all three. Whatever it is, I am accepting it and moving on. So I am going to make an effort to blog the books I have read, but I am starting with most recent first because then I may have some chance, however slim, to remember the book.
I just read this earlier in the week, so I should remember it. Also, I LOVE Julia Quinn, and all of her books so I can tell you (even if I didn't remember it - which I do) that it is awesome and totally worth reading! This is in the same world as her Bridgerton series and involves a member of the infamous Smyth-Smith family, in particular a violinist in the quartet. If you have read any of this author's recent books you know what I am talking about. Anyway, it is very good and as always very funny and charming. I totally recommend to anyone all the books in this semi interconnected series.
Yet again I have failed in my resolution to keep up with this blog. I don't know what is up with me this year, maybe I am busier or more add or less organized or all three. Whatever it is, I am accepting it and moving on. So I am going to make an effort to blog the books I have read, but I am starting with most recent first because then I may have some chance, however slim, to remember the book.
I just read this earlier in the week, so I should remember it. Also, I LOVE Julia Quinn, and all of her books so I can tell you (even if I didn't remember it - which I do) that it is awesome and totally worth reading! This is in the same world as her Bridgerton series and involves a member of the infamous Smyth-Smith family, in particular a violinist in the quartet. If you have read any of this author's recent books you know what I am talking about. Anyway, it is very good and as always very funny and charming. I totally recommend to anyone all the books in this semi interconnected series.
Monday, May 9, 2011
No. 36: Gone With the Wind
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I used to read this book every single year. Like for maybe 10 years in a row starting in 5th or 6th grade. Then my copy of the book disintegrated from over use and I didn't get another copy until now. But you know what? It is still great, although I am sure (much like the other books I have re-read from my youth) I feel a lot different about the characters now than I did then. for example, Scarlett is annoyingly lacking in self awareness - like to the extent that she probably has a personality disorder. And Ashley is kind of a jerk. But Rhett still seems pretty awesome to me! And I would still love to have all those dresses! Some things never change.
An amazing book, maybe I will revive the annual reading tradition.
I used to read this book every single year. Like for maybe 10 years in a row starting in 5th or 6th grade. Then my copy of the book disintegrated from over use and I didn't get another copy until now. But you know what? It is still great, although I am sure (much like the other books I have re-read from my youth) I feel a lot different about the characters now than I did then. for example, Scarlett is annoyingly lacking in self awareness - like to the extent that she probably has a personality disorder. And Ashley is kind of a jerk. But Rhett still seems pretty awesome to me! And I would still love to have all those dresses! Some things never change.
An amazing book, maybe I will revive the annual reading tradition.
No. 35: A Secret Affair
A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh
I literally cannot remember this book. I think it is the last in a series, featuring a cousin named Constantine? There is some family in-fighting and perhaps reconciliation? An affiar? A secret affair? I really don't know, it was too long ago. I am going to have to read this over again for sure. I do love Mary Balogh.
I literally cannot remember this book. I think it is the last in a series, featuring a cousin named Constantine? There is some family in-fighting and perhaps reconciliation? An affiar? A secret affair? I really don't know, it was too long ago. I am going to have to read this over again for sure. I do love Mary Balogh.
No. 34: Breaking the Rules
Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann
This is the newest Suzanne Brockmann book. I tried to buy it the day it was released at Barnes and Noble - to add to my Suzanne Brockmann book collection obviously - but the sales person there was convinced that it wouldn't come out until 2024. So I gave up and got it for the Kindle so I could read it that night. Because when I need to read a Suzanne Brockmann book, I need to read it immediately.
Anyway, tragically I didn't love this book. It was all kind of eh for me. Which is unfortunate considering the amazing awesomeness this author is capable. Like, she writes maybe 5 of my 10 favorite books. So, it was disappointing. But worth a read. An eh book from this author is a heck of a lot better than a good book from some others.
This is the newest Suzanne Brockmann book. I tried to buy it the day it was released at Barnes and Noble - to add to my Suzanne Brockmann book collection obviously - but the sales person there was convinced that it wouldn't come out until 2024. So I gave up and got it for the Kindle so I could read it that night. Because when I need to read a Suzanne Brockmann book, I need to read it immediately.
Anyway, tragically I didn't love this book. It was all kind of eh for me. Which is unfortunate considering the amazing awesomeness this author is capable. Like, she writes maybe 5 of my 10 favorite books. So, it was disappointing. But worth a read. An eh book from this author is a heck of a lot better than a good book from some others.
No. 33. Hawken's Heart
Hawken's Heart by Suzanne Brockmann
Another Navy SEAL book - and yet, all this Navy SEAL love came before the whole SEAL v. bin Laden = awesomeness thing. Maybe I am psychic? Anyway, love this book! Because they think is a MURDERER! But he is INNOCENT, and Nell is the only one who believes him. But he is so distraught after the death/murder of his only father figure that he HAS NOTHING LEFT TO LIVE FOR, except VENGANCE! It is awesome, and caps worthy for sure. Love it!
Another Navy SEAL book - and yet, all this Navy SEAL love came before the whole SEAL v. bin Laden = awesomeness thing. Maybe I am psychic? Anyway, love this book! Because they think is a MURDERER! But he is INNOCENT, and Nell is the only one who believes him. But he is so distraught after the death/murder of his only father figure that he HAS NOTHING LEFT TO LIVE FOR, except VENGANCE! It is awesome, and caps worthy for sure. Love it!
No. 32: The Admiral's Bride
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
I do remember this book, but only because I LOVE IT, and I have read it dozens of times. And I LOVE IT! Although it has the potential to be creepy, I find the older guy younger girl thing to be kind of awesome. Sometimes. Like in this book, it is awesome. And about Navy SEALs doing awesome things. And I love the Navy SEALs.
Read this book. That is all.
I do remember this book, but only because I LOVE IT, and I have read it dozens of times. And I LOVE IT! Although it has the potential to be creepy, I find the older guy younger girl thing to be kind of awesome. Sometimes. Like in this book, it is awesome. And about Navy SEALs doing awesome things. And I love the Navy SEALs.
Read this book. That is all.
No. 31: Saving Grace - I am SO FAR BEHIND!!!
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
I am so far behind in posting, I literally do not remember this book. It is aboutKing John, and evil Barons, and hot Scottish guys, so it can't be bad!
Yikes, the next bunch of posts are going to be crappy because I have almost 2 months of books to post about. Sorry. Also not in the order I read them. I have a stack of books sitting by my computer (and it keeps getting knocked over by a baby) and a bunch more read on the kindle and some on the ipad. Bad bad blogger - hopefully I can get them all counted at least.
I bet I liked this book though, I do love Julie Garwood!
I am so far behind in posting, I literally do not remember this book. It is aboutKing John, and evil Barons, and hot Scottish guys, so it can't be bad!
Yikes, the next bunch of posts are going to be crappy because I have almost 2 months of books to post about. Sorry. Also not in the order I read them. I have a stack of books sitting by my computer (and it keeps getting knocked over by a baby) and a bunch more read on the kindle and some on the ipad. Bad bad blogger - hopefully I can get them all counted at least.
I bet I liked this book though, I do love Julie Garwood!
Friday, March 18, 2011
No. 30: Redwall
Redwall by Brian Jacques
This is the first book in the Redwall series. It is awesome - I totally recommend this series to anyone from like 4th grade up to adult. Seriously, go to the store and buy it. I can't wait until my girls are old enough so we can read it together!
This is the first book in the Redwall series. It is awesome - I totally recommend this series to anyone from like 4th grade up to adult. Seriously, go to the store and buy it. I can't wait until my girls are old enough so we can read it together!
No. 29: A Christmas Promise
A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh
I know it is not Christmas anymore, but the Borders in Anchorage is closing and all holiday books were 75% off and I love Mary Balogh and I had never read this book - so clearly I could not resist it.
Although, honestly, I did not have high expectations. I really dislike Balogh's more "traditional" Regency books because they are usually unbearably depressing. And this one could have definitely gone in that direction - an Earl (who knew there were so many hot and eligible Earls in Regency Era England!) inherited his title and a crap ton of debt from his wasteral of a cousin. He refused to sell his family home and so was in a bad position. Then, a very smart and devious (and RICH) lower class coal merchant buys up all the debt and proposes to the Earl that he will cancel the debt if the Earl agrees to marry his daughter.
He agrees (of course, or else there would be no need for the rest of the book) and meets the daughter and misunderstandings ensue - and fighting, but the high class Brittish aristocracy kind where instead of yelling at each other they become very cold and bitter. Then she invites her whole low class family of like 20 something people to the Earl's estate for Christmas - to teach him a lesson about thinking he is better than them or something. Will they ever get over their misunderstandings in time to have a nice Christmas and a nicer marriage? In other words, will they live happily ever after or not?
I am not telling.
I know it is not Christmas anymore, but the Borders in Anchorage is closing and all holiday books were 75% off and I love Mary Balogh and I had never read this book - so clearly I could not resist it.
Although, honestly, I did not have high expectations. I really dislike Balogh's more "traditional" Regency books because they are usually unbearably depressing. And this one could have definitely gone in that direction - an Earl (who knew there were so many hot and eligible Earls in Regency Era England!) inherited his title and a crap ton of debt from his wasteral of a cousin. He refused to sell his family home and so was in a bad position. Then, a very smart and devious (and RICH) lower class coal merchant buys up all the debt and proposes to the Earl that he will cancel the debt if the Earl agrees to marry his daughter.
He agrees (of course, or else there would be no need for the rest of the book) and meets the daughter and misunderstandings ensue - and fighting, but the high class Brittish aristocracy kind where instead of yelling at each other they become very cold and bitter. Then she invites her whole low class family of like 20 something people to the Earl's estate for Christmas - to teach him a lesson about thinking he is better than them or something. Will they ever get over their misunderstandings in time to have a nice Christmas and a nicer marriage? In other words, will they live happily ever after or not?
I am not telling.
No. 28: The Lady Most Likely...
The Lady Most Likely... by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway
Interestingly, this book was written jointly by three very popular historical romance novel authors, including one of my favorites - Julia London! I was surprised by how well the book flowed together despite the numerous authors, I wouldn't have known just by reading it.
This book is set at a summer house party, held by the sister of an Earl for the sole purpose of finding said Earl an appropriate wife. It generally follows 3 potential pairings, two Earls and a Captain and their prospective mates. All of the pairings have a little drama, a lot of romance, and some humor thrown in - my favorite combination!
I really enjoyed this book - it makes me think I should look into reading some books by Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. And it is good timing because I really do need some new authors to read, I am running out of books :)
Interestingly, this book was written jointly by three very popular historical romance novel authors, including one of my favorites - Julia London! I was surprised by how well the book flowed together despite the numerous authors, I wouldn't have known just by reading it.
This book is set at a summer house party, held by the sister of an Earl for the sole purpose of finding said Earl an appropriate wife. It generally follows 3 potential pairings, two Earls and a Captain and their prospective mates. All of the pairings have a little drama, a lot of romance, and some humor thrown in - my favorite combination!
I really enjoyed this book - it makes me think I should look into reading some books by Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. And it is good timing because I really do need some new authors to read, I am running out of books :)
No. 27: Miss Fortune
Miss Fortune by Julia London
I have always enjoyed London's historical novels, but I wasn't sure what to think when I started this contemporary one. Generally speaking, I dislike novels where the author makes a huge deal about the FMC being overweight but guys finding her desperately attractive anyways. It seems like the author is trying to hard to appeal to overweight readers. Or maybe that is just what it seemed like was happening in this book. The FMC's sisters are thin, her best friend is thin, and 80% of the book is the FMC talking about being fat, feeling fat, binge eating or having self esteem issues. But nevertheless, a super hot Brittish guy (whose slang is SO cliche I could hardly bear it) finds her to have an amazing body. So either this girl has some body dysmorphia or the guy likes fat chicks.
I didn't like the "secret" and that the FMC was such a doormat and so completely oblivious - which she blamed on her self esteem issues, but I thought was a direct consequence of her complete lack of common sense. I mean the entire book I wanted to smack some sense into her. Probably not the feelings the author wanted the reader to have for the main character.
So, in conclusion, I found the FMC unbearably annoying, many of the secondary characters equally if not more annoying, and the little plot devices the author used to add drama were also annoying. Or maybe I am just in a bad mood. Sometimes it is hard to tell :)
I have always enjoyed London's historical novels, but I wasn't sure what to think when I started this contemporary one. Generally speaking, I dislike novels where the author makes a huge deal about the FMC being overweight but guys finding her desperately attractive anyways. It seems like the author is trying to hard to appeal to overweight readers. Or maybe that is just what it seemed like was happening in this book. The FMC's sisters are thin, her best friend is thin, and 80% of the book is the FMC talking about being fat, feeling fat, binge eating or having self esteem issues. But nevertheless, a super hot Brittish guy (whose slang is SO cliche I could hardly bear it) finds her to have an amazing body. So either this girl has some body dysmorphia or the guy likes fat chicks.
I didn't like the "secret" and that the FMC was such a doormat and so completely oblivious - which she blamed on her self esteem issues, but I thought was a direct consequence of her complete lack of common sense. I mean the entire book I wanted to smack some sense into her. Probably not the feelings the author wanted the reader to have for the main character.
So, in conclusion, I found the FMC unbearably annoying, many of the secondary characters equally if not more annoying, and the little plot devices the author used to add drama were also annoying. Or maybe I am just in a bad mood. Sometimes it is hard to tell :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
No. 26: The First Four Years
The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I didn't love this one as much. Poor Laura, she has had a lot of hardship and tragedy in her life. And it just keeps coming, more bad crops, more debt, losing her baby, Alamanzo's mystery disease, the fire, hail, terrible illness, that sad sad scene with the Boasts after Rose was born it just never stops. It makes me sad so I don't like it half as much as the last book which pretty much only made me happy.
I did like the description of the pantry in Laura and Alamanzo's new house - actually all the description of her moving in and settling into married life was pretty good. You can tell how much they loved each other and Rose. But overall, this is not in the save vein as the other books - probably because it was not written at the same time as the others but rather is based on a diary of Laura's and was published after Laura and Rose's deaths.
I had to read it to finish the series, but if you are reading this series with kids - I would leave it out. Then they can end on the happy note of Laura and Alamanzo's upcoming marriage and have hopeful thoughts for their future.
I didn't love this one as much. Poor Laura, she has had a lot of hardship and tragedy in her life. And it just keeps coming, more bad crops, more debt, losing her baby, Alamanzo's mystery disease, the fire, hail, terrible illness, that sad sad scene with the Boasts after Rose was born it just never stops. It makes me sad so I don't like it half as much as the last book which pretty much only made me happy.
I did like the description of the pantry in Laura and Alamanzo's new house - actually all the description of her moving in and settling into married life was pretty good. You can tell how much they loved each other and Rose. But overall, this is not in the save vein as the other books - probably because it was not written at the same time as the others but rather is based on a diary of Laura's and was published after Laura and Rose's deaths.
I had to read it to finish the series, but if you are reading this series with kids - I would leave it out. Then they can end on the happy note of Laura and Alamanzo's upcoming marriage and have hopeful thoughts for their future.
No. 25: These Happy Golden Years
These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Okay, officially, this is my favorite book in the season. It has so many excellent components! Fashion, I cannot get enough of the dress descriptions. I am dying to make a replica dress from this book - it would be amazing. And perhaps amazingly dorky. But whatever. There is romance, it is 100% totally awesomely romantic that Alamanzo would go pick Laura up every weekend from the horrible house she stays at while teaching school. He is like a knight in shining buffalo robes. There is sadness, when Mary goes to college and they buy an organ with Laura's hard earned money and Mary doesn't come home for the summer. There are social events, and a Christmas tree and more romance and more dresses and everthing good and exciting about this series. Definitely the best of them all!
Okay, officially, this is my favorite book in the season. It has so many excellent components! Fashion, I cannot get enough of the dress descriptions. I am dying to make a replica dress from this book - it would be amazing. And perhaps amazingly dorky. But whatever. There is romance, it is 100% totally awesomely romantic that Alamanzo would go pick Laura up every weekend from the horrible house she stays at while teaching school. He is like a knight in shining buffalo robes. There is sadness, when Mary goes to college and they buy an organ with Laura's hard earned money and Mary doesn't come home for the summer. There are social events, and a Christmas tree and more romance and more dresses and everthing good and exciting about this series. Definitely the best of them all!
No. 24: Little Town on the Prarie
Little Town on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I maybe lied. This might be my favorite one (althogh - spoiler alert, the next one is really my favorite) But this one is so good too! Laura is growing up! She starts working to help send Mary to college. She starts seeing Alamanzo socially. Ohhhh. It is all very exciting.
I maybe lied. This might be my favorite one (althogh - spoiler alert, the next one is really my favorite) But this one is so good too! Laura is growing up! She starts working to help send Mary to college. She starts seeing Alamanzo socially. Ohhhh. It is all very exciting.
No. 23: Little House in the Big Woods
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I finally managed to get this first book in the Little House series. It is one of my favorites for sure! I love the sugaring off dance and descriptions of hair and the dresses. I love their cute little life in the woods, and Pa goes off hunting, and they butcher a pig (and play with the bladder and eat the tail - ew) and Pa almost gets attacked by a panther and thinks a tree is a bear. It is all good. Perhaps that is why I got so annoyed with Pa when he decided to move the family west. The woods seem like a nice place to live.
I finally managed to get this first book in the Little House series. It is one of my favorites for sure! I love the sugaring off dance and descriptions of hair and the dresses. I love their cute little life in the woods, and Pa goes off hunting, and they butcher a pig (and play with the bladder and eat the tail - ew) and Pa almost gets attacked by a panther and thinks a tree is a bear. It is all good. Perhaps that is why I got so annoyed with Pa when he decided to move the family west. The woods seem like a nice place to live.
Friday, February 18, 2011
No. 22: Mattimeo
Mattimeo by Brian Jacques
I must be on some kind of books of my youth nostalgia kick because I have been reading the Little House on the Prarie series and now I am working on the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. This is one of my most favorite series from when I was a kid - I don't remember when I started reading it, maybe 5th grade, but I read the books consistently through high school and perodically since then. And my brother Matt read them all and loved them too - they really are not girl books per se, more action and battles than anything. And now I found Mattimeo at the thrift store on buy one get one free day so I bought it and got another in the series for free! And I remember that I still love them and now I want to find them all - both to read myself and to collect for the girl's book collection. Which, by the way, is becoming quite extensive. I should do a post on it someday.
Anyway, Mattimeo, this is the 3rd or 4th in the series. Redwall Abbey is attacked by a band of villians lead by a masked Fox known as Slagar. Slagar and his band are slavers and kidnap Mattimeo (son of the great warrior mouse Matthias) and some of his friends with the intent to sell them into slavery to a polecat (not sure what that is) and his evil rat minions. When the kidnapping is discovered, Matthias, as the warrior of Redwall, and some other brave animals including a hare, a hedgehog, a squirrel, some shrews and a badger, go off to the rescue. And there are many battles, an earthquake, a poetry spouting owl, and delicious sounding food, funny accents, and general awesomeness. Definitely recommended!!!
After I read this book I looked up the author's website to see how many there are currently in the series (and the answer is A LOT) but I was very sad to discover that Brian Jacques has very recently passed away. He was definitely an amazing and prolific author.
I must be on some kind of books of my youth nostalgia kick because I have been reading the Little House on the Prarie series and now I am working on the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. This is one of my most favorite series from when I was a kid - I don't remember when I started reading it, maybe 5th grade, but I read the books consistently through high school and perodically since then. And my brother Matt read them all and loved them too - they really are not girl books per se, more action and battles than anything. And now I found Mattimeo at the thrift store on buy one get one free day so I bought it and got another in the series for free! And I remember that I still love them and now I want to find them all - both to read myself and to collect for the girl's book collection. Which, by the way, is becoming quite extensive. I should do a post on it someday.
Anyway, Mattimeo, this is the 3rd or 4th in the series. Redwall Abbey is attacked by a band of villians lead by a masked Fox known as Slagar. Slagar and his band are slavers and kidnap Mattimeo (son of the great warrior mouse Matthias) and some of his friends with the intent to sell them into slavery to a polecat (not sure what that is) and his evil rat minions. When the kidnapping is discovered, Matthias, as the warrior of Redwall, and some other brave animals including a hare, a hedgehog, a squirrel, some shrews and a badger, go off to the rescue. And there are many battles, an earthquake, a poetry spouting owl, and delicious sounding food, funny accents, and general awesomeness. Definitely recommended!!!
After I read this book I looked up the author's website to see how many there are currently in the series (and the answer is A LOT) but I was very sad to discover that Brian Jacques has very recently passed away. He was definitely an amazing and prolific author.
No. 22: Impulse
Impulse by Nora Roberts
This is an OLD Nora Roberts book - I found it in our Jeep when we cleaned it out to sell it. It had a price sticker from the half price book store in Des Moines (where I have not lived since 2005) and it had a bookmark on page 11. So apparently I started it, lost it, and forgot about it completely for 6ish years. I imagine this is not the first time it has happened to me.
Anyway this book was okay, I really loved the plot, but the characters and execution were only so-so. I mean, not that I could actually write a better book than Nora Roberts (because I am almost positive I cannot) but when I read the back cover the story that popped into my mind was WAY better than reality.
Nevertheless, the actual book was pretty okay - a very boring, safe accountant decides to start living her life and to be adventerous for the first time. She quits her job, sells everything she has and goes to tour Europe. I am telling you right now, if I was single and without kids I would immediately begin figuring out how I could do the same. It sounds awesome! She ends up in Greece where she meets a very handsome stranger who starts to romance her. All good so far right, this book seems really good at this point. But then, tragically, it starts to go down hill. The MMC is kind of jerky and sort of angry (and not in a good way) and the FMC is about to SERIOUSLY overreact and ruin everything by being too sensitive and stupid. And I hate that.
There are some books where the MMC can be kind of jerky and angry but it is somehow very compelling and sexy. And there are some books where the FMC can misunderstand situations or the MMC's feelings about her and react badly but it is good because then the MMC is forced to find her or otherwise resolve the misunderstanding and profess his love for her and live happily ever after. I LOVE those kind of books. Perhaps in the top 5 of kinds of romance novels I love. But this book didn't quite make it. It was going there, it started so good, but the characters didn't do it for me.
This is an OLD Nora Roberts book - I found it in our Jeep when we cleaned it out to sell it. It had a price sticker from the half price book store in Des Moines (where I have not lived since 2005) and it had a bookmark on page 11. So apparently I started it, lost it, and forgot about it completely for 6ish years. I imagine this is not the first time it has happened to me.
Anyway this book was okay, I really loved the plot, but the characters and execution were only so-so. I mean, not that I could actually write a better book than Nora Roberts (because I am almost positive I cannot) but when I read the back cover the story that popped into my mind was WAY better than reality.
Nevertheless, the actual book was pretty okay - a very boring, safe accountant decides to start living her life and to be adventerous for the first time. She quits her job, sells everything she has and goes to tour Europe. I am telling you right now, if I was single and without kids I would immediately begin figuring out how I could do the same. It sounds awesome! She ends up in Greece where she meets a very handsome stranger who starts to romance her. All good so far right, this book seems really good at this point. But then, tragically, it starts to go down hill. The MMC is kind of jerky and sort of angry (and not in a good way) and the FMC is about to SERIOUSLY overreact and ruin everything by being too sensitive and stupid. And I hate that.
There are some books where the MMC can be kind of jerky and angry but it is somehow very compelling and sexy. And there are some books where the FMC can misunderstand situations or the MMC's feelings about her and react badly but it is good because then the MMC is forced to find her or otherwise resolve the misunderstanding and profess his love for her and live happily ever after. I LOVE those kind of books. Perhaps in the top 5 of kinds of romance novels I love. But this book didn't quite make it. It was going there, it started so good, but the characters didn't do it for me.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No. 21: The Long Winter
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Oh, I know what happens next, The Long Winter. Yikes. So, the Ingalls family is living in their teeny tiny shack like house out on the homestead. They are happy because this is where they are going to stay - Ma has finally put her foot down and demanded that Pa find them a place to settle so the girls can get some schooling and stability in their lives. Which I think is admirable.
But then, one day, Pa is in town and a wise old Indian comes into the store and indicates (I cant remember if he talked or used hand signals or a combination) that this coming winter will be a very cold and snowy one. Pa finds this persuasive, particualrly in combination with compelling muskrat related evidence. So he (wisely) decides to move his family into town instead of attempting to survive the winter in the homestead shack.
Well, the winter is indeed long and terrible and they almost starve to death. And, although it is not mentioned, I would be willing to bet a lot of money that they all got scurvey. You cannot go an entire winter eating almost nothing but bread and a few potatoes. It is not healthy. Anyway, thanks to the daring efforts of Cap Garland (my particular favorite) and Alamazo Wilde (almost as good as Cap) the town was able to purchase some wheat from a crazy homesteader way outside of town. Cap did it out of the goodness of his heart, Alamanzo did it out of guilt because he refused to sacrifice his future potential wheat crop so that people didn't starve to death. Although risking your life and almost dying is a pretty good way to say "Sorry I care more about myself and my future wheat than I care about the people of this town."
Anyway, obviously they didn't all die, but I am sure there were long lasting effects from almost 7 months of near starvation. But it had a happpy ending and they got to eat turkey and cranberries when the train finally came through.
Oh, I know what happens next, The Long Winter. Yikes. So, the Ingalls family is living in their teeny tiny shack like house out on the homestead. They are happy because this is where they are going to stay - Ma has finally put her foot down and demanded that Pa find them a place to settle so the girls can get some schooling and stability in their lives. Which I think is admirable.
But then, one day, Pa is in town and a wise old Indian comes into the store and indicates (I cant remember if he talked or used hand signals or a combination) that this coming winter will be a very cold and snowy one. Pa finds this persuasive, particualrly in combination with compelling muskrat related evidence. So he (wisely) decides to move his family into town instead of attempting to survive the winter in the homestead shack.
Well, the winter is indeed long and terrible and they almost starve to death. And, although it is not mentioned, I would be willing to bet a lot of money that they all got scurvey. You cannot go an entire winter eating almost nothing but bread and a few potatoes. It is not healthy. Anyway, thanks to the daring efforts of Cap Garland (my particular favorite) and Alamazo Wilde (almost as good as Cap) the town was able to purchase some wheat from a crazy homesteader way outside of town. Cap did it out of the goodness of his heart, Alamanzo did it out of guilt because he refused to sacrifice his future potential wheat crop so that people didn't starve to death. Although risking your life and almost dying is a pretty good way to say "Sorry I care more about myself and my future wheat than I care about the people of this town."
Anyway, obviously they didn't all die, but I am sure there were long lasting effects from almost 7 months of near starvation. But it had a happpy ending and they got to eat turkey and cranberries when the train finally came through.
No. 20: On the Shores of Silver Lake
On the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Oh Pa, what is with you and your complete inability to just hang out and be happy. Yes you were living at Plum Creek for like 2 years (which is like 100 years in Pa time) and yes your poor poor family has sufferd horribly during that time - let us not forget the horrifying grasshopper incident, also random fires, the evil Nellie and most tragic of all, the scarlett fever epidemic that left Mary blind. I mean, wow, that family has had a rough couple of years. But you have a house! Animals! You live near town! You are creek and plum tree adjacent!
But you know Pa, he is restless, so when Aunt Docia stops by and invites Pa to immediately sell their house and come west to work on the railroad he agrees. Despite the fact that he is now forcing his family (recently recovered from scarlett fever) to sell their crap and move again. Also let us not forget that he is leaving NOW, so Ma has to care for Mary (blind), Laura (helpful but headstrong), Carrie (peaked) and Grace (baby) all by herself on the train! But, they do it anyway and get to live in a shanty on the shores of Silver Lake.
Then some good news, they get to move into the surveyors house which is fancy and full of food. So for one happy winter they get to have food and warm and safe. Then Pa finds a homestead, builds a building in town and mows a crap ton of hay ably assisted by Laura. And she meets Alamanzo and likes his horses.
It seems like things are looking up. I wonder what happens next...
Oh Pa, what is with you and your complete inability to just hang out and be happy. Yes you were living at Plum Creek for like 2 years (which is like 100 years in Pa time) and yes your poor poor family has sufferd horribly during that time - let us not forget the horrifying grasshopper incident, also random fires, the evil Nellie and most tragic of all, the scarlett fever epidemic that left Mary blind. I mean, wow, that family has had a rough couple of years. But you have a house! Animals! You live near town! You are creek and plum tree adjacent!
But you know Pa, he is restless, so when Aunt Docia stops by and invites Pa to immediately sell their house and come west to work on the railroad he agrees. Despite the fact that he is now forcing his family (recently recovered from scarlett fever) to sell their crap and move again. Also let us not forget that he is leaving NOW, so Ma has to care for Mary (blind), Laura (helpful but headstrong), Carrie (peaked) and Grace (baby) all by herself on the train! But, they do it anyway and get to live in a shanty on the shores of Silver Lake.
Then some good news, they get to move into the surveyors house which is fancy and full of food. So for one happy winter they get to have food and warm and safe. Then Pa finds a homestead, builds a building in town and mows a crap ton of hay ably assisted by Laura. And she meets Alamanzo and likes his horses.
It seems like things are looking up. I wonder what happens next...
Saturday, February 5, 2011
No. 19: On the Banks of Plum Creek
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This might be one of the more depressing books in the series (although none of them are really that happy) because after Pa rashly abandons their house in Indian Territory - he trades their wagon and ponies (not Pet and Patty! Laura's favorite! How cruel Pa!) to a Norweigan for his dugout house - basically a house dug out of the ground and covered in sod. A dirt house. Remember their previous house - now abandoned - had glass windows. Anyway, Ma is initially very slightly displeased, but Pa makes a joke and she gets over it. Plum Creek seems like a nice place at first, a creek, tons of plum trees, a place to swim, a wheat field. So Pa starts to get a little crazy and builds a big house on credit (with glass windows, and actual nails, and milled wood rather than logs) purely based on the speculation that his wheat crop will be wildly successful. And he buys Ma a big new stove and a store bought broom (every woman's dream!) although to be fair he also buys her dress fabric. So that is nice.
Anyway, tragedy strikes and a plague of grasshoppers descends on Minnesota and eats every plant for a hundred miles. This is literally one of the worst things I can imagine - maybe a plague of spiders would be worse - but I hate grasshoppers and their disgusting crunchy bodies. I can barely bring myself to read the grasshopper chapters. Anyway, the horrifying bugs eat the wheat, the Ingalls family is destitute. So Pa decides to leave his wife and three young daughters to care for the farm while he goes off to find work. I admire his initiative - especially since he had to walk like 300 miles in worn out boots, but if he hadn't moved his family out of Wisconsin none of this would have happened. Anyway, he finally comes back! And they are happy. But now it is winter and there are terrible blizzards all winter. And Pa almost freezes to death in one (in view of his house - but he couldn't see it for the snow) and he eats all the Christmas candy, but everyone is happy because he isn't dead. Isn't that a happy ending?
This might be one of the more depressing books in the series (although none of them are really that happy) because after Pa rashly abandons their house in Indian Territory - he trades their wagon and ponies (not Pet and Patty! Laura's favorite! How cruel Pa!) to a Norweigan for his dugout house - basically a house dug out of the ground and covered in sod. A dirt house. Remember their previous house - now abandoned - had glass windows. Anyway, Ma is initially very slightly displeased, but Pa makes a joke and she gets over it. Plum Creek seems like a nice place at first, a creek, tons of plum trees, a place to swim, a wheat field. So Pa starts to get a little crazy and builds a big house on credit (with glass windows, and actual nails, and milled wood rather than logs) purely based on the speculation that his wheat crop will be wildly successful. And he buys Ma a big new stove and a store bought broom (every woman's dream!) although to be fair he also buys her dress fabric. So that is nice.
Anyway, tragedy strikes and a plague of grasshoppers descends on Minnesota and eats every plant for a hundred miles. This is literally one of the worst things I can imagine - maybe a plague of spiders would be worse - but I hate grasshoppers and their disgusting crunchy bodies. I can barely bring myself to read the grasshopper chapters. Anyway, the horrifying bugs eat the wheat, the Ingalls family is destitute. So Pa decides to leave his wife and three young daughters to care for the farm while he goes off to find work. I admire his initiative - especially since he had to walk like 300 miles in worn out boots, but if he hadn't moved his family out of Wisconsin none of this would have happened. Anyway, he finally comes back! And they are happy. But now it is winter and there are terrible blizzards all winter. And Pa almost freezes to death in one (in view of his house - but he couldn't see it for the snow) and he eats all the Christmas candy, but everyone is happy because he isn't dead. Isn't that a happy ending?
No. 18: Little House on the Prarie
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Somehow I do not have Little House in The Big Woods which is the first in this series (although I have at least 2 copies of every other book in the series!) I decided to skip it for now and read starting with this one.
The book I read belonged to my Aunt Lisa - and I have had it forever and read it so many times the cover fell off. But I don't want a new one, I like this one that says "Lisa H" in my Grandma's handwriting on the top of the first page. So I am taping the cover back on.
Anyway, in this book Pa sells their cozy cabin in the big woods - the one where they have lived and were happy and had a cow and were near Ma's family - to move his wife and three daughters into Indian Country. Because he feels too crowded. Not that I think this is a bad idea (which I totally do) but I want you to fully understand how complient Ma is. If Aaron told me, lets sell our house and all our stuff to move way the heck out into the Bush because I think town is crowded I would wish him good luck and send him on his way alone.
Anyway, they drive forever and finally decide to settle. Pa builds a cabin (nearly killing Ma in the process) and hunts, then there is a fire, they get malaria, they are nearly attacked by Indians, and then at the end of all that, after a year of what I would consider to be extremely bad luck - Pa hears that the government is going to make the settlers leave Indian Territory (the nerve of that stupid government) but without waiting for official confirmation, he decides to leave his house (with glass windows which was a big deal), fields, cow and calf (are you sensing a theme here) and move to Minnesota.
I guess, what I am saying is - Pa is crazy and he is forever moving his family for no good reason and if I were Ma I would be headed back to the Big Woods of Wisconsin and moving back in with my family. But she is a good wife and loves Pa so she deals with it.
Somehow I do not have Little House in The Big Woods which is the first in this series (although I have at least 2 copies of every other book in the series!) I decided to skip it for now and read starting with this one.
The book I read belonged to my Aunt Lisa - and I have had it forever and read it so many times the cover fell off. But I don't want a new one, I like this one that says "Lisa H" in my Grandma's handwriting on the top of the first page. So I am taping the cover back on.
Anyway, in this book Pa sells their cozy cabin in the big woods - the one where they have lived and were happy and had a cow and were near Ma's family - to move his wife and three daughters into Indian Country. Because he feels too crowded. Not that I think this is a bad idea (which I totally do) but I want you to fully understand how complient Ma is. If Aaron told me, lets sell our house and all our stuff to move way the heck out into the Bush because I think town is crowded I would wish him good luck and send him on his way alone.
Anyway, they drive forever and finally decide to settle. Pa builds a cabin (nearly killing Ma in the process) and hunts, then there is a fire, they get malaria, they are nearly attacked by Indians, and then at the end of all that, after a year of what I would consider to be extremely bad luck - Pa hears that the government is going to make the settlers leave Indian Territory (the nerve of that stupid government) but without waiting for official confirmation, he decides to leave his house (with glass windows which was a big deal), fields, cow and calf (are you sensing a theme here) and move to Minnesota.
I guess, what I am saying is - Pa is crazy and he is forever moving his family for no good reason and if I were Ma I would be headed back to the Big Woods of Wisconsin and moving back in with my family. But she is a good wife and loves Pa so she deals with it.
No. 17: Farmer Boy
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Farmer Boy is my favorite of all the Little House on the Prarie books (except maybe tied with The Long Winter) and it always has been. I think it is an amazing description of what life was like. When I read it now though, it gives me slightly different feelings. I now feel lazy, without useful skills and that I am a terrible housekeeper. Not only do I not sew all of the clothes my family wears, I don't raise the sheep, shear them, spin the wool, and weave the cloth! I am totally useless!
Similarly, unlike Alamanzo's mother, when I have a little downtime at the end of a hard day of cleaning, baking, weaving, spinning, cooking, etc - I don't sit down to listen to my eldest daughter read the newspaper while I knit my husband socks. I don't ever knit anyone anything (because I can't) and also I would rather read myself or watch tv. Also I don't do all that work in one (or 100) days. Also if I decide to crochet (something I can do) I don't make anything as useful as socks. I am a failure.
Despite the negative feels of self worth I now have, I am going to keep reading this series even though I know that Ma (of Ma and Pa Ingalls fame) works pretty hard to and is happy with a heck of a lot less. So that will make me feel greedy, selfish and whiney. But whatever, I love this series anyways!
Farmer Boy is my favorite of all the Little House on the Prarie books (except maybe tied with The Long Winter) and it always has been. I think it is an amazing description of what life was like. When I read it now though, it gives me slightly different feelings. I now feel lazy, without useful skills and that I am a terrible housekeeper. Not only do I not sew all of the clothes my family wears, I don't raise the sheep, shear them, spin the wool, and weave the cloth! I am totally useless!
Similarly, unlike Alamanzo's mother, when I have a little downtime at the end of a hard day of cleaning, baking, weaving, spinning, cooking, etc - I don't sit down to listen to my eldest daughter read the newspaper while I knit my husband socks. I don't ever knit anyone anything (because I can't) and also I would rather read myself or watch tv. Also I don't do all that work in one (or 100) days. Also if I decide to crochet (something I can do) I don't make anything as useful as socks. I am a failure.
Despite the negative feels of self worth I now have, I am going to keep reading this series even though I know that Ma (of Ma and Pa Ingalls fame) works pretty hard to and is happy with a heck of a lot less. So that will make me feel greedy, selfish and whiney. But whatever, I love this series anyways!
No. 16: Finally Thin!
Finally Thin! by Kim Bensen
Yes the exclamation point is in the title. Anywa, I started Weight Watchers (and I am kicking butt btw) and my friend Jackie got this book for me. The author lost more than 200 lbs in 2 years doing WW. It is an amazing, touching and sometimes sad story. But I think really motivating, which I guess is the point. Anyway, I don't need to lose 200 lbs, or even 100 lbs, but I can still identify with the author's struggle with her weight. Hopefully I can continue to use this book to inspire me as I continue "my weight loss journey" Which, by the way, is a phrase that annoys me to no end! They say it at WW meetings and on The Biggest Loser and maybe even in the book. I think it is dumb, but I don't know why.
Anyway, the book also has quite a few recipes that look pretty good - I am going to try some out this weekend for the Super Bowl!
Yes the exclamation point is in the title. Anywa, I started Weight Watchers (and I am kicking butt btw) and my friend Jackie got this book for me. The author lost more than 200 lbs in 2 years doing WW. It is an amazing, touching and sometimes sad story. But I think really motivating, which I guess is the point. Anyway, I don't need to lose 200 lbs, or even 100 lbs, but I can still identify with the author's struggle with her weight. Hopefully I can continue to use this book to inspire me as I continue "my weight loss journey" Which, by the way, is a phrase that annoys me to no end! They say it at WW meetings and on The Biggest Loser and maybe even in the book. I think it is dumb, but I don't know why.
Anyway, the book also has quite a few recipes that look pretty good - I am going to try some out this weekend for the Super Bowl!
No. 15: Rebelious Desire
Rebelious Desire by Julie Garwood
I am still set on re-reading all of Garwood's books to see if my hypothesis regarding the FMC's is true.If this book is a true representation of the rest of her books (and I hope it is not) than my hypothesis is 100% accurate. In this book, the FMC - Caroline - is summoned from the Colonies where she was sent by her father the Earl after an unfortunate shooting incident when she is 4. She grows up in America raised by her Aunt and Uncle as their own child and as a sister to her cousins. Now she is back in England. In one of the first scenes in the book, Caroline, her cousin Chastity and their black friend are riding in a carriage when they hear gunfire. Their groom flees and Caroline calmly approaches the scene of the shooting, there she finds some ruffians holding a carriage at gunpoint, a man in the carriage has been shot. Caroline, as calm as anything shoots the gun out of the hand of the bad guy - they run away - and she tends to the gunshot wound of the injured man. Nothing phases her, she is totally in control and collected.
Then, HE shows up and she turns into a nervous bubmling flighty wreck! Why Julie Garwood? Why? Some examples:
The FMC, to herself, when thinking about her dealings with the MMC, "What had happened to her control, her independence?"
And later, "Caroline continued to stare at him. A thousand thoughts flew through her mind but she wasn't able to catch a single one. She was, for the first time in her life, completely overwhelmed."
So, clearly, my hypothesis holds up thus far. But, I admit this is not one of my favorite Garwood books. First of all, it is set in the Regency Era (which I usually love) but is not one of Garwood's strong points. Secondly, I think the MMC is a bit of a jerk and a bully and I don't like him. Thirdly, it isn't in Scotland nor is there a single FBI agent or cowboy - those are Garwood's strong points. So not a winner, but it is proving my hypothesis so not a total loss!
I am still set on re-reading all of Garwood's books to see if my hypothesis regarding the FMC's is true.If this book is a true representation of the rest of her books (and I hope it is not) than my hypothesis is 100% accurate. In this book, the FMC - Caroline - is summoned from the Colonies where she was sent by her father the Earl after an unfortunate shooting incident when she is 4. She grows up in America raised by her Aunt and Uncle as their own child and as a sister to her cousins. Now she is back in England. In one of the first scenes in the book, Caroline, her cousin Chastity and their black friend are riding in a carriage when they hear gunfire. Their groom flees and Caroline calmly approaches the scene of the shooting, there she finds some ruffians holding a carriage at gunpoint, a man in the carriage has been shot. Caroline, as calm as anything shoots the gun out of the hand of the bad guy - they run away - and she tends to the gunshot wound of the injured man. Nothing phases her, she is totally in control and collected.
Then, HE shows up and she turns into a nervous bubmling flighty wreck! Why Julie Garwood? Why? Some examples:
The FMC, to herself, when thinking about her dealings with the MMC, "What had happened to her control, her independence?"
And later, "Caroline continued to stare at him. A thousand thoughts flew through her mind but she wasn't able to catch a single one. She was, for the first time in her life, completely overwhelmed."
So, clearly, my hypothesis holds up thus far. But, I admit this is not one of my favorite Garwood books. First of all, it is set in the Regency Era (which I usually love) but is not one of Garwood's strong points. Secondly, I think the MMC is a bit of a jerk and a bully and I don't like him. Thirdly, it isn't in Scotland nor is there a single FBI agent or cowboy - those are Garwood's strong points. So not a winner, but it is proving my hypothesis so not a total loss!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
No. 14: Bloodfever
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
This is really the second book in the series and I totally forgot to post about it. Oops. I like parts of this one - Mac is becoming less unbearable - she worries less about her nailpolish which is good. There is a changing/progressing relationship between Mac and Barrons that I like. Although I am not sure at this point if he is good or bad (or if it matters) he is my favorite male character in the series so far. And there are a lot of male characters (all the other females except Dani and Rowenna blend together for me - and maybe that is the point, who knows)
Anyway, I still liked the series when I read this second installment - I just forgot to post about it!
This is really the second book in the series and I totally forgot to post about it. Oops. I like parts of this one - Mac is becoming less unbearable - she worries less about her nailpolish which is good. There is a changing/progressing relationship between Mac and Barrons that I like. Although I am not sure at this point if he is good or bad (or if it matters) he is my favorite male character in the series so far. And there are a lot of male characters (all the other females except Dani and Rowenna blend together for me - and maybe that is the point, who knows)
Anyway, I still liked the series when I read this second installment - I just forgot to post about it!
No. 13: Shadowfever
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
I wasn't sure the series could recover after the last book which I didn't care for at all. But, to my surprise this book was an improvement. Not awesome, but in parts it approached the goodness of the first book. I thought it was really intersting the way Mac responded to the death of the beast and how she resolved to go on after it. I thought the whole White Mansion (or whatever it is called) part was totally boring, but I was glad to see Christian again, I thought the part about the Keltars bringing their families to Dublin was kind of funny. I liked the parts at Chesters. I thought the Dani parts were good. I thought the baby monster part was weird but also sad and very informative into his father's motivations and actions. It made me really like him a lot more. I liked the Rowena resolution.
It was a good end to the series - at least I hope it is the end. I am not overly intersted in reading it all again any time soon. If you like fantasy/fae books this series is a lot better than others I have read so I would recommend it there, but if you don't care for that genre it isn't maybe for you. It is different than her Highlander series (which I vastly prefer) and now I might read since I have been reminded about Adam and the Keltars again. Although I think I might need a KMM break for awhile.
I wasn't sure the series could recover after the last book which I didn't care for at all. But, to my surprise this book was an improvement. Not awesome, but in parts it approached the goodness of the first book. I thought it was really intersting the way Mac responded to the death of the beast and how she resolved to go on after it. I thought the whole White Mansion (or whatever it is called) part was totally boring, but I was glad to see Christian again, I thought the part about the Keltars bringing their families to Dublin was kind of funny. I liked the parts at Chesters. I thought the Dani parts were good. I thought the baby monster part was weird but also sad and very informative into his father's motivations and actions. It made me really like him a lot more. I liked the Rowena resolution.
It was a good end to the series - at least I hope it is the end. I am not overly intersted in reading it all again any time soon. If you like fantasy/fae books this series is a lot better than others I have read so I would recommend it there, but if you don't care for that genre it isn't maybe for you. It is different than her Highlander series (which I vastly prefer) and now I might read since I have been reminded about Adam and the Keltars again. Although I think I might need a KMM break for awhile.
No. 12: Dreamfever
Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
The fourth book in the series. This is really where I lose interest and just read to finish and read the new one to finish the series. I don't actually like weird overly fairy/fantasy weird stuff. I like the relationships Mac has - and figuring out who is good or bad or if it matters - and whether she is good or bad or if it matters. But this is really the book that makes me not like the series. Which is weird because this was my most highly anticipated book of the series, I could not wait until it came out! And then when it did I read it and compeletely forgot everything about it because it was too weird and sort of boring in the middle.
The fourth book in the series. This is really where I lose interest and just read to finish and read the new one to finish the series. I don't actually like weird overly fairy/fantasy weird stuff. I like the relationships Mac has - and figuring out who is good or bad or if it matters - and whether she is good or bad or if it matters. But this is really the book that makes me not like the series. Which is weird because this was my most highly anticipated book of the series, I could not wait until it came out! And then when it did I read it and compeletely forgot everything about it because it was too weird and sort of boring in the middle.
No. 11: Faefever
Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
This is the third book in the series, and I liked it. Maybe not as much as the first twos books but it is still pretty good. She starts to get a little crazier, the whole series starts to get a little more into the "fairy woo woo" stuff than I really like, things start to get a little more gross than I like, but things are still good at this point and I want to keep reading to find out what happens.
Confession time - yet again I read the whole series in a row without stopping to blog about each book. I know I resolved to stop doing that. But apparantly I can't stop. I have done it twice already this year. Sorry!!!
This is the third book in the series, and I liked it. Maybe not as much as the first twos books but it is still pretty good. She starts to get a little crazier, the whole series starts to get a little more into the "fairy woo woo" stuff than I really like, things start to get a little more gross than I like, but things are still good at this point and I want to keep reading to find out what happens.
Confession time - yet again I read the whole series in a row without stopping to blog about each book. I know I resolved to stop doing that. But apparantly I can't stop. I have done it twice already this year. Sorry!!!
No 10. Darkfever
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
I have read parts of this series a few times - but the "last" book just came out so I thought I would read the whole series over from the begining. And I am kind of glad I did because I completely forgot everything that happened in the fourth book. And I mean completely, it is like I never read it. Weird.
Anyway, this is the first in the series and it is my favorite of the whole bunch. I wouldnt have even read this series if I had known where it was heading. But nevertheless - I liked this book quite a bit. The FMC MacKayla or Mac had an interesting journey and you could really see a change from the begning to the end that felt authentic (where later in the series her change felt overexagerated and forced)
I have read parts of this series a few times - but the "last" book just came out so I thought I would read the whole series over from the begining. And I am kind of glad I did because I completely forgot everything that happened in the fourth book. And I mean completely, it is like I never read it. Weird.
Anyway, this is the first in the series and it is my favorite of the whole bunch. I wouldnt have even read this series if I had known where it was heading. But nevertheless - I liked this book quite a bit. The FMC MacKayla or Mac had an interesting journey and you could really see a change from the begning to the end that felt authentic (where later in the series her change felt overexagerated and forced)
Monday, January 24, 2011
No. 9: Mercy
Mercy by Julie Garwood
I needed something to read so I turned to my favorite bookshelf, the one where I keep my favorite authors. And I grabbed the first Julie Garwood book I saw. Now admittedly, her contemporary crime/FBI stuff is not my favorite. Although I do love the FBI quite a bit. This one seemed more like a John Grisham type story - a mystery involving crime, a secretive group of white collar criminals expand their criminal enterprise into murder ... and mystery and drama and gun battles ensue.
While reading this book I came up with a hypothesis regarding Garwood's FMCs. They are all very similar whether they are a doctor in present day Lousiana, the daughter of a Baron in the Middle Ages in England or a choir singer in the wild west - they are all intelligent, independent and stubborn (which are good things) but they are also very easliy overcome around hot guys, they need constantly get them selves in dangerous situations and despite their many positive qualties seem kind of flightly. So, I am going to read more Julie Garwood books to test my hypothesis out - it will be a great hardship I am sure. I will keep you posted as I go along.
I needed something to read so I turned to my favorite bookshelf, the one where I keep my favorite authors. And I grabbed the first Julie Garwood book I saw. Now admittedly, her contemporary crime/FBI stuff is not my favorite. Although I do love the FBI quite a bit. This one seemed more like a John Grisham type story - a mystery involving crime, a secretive group of white collar criminals expand their criminal enterprise into murder ... and mystery and drama and gun battles ensue.
While reading this book I came up with a hypothesis regarding Garwood's FMCs. They are all very similar whether they are a doctor in present day Lousiana, the daughter of a Baron in the Middle Ages in England or a choir singer in the wild west - they are all intelligent, independent and stubborn (which are good things) but they are also very easliy overcome around hot guys, they need constantly get them selves in dangerous situations and despite their many positive qualties seem kind of flightly. So, I am going to read more Julie Garwood books to test my hypothesis out - it will be a great hardship I am sure. I will keep you posted as I go along.
No. 8: The Last Olympian
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
This is the last book in the Percy Jackson series, so clearly it has to be the most exciting - the whole fate of Olympus and the world as we know it rest on the outcome of the climactic battle between the half-bloods (and their allies) and Luke/Kronos and their evil associates. Or something like that.
This was a great book - totally action packed but it still had the friendship/relationship/family/personal stuff that is so interesting and makes the characters who are otherwise totally unrelatable at least somewhat relatable. I mean, obviously my Dad is not a God, but I still want him to be proud of me. Although I am shooting at more proud of me for being a nice person/good Mom/lawyer rather than proud of me for kicking butt and killing a dragon. But whatever - the underlying feeling is the same. Clarisse, I totally understand you now :)
Also, there is a little resolution in the Percy/Annabeth/Rachael love triangle. Also a little resolution in the whole Nico storyline which I for one am pleased about because I find him to be very interesting. I hope he shows up in the new series. Or maybe he needs his own spinoff. What does he do hanging out in the Underworld during the school year? I am curious!
Now there is nothing for me to do but to wait until the new book in the Heros of Olympus series comes out. I think in the fall. Wait and wait.
This is the last book in the Percy Jackson series, so clearly it has to be the most exciting - the whole fate of Olympus and the world as we know it rest on the outcome of the climactic battle between the half-bloods (and their allies) and Luke/Kronos and their evil associates. Or something like that.
This was a great book - totally action packed but it still had the friendship/relationship/family/personal stuff that is so interesting and makes the characters who are otherwise totally unrelatable at least somewhat relatable. I mean, obviously my Dad is not a God, but I still want him to be proud of me. Although I am shooting at more proud of me for being a nice person/good Mom/lawyer rather than proud of me for kicking butt and killing a dragon. But whatever - the underlying feeling is the same. Clarisse, I totally understand you now :)
Also, there is a little resolution in the Percy/Annabeth/Rachael love triangle. Also a little resolution in the whole Nico storyline which I for one am pleased about because I find him to be very interesting. I hope he shows up in the new series. Or maybe he needs his own spinoff. What does he do hanging out in the Underworld during the school year? I am curious!
Now there is nothing for me to do but to wait until the new book in the Heros of Olympus series comes out. I think in the fall. Wait and wait.
No. 7: Battle of the Labyrinth
Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Hah! Unlike the last book, I do remember some details about this book. Detail 1: It involved a labyrinth. Detail 2: It included battles. Detail 3: Percy Jackson made Mt. St. Helens erupt and it sent him to Calypso's island (at least I think it was Calypso - as an aside, after I read The Odyssey in 10th grade I thought Calypso was the coolest name ever and vowed to name my future daughter that. So, henceforth, I will be referring to Ella as Calypso. Sorry for any confusion.). Detail 4: It involved a labyrinth...wait, I already said that one.
Anyway, this very exciting book involving battles and a labyrinth is highly recommended.
Hah! Unlike the last book, I do remember some details about this book. Detail 1: It involved a labyrinth. Detail 2: It included battles. Detail 3: Percy Jackson made Mt. St. Helens erupt and it sent him to Calypso's island (at least I think it was Calypso - as an aside, after I read The Odyssey in 10th grade I thought Calypso was the coolest name ever and vowed to name my future daughter that. So, henceforth, I will be referring to Ella as Calypso. Sorry for any confusion.). Detail 4: It involved a labyrinth...wait, I already said that one.
Anyway, this very exciting book involving battles and a labyrinth is highly recommended.
No. 6: The Titans Curse
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
I am the worst book blogger ever - I get in a hurry and read a new book before I blog about the old book. And then the books get mixed up in my head and I can't remember what happend in which one. That is what happened here (obviously, I am not just saying all this for fun) and I don't know any details specific to this book. I apologize.
What I do know is that I loved this series and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it. So, whoever is reading this. If you have not read this series, you should.
I am the worst book blogger ever - I get in a hurry and read a new book before I blog about the old book. And then the books get mixed up in my head and I can't remember what happend in which one. That is what happened here (obviously, I am not just saying all this for fun) and I don't know any details specific to this book. I apologize.
What I do know is that I loved this series and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it. So, whoever is reading this. If you have not read this series, you should.
No. 5: The Sea of Monsters
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
I have a problem. I am addicted to series. If I start a series, I am compelled to finish it. If I have a choice between a book that is in a series and a single book I will always chose the series. I think it is because a series can seem like one really long book - and that appeals to me because a single book is never long enough.
So, I liked this one for the interaction between Percy and Tyson - the good and the bad because family is never all good and I hate it when books pretend it is. I also liked the quest in this one.
I have a confession - I have actually read the entire series already. I am the worst at posting before I read a new book. Another confession - I have already read 2 other books outside the series. Bad Holly!!!
I have a problem. I am addicted to series. If I start a series, I am compelled to finish it. If I have a choice between a book that is in a series and a single book I will always chose the series. I think it is because a series can seem like one really long book - and that appeals to me because a single book is never long enough.
So, I liked this one for the interaction between Percy and Tyson - the good and the bad because family is never all good and I hate it when books pretend it is. I also liked the quest in this one.
I have a confession - I have actually read the entire series already. I am the worst at posting before I read a new book. Another confession - I have already read 2 other books outside the series. Bad Holly!!!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
No. 4: The Lightning Theif
The Lightning Theif by Rick Riordan
After reading The Lost Hero and watching the Percy Jackson movie on HBO, I decided I might as well just re-read the Percy Jackson series.
I still liked it, I liked it much more than the movie - they changed so many things for the movie, it was almost an entirely different story than the book. Seriously, in the book Percy is in 6th grade - in the movie he looks at least 16 or 17. I mean it is almost unrecognizable, and they left out really good parts too. Seems like a weird way to go. But whatever, clearly I am not in charge of movies. Although I should be.
Anyway, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series again. Too bad I have all this work stuff taking up my time!
After reading The Lost Hero and watching the Percy Jackson movie on HBO, I decided I might as well just re-read the Percy Jackson series.
I still liked it, I liked it much more than the movie - they changed so many things for the movie, it was almost an entirely different story than the book. Seriously, in the book Percy is in 6th grade - in the movie he looks at least 16 or 17. I mean it is almost unrecognizable, and they left out really good parts too. Seems like a weird way to go. But whatever, clearly I am not in charge of movies. Although I should be.
Anyway, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series again. Too bad I have all this work stuff taking up my time!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Recommendations - Mystery
I really only read two mystery series - so this is the easiest section yet!
1. Janet Evanovich: The Stephanie Plum series. It is awesomely funny, the first couple are not as good as the middle and end ones. And the best part is, there are SIXTEEN books in this series! Plus some "between the numbers" novellas. And, they are numbered so it is easy to know which one to get next. Start with One for the Money - and read it quick before the movie comes out and possibly ruins it with horrible casting decisions. Do it!
2. J.D. Robb: The In Death series. J.D. Robb is also Nora Roberts - so the 32ish books in this series plus the one million Nora Roberts books means this lady is writing non stop. This series is good, although since I have read all 32 it is getting kind of old. But I didn't start to feel that way until around 27 or so - lucky you, if you have not read any yet!!! You should read them in order - start with Naked in Death. But get them from the library if you can. Because while they are good, I never read them more than once.
1. Janet Evanovich: The Stephanie Plum series. It is awesomely funny, the first couple are not as good as the middle and end ones. And the best part is, there are SIXTEEN books in this series! Plus some "between the numbers" novellas. And, they are numbered so it is easy to know which one to get next. Start with One for the Money - and read it quick before the movie comes out and possibly ruins it with horrible casting decisions. Do it!
2. J.D. Robb: The In Death series. J.D. Robb is also Nora Roberts - so the 32ish books in this series plus the one million Nora Roberts books means this lady is writing non stop. This series is good, although since I have read all 32 it is getting kind of old. But I didn't start to feel that way until around 27 or so - lucky you, if you have not read any yet!!! You should read them in order - start with Naked in Death. But get them from the library if you can. Because while they are good, I never read them more than once.
Recommendations - Romance
Oh romance, my favorite genre of books by far. There are SO many good ones and yet, SO MANY terrible ones. I wonder why that is? Anyway, it can be dangerous to start reading romance without recommendations because of the risk of getting one of the truly awful books. Although people's tastes differ so it might always be chancy. I prefer historical (especially Regency-era, Scottish highlands, and the post-civil war American west) but I also really love Navy SEAL and spy books, also time travel. So I am not consistent I suppose, but here are my favorites - probably by author but I will list my favorite book or series:
Romance
1. Suzanne Brockmann - she writes lots of books generally contemporary action-ey, but the best by far are her Navy SEAL books in the Troubleshooter and Tall Dark and Dangerous series. They are all awesome, I have read them all many times. Particularly my FAVORITE, which might be my favorite romance novel of all time Out of Control. Read it!!! Unless you hate great books. Then don't.
2. Julia Quinn - she writes historical, Regency era books. Her best is the Bridgerton series, about all of the brothers and sisters in one family. So very good. But all her books are great - What Happens in London and Ten Things I Love About You are her most recent books (I think) and both are a good mix of funny and serious and awesome. They are generally all connected, at least set in the same world with the same characters so favorites from previous books pop up now and again and I love that!
3. Mary Balogh - she has a bunch of books that are not good, and then, she has the Slightly series - which is so good, that no matter how many times I read it I love it and read it over again. It is about a family - the oldest brother (Wulf) is a DUKE! And they all have unusual names and it is awesome. All the books have the word slightly in the name - Slightly Married, Slightly Wicked, Slightly Scandelous, Slightly Tempted, Slightly Sinful and Slightly Dangerous. Slightly Dangerous is the BEST, but it is only the best if you read the other ones first so you get the full effect. There are also two prequels that are good (but not quite as good) which are One Night for Love and A Summer to Remember. There is also a connected series, the Simply series, which is almost as good - Simply Unforgettable, Simply Love, Simply Magic and Simply Perfect. Again, if memory serves, the last one in the series is the best - but you have to read the entirety of the Slightly and Simply series first to get the full effect.
4. Lisa Kleypas - she also has books that are not good - all of her contemporary books for example - but then she has two series that are wonderful. And they are interconnected (surprise surprise) something that I completely love. The first one to read is the Wallflower series - Secrets of a Summer Night, It Happened one Autumn, The Devil in Winter, Scandal in Spring and A Wallflower Christmas. They are all good, really good. Then comes the Hathaway series - Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me At Sunrise, Tempt Me At Twilight, Married By Morning, and Love In The Afternoon. Also all good. It is best to read them in order. But I sometimes read them in order of which is my favorite.
5. Julie Garwood - one of the first romance writers I ever read - and still one of my favorites! She has two different sub-genres: historical and contemporary mystery/action/suspense. Both are good, but I definitely favor the historical ones, especially any set in the Scottish highlands (Ransom, The Bride, The Wedding) or the westerns (For The Roses, Clayborne Brides, Come the Spring - a series) - they are the best! Frequently the books interconnect, but they can stand alone too. You can be pretty safe picking any book she has written.
6. Janet Evanovich - she writes/has written a number of stand alone (meaning not in a series - shockingly) that are excellent and uniformly hysterically funny. Seriously, laugh out loud funny. There are quite a few - Hero At Large, Thanksgiving, The Grand Finale, Foul Play, Manhunt, Love Overboard, Back to the Bedroom, Smitten, Wife For Hire, Rocky Road to Romance, The Naughty Neighbor. She has also written a couple of other series, both alone and with a partner that are pretty good - The Full series (Full House, Full Tilt, etc) and the Alex Barnaby series (Metro Girl, Motormouth, Troublemaker) that are worth a read too. Not to mention the Stephanie Plum series - which I will not mention. Until later that is.
Other Romance Favorites:
- Lynn Kurland: She writes about time travel which is surprisngly fantastic! They generally interconnect
by family, so good ones to start with are Another Chance to Dream and A Dance Through Time.
- Nora Roberts: Perhaps the most prolific romance author of ALL TIME - seriously, she has written a
million books! But her most recent stuff has been totally disappointing. The best best Nora Roberts
books are not too old, but not too new. The middle is where it is at. The best series are: Ardmore -
Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea, Chesapeake Bay: Sea Swept,
Rising Tides, Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Blue, but there are lots of other good ones.
Romance
1. Suzanne Brockmann - she writes lots of books generally contemporary action-ey, but the best by far are her Navy SEAL books in the Troubleshooter and Tall Dark and Dangerous series. They are all awesome, I have read them all many times. Particularly my FAVORITE, which might be my favorite romance novel of all time Out of Control. Read it!!! Unless you hate great books. Then don't.
2. Julia Quinn - she writes historical, Regency era books. Her best is the Bridgerton series, about all of the brothers and sisters in one family. So very good. But all her books are great - What Happens in London and Ten Things I Love About You are her most recent books (I think) and both are a good mix of funny and serious and awesome. They are generally all connected, at least set in the same world with the same characters so favorites from previous books pop up now and again and I love that!
3. Mary Balogh - she has a bunch of books that are not good, and then, she has the Slightly series - which is so good, that no matter how many times I read it I love it and read it over again. It is about a family - the oldest brother (Wulf) is a DUKE! And they all have unusual names and it is awesome. All the books have the word slightly in the name - Slightly Married, Slightly Wicked, Slightly Scandelous, Slightly Tempted, Slightly Sinful and Slightly Dangerous. Slightly Dangerous is the BEST, but it is only the best if you read the other ones first so you get the full effect. There are also two prequels that are good (but not quite as good) which are One Night for Love and A Summer to Remember. There is also a connected series, the Simply series, which is almost as good - Simply Unforgettable, Simply Love, Simply Magic and Simply Perfect. Again, if memory serves, the last one in the series is the best - but you have to read the entirety of the Slightly and Simply series first to get the full effect.
4. Lisa Kleypas - she also has books that are not good - all of her contemporary books for example - but then she has two series that are wonderful. And they are interconnected (surprise surprise) something that I completely love. The first one to read is the Wallflower series - Secrets of a Summer Night, It Happened one Autumn, The Devil in Winter, Scandal in Spring and A Wallflower Christmas. They are all good, really good. Then comes the Hathaway series - Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me At Sunrise, Tempt Me At Twilight, Married By Morning, and Love In The Afternoon. Also all good. It is best to read them in order. But I sometimes read them in order of which is my favorite.
5. Julie Garwood - one of the first romance writers I ever read - and still one of my favorites! She has two different sub-genres: historical and contemporary mystery/action/suspense. Both are good, but I definitely favor the historical ones, especially any set in the Scottish highlands (Ransom, The Bride, The Wedding) or the westerns (For The Roses, Clayborne Brides, Come the Spring - a series) - they are the best! Frequently the books interconnect, but they can stand alone too. You can be pretty safe picking any book she has written.
6. Janet Evanovich - she writes/has written a number of stand alone (meaning not in a series - shockingly) that are excellent and uniformly hysterically funny. Seriously, laugh out loud funny. There are quite a few - Hero At Large, Thanksgiving, The Grand Finale, Foul Play, Manhunt, Love Overboard, Back to the Bedroom, Smitten, Wife For Hire, Rocky Road to Romance, The Naughty Neighbor. She has also written a couple of other series, both alone and with a partner that are pretty good - The Full series (Full House, Full Tilt, etc) and the Alex Barnaby series (Metro Girl, Motormouth, Troublemaker) that are worth a read too. Not to mention the Stephanie Plum series - which I will not mention. Until later that is.
Other Romance Favorites:
- Lynn Kurland: She writes about time travel which is surprisngly fantastic! They generally interconnect
by family, so good ones to start with are Another Chance to Dream and A Dance Through Time.
- Nora Roberts: Perhaps the most prolific romance author of ALL TIME - seriously, she has written a
million books! But her most recent stuff has been totally disappointing. The best best Nora Roberts
books are not too old, but not too new. The middle is where it is at. The best series are: Ardmore -
Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea, Chesapeake Bay: Sea Swept,
Rising Tides, Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Blue, but there are lots of other good ones.
Recommendations - Young Adult
There was a request for me to list a few of my favorite books - since I have like 100 favorite books, I will do my best to narrow it down by category.
Young Adult:
1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - the best, can't beat it, I would read all 7 books in a row without stopping if I were given the opportunity to do so. I have read them all many times and they never disappoint and I never get sick of them.
2. Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers - yes I am a nerd, but these books are awesome. I have read them all several times and they are still great, but they don't quite approach the amazingness of the first time I read the series (basically in a row) while on maternity leave.
3. The Hunger Games series (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay) by Suzanne Collins. The first time I read the Hunger Games I could not stop thinking about it for days. It is crazy but totally compelling and when the third book in the series came out this summer I read all three as fast as I could so I could find out the ending. Totally amazing.
4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and The Lost Hero series by Rick Riordan - these books are all great, especially when read in a row as fast as possible. The Percy Jackson books are pretty quick reads, but the first book in the Lost Hero series was satisfyingly longer. I can't wait until the rest in the series are released!
Other YA favorites:
- Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson - this is a very funny book, it is a series as well, but the first is
the best. This author has several other books that are all good.
- All American Girl by Meg Cabot - this is also a really funny book. I think this is the author of Princess
Diaries which I have not read but heard was good.
Young Adult:
1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - the best, can't beat it, I would read all 7 books in a row without stopping if I were given the opportunity to do so. I have read them all many times and they never disappoint and I never get sick of them.
2. Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers - yes I am a nerd, but these books are awesome. I have read them all several times and they are still great, but they don't quite approach the amazingness of the first time I read the series (basically in a row) while on maternity leave.
3. The Hunger Games series (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay) by Suzanne Collins. The first time I read the Hunger Games I could not stop thinking about it for days. It is crazy but totally compelling and when the third book in the series came out this summer I read all three as fast as I could so I could find out the ending. Totally amazing.
4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and The Lost Hero series by Rick Riordan - these books are all great, especially when read in a row as fast as possible. The Percy Jackson books are pretty quick reads, but the first book in the Lost Hero series was satisfyingly longer. I can't wait until the rest in the series are released!
Other YA favorites:
- Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson - this is a very funny book, it is a series as well, but the first is
the best. This author has several other books that are all good.
- All American Girl by Meg Cabot - this is also a really funny book. I think this is the author of Princess
Diaries which I have not read but heard was good.
No. 3: The Lost Hero
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Now, this is what I am talking about - a good book, a can't put it down had to read until midnight to finish it kind of book. It has been awhile since I have read one of those! I think since September 3, 2010! That is a long time.Also, interestingly, both books are YA series. I guess I have the book tastes of a 14 year old. Whatever.
This book is Book One in The Heroes of Olympus series - which I discovered is connected to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. So hooray! Two things I love, a new series, and discovering that a great new series is connected to a great existing series.
This book was similar to the Percy Jackson books in many ways - same world, Gods, monsters, Camp Half-Blood, a quest, young love - but also better in some ways because it is longer! and more mysterious! and there are mysteries yet to be revealed! So that is good news! The three main characters in this book - Piper, Jason and Leo were good, likable and interesting. I am not sure how many books will be in this series, but I hope several.
The bad news is that the next book in the series doesn't come out until fall. However, given my extreme book related short term memory issues I should be able to re-read this book in the fall and not remember a thing.
Now, this is what I am talking about - a good book, a can't put it down had to read until midnight to finish it kind of book. It has been awhile since I have read one of those! I think since September 3, 2010! That is a long time.Also, interestingly, both books are YA series. I guess I have the book tastes of a 14 year old. Whatever.
This book is Book One in The Heroes of Olympus series - which I discovered is connected to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. So hooray! Two things I love, a new series, and discovering that a great new series is connected to a great existing series.
This book was similar to the Percy Jackson books in many ways - same world, Gods, monsters, Camp Half-Blood, a quest, young love - but also better in some ways because it is longer! and more mysterious! and there are mysteries yet to be revealed! So that is good news! The three main characters in this book - Piper, Jason and Leo were good, likable and interesting. I am not sure how many books will be in this series, but I hope several.
The bad news is that the next book in the series doesn't come out until fall. However, given my extreme book related short term memory issues I should be able to re-read this book in the fall and not remember a thing.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
No. 2: The Year of Living Scandaously
The Year of Living Scandalously by Julia London
Book number two this year was a big fat disappointment. I like Julia London's books usually, and when I read the back cover I thought it sounded pretty stinking good. It had an Earl, an assumed identity, missing jewels, all things that can lead to an awesome and exciting book. And yet, this book really turned out to be both annoying and depressing.
First the annoying - the FMC is overly impetuous (to the point of stupidity) and cannot see the consequences to her actions (again to the point of stupidity) which I find super annoying. If you are going to assume someone's identity, for the love of God have a plan for getting out of it. Do it intentionally. Additionally, the way she acts around the MMC is ridiculously annoying. Not that the MMC is any prize, he has a bad attitude, thinks the FMC is stupid but for some unknown reason still "loves" her. Which I don't totally buy. I also find the FMC's name to be annoying - Keira. I don't know why, it just doesn't seem to fit and it irritates me.
Now the depressing - a two of the major plot points include: the hanging of a potentially innocent man and the suspicious death of his potential lover, AND the rape and subsequent suicide of a young girl. Does that sound like a fun basis of a book to you. The answer is NO! I only like depressing things when there is a happy ending later - there is no possible happy ending that can resolve the unnecessary and tragic death of three characters. Sorry, can't happen.
So, Julia London, while I am typically an admirer of your work, I cannot get behind this overly (and some might say unnecessary) depressing stuff.
2011 is not having a good start - I'd better select books more carefully from now on.
Book number two this year was a big fat disappointment. I like Julia London's books usually, and when I read the back cover I thought it sounded pretty stinking good. It had an Earl, an assumed identity, missing jewels, all things that can lead to an awesome and exciting book. And yet, this book really turned out to be both annoying and depressing.
First the annoying - the FMC is overly impetuous (to the point of stupidity) and cannot see the consequences to her actions (again to the point of stupidity) which I find super annoying. If you are going to assume someone's identity, for the love of God have a plan for getting out of it. Do it intentionally. Additionally, the way she acts around the MMC is ridiculously annoying. Not that the MMC is any prize, he has a bad attitude, thinks the FMC is stupid but for some unknown reason still "loves" her. Which I don't totally buy. I also find the FMC's name to be annoying - Keira. I don't know why, it just doesn't seem to fit and it irritates me.
Now the depressing - a two of the major plot points include: the hanging of a potentially innocent man and the suspicious death of his potential lover, AND the rape and subsequent suicide of a young girl. Does that sound like a fun basis of a book to you. The answer is NO! I only like depressing things when there is a happy ending later - there is no possible happy ending that can resolve the unnecessary and tragic death of three characters. Sorry, can't happen.
So, Julia London, while I am typically an admirer of your work, I cannot get behind this overly (and some might say unnecessary) depressing stuff.
2011 is not having a good start - I'd better select books more carefully from now on.
No. 1: The Perfect Poison
The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick
So, why did I choose this book to be my first of the year? Well, basically because I needed a break from the Outlander series and I picked this up at a thrift store for .10 cents. I am cheap and I have reading ADD.
I am not even sure why I bought this book - I have read many books by this author in the somewhat distant past, but I never really LOVE any of them which is why it has been awhile since I picked one up. They are all kind of weird. With weird people and their weird "special" powers. Like in this book for example, the FMC can detect botanically based poison. That seems pretty weird and random for a power. I would pick something cooler, like another character who can temporarily make things disappear. Or the other one who can literally scare people to death. Detecting poison seems pretty lame in comparison. But let me not forget her other power - sensing auras. Mainly plant auras, but people too. Again, lame power Lucinda - you got gypped. Also, like essentially every other Amanda Quick heroine ever written, Lucinda has an olde timey name and is an educated spinster who wears glasses.
The MMC's power is somewhat better but also harder to define. He can decipher clues, and uncover evidence trails and stuff. Which is useful since he is a private detective of sorts, but really, killing people with your mind is so much cooler. His name is Caleb which I have never really liked, and I didn't get a clear picture of him in my mind which makes liking him much more difficult.
Anyway, this book was weird, the characters (aside from their lame powers) were weird and somewhat unlikable. Especially the MMC who I thought had a bad attitude. So, the first book of the year was not a wild success, but I have read many a worse book. How is that for an endorsement?
So, why did I choose this book to be my first of the year? Well, basically because I needed a break from the Outlander series and I picked this up at a thrift store for .10 cents. I am cheap and I have reading ADD.
I am not even sure why I bought this book - I have read many books by this author in the somewhat distant past, but I never really LOVE any of them which is why it has been awhile since I picked one up. They are all kind of weird. With weird people and their weird "special" powers. Like in this book for example, the FMC can detect botanically based poison. That seems pretty weird and random for a power. I would pick something cooler, like another character who can temporarily make things disappear. Or the other one who can literally scare people to death. Detecting poison seems pretty lame in comparison. But let me not forget her other power - sensing auras. Mainly plant auras, but people too. Again, lame power Lucinda - you got gypped. Also, like essentially every other Amanda Quick heroine ever written, Lucinda has an olde timey name and is an educated spinster who wears glasses.
The MMC's power is somewhat better but also harder to define. He can decipher clues, and uncover evidence trails and stuff. Which is useful since he is a private detective of sorts, but really, killing people with your mind is so much cooler. His name is Caleb which I have never really liked, and I didn't get a clear picture of him in my mind which makes liking him much more difficult.
Anyway, this book was weird, the characters (aside from their lame powers) were weird and somewhat unlikable. Especially the MMC who I thought had a bad attitude. So, the first book of the year was not a wild success, but I have read many a worse book. How is that for an endorsement?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Year in Review - 2010
Well, I did not meet my resolution to read more books in 2010 than I did in 2009. Unfortunately, I read only 121 books this year, 1 less than 2009 and a staggering 20 less than in 2008. I hope I can improve for 2011 - although I foresee that it will be a busier year than ever before!
This years stats:
Total: 121
Best Month: January (20), March (20) and November (21 - although some of these were read in Oct.)
Worst Month: May (3), June (3) and December (3)
Most Read Author: Janet Evanovich - 19. For a second year running my most-read author. I re-read the entire Stephanie Plum series every year apparently!
Fiction: 117
Non-Fiction:1 - Band of Brothers
Unfinished Books: 0
I clearly need to renew my resolution - this time to emphasize timely posting because when I wait too long to post I forget what the book is about and that does me no good at all. I would also like to try to post immediately after finishing the book and before starting a new one - that way each book has its own post for easier searching. So we will see if that actually happens.
This years stats:
Total: 121
Best Month: January (20), March (20) and November (21 - although some of these were read in Oct.)
Worst Month: May (3), June (3) and December (3)
Most Read Author: Janet Evanovich - 19. For a second year running my most-read author. I re-read the entire Stephanie Plum series every year apparently!
Fiction: 117
Non-Fiction:1 - Band of Brothers
Unfinished Books: 0
I clearly need to renew my resolution - this time to emphasize timely posting because when I wait too long to post I forget what the book is about and that does me no good at all. I would also like to try to post immediately after finishing the book and before starting a new one - that way each book has its own post for easier searching. So we will see if that actually happens.
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