The Lucky One - E's Review

I think my expectations are always too high for a Nicholas Sparks novel and I usually find myself enjoying the movies more than I do the books. But maybe that's just me and maybe I need to enjoy them for what they are instead of feeling let down when I turn the last page.

If you want typical Sparks though, then I say go for it. It's easy reading, mingled with love and redemption. And in this particular novel, you get a little insight into the mind of a soldier.

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Miss Pettigrew - E's Review

Lately I've had an undeniable urge to be more fabulous. I'm not sure exactly what to do with this new found desire except strive to be more like Miss Pettigrew.

I could land myself a job where I meet a new best friend, have more adventures in one day then Huck Finn, get completely made over and then, of course, I could find everlasting love.

But that's just the stuff silly romantic books are made of, no? And while they might not be true to life, they are completely and utterly charming.

So I say cheers to romantic comedies and to dreaming of being fabulous!

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July's Book Club Pick

-Anna

As I believe has been mentioned before, choosing a book for book club can be somewhat daunting. I usually scour book blogs, reviews and friends' brains in my search for a good pick. This month's hunt took me to Oprah. (http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Summer-Reading-List-Summer-Books) I don't usually go to Oprah for book advice, but let's leave no stone unturned. I admit I was surprised that I found several books of interest on the Summer Reading List, including this month's Sage Room pick: My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira.

So if we like it - well done me for such great research. If we don't - let's blame Oprah.

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In June

-Anna

The Raven Ring by Patricia C. Wrede (YA) is the kind of fantasy young adult that I love to read. The characters were strong and likable. The story line was maybe not totally original, but unique. The thing is, I don't mind predictable as long as the characters and story are good. I mean, sometimes it's okay to know where you are going, as long as the ride is fun. Anyway, I liked it.

Faking It by Jennifer Crusie (Romance) - So, I don't think I've ever read a Romance Novel before. I actually didn't know that this was a Romance novel. I just came across a review of it online, read about 40 pages of it on Google Books and thought it was fun. And it was fun, but reader beware of some adult content. Not anything harlequin (well, at least, I don't think so, since I haven't actually read harlequin), but yeah, if you are used to reading YA and Francine Rivers, it's a little racy.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson - after I finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I really didn't think I could pick up the next installment of the series. It was graphic...too graphic for me. But time passed (and I forgot some things about the book) and the movie came out (which I haven't seen), and I was ready to find out what happened next. The story is compelling, and I like the main characters, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, but some of the content is disturbing. I probably will read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, but I think I'll wait awhile to forget again.

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The Lucky One - Review

-Anna

Well, I've done the unforgivable and waited too long to post a review about The Lucky One because now I can't really remember that much about it. Which means it wasn't a groundbreaking, goosebump giving, heart racing read. But from what I can recall, it is typical Sparks and very entertaining, a little mushy, and generally enjoyable.

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Absolute Chills

-Anna

So I realize that this is a book blog. And I also realize that I have not been blogging very much of late. So you would think that this entry would, needfully so, be about books.

Well, it's not; well, sort of not.

I just watched the trailer for the next Harry Potter, and I have goosebumps! November, why are you so far away!

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In May

-Anna

I read one book (besides book club pick) and have a pile, yes pile, of overdue library books that I wanted to read. But life, was, well...life and so, in May I read:

The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson (YA Fantasy) follows a young girl who must go on a long journey to find a magician who can save her land and her people. I know, I know. I read a lot of books that would fit that description. But I can't help it. I am drawn to the quest, to the journey of self discovery and well to magic and mystery. And this book is just that. Evil emperors, rogue magicians, a strange sickness, magical spoons, cranky grandmothers and a girl who learns her place in the world. It didn't make my heart skip erratically, like the thought of Mockingjay does, but it definitely falls in the category of good YA fantasy.

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