To Say Nothing of the Dog (~)

I've finally finished another book. Of course it took me FOREVER, which I apologize for. But you know how it is. I'm now currently employed at 2 jobs, so that's taken up a lot of my time, not to mention the Christmas season came upon us, so that was quite busy. But I'm now going to try and make some time to read during my day (on breaks or whatever). Anyway, I finished the book: To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. I found it to be an interesting read, because it involved time-travel, but at times it was quite heavy on the sci-fi. However, it was interesting seeing how everything seemed to connect together even though it seemed completely random.

This book follows a main character by the name of Ned Henry who is a historian/time-traveller from the future. His main job was to bring back an ugly vase (I guess you could call it that haha) for the consecration of a cathedral. He was sent back however, into the 19th century to fix an incongruity that had occurred because of a fellow historian. He tried to fix it, and yet seemed to make things worse. The time-space continuum fixed the incongruity itself without the help of Ned. After the 19th century incongruity was fixed, Ned focused his attention on trying to find the bishop bird's stump (the ugly vase), which in the end he found.

Anyway, as you can see the plot of this book is incredibly complicated, and at times hard to follow. But as long as you don't take long pauses between chapters/reading it, you can make out just fine. HOWEVER, if you do, then you're kind of sort of screwed. Even though it was complex, I still enjoyed reading it. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone, unless they had a lot of time to read it.

I'm not sure what I'll be reading next, but I'm sure it will probably be an ebook. Until then, Happy Reading!

The Pact (~)

Unfortunately, it's taken me FOREVER to actually finish a book. I don't know if it's a combination of busy-ness, work, laziness, or just not wanting to read. But anyway, I've finally finished The Pact by Jodi Picoult. It says this is a love story, and technically it is. It really made me think about love, and finding that undying love where you give yourself completely to someone, and you are willing to do anything for them, including helping them commit suicide because you can't bare to see them in pain, emotionally or physically. I would love to have this kind of love, but also not. Only because it would be a burden to my partner. The fact that my pain was hurting someone else just as much as it was hurting me would be almost unbearable. Thinking about it now, I don't think I've ever had this kind of love. I think I've been in love, but not to the same extent as was described in the book. I almost feel that I'm selfish though, in my love. I care about the other person, and would make sacrifices for the other, but I don't think I could give myself self-lessly to someone. But I guess that kind of love is one that doesn't occur often, or I've yet to experience it. Maybe someday I will, but we shall see.

Anyway, sorry for that random tangent haha, recent events in my life have been making me sentimental, and this book apparently made it worse. So, this book was about 2 teenagers who have been best friends since birth and became lovers when they were teenagers. The girl becomes depressed and pregnant and is not able to deal with this and decides she wants to commit suicide. She confides in her boyfriend/best friend, who then tries everything he can to stop her, but in the end can't. It follows the trial of the boyfriend who is on trial for first degree murder for shooting his girlfriend.

All in all, it was a good book (I can't expect anything else from Jodi Picoult), but the rating was lower only because it took so long to get through, and it really didn't draw my attention like others I've read by her. Anyway, not sure what I'll be reading next, so until then, Happy Reading!

Stuck in the Middle (↓)

This book took me forever to finish, not because it was a hard read, but rather because I a) didn't have much time to read and b) I really wasn't interested in reading it. The book I finished is: Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith. I thought it would be just a normal chick-lit book, a story of a woman 'finding herself and some romance along the way'. It was like that, however, a lot of religion was thrown in there too. She discovered how God works in mysterious ways, etc. It's a fluff book, and honestly, I don't think it really deserves a full synopsis only because I'll never read it again haha. As long as I have it written down somewhere that I read it, that's all I care about.

So, if you're interested in chick-lit religion reads, choose this one, but other than that, it was a blah read. I'm going to be reading a Jodi Picoult book next, so until then, happy reading!

Still Alice (↑)

Although I have no job yet, I've gotten busy the past few weeks, and so this blog post was a long time coming. It took me forever to finish the book, but not because I didn't like it, but rather because I didn't have the time to read it. I've finished the novel, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. This book made me sad because it really hits home what it feels like to have Alzheimer's Disease. Everyone always hears about it from the caregiver's view, but it was refreshing to hear about it from the individual suffering from it. It was sad as it continued on the fact that she basically seemed like a zombie, without thought or simple thoughts. It was like she was a child. A woman who was so intelligent brought down to that level. It was also upsetting to read when she forgot her children's names, or didn't recognize them, and it got even worse when she didn't recognize her husband. I hope that when I get older I don't develop Alzheimer's or dementia. But honestly, I don't know what would be worse...losing my memories/mind or losing function of my body. Both would be terrible.

Anyway, this novel is about a woman who finds out she has Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. It follows the disease's progression throughout 2 years until basically she is without a memory. It follows her thoughts and frustrations as she loses her language ability, her ability to remember her children and family and ability to dress herself. It's a sad novel, but one that raises awareness for others as to what it feels like.

I have to say that I would recommend it to people who are caregivers for those with Alzheimer's or are interested in learning more about it. I look forward to reading her Lisa Genova's next book.

I'm not sure what I will be starting next, but most likely it will be on my ereader (which has to charge) so until then, Happy Reading!

The Help (↑)

Wow is all I can say at the moment. This is certainly going on my Top 10 favourite books list. I suppose I should give you the title: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I can definitely see how people will compare it to To Kill a Mockingbird, seeing as it has a similar storyline, and it definitely brings about feelings of rage and sympathy for African-Americans. I really felt for the characters. They are well developed, and full of emotion and colour (no pun intended!). It's hard to say who my favourite character was. I definitely can say that I absolutely hated Miss Hilly. So many times I wanted to punch her in the face for being so mean and ignorant towards Aibileen and Minny. When reading some of the opinions the 'white folk' had of the maids, I had to stop myself to calm down and say that it was a different generation. Hell, I have to do that now with my grandparents! It's nice to see that where I live, and the people I know don't harbour such racism anymore. However, I can't say that everyone feels the same way. Last year for example, there was an act of racism not even an hour away from where I live. My only question is why would someone feel this way towards another human being? Even if they are white, black, Indian, native, asian, etc.? We are all the same on the inside, we all have feelings and thoughts and families. It's not right that our society should be stuck 50 years in the past.

This story is based in the 1960's, and follows 3 main characters: Miss Skeeter, a young white woman who views the world differently than her white friends, and wants to make a difference in the world, and she also wants to make her place, seeing as she just graduated from university; Aibileen who is an older, single black woman who is a maid for Miss Leefolt, who really isn't a bad person but is easily influenced and self-centred; and then there is Minny. Minny is an opinionated black woman who works for a social outcast Miss Celia and is married to a drunkard. Miss Skeeter joins forces with Aibileen and Minny during a time where black rights are just coming into focus. They write a novel that is based off the stories of help in the surrounding area. It gets published, and then they have to deal with the wrath of Miss Hilly, the villain of the novel. Although the ending doesn't tie up loose ends, it does make you feel 'freer' in a sense that the main characters are starting their new lives, and the help who helped write the novel also had some changes occur in their work lives.

This novel certainly isn't a feel good novel. It's one where you read it, and it makes you outraged at society and how people are treated unfairly (even in today's day and age), but the ending allows for a positive light to shine through, and gives you hope. Yeah, this sounds cheesy, but honestly, it's the truth. I definitely will recommend this book to ANYONE! I borrowed this book from a friend of my mother's, but it will go on my list of 'books to buy', so that I can keep it on my bookshelf. Anyway, onward to reading Still Alice. Until then, Happy Reading!

Water for Elephants (↑)

I've finished another book. This one was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I had already watched the movie back in May, which is strange for me considering that I usually read the book before watching the movie. I had the opportunity to watch it for free, so instead, I decided to watch it, and then read the book when I had the time. Anyway, I REALLY enjoyed this book. The movie followed it exactly except for a few little spots (but that is true for almost all books-into-movies, isn't it?). It really made me feel like I was back in that era at the show. I did however get a little confused and frustrated trying to remember all the character names, as well as trying to imagine what they circus looked like, but that's not the author's fault, but rather my own. I have to say though, I really really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to others.

This book follows Jacob Jankowski who lost everything when he found out his parents were killed in an automobile accident, at that time it was the Depression, and not having any other option, he hopped a train which happened to be a circus train, and joined the circus as a vet.  It followed his 3.5 month stay with them until a tragic incident occurs and sets him and his love Marlena free to continue their life. This book switches from Jacob's 20-something year old narrative to him as a ninety-three year old complaining of being forgotten about, and of course other things old men like to complain about.

Anyway, this was an excellent book, and although the print was tiny, I was still able to read it rather quickly, and I'm sure others could also. The next book I'll be reading is The Help (I want to see the movie, so I'm going to read the book first!). So until then, Happy Reading!

The Postcard Killers (~)

I've finished yet another book, this one was a mystery by James Patterson and Liza Marklund called The Postcard Killers. It was an alright read, not a favourite, but certainly not terrible. The plot development is okay, but not intricate like most mysteries I read. It makes it easier to follow, but for a mystery, it solved the mystery part quite early for a book that is 420 pages. The characters weren't all that well developed either coming away from this novel, I felt that I hadn't really gotten to know the characters, and I certainly didn't feel for them. I guess you could almost say the characters appeared emotionless. Although they tried to make the American detective seem angry, I just didn't feel it.

So basically this book is about murders that have been occurring in Europe where the killers mail postcards to local reporters, and then polaroid pictures of the murder victims after they have been killed. An American detective becomes involved when his daughter and her fiance is one of the victims. He becomes obsessive and tracks the killers and attempts to stop them from killing again. In the end, you can guess what happens, and voila, it's the end!

Interesting plot-line, and if it had actually had a bit more thought put into it, I probably would've given it a higher rating. I'm not sure if I'm interested in reading another James Patterson, especially with how this one is written, but I suppose I could always blame it on the fact that there are in fact 2 authors, and perhaps James Patterson by himself is a little better. I guess we'll see, and I will attempt to read another one of his novels later!

Not sure what I will be reading next, but until then, Happy Reading!

Relentless (~)

I've finally finished another book. This one took me way long than I had expected. I don't know whether it's because I just didn't like it, or what. This book is Relentless by Robin Parrish. My rating is in the middle only because, I really don't know whether to give it a high rating because I thought it was good in parts, or if I should give it a low rating because at times, I thought it was a bit over the top. I liked it, and yet, I didn't. I had to make sure I read 10 pages everyday to make sure that I finished it, only because it was long, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. But, most days I ended up reading more.

So this novel follows a man named Grant Borrows who goes through 'The Shift', where he gets transformed into another person and develops super powers of telekinesis. His powers grow stronger and stronger as the story develops. He meets others like him with special mental abilities, and they explain what happened and why it occurred, and what is going to happen next. He learns that he is 'The Bringer' and must battle 'The Keeper' in order to save the world. The novel ends after he battles the Keeper.

This book is part of a trilogy, and I really don't think I'll be reading the other 2 books. It's an interesting read for sure, but definitely not one of my favourites. I know what book I'll be reading next, so hopefully I enjoy that one more and finish it quicker.

Until next time, happy Reading!

The White Queen (↓)

I FINALLY finished a book. It took me so long, mostly because I didn't find the book all that interesting and I really had to push myself to finish it. This novel was: The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory. I usually like Phillipa Gregory novels, but honestly, this one just wasn't that great. I found it difficult to keep the characters straight, especially the men, because of them were named Edward, or Richard. But also, I just didn't find that the story drew me in like the Tudor books she wrote. It was well written, and I still learned a lot from it, but the whole time I was trying to figure out how the Tudor line evolved from that line. I should've just looked it up, but I didn't haha. The low rating is because honestly, I found it boring, and I really had to force myself to finish it. I can't believe it took me exactly a month to read it!

This story follows Elizabeth Woodville. A young woman who goes to the York claim to the throne Edward, to ask for money from her dead husband's estate. They instantly fall in love, and marry in secret. From there on, it follows Elizabeth and her family's climb through the ranks and gaining power, while watching King Edward struggle to remain on the throne, until his younger brother de-thrones him, and takes over. Her oldest son, the heir to the throne, is lost in the Tower of London (and still to this day, no one knows what happened to him!), and the story ends with the return of her second/youngest son returning to her from his 'hiding spot' in France. There's another book in this storyline called The Red Queen which I also have, so I don't know if I will read that next or just wait and read it later. I'm thinking I might take a break only because this novel left such a bad taste in my mouth.

One thing I did find interesting was the fact that Elizabeth believed that she was the descendant of a water fairy and had magical powers. She believed that she blew up a storm that ruined battles, and she helped win over King Edward's love. I found it fascinating that back then (and probably now) people could easily be called witches only because of coincidences of weather or events and another person chanting incantations. It's no wonder people feared witches, especially when back then, no one understood weather (hell, even now, people don't understand the weather, hahaha).

Anyway, I'm not sure what I will be reading next, but until then, Happy Reading!

Goodreads

So I've found a website for reviewing books, as well as joining an online bookclub! It's goodreads.com I joined via facebook, but everyone can join other ways, through twitter, making an actual account, etc. I will continue to do book reviews here, but I thought I would just share this website with you guys! :)

The House at Riverton/The Shifting Fog (↑)

I've finished another book. This one apparently goes by two names, and of course, I bought both, thinking they were different stories. But unfortunately they are not. So I wasted some money. Oh well...Anyway, this book is Kate Morton's The House at Riverton (aka The Shifting Fog). It's an amazing novel. It's similar to Kate Morton's other books in that it has a mystery, but honestly, the storyline just isn't here. It's not quite as in depth as some of her other novels which does make it a little easier to follow at times. There aren't quite as many extra side characters. I did miss the really 'crazy' family mystery part of the novel which is different from her other books. It was interesting to see a novel played out through the eyes of the hired help, rather than the wealthy. I did want to punch a few of the characters in the face a few times mostly because they were being such snobs, but what can you do about that. It's what the times were like back then.

This book is about a 99-year old woman, who is on her death bed, and wants to tell her story of working for the Hartford family at a house in Riverton. It switches back and forth from present day (which was set in the 1990's) to the early 1900's, especially around the World War I era. This woman tells the story of how the famous poet Robbie Hunter comes to shoot himself in the head at Riverton which has always been a mystery. She's not untangling the details, but rather, she is dictating them to a dictaphone so that she can send the tapes to her grandson so that he can hear her history.

Overall. I enjoyed this book. The plot and characters kept me engaged, and I felt like I had to keep reading (which could get me in trouble sometimes!!). I wish that the mystery had been a little bit more interesting and not so rushed, but oh well. What can one do? Anyway, I would recommend this novel to anyone who would like to learn more about the WWI era (seeing as it's not really talked about anymore) and just wants a good read. I'm going to be reading a Phillipa Gregory book next, so I'm sure that one will go by quickly. Until then, Happy Reading!

The Book of Secrets (↓)

I have FINALLY finished a book. It's Tom Harper's The Book of Secrets. The back said that it was similar to The Da Vinci Code, so I decided to try it out. Yeah. It was only similar to the Da Vinci Code in the fact that it was a 'mystery-thriller' following clues. Other than that, it took me FOREVER to read mostly because it couldn't keep my attention. By the end, I had to force myself to finish it because I was so bored with it. 580 pages of boring. Thankfully I didn't buy it new, but even still, it seemed to have been a waste of my used book credits.

This book is about a man who receives a mysterious message from his ex-girlfriend and sees her being kidnapped by mysterious black-clad men. He then follows hard-to-follow clues across Europe to unravel the mystery surrounding a 500-year-old book, and the disappearance of his ex. Not only does it focus its attention in the present, but it also switches back to the 15th century and follows the life of Gutenburg. Although this seems seemingly unconnected at first, it's all explained as the novel progresses. However, I still find this part of the storyline hard to follow, and I some of it I skimmed...

Honestly, I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone. Mostly, it's an alright read, but it's WAY to long, which is the biggest downfall, and basically why it's rating is so low. Hopefully my next read will be better. Until next time, Happy Reading!

Invisible (↑)

I've finished another book: Invisible by Lorena McCourtney. It's a mystery novel. At first however, I wasn't sure what it was. The main character is a LOL (little old lady) and she talks about old age and becoming invisible. It wasn't until about 60-ish pages in that it actually started being more and more mystery-like. It kept my attention throughout, and it was nice to have a character that wasn't a detective or a 'damsel-in-distress', but rather an elderly lady with gumption. I wasn't sure what to expect seeing as it was a free ebook, but I think I might have to find the 2nd book in the Ivy Malone series and read it. I guess the only downfall of the book was that it had quite a few storylines/mysteries as well as extra characters so I think it would've been better to tie down 1 storyline and add as much detail as possible to it, and leave the other storylines for other parts of the series.

This story follows LOL Ivy Malone who has a mutant curiosity gene. Her best friend dies, and she realizes that she has become invisible and starts doing a stake-out at the local cemetery to catch vandals. When the renter next door turns up missing and a body of a young lady is found in the river, Ivy decides to put two-and-two together and helps the police solve multiple mysteries including who's been vandalizing the cemetery as well as who the young lady in the river is.

I like this book, and I will probably keep it. But because it's a mystery, I always find that kind of dumb, because when you go to re-read it, you always tend to remember the ending and it ruins the point of reading it. But oh well. I guess I can share it around.

Anyway, until next time, Happy Reading!

The Chemistry of Death (~)

I've finished another book called The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett. I finished it a couple of days ago (almost a week, I think!) but unfortunately, the blogger website was down for maintenance or something so I couldn't write my review until now. It's a typical mystery novel, with that always present twist at the end. I liked this one better than Written in the Bone mostly because it's more like Bones the TV show.

This is the first book in the Dr. David Hunter mystery/thriller series. It follows Dr. Hunter as he helps out in a murder investigation in the quiet town he moved to in Norfolk. He falls in love with a woman in the town, and this woman then becomes involved in the murder investigation (goes missing) and so he is racing against the clock to find her so that they can continue their romance.

Seeing as it was a typical mystery, I really don't remember much about the book even though I finished it quite recently. It was a quick read and I did enjoy it, so I would recommend it to anyone who likes mystery novels and wants a quick fast paced read.

I am currently reading a book that I am half-way through so I will probably be posting again soon. So until then, Happy reading!

Elisha's Bones (↑)

I've finished another book. This one was Elisha's Bones by Don Hoesel. It was a typical thriller/suspense novel similar to The Da Vinci Code, only not quite as intricate in details. I still enjoyed reading it.

It follows an anthropologist who gets a mysterious note asking him to find the bones of a biblical prophet who could return individuals from the dead (not as zombies, but make them alive again). He travels to South America to Australia to investigate these bones, all along leaving a trail of dead bodies. This book seemed over the top, but what could be expected from a thriller novel.

I don't really have much else to say about it. I'm going to be reading another Simon Beckett novel, so until next time, Happy reading!

Written in Bone (↑)

I've finished another book called Written in Bone by Simon Beckett. I decided to try out another mystery novel. I haven't read one in quite awhile, and I needed a bit of a change from my usual fiction books. This one is especially good because it's using forensic anthropology which is really cool. I've been on a Bones fix lately, so this book fits in perfectly.

This book follows a forensic anthropologist (Dr. David Hunter) who is called to help identify remains found on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland. He is caught in a storm there, and so tries to help the police and detective solve the murder before more people end up dead. It goes along with a typical murder fashion, ending with an expected twist. I suppose that's probably the reason I don't especially like murder mysteries (or really mysteries in general). They're so predictable that I tend to get bored with them. But they're nice to read every once in awhile. I rated this book highly because it's fast paced, but also because of the forensic anthropology aspect. It reminds me quite a lot of Bones although Dr. Hunter is not quite as Aspergian. I don't think I'd keep it to read again (after reading a mystery once, what's the point in reading it again?), but I definitely will keep my eye out for more novels by Simon Beckett.

Onward to another book! I've finished school (except for placement) so I definitely have more free time, so that means I will be finishing books more quickly! Anyway, until next time, Happy Reading!

Plain Truth (~)

I've finished another Jodi Picoult book, Plain Truth. It was an alright read, nothing spectacular like the one I read previously. It does make me think about how important family is and the lengths parents and family members will go to save and protect their family members. This novel is about the Amish. Although my family is not Amish, I wonder if perhaps my family is similar to them and would protect me from things, or if they would rather I learn from my 'mistakes'. I don't know which is better, being sheltered and protected from you life and living without consequences, or to be sent out into the world and attempt to survive without help. Well I doubt my parents would let me drown out in the world, they'd help where they could, but I hope you understand my meaning.

This book is about a neonaticide in an Amish community. It follows the complete trial, and discusses how the Amish feel about confessing. It's different than from the English way of things. When you confess guilt, you are condemned for it, but for the Amish, if you confess guilt, you are then forgiven and not punished. I don't know which is better. To confess and then be severely punished by prison, or to confess guilt and be forgiven, but shunned for a few weeks. I suppose depending on the criminal, one would be better than the other. For a hardened psychopathic criminal, they wouldn't care. So doing time in prison might be the best thing for them, rather than to shun them and let them go free. While for a person who was just doing something to save their family or something similar, shunning them and then forgiving them would be okay. But it also depends on what type of community they lived in. If they lived in a little rural town like I do, then it would have more of an impact, but if they lived in a big city, then obviously the shunning wouldn't be quite as effective. I guess the Amish way of dealing with criminal acts really wouldn't work unless everyone knew everyone. It's still interesting to think about.

Anyway, I'm not sure what I will be reading next, but until next time, Happy Reading!

House Rules (↑)

I've finished another novel called House Rules by the lovely Jodi Picoult. I really really enjoyed this book mostly because the main character had Aspergers and I could really relate things back to what I've been learning in the program I am taking. There were a few things I really didn't like...The portrayal of Jacob (the kid with Aspergers) didn't seem very true to the typical Aspergian theme. But of course I don't really know what it's like to have Aspergers seeing as I'm a neurotypical human. I've read a book that also used a high-functioning autistic person as the main character it seemed a little bit more realistic. Although I didn't really think her description of how Aspie kids think was accurate, it was still an interesting take on it and I guess it makes it a little easier to understand how kids with autism feel and why they do certain things. Another thing I didn't really like was the ending. It didn't really tie up the loose ends although it was apparent what was going to happen. It just would've been nice to have a bit more clarity on it. I guess I have that complaint with most of her books, but honestly, it's only a minor thing. I still enjoy reading her stuff.

So, this book was about a kid with Asperger's who becomes implicated in the murder of his social skills teacher, when she is found dead in the house she is looking after. It switches from Jacob (the Aspie kid), his brother Theo, his mother Emma, his lawyer Oliver, and the police officer Rich. It follows the whole investigation including to the end of the trial where some new evidence comes up which might change the outcome of the trial (although you never learn what happens, which is frustrating! I hate cliff-hangers! Well I don't mind them when they are in a series, but with a book like this, it's not a series so it needs to have a good ending!).

Reading this book makes me want to write a book myself about the hardships a family with a child with disabilities must endure in trying to get the supports they need. However, I would put a bit of a twist on it, and instead of having a family that has 'adult' parents, I will put parents that are young 20's or even teenagers. I haven't quite decided how it will play out, but I want to plan it more so that I can write it (even just for myself).

Anyway, I'm going to read another Jodi Picoult book, so I will probably be writing another blog quite quickly, so until then, Happy Reading!

The Distant Hours (~)

I told you I was going to be finishing a book shortly, and I did! I actually finished it last night only because it had taken about 2mos to read it. Mostly, because I was reading other books during. Some that were taken out from the library, others that were loaned to me (The Hunger Games trilogy). I've finished the book: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. Anyway, this book was LOOOONG and drawn out with twists. I guess the twists in the ending made it more intriguing to read, especially as you were nearing the end. The reason I gave it the rating I did was because it was so long, and really not that interesting. It gave a lot of backstory which is nice, but I don't think it was always necessary.

This book is about a woman named Eddie who learns that her mother was an evacuee during the war, and lived with a strange family in a castle. She went to the castle and discovered a mystery surrounding what happened to one of the sisters' (who lived in the castle) fiances. She goes about solving it, but never really gets to the whodunit part because the castle burnt down with the sisters inside. It does explain it through flashback chapters after the castle burns down and so you learn what happened exactly. Of course there was a twist in the whodunit, but that's to be expected with this author.

It's a nice mystery without a lot of murdering and serial killers, but still with a twist. I've read a novel by this author previously, so I will probably read more of hers, but I might not do it right away. I'm debating whether to read a Jodi Picoult novel, or if I should read a Phillipa Gregory novel. We'll see!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Mockingjay (~)

I finished this book a couple weeks ago, but completely forgot to write about it! I finished the last book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. It is so much darker than the others, focussing mostly on the horrible deaths during the rebellion as well as the nasty injuries that occurred.

Basically, this novel focuses on the rebellion that Katniss started by rebelling in the Hunger Games in the first book. It goes throughout her fighting against the president, and working through the problems she's had with Peeta, and ends (kind of) happily.

I can't remember much, since it's been a couple weeks since I finished it, but it was an alright book. But it's hard to be as awesome as the first novel in a series, but it was still pretty epic, but also horribly graphic. I did find it difficult however, to visualize what was going on, as well as the surroundings, but I don't know if that's because of the author's ability to illustrate via words, or if that's just imagination's fault. Hard to tell, haha

Anyway, I'm going to be finishing another book very shortly, so you'll see another post quite soon. Until then, Happy Reading!

Catching Fire (↑)

I've finished the 2nd book in The Hunger Games series. This one being Catching Fire, which is written by Suzanne Collins. It's another amazing read (although I still enjoyed the first book better). I find with a lot of series, that I really enjoy the first novel (or the first few novels) in a series, and then the last couple novels were crap. However, this isn't true for the Harry Potter series, I really enjoyed the end of the series more than the first few novels, probably because of the deeper storylines.

Anyway, this book is about Katniss again. She and Peeta did a tour of the districts, and started a true rebellion, which had horrible consequences for the districts. It was a Quarter Quell that year, and the Hunger Games involved 24 past victors (including Katniss and Peeta) vying to win.  What occurred however, was something the Capitol did not expect.

I can't wait to read the 3rd novel. So until then, Happy Reading!

The Hunger Games (↑)

I've finished another book. It was an awesome read, and I can't wait to continue reading the rest of the trilogy. Although it was written for young adults, you can see that there could be some hidden meaning further down, if you keep digging. As I'm sure you've probably noticed, that's not really me, so I haven't dug for that hidden meaning.

This novel is set in the future in a dystopian North American country. After a rebellion, the government of the country decided that in order to exert control over its citizens, they would force 2 children from every district (there are 12) into what's called the Hunger Games, and they must fight 'til death. It's incredibly disturbing to think that a government would do such a thing. But I suppose that could almost go on in the Middle East, and we'd never know. However, the Games are televised nationally so that everyone can root for their own tribute. Anyway, this follows a 16-year-old girl who ends up winning the Games, but is now going to have to fight for her life in order to survive after the Hunger Games.

Not much else to say other than, READ THIS BOOK!!! I don't know when I'll get to read the other 2 novels, so I'm going back to reading another book. Until next time, Happy reading!

Year of Wonders (~)

I've finished another library ebook: Year of Wonders: a Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks. It was actually quite an interesting read. As usual, it's a historical fiction, so I learned a lot about the time of the Plague in a small village. I actually found it more interesting to read than most historical fiction I read, mostly because it's not based off of a real person's life, but rather a fictional character following real life events.

This novel follows a year in the life of Anna Frith. A woman living in a town that gets ravaged by the plague. She becomes an medicine woman of sorts, working with the reverend's wife trying to sooth those who have the plague and attempting to stop the spread of the plague. By the end of the novel she is a good friend of the reverend's wife, who ends up getting killed. She then has to move on to another place to escape from a murderous rich man. I know the end sounds kinda over the top, but honestly, it's not, I just didn't have any other way of explaining it, other than that way, without giving away too much information.

So there you go! I am now going to move onward to the Hunger Games (it's lent to me by my friend S., so I am going to attempt to read this one quickly also...) Until next time, Happy reading!

The Alchemist (~)

I've finished another book quite quickly. It's The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's a well written novel, but it's quite spiritual, which I hadn't expected so it's kind of a deep subject. It talks quite a lot about a 'Personal Legend' which I assume is another way of saying, 'finding yourself'. I'm not really sure, as they didn't really go into depth.

This novel is about a young shepherd boy who has a vision one night about an old king who tells him to go on an adventure to find treasure in Egypt by the Pyramids. He sells all his sheep and heads out on his adventure meeting an alchemist along the way who helps him discover the Soul of the World and how to turn lead into gold, and make the Elixir of Life. It continues on until he finds his treasure and decides to go back to the woman he loves and marries her. It's quite a short novel, and quite spiritual, so I don't think I will recommend it to anyone unless they want some heavy reading.

I have another library ebook to read, and then I will go back to reading books I already bought or someone loaned me. Until next time, Happy Reading!

Alice I Have Been (~)

I have finished a book! Finally! I didn't think I was that busy with school, but apparently I have been...Either way I've finished Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin. It was an alright book, but I don't think I would re-read it, or recommend it. It certainly wasn't boring, but it wasn't exactly thrilling either. It was well written, but I guess it just wasn't my style.

The novel is about the true life of the star of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and how Alice become a muse. It was kind of creepy because the author fell in love with an eleven-year old girl, and he was 31. Her parents found out and from there on out, she could never find love again and she led a loveless life.

Sorry for the horrible post but I am so tired, I can't think straight. Until next time, Happy Reading.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (~)

Same kind of concept as the first book in the series. Rebecca paid off all her debts from the last book, and yet is able to dig herself into a deeper hole with more debt, and so needs to find a way to get herself out after her world comes crashing down around her. Thankfully this read was easy, and I had a lot of free-time so I could get through it quickly.

I might read some more of the series, or I might not, I haven't decided yet. Maybe I will just try to get through the whole series in one go, and then I can move onwards to another series or another novel. I don't know what I will do though. The character of Rebecca Bloomwood really irritates me. I don't understand how someone can be THAT irresponsible with her credit cards and  money! Not to mention how she consistently lies in order to make others happy, or to please others.  She reminds me of these stupid girls who have always gotten everything in their life, and have never had to own up to their own mistakes. I am glad to see the change in the character after she's humbled by confronting her debt. But who knows if that will last. We'll see I suppose.

Anyway, I'm going back to PH tomorrow, so we'll see when my next post will be. Until then, Happy Reading!

Confessions of a Shopaholic (~)

I've finished a book on my new eReader! A. gave it to me for Christmas. I wasn't expecting it at all! Considering I had already ordered one from Future Shop online, it was quite unexpected! Anyway, enough about that. I finished Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic. It's quite an easy read, and can be defined as 'chick lit'. It's brainless reading which is nice.

This book is about a woman who has problems with debt. She consistently over spends, and refuses to take responsibility for her actions. She's quite frustrating actually, and I don't know how many times, I just wanted to smack her in the face or shake her to make her see reason. I can also see where she is coming from. I think I have a bit of a spending problem (not quite as bad as her, thankfully), and owning up to that problem is the first step. Thankfully, I do pay my bills on time, and have no issues with that, but I do make secret purchases, and I hate telling others about them.  It's something I've been working on, and will probably continue to work on, even when I get my own job.

This book is relatable, but also quite frustrating for those of us who are actually responsible. Thankfully at the end, she does smarten up, but she's still kind of stupid. Who could really be that materialistic?  But I suppose that's the draw of novels. The unrealistic characters are typically the ones you like the most, mostly because they take you away from reality.

Anyway, I will probably read the whole series, so you'll see quite the line of these novels. I don't know how long it will take me however, so until next time, Happy Reading!