Inheritance

 Inheritance By: Christopher Paolini

Reading this again and knowing/remembering most of the outcome of the book (the big stuff). I was able to go into this book with a different perspective and look at it subjectively. That being said the first time I read it I wasn't thrilled with the outcome of the book. This time around, although I am still biased about how the book ended. Although it was hard saying goodbye to Eragon and Saphira again. I can understand why it ended the way it did; as well as see how well the author did making sure there were no loose ends left. I have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this series and I am excited to read the other books by Christopher Paolini. Especially those books that take me back to the mystical land of Alagaësia. 

The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero

 

The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero BY: William Kalush and Larry Sloman

This is a book I found on the shelf at a previous job. It looked so interesting I added it to my "to read" list. It was a perfect choice for my pick when it was time in the book club I'm in. 

Erich Weisz aka Harry Houdini was such a fascinating person, I had no idea that he was instrumental in helping law enforcement from local all the way to the CIA. Not just here in the US either, but in Europe as well. From helping to improve their restraints to even being a liaison and working in various undercover works. I also had no idea that Houdini was an author and was so pivotal in bringing to light the falseness of various mediums and spiritualists including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his second wife. Everything about this book and the life of Houdini was fascinating and one thing I also found remarkable was the love and partnership he had with his wife. Also I was under the impression that Houdini died due to one of his tricks gone wrong. I had no idea he died after having his appendix rupture. I really enjoyed this book and learning about this fascinating man.

Brisingr

 Brisingr By: Christopher Paolini

I know I sound like a broken record, but I have seriously enjoyed revisiting this series. It's been fun to revisit and see the character developments through each book. I think if I had just read his new book Murtagh without revisiting this series I probably would have been fairly lost. There is a lot that I forgot and revisiting this I think is going to pay off when reading Murtagh. One more in the series before I can start the new book.....I cant wait.

Eldest

 

Eldest By Christopher Paolini

It has been so much fun re-reading this series. It's fun to revisit and see how many details I have forgotten in these stories. The character development is also intriguing. Having a different perspective and more life experience the second time reading this. I feel that I can see a bit of insight into the author's personality this time. What he feels is important, and what he values as well as how he views the various roles of leaders, diplomats, and heads of state and genders in general. Given that he wrote this series as a teenager and then recently came out with another book to go with it. I'm interested to see how his writing style is going to differ.

Letters From Father Christmas

 Letter From Father Christmas By: J.R.R. Tolkien

This is a favorite at this time. We like to listen to it on Audible because the narrator does an amazing job bringing Father Christmas, Polar Bear and all the other characters to life. My family likes to listen to it while we drive around looking at all the Christmas lights and laugh at all the cute stories. Tolkien must have been such a fun and wonderful father to have put so much work into these letters, stories and pictures for his kids.

This is definitely a holiday favorite for us!

Eragon

 Eragon By: Christopher Paolini

It has been quite a few years since I read this series and felt it would be fun to revisit it again. Its funny how after reading a book you can remember the gist of the story years later but it somehow gets a bit muddled, also the details that are missed. I really enjoyed re-reading this and look forward to moving onto the next book. The character growth in this story is so interesting to follow. If you like fantasy stories I strongly recommend reading this series.

Fairest of All

 Fairest of All By Serena Valentino

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and at first, I was skeptical. But after I finished it I gave it some thought and realized. This could be a great way to showcase how negative vices can destroy not just an individual, but an entire family and even society. In the case of this book vanity is what was the ultimate demise of Snow White's step-mother. This story introduces us to a young woman who grew up in a home with an emotionally and verbally abusive father. Then met the king and found not just love with a wonderful man, but a new family being able to be a mother to a cute little girl. After the death of her husband the queen fell into a grief that she didn't want to face and instead became obsessed with being the most beautiful woman in her kingdom that eventually lead to her demise.