Love 2 Read

Pride and Prejudice

2011-12-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Pride and Prejudice By: Jane Austen

After 3 years I FINALLY finished this book. I usually listen to classics on CD. But I bought this book and wanted to actually read it. It took me a long time but I did it. :) I have seen the movie...I cant even count how many times. The A&E version in my opinion is the best. But I've always wanted to read it. This book did not disappoint. I am glad that I had seen the movie before hand though cause sometimes I would get lost in the old English and have to figure out where I was and what was happening. But I loved that I got to learn what happened to all the sisters at the end. Now that I read the whole book completely through. I think I might pick it up to read it again sometime. But maybe just skim through it and really read the parts I like. :)

Matchless

2011-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

Matchless: By: Gregory Maguire

This was a wonderful addition to Hans Christian Anderson story of "The Little Match Girl". Gregory Maguire took his story a little further by telling of the life of a little boy and his mother and how their lives came to combine with the family of the little match girl. It takes a very sad story and continues it so you can see the good that happens in the following year. It was a fun quick read and very heart warming.

The Tale of the Three Trees

2011-11-21T11:56:00.001-08:00

The Tale of the Three Trees: By Angela Hunt

Well it's that time of year again when all the fun cute stories about Christmas start to surface. Where kids climb onto laps and parents and grandparents alike read the old and familiar stories to them. This is a favorite in our house. It's the story of three trees who had separate dreams and how through a very unique way they were able to fulfill those dreams because of the Savior. It has a great message and it's a great reminder that the real reason why we celebrate Christmas is because of our Savior and Redeemer. I would recommend this as a great book to add to any Christmas book collection.

Hexes and Tooth Decay

2011-11-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hexes and Tooth Decay By: Nancy Fulda

This is a really cute short story about the tooth fairy with a twist. It talks about this poor creature that was just wanting to eat his sandwich when he ran into a witch who cursed him. It's a story for kids maybe a little older that could get the humor of it all. But I really enjoyed reading it.

The Nine Lives of a Cat. A tale of Wonder

2011-10-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Nine Lives of a Cat. A tale of Wonder By: Charles H (Henry) Bennett

Uh... this was a free book I got for my kindle, it was formatted to be used as a digital copy by volunteers. I feel they didn't do a very good job. There were a lot of scattered words so the story/ poem was hard to understand. There was a lot of blanket spaces where pictures where suppose to be. Overall not a very good experience.

The Three Bears

2011-10-10T13:20:00.001-07:00

The Three Bears By: Anonymous

This is a twist on the old classic. It was a lot different than the story I remember growing up with. First it portrayed Goldilocks as being a mean child. It was definitely an interesting read. As I was searching for this particular version I also came to realize that the story of the three bears has been re-done a lot. Does anyone know who the original story was by?

The Princess Bride

2011-10-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Princess Bride By: William Goldman,

"The Princess Bride is a true fantasy classic. William Goldman describes it as a "good parts version" of "S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure." Morgenstern's original was filled with details of Florinese history, court etiquette, and Mrs. Morgenstern's mostly complimentary views of the text. Much admired by academics, the "Classic Tale" nonetheless obscured what Mr. Goldman feels is a story that has everything: "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles."

This was a book that I have been wanting to read for awhile. It did not disappoint. It was just what it claimed to be. A great read for any fantasy lover.

To-Read Tuesday

2011-08-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I follow do a To-Read Tuesday that I think would be a lot of fun to participate in. Well since I just finished my big to read book I want to post my next one. The Host by Stephenie Meyer is a book I have been wanting to read for awhile. But things have always seemed to get in the way. School, other books, not having the book available, etc. But now that I am on my break from school, and just finished a book. What a perfect time to start reading this one. :) I am very excited to start.

Mockingjay

2011-08-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay By: Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

I literally just finished this about 5 minutes ago. I haven't had a book, let alone a series, that I literally haven't been able to put down in a long time. The last book that I can remember I wanted to do nothing but read was Harry Potter's 1-5. The last time I fell asleep reading a book (like I did with this one last night) was...I cant even remember. I was a little shocked at the ending. Suzanne Collins never leaves you bored and she is by no means predictable. This book had me guessing at ever twist and turn in this book. This trilogy is definitely going on my list of favorite books.

Catching Fire

2011-08-19T07:57:00.001-07:00

Catching Fire By: Suzanne Collins-

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

This is the second book of the Hunger Games Trilogy. Once again I was blown away. I am so glad that this trilogy is on my kindle so that after I finished reading this I could go straight to the 3rd book. I thought that The Hunger Games and Mokingjay (3rd book) was going to be the climax books of this trilogy but so far this trilogy has been suspenseful and not predictable at all. I haven't finished the 3rd book yet but I can already say this this is DEFINITELY a must read.

The Hunger Games

2011-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins

Before I read this book I heard a lot of people tell me it was good and that I needed to read it. When I would ask what its about all they would tell me is The Hunger Games. I always thought "well that tells me a lot" So I went into this book blind as well. To be completely honest at first I was a little mortified when I found out what the hunger games actual was. But this is the first book in a LONG time that I actually couldn't put down. I would stay up late into the night reading. An all around great book.

In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

Leven Thumps Book 2

2011-07-12T11:32:00.001-07:00

Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret By Obert Skye-

I have really been enjoying these books. The first one I didn't know what to expect when I read the first book. I had never heard anything about these books so they have been a pleasant surprise. Obert Skye's writing style is a little different and I have a few friends who dont really like it. I liked this book more than the first and I cant wait to start the next one...as soon as I can get my hands on it. :) Here's what the book is about:

Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps and his not-so-merry band of Foo denizens return. Things start going badly right from the start. Homes are destroyed, people are buried in dirt or encased in ice, planes almost crash, and poor Geth, once a powerful and respected person, is turned into a toothpick and swallowed. The characters aren't compelling, and the most interesting parts of the story take place in Reality and not in Foo at all. The "Whispered Secret" is somewhat of a letdown. The ending sets the stage for yet another outing.

A Horse Book

2011-07-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

A Horse Book By: Mary Tourtel -

This was a free book that I got on my kindle and I really enjoyed it. It's a fun little kids book full of stories and poems of horses. My edition didn't come with the pictures, but it was still a fast, fun and relaxing read. It was nice to escape my textbooks and just relax and enjoy a story or two.

New Moon

2011-06-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

New Moon By: Stephenie Meyer.

This is only the second time I have read this book, I have read twilight so much that I figured I should just read through the series again. Usually this book wouldn't take me so ling but with school and all the reading that is involved with my classes it did take awhile...plus all the other books I am reading as well in between my text books. :p I really love this series though. My husband has asked me numerous times what it is about this series and Edward Cullen that makes girls go crazy over these books. After I finished this last night I though about his question again and I think I figured it out. It's not so much that the books are about werewolves and vampires and the constant struggle between the two. Or the fact that Edward is the vision of "perfection" or that Jacob is the meaning of strong and safe. I think the reason why girls love this book so much is because the relationship that Bella has with these two are the ideal relationship that all girls wish they had. Particularly the relationship with Edward and Bella. Every girl dreams of finding the kind of love that lasts forever and is so deep and so passionate that when you are apart for long periods of time all you want is to be with that person to be able to feel that unconditional love. Every girl dreams of finding a guy that loves her and only her. It's the same with the story of Romeo and Juliet. Every girl wants to find their Romeo and when they do they want to be that guys Juliet. I hope this makes sense cause it does in my head. :p

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone

2011-06-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone: By J.K Rowling.

Even after the countless times I have read this series, I still love it. But I will be the first to admit that I wasn't a potter fan from the beginning. When they first came out, everyone was ranting about that and it was the huge thing. I tend to shy away from things that are that big...not sure why. It wasn't till I was living with my sister in Washington that I got hooked. She brought home the movie and said that she wanted to watch it and if I wanted the TV that I was going to just have to watch with her. After that I bought all 4 books and read them in the the fastest time I have ever read that many books. When the 5th one came out, I was there with my friend waiting for Midnight to buy the 5th. (oddly enough that's when I picked up The Hobbit and fell in love with it too.) I have been a die hard fan ever since. When James and I got married, not only did I turn him into a potter fan but also his sisters family too. I picked this up after the semester ended cause I felt the potter itch and I wanted something a little light and familiar. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I love the way this book opens your imagination and I think that with the increase of TV and Video Games that the generation today faces, that Harry Potter is a good way to interest children in reading and using their imaginations.

Reading Block

2011-05-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

So I've heard of writers block, but is there such a thing as readers block? I am still reading but not as much as I normally would. I have 3 books that I am reading right now, and one of them I am literally almost done with. I have half a chapter left. Usually when this happens I cant put the books down till it's done. The next one I am more than half way through. I just don't understand it. Has anyone out there had a similar experience?

New Toy

2011-05-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have been back and forth, first between the whole ebook concept and then about the Nook or the Kindle. Well after I realized that one of these is something I would really like to invest in. Then came the big question...Nook...or Kindle. Well my sister in law has had her Nook for awhile now and she loves it, then one of my best friends got the kindle, so at least once a week for the past few months I have been able to hold both versions, try and test both versions and come up with my own thoughts. I even facebooked about it and asked Nook or Kindle. Well after all this and lots, and lots and LOTS or research, I made up my mind. We got some tax money back and we've been able to do quite a bit with it. The kindle was one of them. I did get the grey one...or graphite, as they call it. All I have to say is I'm in Love! :)

The Last Apprentice

2011-03-17T07:20:00.001-07:00

The Last Apprentice by: Joseph Delaney.

"I was going to learn how to protect farms and villages from things that go bump in the night. Dealing with ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties would be all in a day's work. That's what the Spook did, and I was going to be his apprentice." Twelve-year-old Thomas Ward, as the seventh son of a seventh son, has no inheritance and is bored with farm work, and even though his new job will mean the superstitious villagers will forever shun him, he is eager to go off to adventure with the tall, hooded man he calls the Spook. His mother, a magical person herself, approves, and the Spook's teaching is strict but kind. But when Tom has only learned enough to be able to control their house-boggart, he is tricked by Alice, the young daughter of a witch family, into inadvertently releasing and then killing Mother Malkin, a witch the Spook has imprisoned in a pit. This is no polite wicca-type witch, but a snuffling, slime-trailing, cannibalistic creature reminiscent of Tolkien's nasgils. The story of Tom's escape from the reincarnated witch's hideous revenge is full of horrible details, as Alice helps, and then once again betrays him. This well-crafted novel marks an auspicious start for an exciting and fast series for young teens." (Ages 10-14) --Patty Campbell --

This is one of those books that was lent to me and it just sat on my shelf for awhile. I didn't even read the back of it I just picked it up and started to read. At first it didn't seem like anything but the more I read the more interested I became. It was quite a fun read with a lot of twists and turns. If you have an child or know or anyone who likes a good thrilling tale this is a good book to recommend to them. :)

Pillage

2011-02-06T15:59:00.001-08:00

Pillage By: Obert Skye-

"Beck Phillips is a troubled teenager with a special gift. When his mother dies suddenly, he finds himself shipped off to an unknown uncle who lives outside a strange village called Kingsplot. But Beck's family holds a deep, dark secret. Why is the backyard forbidden? Why did they bury the basement? And why do plants seem to act strangely around Beck?

This young adult fantasy had me hooked from beginning to end. The mystery and suspense were enthralling, and the build-up was incredibly engaging. Obert Skye has created a wonderful legend with characters that pull you into the story. He has a real gift of creating suspense. And thankfully, the reveal was just as exciting. One of my favorite details was the addition of pages from a mysterious family book that Beck stumbles upon, which precede each chapter. We get glimpses of the family secret as the story unfolds.

Pillage is a wonderful book for all ages containing a fun mystery, adventure, interesting characters, magic, surprises, a climactic battle, and a moral about the negative aspects of greed."

This was a book I have had my eyes on for awhile. Ever time I saw it it captured my attention.It's from the same author who wrote the Leven Thumps Series. Which I loved...well the first one anyway. Haven't gotten to the rest.
One day I finally bought this book and started to read. The writing style is a little different than what I am use to. But I really enjoyed this book. it keeps you guessing and I love the whole concept of ancient meeting modern.

Trusting Jesus

2011-01-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Trusting Jesus By Jeffery R. Holland.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2

A mother, struggling to cope when a family member is diagnosed with a devastating illness, finds hope and strength when her small daughter pulls her close and whispers, 'Trust Jesus.' Those simple words form the foundation for Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's latest book, Trusting Jesus.

"Everyone meets affliction in mortality," writes the author. "Everyone knows some sorrow. Everyone experiences disappointments, even despair, and looks for ways to bear up and keep on going. The answer for all times and all seasons is to 'trust Jesus.'"

This collection of some of Elder Holland's most memorable and powerful talks will inspire us to keep our focus and our faith on the one source of strength that will never fail us: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Included in this collection are such classic addresses as "The Other Prodigal," "He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things," "Come unto Me," "An High Priest of Good Things to Come," "A Handful of Meal and a Little Oil," "As Doves to Our Windows," and many others.

The messages gathered here will help us to remember His promises in all our days of trial and challenge. When our souls are spiritually depleted, we can trust that the Lord will provide us with the bread of life and the living waters. When we struggle to fulfill our callings, we can trust that He will sustain and support our efforts. When our lives are hectic and overwhelming, we can trust that the Lord will bless us with peace."

I have been getting into inspirational books more and more, I guess that means I am growing up. :) This book was wonderful I learned so much about the life of the Savior before his earthly mission, after and during. I also learned a lot about our own personal missions on this earth and how we need to view Heavenly Father more like the Father he is to us. I really loved this book and recommend it to all.

Above and Beyond

2011-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Above and Beyond by Betsy Brannon Green:

Above and Beyond (May 2008) Once they had Caroline safely back, Savannah assumed that she and Dane would pick up where they'd left off years before. But Dane sends her and Caroline to Ft. Belvoir with General Steele and refuses to even answer her phone calls. Then Mario Ferrante's daughter, Rosemary, comes to Savannah for help. Savannah feels sorry for the girl and sees her request as an opportunity to involve Dane in her life again. Dane does agree to help - with near disastrous results.

This is the second book in the Duty trilogy. I really loved the first book but for some reason had a hard time getting through this one. It didn't grab my attention the way the other one did and the only reason why I continued is to find out about the love interest which in my opinion also ran a little dry. You can only hold someone so long with the will they or wont they get back together topic. I am not sure if I will read the last book.

January Giveaway From Queen of Happy Endings.

2011-01-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Every month Alaine gives away a book or two...or three. On her blog Queen of Happy Endings. January's giveaways are these two...
She has a description of both books on her blog as well as the giveaway. Just click HERE and Good Luck!

2011 100+ Book Challenge Part 2

2011-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Another 100+ Book Challenge this one hosted by My Overstuffed Bookshelf. Since I am already doing another 100+ book Challange I would like to Participate in this one as well. The more books I read the less trouble I can get into right. ;) Here we go to a great 2011

2011 Books to be read Challenge

2011-01-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Books to be read Challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader. I am really hoping that I am not to late to join in this challenge. I found it today and think it is perfect for me. I have a list that has been taunting me for awhile of books I want to read or finish reading. So what a better motivator to get them read then a challenge. Hooray! Now some of the books on my list are Series but I am not sure if I'll be able to finish the whole series, especially in the case of some books that I have been wanting to read I recently just figured that it was a series. Anyway so here is my list of 12 books I would like to read for this challenge. Enjoy!

1. The Host

2. The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

3. Pride and Prejudice

4. The Last Battle

5. The Last Waltz

6. The 5 Love Languages

7. Lemony Snickets a Series of unfortunate Events ( I am on #5 out of 13)

8. The Last Apprentice

9. The Hunger Games

10. Above and Beyond

11.Wild at Heart

12 Leven Thumps Book 2

Okay there are my 12 Wish me luck everyone!

100+ Book Challenge 2011

2011-01-04T13:34:00.001-08:00

Ok So I didnt reach 100 books last year OR get my goal of 50. So I am really excited that Home Girls Book Blog is doing another 100+ book Challenge. I think I'll do better this year...heres to hoping. :D

Fantasy Challenge

2011-01-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

I also did the Fantasy challenge in 2010. I do love fantasy and I thought what a perfect challenge for me. :D Here is my book Count for this challenge.

1-Twilight

2-The Halloween Tree

3-The Tale of Despereaux

4-Fablehaven 5 Keys to the Demon Prison

5-The Tiara Club Princess Georgia

6-The Prophecy of the Stones

7-The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

8-The Tales of Beedle the Bard

9-The Hobbit

10- The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring

11-The Lord of the Rings-The Two Towers

12- The Lord of the Rings-The Return of the King

13- Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo

100 Book Challenge

2011-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

So this year I took on the 100 Book Challenge and being a slow reader and a part time student. This was definitely a challenge for me. But it helped me in a lot of ways too. I have noticed an increase in my reading skills and a fluctuation in what I read... which I find rather nice considering all I usually read is Fantasy. It was nice to break from that mold and explore new kinds of books. Although I did continue with my beloved fantasy books it is nice to know that I can enjoy other books non fantasy related. :) So I know I didn't get to 100 or my personal goal of 50 I still did A LOT better than what i though I was going to. So I am extremely proud of myself. :)

Here is my list...

1- Christmas of the Cherry Snow

2- Wait till Helen comes

3- Miserable Mill

4- The Enoch Letters

5- What We Wish We'd Known When We Were Newlyweds.

11-The Halloween Tree

12- Wuthering Heights

13- The Tale of Despereaux

14- Fahrenheit 451

15- Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

16- The Undaunted

17- Johnny Tremain

18- The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

19-Fablehaven 5- Keys to the Demon Prison

20-The Tiara Club: Princess Georgia

21- The Crucible

22- The Prophecy of the Stones

23- The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

24- The Narrows

25- Island of the Blue Dolphins

26- The Raging Sea

27- You Are Special

28-What I Wish I's Known When I Was Single

29- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

30- The Tales of Beedle the Bard

31-Hazardous Duty

32-The Hobbit

33-The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring

34-The Lord of The Rings-The Two Towers

35-Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

36- The Lord of the Rings-The Return of the King

37- Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood.

38- Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood

39- Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo

40- The Polar Express

41- Bethlehem's Star

42- The Giving Chest

43- I Believe in Santa Claus

I Believe in Santa Claus

2010-12-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

I Believe in Santa Claus By: Diane G. Adamson:

YES WE DO!!!!!

My husband and I both really love this book, it is another Christmas tradition in our home. This book is a beautiful reminder of the wonderful symbols of Christmas that remind us of the Savior including Santa Claus himself

The Giving Chest

2010-12-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Giving Chest By: Dan Farr and Dick Van Dyke

I know I post this book with a few others every Christmas but I really love this story about giving and the change that comes over you when you give of yourself to help someone else. This is one of those Christmas books I bought because it was at discount. I think I got it for $2 or $3. But it has been one that we have thoroughly enjoyed having with our Christmas book collection it helps you to remember, feel and enjoy the magic of the Christmas season.

Bethlehem's Star

2010-12-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Bethlehem's Star By: Bevan Olsen

This is a super short but super cute story. It the Christmas story through the eyes of the Star of Bethlehem. This cute little story is a wonderful Christmas book to add to your collection and a great way to spread the Christmas Spirit and the story of the Christ Child. A great story for any child to read or to be read to.

My husband and I both enjoyed it very much, and I loved how the author put the twist by having the star tell the story.

Polar Express

2010-11-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

The Polar Express By: Chris Van Allsburg,

Well it's that time of year again. When you start pulling out the Christmas books and immerse yourself in the Spirit of Christmas. The Polar Express is a great way to start off the season. This classic book helps remind us that even though we're adults we can still feel of the love and spirit of Christmas and believe in Santa Claus. The Polar Express is about a boy that is not quite sure if he believes and receives a ride on the polar express to visit the North Pole and be given the first gift of Christmas by Santa Claus himself. This is a great classic that should be in everyone's Christmas book collection.

Leven Thumps

2010-11-12T08:05:00.001-08:00

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo By: Obert Skye

So this is one of the books that I have seen everywhere, knew of people who have read it but heard little about it. So while I was at the Library picking up the last of the Traveling pants series I saw it again and I figured I was going to need another book to after I finish this other series so why not. In all reality though I thought I was going to have to give it back to the library before I even had a chance to listen to it. That wasnt the case. I had a little over a week till it was due back and I figured it was only 8 discs long and if I didnt like it I could take it back and not be heartbroken about it. So I went into this book not knowing anything about it and what to expect. Sometimes I think that's the best way to go into a book...sometimes. I really enjoyed this book. It is a fanstay but it has an unusual concept that I havent come across yet.

“Two teens, a small, furry "sycophant," and a talking toothpick try to prevent evil forces from destroying two worlds in this lighthearted fantasy. "Foo" is the world from which all dreams come, and the villainous Sabine wants to find the gateway from there into our world. This would destroy both worlds, so the reluctant title hero and his magical companions try to prevent it. The complicated plot unwinds through a playful narrative that tries, often unsuccessfully, to mix humor and suspense. There are some funny moments, but many attempts at comedy seem forced or distracting. An urgent race to Germany includes some clever plot twists, as when Leven's friend Winter uses her ice-creating power to turn an ocean into a road, but their quest never becomes truly exciting. When it turns out that the ominous "Shadows" under Sabine's command can be dismissed by a simple hand clap, it's mildly amusing, but detracts from the sense of true danger that makes an involving adventure. Leven's self-doubts and changes of heart are almost tedious, and there's little chemistry between him and Winter. Adult characters are mean, dull, and unattractive, which results in some Dahl-like humor, but soon gets repetitive. Despite some solid humor and an occasionally intriguing plot, there's not enough cohesion or consistency here to make this a rewarding fantasy.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR”

For any who enjoy a good fantasy book I would highly recommend this book. I found the beginning to drag just a tad so give it awhile before you give up on it.

Forever in Blue

2010-11-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

Forever in Blue the Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood By: Ann Brashares.

I was very sad to finish this book. Where this ended was very satisfying as well as not. I did really enjoyed this series, getting to know the characters and watching them grow and change. But I always look forward and I cant help but wonder what happens to them in the future. But I guess that's what the imagination is for. :)

Girls in Pants

2010-10-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood By: Ann Brashares

Ok so I didn't think that I would like this series that much but when I opened this book and started it, I realized that I really missed these characters and it was like seeing old friends again. The author really makes you feel apart of this group of 4 girls and makes you wish even more that you could wear these magical pants. the 4 girls Tibby, Carmen, Bridget (B) and Leena have graduated from High school and have one summer left before they go their separate ways for college. Bridget has soccer camp that she is coaching and has an unexpected run in with Eric an old flame that made her life horrible after the first summer. Carmen is adjusting to her mom's new marriage and is still adjusting a bit to her dad's as well when an unexpected surprise helps Carmen see herself in a new perspective. Leena's newly widowed grandma is living with them and is causing grief in the house. But because of Leena's chance to put together a portfolio for art class she learns more about her family and feels a deeper love for them. Tibby is starting to feel that maybe being a tomboy still at 18 isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when a new crush emerges, she also has a almost fatal occurrence that makes he realize just how important her family is to her and how much she does really love them. All this mingled with the girls friendship being set in motion for the ultimate test...COLLEGE!
I really loved this book and I am excited to start the next and final chapter.

The Return of the King

2010-10-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King By: J.R.R. Tolkien

The end of the trilogy. I really love the detail you get in books that you don't in movies and I am especially grateful that Tolkien believed in Happy endings for all. :) One of my favorite things about this book is the part that couldn't fit in the movie. When Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin

go back to the shire to find that Sauruman has taken over and they stand up to him and get their fellow hobbits together to rebel and stand up to the "ruffians". In the movie I didn't like how after they got back from their adventures that they felt alienated with their own kinsman. I think that's one of the reasons why I enjoyed this part in the book because it helps to show that they weren't alienated and in fact thought of as hero's in their homeland as well. Albeit for different reasons.

Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

2010-10-13T07:59:00.001-07:00

Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? By: Marty Becker D.V.M, Audrey Pavia, Gina Spadafori, and Teresa Becker.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals and particularly HORSES. So it comes as a shock to no one when I said I want to go to school to become a Vet and it comes at no surprise that when I found this at Barnes and Noble I bought it. (after narrowing it down from a stack of choices). This is a wonderful book that I am so happy that I have added to my collection. It has a lot of questions that I myself have had about horses but never really found the answers to. It also has re kindled my interest in horse racing. If your a horse lover like me and want to find out more about these magnificent animals this is the book for you.

The Two Towers

2010-10-11T08:01:00.001-07:00

The Lord of the Rings-The Two Towers By: J.R.R. Tolkien

I actually find it a little funny that I am reading this series right now. When I first started to read it I got close to the end of this book before I had to stop because I was leaving to live in the Philippines for close to 2 years. When I got back I jumped into school but wanted to finish the series. Of course I couldn't remember where I was so I started over and would listen to them as I drove to and from school and work. Well it's now 5 years later and I picked up this series again right as I once again started back into school, and listen to them as i drive to and from school and work. :p
I love this series and the story that Tolkien has created. He truly set the standard for fantasy writing and I can relate almost all the fantasy books I read back to Tolkien. He really brings the characters to life and paints a very vivid world that is so fun to escape to. This book continues the fellowship as they part ways and go different routes but still with the same purpose. You get to meet new characters that are easy to fully accept into the story and you get to meet the old character Gollum from The Hobbit and even get to learn more about him and why he is the way he is. The series should really be read at least once in your lifetime. book reader or not I think this is a wonderful story that everyone should know.

The Lord of The Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring

2010-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring By: J.R.R. Tolkien

In true fashion after I finished The Hobbit I had to move on to The Lord of The Rings trilogy. the first of these is The Fellowship of the Ring. In this book we get to find out what has happened to Bilbo Baggins since he came back from his adventure in The Hobbit. We also get to meet a wonderful bunch of new characters as well as being reunited with a few well known characters. In this book we get to find out more about the mysterious magic ring that Bilbo found (The Hobbit) and we find out that it is a magic ring but also an evil one. Passed down from Bilbo to his nephew Frodo. When Gandalf the wizard makes the discovery of what the ring really is. Frodo starts his own adventure with 3 of his friends towards Rivendale where the elf's live to decide the destiny of the ring as well as himself. This book is so great, I really love this whole series and being able to go on this journey again has been a lot of fun. Due to the start of school it may take me a little longer than I would like to finish this series as well as the other books I am reading but it will be a journey worth taking. This story is a classic I think everyone should read at least once...if you like true and pure fantasy.

Monday Musings

2010-08-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to start a Monday musings and to try and get my blog out there so that more people can find me. So Here's how it works Please post this on your blog or facebook with your answer then make a comment on this post that you have done it with a link to your blog or facebook so I can check it out. I cant wait to see your responses! :) So without further adieu the question is...

Who taught you how to read?

A lot of my early reading memories was sitting on the couch reading to my dad. I can remember being teased by a girl in kindergarten quite fiercely because I didn't know how to read when I started and having a determination to read. I believe my mom helped me out a great deal as well but the one very vivid memory I can remember is sitting on our floral print couch next to a lamp with my fathers arm around me trying to read a book about an elephant. :) After I learned how to read I couldn't stop...I was hooked.

The Hobbit

2010-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Hobbit By: J.R.R. Tolkien

I first started to read this when I was waiting for the 5th book of Harry Potter on Barnes and nobles one of many midnight parties. This may shock some of you because The Hobbit is one that is read in school. I don't know why I didn't read it there. I will say that when I first read it it did take me awhile to get into it but once I did I couldn't put it down. This is one of my favorite books and I love how it starts into the Lord of the Rings series with characters that I already knew, it was like being reunited with old friends. This was a book that I have been listening to on audio while I drive to work and while I sit at my computer. Some listen to music...I listen to books. :) I think this is a classic that everyone should read at least once in their lives. This is a great book that I love to pick up again and I know I already said this but I really mean it. Picking up this book is like stepping into a different world, time and place and is like reuniting with old friends and reliving adventures. :) one of the many reasons I love books.

Hazardous Duty

2010-08-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

WOW What great book! :) My friend lent me this book and told me I really needed to read it, I didn't know what to expect but wasn't disappointed. Then I got to the end and all I can say is that I cant wait to read the next one and find out what happens to Hack, Doc, Caroline and most importantly Savannah and Dane.

"Hazardous Duty (May 2007)Savannah McLaughlin is desperate. Her six year old daughter, Caroline, has been kidnapped and neither the police nor the FBI seem able to find her. Finally Savannah turns to Major Christopher Dane, her husband's best friend and her former fiance for help. He'll help her only if she agrees to his painful terms. In the end they find Caroline and the love she thought they'd lost."

Blogiversary giveaway

2010-08-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,
Have you checked out the Book Worms Library Yet? If you haven't now is a good time, She is celebrating 1 year on her blog on Aug 27. HOORAY! She is also having a giveaway to say thanks for reading. To enter please click HERE to zoom over to her blog and check it out. Happy reading and Congratulations again to the Book Worms Library for a great year.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2010-08-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

The Tales of Beedle the Bard By: J.K. Rowling

Over the weekend I thought it would be fun for my husband and I to read the Tales of Beedle the Bard together. I introduced the world of Harry Potter to my husband one day when I just happened to have the 1st book with me on our way to work one day. :p (In Salt Lake almost an hour away) I started reading it to him as we traveled to and from work together and that's pretty much how we got through the whole series. It was a lot of fun so I thought it only fitting to read this book the same way. This is a compilation of fairy stories from the wizarding world. :)

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.The stories are accompanied by delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by Ms. Rowling herself, featuring a still-life frontispiece for each one. Professor Dumbledore’s commentary—apparently written some eighteen months before his death—reveals not just his vast knowledge of Wizarding lore, but also more of his personal qualities: his sense of humor, his courage, his pride in his abilities, and his hard-won wisdom. Names familiar from the Harry Potter novels sprinkle the pages, including Aberforth Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and his forebears, and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (or “Nearly Headless Nick”), as well as other professors at Hogwarts and the past owners of the Elder Wand. Dumbledore tells us of incidents unique to the Wizarding world, like hilariously troubled theatrical productionsat Hogwarts or the dangers of having a “hairy heart.” But he also reveals aspects of the Wizarding world that his Muggle readers might find all too familiar, like censorship, intolerance, and questions about the deepest mysteries in life.Altogether, this is an essential addition to our store of knowledge about the world and the magic that J. K. Rowling has created, and a book every true Harry Potter fan will want to have for their shelves."

I agree with the above, if you are a Harry Potter fan The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a book you must add to that Collection.

Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings: 2010 Fantasy Reading Challenge

2010-08-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings: 2010 Fantasy Reading Challenge

I am coming into this challenge well into the year but I am very excited about it and I am ready to tackle it. :)

Here is some more info about this challenge...

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:
-- Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.
-- Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count

towards this challenge.

I love fantasy but to be conpletely honestI dont always know what books are classified as so I don't want to bite off more then I can chew so I think for now I am going to start out under Addicted. I dont want to read a whole slew of books to find out that they are just non-fiction books rather than fantasy so wish me luck. Here are the books I think are fantasy that I have so far read in 2010.

1. Twilight

2.The Halloween Tree

3.The Tale of Despereaux

4.Fablehaven 5

5.The Tiara Club

6. The Prophecy of the Stones

7.The Short Second life of Bree Tanner.

To complete my list here are (as of right now) what I want to read in no particular order.

8. The Last Battle

9.The Hunger Games

10.The Last Apprentice Revenge of the Witch

11.The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

12. The Tales of Beedle the Bard

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

2010-08-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer By: Mark Twain

Believe it or not but this was the first time I had read this book. I have seen a lot of different movies and TV shows with a take off the book but this was my first time reading it. I was really excited about this book and loved every minute of it. The movie that I had seen and "grown up with" I guess you could say was Disney's Spin off of the story with Tom and Huck. After reading the book I realized that the movie was nothing compared to the book. (which was good cause I never really liked that movie anyway) Tom,Huckleberry, Becky as well as the rest of the characters were pictured a lot differently in my head. Younger and everything that comes with being a kid. The only thing I did find a little hard was in the beginning of the book Mark Twain says that this book is for kids about the joys of being a kid and he hopes adults will read it too. 34 chapters later I was thinking, there is no way a kid would want to sit down and read a 34 chapter book. Well at least not the age group I had Tow Sawyer pegged at. I know my niece Abby would but reading for her is a passion and it's hard to find kids who like books that much. But I did really enjoy this book and hope to either have my kids read it someday or read it to them.

What I Wish I'd Known When I Was Single

2010-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

What I Wish I'd Known When I Was Single By: John Bytheway

John Bytheway is an LDS motivational speaker he has spoke at a lot of different venues and loves to do it. This book was given to me by a friend and even though I am already married I though it would be fun to give it a look anyway. Single or not I really like his insights into different spiritual topics and life as well. I really enjoyed this book.

"Trying to find the right companion, struggling with the dating game, or even thinks about marriage, John Bytheway knows how to fight the good fight. In his book What I Wish I'd Known When I Was Single, Bytheway teaches readers to see past the game and look for what is important in an eternal spouse.This well-known motivational speaker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and author of LDS youth books such as What I Wish I'd Known When I Was in High School and Dating 911 uses his extensive knowledge of gospel doctrine and personal experiences to put common marriage phobias to rest. Bytheway communicates with singles after spending the years following his LDS mission in search of an eternal companion. Bytheway currently works as an institute teacher at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.Using the format of a piano concerto, Bytheway starts with the "Program Notes" and continues until the "Finale: Crescendo." The nine movements give advice on everything from who you should and should not date to dealing with a failing relationship.Although this is not a work by a church authority and is, therefore, the author's own ideas, readers can easily relate to the straightforward tales of love and relationships.The insightful words of ecclesiastical leaders, parents, and entertainers combine to form a guide for readers who are clueless about single life.Through humor and common sense, readers will be thrilled to learn that hope exists for all of us who are sick of that four letter word: Date."

You Are Special

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

You are Special By: Max Lucado

This is a really great Christian book to help remind us that we are Children of a loving Heavenly Father.

"In this heartwarming children's tale, Eli the woodcarver helps Punchinello understand how special he is--no matter what other Wemmicks may thing. It's a vital message for children everywhere: that God cherishes them just as they are."

I recommend this to anyone of all ages.

I WON!

2010-07-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

YAY! I never win but this time I WON!!! :) I entered a contest on the facebook page for Primary Children's Medical Center and I was shocked to find out that I won. What did I win you ask? Well that's the best part. Here is what I won...

The 3rd book in the fablehaven series by Brandon Mull..oh but not just any copy...
An autographed copy! :) YAY!!! This series is so amazing I am so excited I won Thanks Brandon Mull for signing this book to be given away and Thank you Primary Children Medical for choosing me to win it. As well as a big thank you for so much more!!!!! (in the upper right they also sent me these cute shoelaces that say Primary Children's on them with panda's)

The Raging Sea

2010-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Raging Sea By Sonia O'Brien:

This is one of my all time favorite books and I haven't been able to find it anywhere. So when I was over at my friends house and saw it sitting on her bookshelf I was so excited. This book is about Kaitlyn Winters a college student living with her parents in Minnesota. Here is what the publishers website said...

"Kaitlyn Winters’ future looks perfect. Her boyfriend, Greg, is handsome, witty, and has his uncle’s law practice practically in his back pocket. What more could a girl want? But when a tragic accident takes the life of someone close to her, it also takes away Kaitlyn’s peace of mind. To help get her mind off her troubles, Kaitlyn’s best friends plan a Caribbean vacation. But their cruise liner is thrown into turmoil and they are forced to abandon ship. Kaitlyn and her friends join with a young steward, Matthew, in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal.
Thrown closer together by circumstances, Kaitlyn finds she is developing strong feelings for the attractive steward she met on board before disaster struck. But Matthew has just returned from a mission and has definite ideas about dating only Mormon girls. If she can find a way to survive, Kaitlyn knows she’ll have to confront her feelings about death, spiritual beliefs—and Matthew. Whatever she decides, her life will be changed forever."

This is one of those books that I can get lost in every time. This is the very first book that Sonia O'Brien has had published and I think she did a fantastic job!

Island of the Blue Dolphins

2010-07-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Island of the Blue Dolphins. By: Scott O' Dell-

I was going through a bunch of things while I was cleaning and found this book. I haven't read it since I was in middle School and thought it would be fun to pick up and read again. this book is a classic that I think everyone should read at least once. It is great...but at the same time I forgot how sad it is too and for some reason it hit me really hard when I read it this last time. i guess when we get older we see things from a much different perspective. For example when I read as a brand new teen it probably didn't bother me that much because I couldn't think how hard it would be to lose a parent or sibling. My parents were young they weren't going to die and my siblings at that time...well I loved them but I didn't exactly get along with them. Now as I read it over my parents are older and I don't know what I am going to do when they do pass on. Still I think this book is a classic and should be read by all.

About the book:

"Karana, a Native American girl, is accidentally left alone when her people abandon their island home off the coast of California. After a failed attempt to leave the island in a leaky canoe, Karana decides to build a house and learn to hunt while waiting to be rescued. Her isolation from humans teaches her how to co-exist peacefully with the local wildlife, even the wild dog she considers her worst enemy. After many years, missionaries come to the island, and Karana, yearning for human companionship, goes with them to the mainland. A fictional reconstruction of a true story, Island of the Blue Dolphins depicts a character whose courage and determination help her survive against nearly impossible odds."

The Narrows

2010-06-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Narrows By: Michael Connelly-
I really enjoyed this book, It was a great mystery book that left you wondering what was going to happen next and just when you think you had it figured out something else happens. Before I get into the story though I do have 1 complaint about this book though it said the F word WAY to many times. I can handle a book that has 1 maybe 2 but this book just had way to many.

"FBI agent Rachel Walling finally gets the call she's dreaded for years: the one that tells her the Poet has returned. Years earlier she worked on the famous case tracking down the serial killer who wove lines of poetry into his hideous crimes. Rachel has never forgotten the killer who called himself the Poet — and apparently he has not forgotten her.

Harry Bosch gets a call, too. The former LAPD detective hears from an old friend whose husband recently died. The death appeared natural, but this man's ties to the hunt for the Poet make Harry dig deep — and lead him into a terrifying and unknown world.

So begins the most deeply compelling, frightening, and masterful novel Michael Connelly has ever written. The Narrows places Harry Bosch in league with Rachel Walling, at odds with the FBI, and squarely in the path of the most ruthless and ingenious murderer in Los Angeles's history. What follows is a taut and tantalizing mystery that has Harry Bosch racing from the hostile vistas of the Nevada desert to the glittering Las Vegas Strip to the dark corners of Los Angeles.

Through it all, Bosch works at his new found life as father to a young daughter, balancing the deepest love he has ever felt with his own sense of mission and his deep awareness of evil.

Here is what Michael Connelly said about The Narrows: "The next Harry Bosch novel is the sequel to The Poet — something for years I said I wasn't interested in doing but could not avoid once the idea came to me. Harry investigates the death of a cop he once worked with and that leads him into the path of the Poet. Terry McCaleb and Rachel Walling make appearances in this book, and if you look hard enough you'll even catch a glimpse of what Cassie Black is up to."

I have never read The Poet and I actually just found out that The Narrows was a sequel I might read The Poet now..although now that I know how everything turns out I might just leave it at that. :)

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

2010-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner By: Stephenie Meyer.

I guess some people wouldn't call me a true Twilight/Stephenie Meyer fan ( I beg to differ) because I never heard anything about this book coming out. I actually just stumbled upon it when I decided to spoil myself with a new book. The story is about one of the newborn vampires from the battle at the end of eclipse. So at the very beginning of the book you know her life is going to end tragically and even Stephenie Meyer warns you in the beginning of the book that if you've read Eclipse then you already know the outcome of her life and it will end. Even with this knowledge and another warning you cant help but gain a "personal" relationship with this character and to hope (even though you know better) that some how she lives in the end. I think this book is a great example of the "other side of the story," And to try and see just that the other side of every story. I really loved this book and realized that it's not just because of the vampire stories that I love reading Stephenie Meyer books but it's her writing style that I love. If your a Stephenie Meyer fan/a Twilight fan this is a must have for your collection.

A NEW CONTEST!!!

2010-06-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

What better to go with Summer than a book contest. :) I found this contest at Bewitched Bookworms and I'm super excited about it. I have been trying really hard to expand my library and the things I read and these contests are helping. If you would like to check out this contest just click on the link on the side bar or above. Have a great summer everyone and Happy reading!

The Prophecy of the Stones

2010-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Prophecy of the Stones By: Flavia Bujor.

This is a book that I picked up on sale awhile ago and kinda forgot about it, But then after I was done reading the Crucible I needed another book to endure the sometimes boring train ride into work. I was actually very shocked by this book. It was a very unique story and very well written. The author wrote it when she was 13 and according working on more. The story is about a young woman who is dying in a hospital and slips into these dreams where she sees 3 young girls who have to save their world from an impending evil lead by the council of twelve. At first I was afraid that it wouldn't be wrapped up in the end and that it would be another "Eragon" series where I would have to wait for 2 years before the other book was released. but she ties it all together very well. She says that she doesn't want to by typecast into an author who only writes fantasy's but I think she left just enough open that if she wanted to she could make a sequel to this book. If not it was a very fun read and a great story.

The Crucible

2010-05-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Crucible By: Arthur Miller

I have always been fascinated by the Salem witch trials but I've never really done a lot of digging and research about them so when I had the opportunity to borrow this book from my sister in law I jumped at the chance. This book was fascinating and I locked onto it real quick. I usually go home and clean, cook,go for walks, or watch TV. if I ever sit down to read it's usually only for a few minutes. but with this book the only thing that sounded good was sitting in my new lazy boy chair and reading. :) I never realized just how interesting and yet sad this story really is. I felt like this whole story basically surrounded the "doings" of one person... Abigail Williams and I think her story started with her affair with John Proctor. But it makes me wonder why they condemned all those other people, maybe it was just a snowball effect. I'm not quite sure but I am going to try and do a little more research about this even in our nations history. If you know of any other good books about this topic please let me know.

The Tiara Club: Princess Georgia

2010-05-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Tiara Club at Ruby Mansions: Princess Georgia and the Shimmering Pearl By: Vivian French.

I found this book on a discount rack and only paid I think it was a dollar...maybe less. Anyway I thought it would be good to read children's books from time to time and examine them for my Children's Literature class. This is a cute little story about Georgia a Princess in a academy at the Ruby Mansion who is learning to be a perfect princess in hopes that she can move her training to the Pearly Mansion to learn how to become a noble queen. It's a really cute story complete with villains and all. This book helped me to understand the proper wordage to use for kids to help them understand as well as the climate of the plot and much much more. It's also a cute little book that I'm going to save to give to any future princess's I may have of my own. :)

Fablehaven

2010-05-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

Fablehaven-Keys to the Demon Prison: By Brandon Mull

This is one of those series my niece Abby introduced to me awhile ago and I love it! I am a huge fantasy fan, I loved Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, Lord of the Rings, etc. After Harry Potter I was wondering if I could find a book that I could sink in to like I could the "wizarding world" and this was PERFECT! I finished this series last night and was sad to see it go. Fablehaven is about these magical preserves that keep magical creatures either safe or away from harming humans who aren't aware these magical creatures are real. It has all sorts of creatures fairies, satyrs, golems, witches,wraiths, trolls, centaurs just to name a few. You follow two young people Seth and Kendra as they go to spend their summer with their Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen (Book 1) and they stumble across this unknown world when they drink some magical milk. The rest of the series goes through adventures that these two have at Fablehaven that get more and more critical as the books go on as they try and continue to save the world from an evil called the society of the evening star. This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys fantasy reads.

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

2010-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

I guess I didn't realize just how interested I was in the lives of the four main characters in this series when I read the first book but when I saw the second one sitting on the shelf at the library I couldn't help but pick it up. Even though there is a part that is a little to descriptive for my taste and made me blush and need to put the book down a few times before continuing. I really did enjoy this book and it was fun to see what happened to these four girls in this next book...it felt like revisiting old friends and seeing the new changes and growth that they have made. I would wait still wait before suggesting this book to any of my younger nieces. But overall a very enjoyable read.

Johnny Tremain

2010-04-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Johnny Tremain By Esther Forbes:
One of my favorite subjects is history. I love learning about history and the early days of our country including the Civil War is one of the many topics that fascinate me. So I can see why I was drawn to this book. Johnny Tremain is a name I have heard of but never really knew the story of. So I really enjoyed this book but I didn't much care for the ending...I could see leaving the ending where it was if there was a sequel to this book but I did some research and couldn't find a sequel. I think she really could have carried this book a lot farther. But maybe the reason why she didn't is because she couldn't find anymore information about what happened to Johnny Tremain and maybe this book had some sort of Epilogue that I missed explaining that. All in all a great read but the ending does leave you a bit high and dry.

The Undaunted

2010-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Undaunted By: Gerald N. Lund

This book was amazing, I usually don't read books like this but WOW. A good part of my life I lived down in Southern Utah in a small town called Monticello. I also lived in Moab for a time and I have always known that those towns down in that area were settled by the Mormon pioneers but I never gave much thought about it. I have even seen the Hole-in-the-rock when I was boating on Lake Powell. But i have never really thought about how hard it was for them to cross from Escalante to Bluff. this book helped me to understand better the struggles, sorrow, faith and triumph of the Mormon pioneers as they try and make this journey. A lot of the families mentioned in this book were actual families who made this trek. Including one family who joined the LDS Church in Palmyra New York and came after a lot of persecution and being kicked out of their homes numerous times made it to Utah and established Salt Lake City. The thing that shocked me most was that at most of the places mentioned I have seen and been there myself not even realizing the events that happened here. This book has given me a deep respect for these pioneers and what they went through to establish homes and to help make Utah what it is today. If you would like to learn more about these pioneers there is a website at
http://www.undaunted-thenovel.com/ or if you would like to learn more about the Mormon pioneers or the LDS church please visit http://www.lds.org/ or http://www.mormon.org/

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2010-03-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants- By Ann Brashares:

I have heard a lot of things about this book and about the movie too, So I thought I'd give it a try. I loved all the different stories of the 4 best friends that make up the sisterhood. It was really easy to get lost in this book and to feel the same things that each of the characters feel as they struggle through a summer away from each other and go through some life changing and growth experiences. One thing that I didn't like about the book...One thing I feel is a growing problem in this country is the increase of underage drinking as well as how casually the younger generations today see and use profanity and sex and the 4 girls in this book didn't seem the exception. Although I do have to say that sexuality wasn't as big in this book but there was quite a bit of drinking and a lot of profanity that I feel wouldn't be a good example on some more impressionable young readers.

Fahrenheit 451

2010-03-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fahrenheit 451, By Ray Bradbury:

"There must be something in books, things we can't imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don't stay for nothing." - Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, Part 1

This book was required reading in my English class in High School, back then I didn't much care for the book...but I think it was because I was reading from a literal view. When I read books in High School I read for the story, so if a book had a double meaning I usually didn't pick up on it...occasionally I would but generally I just thought it was a good story or bad one. Well 10 years later I have noticed a huge change in the way i read books now, I search for more than just the story. So after more than 10 years I decided to pick up this book again (even though in high school I swore I'd never read it again.) I cant believe the message that this book has in it and even more than that but how much I can see our world now in this book. The cockiness and arrogance of people to think they don't need to think they just need to be and if they just need to be then why do something like read. Also the greediness for power in the government in this book. While I was googling the image of this book I found something interesting that explains this book really well...

Now I am NOT saying that this is what this country is like today. I just found this interesting from the books point of view. In the story Guy Montag, the fireman who burns book for a living to gain a curiosity for what he burns and then become a fugitive. He meets a group of men scholars, old college teachers, even an old reverend who are on the constant run. They have a small portable TV where they show Montag that even those the cops, news helicopter and even a robotic dog lost his trail when he jumped in the river they couldn't leave their viewers thinking there was a criminal still roaming free. So they pick some innocent guy who was walking down the street to be their new "montag" their new fugitive to capture for the sake of face. The second time I have read this book it really hit me and I could understand why so many others liked this story so much.

"I just want someone to hear what I have to say. And maybe if I talk long enough, it'll make sense."- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, Part 2

The Tale of Despereaux

2010-03-16T08:56:00.001-07:00

The Tale of Despereaux, By: Kate DiCamillo:
Believe it or not I had never heard of this book till the movie came out back in 2008, then I heard that it was a book and thought of how fun it would be to read it. Well I finally got the chance and I loved it. This is such a cute story about this brave little mouse named Despereaux and the love that he has for a human princess named Pea. It also tells the story about an unfortunate girl named Miggery Sow and a rat named Roscuro. At first the book keeps each story separate till they all come together very nicely. A great book about bravery,love, forgiveness and keeping your dreams alive.

Wuthering Heights

2010-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Wuthering Heights, By: Emily Bronte:
This is one of those books that I have heard a lot about and it's a classic. This is one of those stories that most readers know about...except me. This I confess is my first time reading wuthering heights. It took me awhile to figure out my feelings about this read and I think I've come to a conclusion. Wuthering heights was a depressing, sad and frustrating story but I think I liked it. I don't think it's going to be one of those stories that I'll want to read once a year. But I did enjoy it, I couldn't believe that a story like that could actually end well, so I was quite pleased it did. I couldn't believe how it seemed like everything around heathcliff was so dark and dreary and basically anyone who somehow had a connection with heathcliff had their life ruined. Most of the things that happened could have been prevented...if the people would have just listened to Mrs. Dean.

The Halloween Tree

2010-03-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

The Halloween Tree, By Ray Bradbury:
I enjoyed this story a lot, it has a great morale to it and you learn a lot about the first Halloween all over the world at different times based off the costumes of 8 little boys who besides learning about Halloween from a Mr. Moundshroud but also are searching for their friend Pipkin who was stolen away. They found him through all the years and at the different times but somehow he slips through their hands till the very end. Not only do these little boys learn about Halloween, but they also learn about sacrifice and the power of brotherly love.

The Homecoming

2010-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Homecoming, By: Ray Bradbury:
Ray Bradbury is one of my husbands favorite authors and he pick up a couple of Bradbury's books when we were at the library. This is one of them. He was telling me about it and I became interested. Bradburys writing style is definitely an interesting one. If my husband hadn't told me about the book it would have taken me a while before I realized that the book was a bout a Halloween party. It's definitely an interesting book.

Austenland

2010-03-09T15:38:00.001-08:00

Austenland By Shannon Hale:

I think I found my newest favorite book, this story is about Jane, a successful graphic designer who has a secret...she's has a secret obsession with Jane Austen books and movies...especially Pride and Prejudice. When her great aunt and her mother come to visit and her aunt discovers this secret and that Jane is looking for her own Mr. Darcy she sends her on an all expense paid 3 week vacation to Austenland. No cell phones, mp3 players or electronics of any kind and 18th century regency dress, talk and manners...just like in the time of Jane Austen. Jane saw this as her last hurrah before she swore off men completely. But what she found at Austenland stuck in 18th century England was more than she bargained for. I highly recommend this book for any Jane Austen fan, it has a wonderful mix of 18th century England mixed with modern times.

Little Women

2010-03-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Little Women- By: Louisa May Alcott:
This is one of those stories that has been one of my favorites ever since I was little. Although I have never read the book till now, I had heard the story and the movie was one of my favorites. I did read the abridged version while I worked at the Monticello Library but never finished it cause I moved up to Salt Lake. So I was excited to find the unabridged version in the library up here in Ogden.reading this version was a little more satisfying then the movie and the abridges version of the book. I finally understand now why Jo refused Laurie's proposal and how Laurie later fell in love with Amy. I loved how it went into such detail about all the girls different lives and the life of their neighbor and friend Mr. Laurence and his grandson Laurie. I also found it fun to know what happened to their lives after they each were married and starting new lives and new families. I do admit that at time I needed to take a break from the story and noticed that when I spoke or wrote that it was in that same old English style. :p I love the characters and can find a little of myself in each one of them and I love how this book brings you in like you are apart of the march family and are suffering and triumphing through everything with them. This is a classic book that I would hope I could share with my daughter(s) some day.

Twilight

2010-02-27T19:28:00.001-08:00

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer:
First off I guess I do need to admit that this is not my first time reading this book. This is one of those books that I like to read to take a break from heavy books or it's just a fun read. This time it was for a fun read. My husband James asked me when I finished it this morning what was so great about this book that it has captivated so many women. After thinking about after awhile I told him cause most women want to be Bella in their own respective ways. He didn't quite know what to think so I told him he just needed to read it. :p I love getting lost in the story of Edward and Bella. I love to escape reality and go into a new world that only books can provide and this one provides a great new world that I love to escape to.

Laced

2010-02-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've always loved books by Mary Higgins Clark. So I was excited to learn that her daughter was a writer too. I grabbed this book just as a whim , but I really loved it. I really enjoyed her writing style and was surprised by the story. The book was about two investigators from new york who go to Ireland on their honeymoon which was interrupted by ghosts, fires, and criminals. It's not the usual mystery's that I'm use to where you have to guess who the person that committed the crime was. I loved the humor and plot of the story.

What We Wish We Would Have Known When We Were Newlyweds..

2010-02-24T07:22:00.001-08:00

This book was suggested to us by my niece. I skimmed through it then but never really read it. Then we received the audio book as a gift from a friend. Half way through listening to it I really wished we had read it before. :) They have some great advice on everything that newly weds deal with as they try and merge their two lives together. I would highly recommend this book to any newly wed. I know it would have helped James and I out A LOT. We are now reading it together a chapter at a time and talking about it and answering the questions at the back of each chapter. We are barely into the book but we are really excited about it and have noticed that it is already strengthening our relationship.

The Enoch Letters

2010-02-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

These books are generally really hard for me to get through, even though it's only 71 pages long it was hard because of all the amazing content in it. Neal A. Maxwell is an amazing scholar and scriptorian which I think is another reason as to why it was so hard to get through. But the insights into the City of Enoch were Awesome. After I got through reading this book I looked back through the pages to find a lot of notes I had taken and phrases I had underlined because I liked them so much. The story about the city of Enoch is taught to all Christians at a very young age and a lot of people know about how the city was so righteous that the Lord took it up to heaven to live again with him. But sometimes I think we forget that it didn't just happen that way all in one day or just a "bam" moment. It took time, faith, love and much much more. The Enoch letters are is about letters sent back and forth between two good friends Omner and Mahijah. (sp?)
Mahijah was introduced to Enoch the prophet when he came into his city and slowly became a believe to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It talks about his trials in accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior and first his wrestling with the truth till finally he became a believer. Then the letters start talking about life in the City of Enoch and Mahijah starts to plead with his good friend Omner to come and join him in the city. I loved reading about life for Mahijah in the city of Enoch and to see the progression of the city and all the doctrine he talks about. this really was an amazing story and one I think any christian would enjoy reading.

the Miserable Mill

2010-02-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

This book was a little more surprising to me. I don't know if it was because it was the first book in the series that I've read that hasn't been in the movie or if it's because events have shifted in the story. Whatever it may be this book seemed to be a little darker than the rest and the ever present villain Count Olaf was a little harder to find.This book certainly did keep me guessing and just when i thought I figured it out, it would change. I was an enjoyable read...we as enjoyable as you can get reading about misery and misfortune following these little kids around. but so far I am really enjoying this series.

Wait till Helen Comes

2010-01-14T13:50:00.001-08:00

This is another book my niece recommended for me. it's a really good read. It's an easy read but has a really great story behind it. It's about these kids Molly and Michael who's mom re-married and with the marriage they gained a step sister named Heather. Their lives are turned even more upside down when their Mom and step-dad announce that they are moving to the country to live in a old church. After the move things become weird when Molly notices her step sister becoming more nasty to her and her brother, and when Molly discovers that Heather has made friends with a ghost named Helen things start to get a little stranger.

Christmas of the Cherry Snow

2010-01-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

This book was SO good and SO frustrating at the same time. As I got closer and closer to the end I kept wondering if it was ever going to be able to wrap the story up. This book was suggested to me by a very good friend of mine and sometimes I would express my frustration and all she would say is keep reading.

I am so glad that I had the chance to read this book, it taught me so much about life, love, faith and a determined spirit. i would recommend this book to anyone interested in a good read.

I Believe in Santa Claus.

2009-12-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

This is by far my favorite Christmas book...beside the story of the Savior in the Bible and Book of Mormon of course. This book talks about the symbolism in Christmas and what the different things stand for. But mostly it talks about how Santa Claus is the symbol of the Savior and it talks about why. First the author portrays Santa and the person he is, then she describes the Savior and the person he is which is exactly the same. I love how after I read this book now whenever I see Santa I think of the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas being the celebration of his birth and life. This book is a great one o help kids understand that everything we see at Christmas time and even throughout our lives points back to the Savior and is a wonderful reminder of how we need to constantly look to him and remember his life and the example he was for us so that we may pattern our mortal lives after his. This is the first Christmas in 4 years that I have actual felt the Christmas spirit and the Spirit of the Lord together. It's the first Christmas in a long time that i have been excited for Christmas not because of the presents under the tree...but for the opportunity we have to openly declare our love for our Savior and to sing our praises to him without people getting offended. I love this time of year! I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and i know that he lives and that he loves us. I know that he wants us to return to live with him someday.
I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST...therefore I BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS!. :)

The Polar Express

2009-12-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

Most kids had the opportunity to grow up with this book. So when they made the movie there were a lot of very excited people. I knew nothing about the book or movie till...I think it was last year. But when I saw the movie I fell in love with it instantly and this year I finally read the book...well listened to it is more like it. I love the story behind it and the characters. I can see why this book captivated millions of Children and parent around the world. :)

Mr. Finnegans The Giving Chest.

2009-12-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest things I love about Children's Christmas books is the different messages they hold. They are all the same but different in their own ways. On of these stories is by a man that I grew up watching on TV with my mom and who is one of those great comforting things to me...Dick Van Dyke. watching his movies and hearing his voice always makes me feel like a kid again watching Mary Poppins, the Dick Van Dyke show with my mom and always feels like a warm blanket being wrapped around me. So when I saw this book of course I was going to get it. :p Its a great story about this magical toy maker...Mr. Finnegan that tries to help people. The little girl is the town bully and Mr. Finnegan wants her to help him He gave her the giving chest and asked her to take it to a certain address. By doing this errand she learned the importance of being nice and the true meaning of Christmas. Like I said classic "scrooge" story in a way, but on a level that kids can understand it better. I love this book and cant wait to be able to read it to our kids someday at Christmas time. :)

The Christmas Scene

2009-12-14T09:24:00.001-08:00

This book was so good, it's a book I have with all my Christmas books and I have had it for awhile now but only picked it up this year. It is a very easy read, it took me a little over 3 hours and I am a really slow reader. Elder Neal A. Maxwell does such a good job on making you think, not only about the birth of the Savior and the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place, But about life, the teachings of the Savior, how we need to learn from him and many more wonderful lessons. It took quite a bit not to highlight this whole book with all the different things it taught me and wonderful quotes. It has really helped me in my life and with current problems that I am struggling with. To truly get into the Christmas spirit I would recommend this book, it really helps to focus on the birth of our savior and turn the holidays into CHRISTmas. :) Merry Christmas Everyone!

Book Drive

2009-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

EXTRA EXTRA!!!! BOOK DRIVE CONTINUES FOR 3rd MONTH!!!

That's right my book drive from Oct. is still on-going and I am still offering a $25 gift card to the person who donates the most books. This is a wonderful book drive that is going to help local school and library's right here in Utah. PLEASE we need all the help we can get, if you have any books you would like to donate you can drop them off at my work or house. Not in the Ogden/Downtown Salt Lake area call, e-mail, or make a comment on this blog stating that you would like to schedule a time for me to come and get your books and I can come to your house or work and get them. What a better gift to give this holiday season then the gift of reading and learning to children who don't have a lot. If you are in the West Jordan, South Jordan, (etc.) area and would like to participate in a book drive close to home. My sister in law Lisa is also having a book drive in West Jordan. Click here to see details. We also have another book drive in the making for Primary Children's Hospital. I will keep you posted on this drive. Remember any book , any contribution helps. Thank You!

The Christmas Box

2009-12-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Around this time of year, people start pulling out their Christmas books and reading them. For some reason this seemed a little tedious for me. But this year I decided I really want to try and get into the Christmas spirit. So when we were down to my parents house for Thanksgiving I saw this book on her shelf and asked if i could borrow it. I thought it would be a great book to start the season off with. It was small, Obviously a Christmas story and written by an author that I have read before and seemed to enjoy so...alright lets give it a try. :) I did NOT know what I was getting myself into. Don't get me wrong this book was fantastic and I really loved it. it helped teach me a lot about the true meaning of Christmas and how fortunate I am. This is one of those rare books that made me cry...and I mean tears rolling down my cheeks, couldn't stop the flow, making my husband nervous crying. He kept asking me if I was ok. :) At first it weirded me out a little with the events happening right here in my home state and not only that but a few blocks from where I work. But as the story went on I forgot about that and really got into it and came to really love the characters. This year I have realized a few things, some of the many reason why I love Christmas. It isn't so much the gift giving and getting them in return. That's great but what I really love about Christmas is the fact that it touches all of our senses. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feel. It's all different at Christmas. This book really helped me to realize this. I am starting to see all the different symbolism in Christmas and how it always goes back to our Savior Jesus Christ. This is something no one could take away. Not from me or anyone else who can see this wonderful symbolism. I am so glad I read this book, and very thankful for what it has taught me. to everyone who reads this I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and get to spend it with those you love.

Wide Window

2009-11-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how you can read a series with the same characters the same basic story and the different books are different events that occur...Some examples are Harry Potter. Characters stayed the same, it was the same concept Harry had to deal with Voldemort issues and he was going to Hogwarts...but situations changed... The basilisk, An escaped prisoner, the tri-wizard tournament, etc. Yet with all these same characters and everything, out of the series it seems people can most choose a book (#1,2,3,etc) that they liked more or less. The Wide Window is the 3rd book in the series of unfortunate events. But I think it was also my least favorite so far. With the other two books there was a warmth about them. In book 1 when the children had Count Olaf as their guardian it was dark and sad..but they had his neighbor Justice Strauss to bring light and warmth into the story. In book 2 you had that automatically with Uncle Monty. But in this one there was no warmth. Their new guardian Aunt Josephine was a fairly good woman...even thought her character did bother me a little. But everything was cold and dark. I think that's why I had a little bit harder time with this one. However I was a little more satisfied with the ending and it didn't seem to drag on to expose the bad guy like the last 2 did. So yes this was a good read...not my favorite in the series and I am excited to continue. This series might be put on hold for a time though due to the Christmas season. I want to read a Christmas book this year. :)

Righteous Warriors

2009-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

This was a book suggested to me by a friend...she even sent it to me on audio. :) I really enjoyed it. For those of you who have ever read The Book of Mormon and ever wondered why they're are a lot of wars. John Bytheway has a great explanation and some really great lessons from these chapters that a lot of us might just skim over. it made me see these war chapters from a different perspective. I learned a lot from this book...great read. :)

Fablehaven Book Four

2009-11-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

This book was start to finish nothing but action packed. it left you wanting for more. this book made me feel so many different emotions it was great. It sucked me in just like Harry Potter did. New characters were introduced (as with every book) as well as some old ones. I feel like I cant say much about this book cause I don't want to ruin it for someone who hasn't read it yet. With almost every book I read somebody lets something slip so it leaves me waiting in anticipation till I get to that part that slipped. But with this book I hadn't heard anything about it and it's one of the factors I feel that helped me to enjoy it that much more. Because I didn't know anything about it or even what to expect. So I know this is a short review but I really want you to judge for yourself how you felt about his book. This series is a lot of fun to read.

Reading Tree Challenge

2009-09-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

In one of my last posts I talked about the reading tree and a little about it. I am excited to announce that I am having a book drive. It's really simple, any old or unwanted books that you may have lying around the house can be useful. Just pack em up and give them to me. Either drop them off at my house or e-mail, text or call me to schedule a pick up time that I can come and get them. I have been talking and planning out this book drive with John Barger who is the executive director for Reading Tree right here in our very own Utah...Farmington to be exact. He is as excited as I am to have this book drive to help out some local schools. This book drive will officially start Oct 1st and (due to a 2 weeks vacation) wont end until Jan 1st. To help spread the word please do a short post on your blog about this challenge with a link to this blog and then leave a comment saying you have done this. Then I will contact you to get your address so I can send you a homemade bookmark just for telling people about this. We want to donate as much as we can! So in order to do this I am offering a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble (or a store of your choice) for the person who donates the most books. When you drop them off I will keep track of who you are and how many book you have donated. If you don't live in Utah or close to Salt Lake and would like to help your in luck. Reading tree has bins that you can donate your books at. Just click here to go to their website to find a bin near you. If you would like to participate in the challenge still but once again can't get the books to me. Send me an e-mail at kabby17@yahoo.com with the title Reading Tree Challenge (so I know what it's about) and tell me how many books you have donated (you can also add titles of the books if you want) with a picture of you in front of the donation bin. Remember these books are going to go to needy schools, library's and family's right in your area. If you would like to see where your books go contact a representative in your area and they can give you more information and can maybe even include you in a donation event at a school or library. Please help us out in this wonderful chance to help stamp out illiteracy.

The Reptile Room

2009-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

The reptile room is book 2 in Lemony Snickets a series of unfortunate events. I liked this one more than the first. I still enjoyed the characters both old and newly introduced, I did find myself a little more frustrated at the different situations in this book, but I can see how for a young adult book, kids who read this would be able to identify with the Baudelaire children in the sense that maybe they always feel like adults are not listening and that they need to come up with a way to save the day. In my children's literature class my professor told me that this fact is key to writing children's novels. When a child reads a book they find it a lot less satisfying if an adult comes up with a plan to save the day and the kids in the book just follow along, and when trying to introduce reading to children they might be less interested in reading at all. but when you give them a book that they can live through the characters and these characters come up with their own way of solving the mystery or catching the bad guy then they will want to read more and more. I have really enjoyed these stories so far and look forward to continuing with them.

Reading Tree Books for Charity

2009-09-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this wonderful charity called the Reading Tree books for Charity while I was looking at the Childrens Reading Foundation's website. When I read their mission statement I couldn't believe it. Here is what it said.....

"We have two missions: First, we keep books from contributing to the saturation of our nation's landfills. Second, we collect books from families who no longer want them, and deliver them to children, families, schools and libraries that desperately need them.
Did you know that readiness levels for kids entering school can be directly tied to income levels?

Did you know that 61% of low income families have no children's books in the home?
The books are out there. Thousands upon thousands end up in landfills each year. You can help us use these books to change the lives of kids in your community - and around the world."
I read this on the "Our Mission" portion of the website and I had NO Idea. So for all who read this blog and more I am going to issue a challenge... Since there are no book drops here in Utah (at least according to the website there aren't) I am going to issue a book drive to all who read this blog and more. if you have ANY books that you don't read or want anymore instead of throwing them away. I would like to ask you to donate them to this cause....to help low income families, library's or anyone else who needs them receive books and to try and stop illiteracy. I have emailed the reading tree to find out more information about how we can help and what we can do to have a book drive. When I find out more information I will post it to let you know. Until then please keep this post in mind. Thank You!

I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree.

2009-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is the book I chose to replace my other choice for the book club. It was very hard to read but had me hooked from the very beginning. I feel very humbled after reading about the life of this young girl during the holocaust. I couldn't even imagine having to go through everything she went through and be a survivor. As I was reading this book I tried on multiple occasions to try and relate to her as best I could and couldn't even come close. I tried to imagine what it must have been like and even then I don't think I could ever fully grasp the concept. What really shocked me about this book is not only the experience that this woman had to go through when she was only a teenager but also the story and lesson I learned that even through the most dismal situations good can be found. Laura Hillman made 3 very important friends at the concentration camps. 1 was a young girl named Fella, she helped Laura cope and taught her a lot about life in a concentration camp. The 2 was a Polish POW solider by the name Hillman and later who she affectionately called Dick. As you might have guessed by her name She not only became fast friends with this soldier but also fell in love with him. Then the 3 was another girl by the name of Eva. I have always been fascinated by WWII, but what fascinates me the most is not all the horrible and cruel things that people can do to one another that is often focused on. But the good they can do and the true hero's that walked silently through history that people tend to look over. I am convinced that besides the people they directly influenced nobody would know who they were or what they did without these memoirs, movies and other books. In the darkest of times good can be found. This is the main thing that I took away from reading this wonderful book. I know I recommend almost all the books I read but this one in my opinion is a MUST READ!

The Bag Beginning

2009-09-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to read these books for awhile now, but I wanted to first collect all 13 books....yup 13. I found books 1-4 at a swap meet for a $1 each and thought that would be a good place to start. After finding that I had left the book I was reading in the car... that was now with James at work...in Salt Lake. I started to look for another book to read for the 1 1/2 hour bus ride into work. So I finally grabbed this book. I have already seen the movie so I knew the basic story of these books. It was a lot easier read then what I thought but I really enjoyed how it went into a little more detail with the characters. I especially liked the character Justice Strauss a lot more in the book. You see how she really tried to help the Baudelaire kids a lot more and how she was a safe haven and basically the children's way to stay sane while living with Count Olaf. I do admit that when Count Olaf was introduce in the book I did see Jim Carrey most of the time. :p I am a little torn with how much the author "talks" in the book. Sometimes it's quite humorous and other times annoying. I think this was just an added thing for these books though. It made it feel more like someone was telling you the story rather than you reading it. Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest in the series. :)

Always Looking Up

2009-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

The choice for our next book club book was my choice and after seeing an interview with Michael J. Fox I have really wanted to read this book ever since. So I sent out the e-mail to our book club telling everyone that this was the book and then I bought it on itunes and started listening to it. Well to point out the negative first so I can focus on the positive the only thing that I REALLY didn't like about this book was the language that was used. As a member of the LDS church and the fact that I work for an LDS College, I often forget how the world sees different things as normal. In this case it is swearing, while he never took the Lord's name in vain in this book I lost count of all the other words he frequently used in his book... including the F word. At times i had to stop listening and focus my mind on other things to get a certain word or two out of my head. While I understand that some people consider swearing to be just part of their normal everyday vocabulary. I on the other hand think differently, so after hearing the language I pulled this book as our next book club read and have been searching for something different. However I was hooked and thought that I would continue and try and muster through the swear words. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea about Parkinson's disease so it was really interesting to hear from Michael J. Fox's own mouth (quite literally...he does the reading for the audio book.) about the constant everyday struggles he deals with. He talks a lot about stem celled research which I have to say I am not sure where I stand on this topic. I don't think I understand it. My favorite part however has to be when he talks about his family. From his voice and the essence of his stories you can tell that he really loves his family and that they mean the world to him. From how much he loves his wife to how amazing he thinks his kids are. These were some of the funniest and insightful stories I think in the book. If you don't mind the language this is a great read, it gives you a great look into the life of someone with Parkinson's disease.

Karate-Do

2009-08-27T14:09:00.001-07:00

This was our next book in our book club. This book was very surprising. Martial arts is something that is still very foreign to me but I have had the opportunity to get to know more about it these past 3 years and have developed a deep respect for the sport. I really liked this book and found it quite interesting. Not only the karate itself but of Funakoshi's life and devotion to karate. He helped me see karate in a whole new life and he also debunked quite a few myths that I as well as I believe a lot of people think exist in karate. I think if given an opportunity I really would have loved to study this amazing art under Funakoshi, I am actually interested in seeing if any of the schools he organized is still around and if there are any in Utah. Gichin Funakoshi is the reason why we have karate here in America as well. Because of his desire to introduce the Japanese to karate from his home country of Okinawa. It also was introduced to some American soldiers after WW2 (after years of struggles, triumphs and many other things in Japan before the war.)Funakoshi was even asked to come to America himself to give many demonstrations on a number of different air bases. he gives many wonderful examples in this book about what karate really is and the meaning of it. He uses examples from his own life as well as from his masters lives. I really enjoyed these stories as well and found the rather fascinating. If you are interested in the Asian culture at all I would highly recommend this book...even if you don't know what you feel about karate. This is a great book and really opened my eyes to what karate really is.

Annie Oakley

2009-07-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

I usually don't read biography's but recently read this for our family book club. A while ago we decided to start up a family book club to help broaden our reading horizons and just as a fun family activity. We started out just adding books we wanted to read to a random list and then monthly we would all mark the books we wanted to read and then popular vote would win. Then after some research by Nikki she discovered a different way to base our books by theme and then from youngest to oldest would pick the book that they wanted to read. This is the first book in that new system. our first topic is biography's and our first person to choose was Abby our 9 year old niece. :) I haven't heard a lot about Annie Oakley just the name mostly. So I was pretty amazed to learn who she was. a simple country girl born and raised she had a hard childhood. After the death of her father her mother had a hard time taking care of her and her sisters. They were sent to live with others. Annie lived with a family who didn't treat her very well and was very cruel. She ran away and found her way back to her mother who welcomed her with open arms as did her new step father. After that life for her was good. She lived in Ohio in a town called North Star, She would shoot birds to sell in town and because of it helped her family pay off their debt including their house. Annie didn't become the "little sharp shooter" till she moved to live with her sister in Cincinnati. She also met her husband there Frank Butler who instantly fell in love with her after she beat him at a shooting match. Her and Frank later meet "Buffalo Bill" and became a part of his Wild West Show that took them all over the world. Annie met a variety of people who she became instant friends with. Including Sitting Bull, (who adopted her as his own)the Widow of General Custer, Prince Edward of England and all the Lords and Lady's of his court, and many other royalty throughout Europe. Annie Oakley was well loved by all these people as well as the many cowboys, Indians, Mexicans and everyone who helped with the Wild West show. She seemed like an amazing woman.

Off the top of my head.

2009-07-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share, let me know what you think...

The willows weep and the torrents rend as the rivers bend and the mountains collide. The quiet village fights against the night wondering when the fright will pass by. The blackness thick, and the fog coughing, despair eminent and evil laughing. Then light slashes like a sword. The evil screams as the blackness fleas the warmth of the sun welcomes all the children with weary faces.
-Kristene Earl Armstrong-

Brisingr

2009-07-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

It took me quite a while to get through this book. Brisingr is the third book of the inheritance series, the first being Eragon and the second Eldest. There are 700+ pages in this book but this is not the reason why it took me awhile to get through, one of the reasons is a pretty simple one. I had to put it down a few times cause it was to hard to read this book with the book my book club had for that month which took priority. But the main reason is due to the writing style of Christopher Paolini. His style is very descriptive and details which helped to fill your mind full of vibrant images that you could get lost in. His style reminds me a lot like Terry Brooks except slightly more colorful. The two main characters in this series a boy named Eragon and his dragon Saphira use a lot of emotion to describe the things around them as well as words, which helps bring everything to life. He also gives you the view points of other characters as well not just Ergon and Saphira's so you get a wide range of everything that is taking place. this book was a difficult read for me but I really enjoy the story line and getting to know the different characters. I would recommend this series to anyone who is willing to go into a lot of descriptive detail and enjoy a really great original story.

Welcome!

2009-07-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well I was a little hesitant about starting this blog but I am really excited about it. This book is going to be solely based upon The different books I have read and what I thought about them and occasionally maybe something I have written myself. I don't consider myself a great reader in any regard and I don't think I am a very fast reader either. But I do love to read and I love to talk about the books that I have read and share them with others. Let the blogging begin. :) Enjoy!