I Believe in Santa Claus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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..

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

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

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

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

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.