Pride and Prejudice

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

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

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

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

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

Uh...bad book...didnt like it. yeah the end

The Nine Lives of a Cat. A tale of Wonder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

6-Laced

7- Twilight

8- Little Women

9- Austenland

10-The Homecoming

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