I smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of...moreI smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of a scene and made for some artificial cliff-hangers. But I laughed at Georgia's antics, as usual. She seems a tiny bit less self-obsessed and selfish and we do get some more actual family drama. I am anxious to get to the final book of the series. Again - I think audiobooks are the way to go for these. The British accents and phrases are better than I can imagine in my head. Although after listening to so many I could hear it in the narrator's voice while I read the books to these three.
These are appropriate for older teens I think. Maybe 16 and up - I don't know, maybe 14. Although there is plenty of teenager-ish talk, there really isn't anything beyond kissing. And the language is fine, unless there is more to British slang than I realize.(less)
I smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of...moreI smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of a scene and made for some artificial cliff-hangers. But I laughed at Georgia's antics, as usual. She seems a tiny bit less self-obsessed and selfish and we do get some more actual family drama. I am anxious to get to the final book of the series. Again - I think audiobooks are the way to go for these. The British accents and phrases are better than I can imagine in my head. Although after listening to so many I could hear it in the narrator's voice while I read the books to these three.
These are appropriate for older teens I think. Maybe 16 and up - I don't know, maybe 14. Although there is plenty of teenager-ish talk, there really isn't anything beyond kissing. And the language is fine, unless there is more to British slang than I realize.(less)
I smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of...moreI smile fondly at the entire series. I just read books 7,8,9 and really they should be one or maybe two books. They kept ending right in the middle of a scene and made for some artificial cliff-hangers. But I laughed at Georgia's antics, as usual. She seems a tiny bit less self-obsessed and selfish and we do get some more actual family drama. I am anxious to get to the final book of the series. Again - I think audiobooks are the way to go for these. The British accents and phrases are better than I can imagine in my head. Although after listening to so many I could hear it in the narrator's voice while I read the books to these three.
These are appropriate for older teens I think. Maybe 16 and up - I don't know, maybe 14. Although there is plenty of teenager-ish talk, there really isn't anything beyond kissing. And the language is fine, unless there is more to British slang than I realize.(less)
I'm trying to read some of the more recent books from one of my favorite authors. I love Korman's early books (out of print), which I recently found o...moreI'm trying to read some of the more recent books from one of my favorite authors. I love Korman's early books (out of print), which I recently found out were published starting when he was 14! Amazing! And he is puting out plenty in the last 10 years or so too, but I am not as taken by them as I am of the earlier books. I don't know if it's because I am no longer in my teens, or that Korman doesn't quite capture the character of teen boys now that he isn't one. He is still good though, and I certainly liked this book.
I liked the different chapters with different POVs and I liked seeing the changes in the main character as he learns about the consequences of his actions, good and bad, and how to empathize with other people as well as bring out the best in those around him. This book has some great lessons in it and I would say it is appropriate for 5th grade up, maybe a 4th grader. The kids in the book are in 8th grade, but things are pretty innocent with boy/girl stuff. There is no language or real violence. The main character's sister is pregnant and his gifted class adopts her as a "human development" project so a young reader should know about the birds and the bees, even though there is absolutely nothing explicit or detailed. (less)
Cute, feel-good story set in NYC - about how just a few people can make a difference and energize a group. Was reminescent of my fave, I Want to Go Ho...moreCute, feel-good story set in NYC - about how just a few people can make a difference and energize a group. Was reminescent of my fave, I Want to Go Home - I swear I recognized some of the descriptions or small plot points. But this one wasn't as funny. Cute, though. I bought this online since it's out of print.(less)
My favorite book of all time! So hilarious; I giggle through the entire book, whenever I'm not laughing out loud. Am a fan of the Bruno and Boots seri...moreMy favorite book of all time! So hilarious; I giggle through the entire book, whenever I'm not laughing out loud. Am a fan of the Bruno and Boots series too. Was so glad when I had three boys so they could enjoy all of Korman's old stuff. Haven't had Alden read it yet, but probably next year. (less)
Also, as always, the recipes look very tempting, which was hard since I just started a diet. But there were some delicious sounding non-sweet recipes too. I will be trying some!(less)
I checked out this book from the library because I am a big fan of the illustrator, Abigail Halpin. But the book turned out to be better than I expect...moreI checked out this book from the library because I am a big fan of the illustrator, Abigail Halpin. But the book turned out to be better than I expected! It is about a young Chinese American, living in some kind of biggish city (high-rises, buses), maybe LA. She learns how to fit in between her Chinese heritage and home, and her American life and school. She also learns a lot about friendship, family, and what is important to her. I was a little emotional at a few parts, and mostly thankful that I don't have girls!
I would recommend this to my friends with girls from 2nd-5th grades, except for my complaint below. But that didn't really affect my enjoyment, so they will probably still like it. And of course the illustrations were fabulous!
This is a smallish chapter book about 4th grade girls and my biggest problem was that the reading level seems too low for 4th graders. But maybe I am mistaken.(less)
I loved this cute little historic, Christian romance. It didn't have tons of literary merit necessarily, but solid writing and great characters with a...moreI loved this cute little historic, Christian romance. It didn't have tons of literary merit necessarily, but solid writing and great characters with a fun setting in Chicago during the World's fair (late 1800s). Our imaginative heroine grows up quickly as she learns about the real world around her and has to decide what she wants in life. I liked the gospel aspects of how best to serve others and finding God's plan for you. This book led to an excellent discussion at book club last night about love and relationships.(less)
2.5 stars. I don't know why I keep reading books like this, except sometimes I just need a change of pace. I'm know Patterson is hugely popular, but I...more2.5 stars. I don't know why I keep reading books like this, except sometimes I just need a change of pace. I'm know Patterson is hugely popular, but I don't think the writing is anything special and the topics covered are way too dark and twisted for my liking. But then I have to keep reading and find out who the bad guy is, and how much bad stuff he will do before the hero finally stops him, and will the hero save the girl in the nick of time. And I do enjoy that. But Alex Cross has too many issue for me and I think I'll stick with Patterson's series, The Women's Murder Club.(less)
I think I'd give this a 4 within the genre of culinary mysteries, honestly, the standard isn't high there. The English setting was fun, and the recipe...moreI think I'd give this a 4 within the genre of culinary mysteries, honestly, the standard isn't high there. The English setting was fun, and the recipes look delicious! I will try some soon and update this. I liked that Sadie's daughter was involved with the whole story, but that girl is a little annoying. But still I enjoyed the book - I think I just like Sadie.(less)
I loved this well-written and charming book about 4 children living in NYC in the 1940s (?). These children are everything I want my children to be: s...moreI loved this well-written and charming book about 4 children living in NYC in the 1940s (?). These children are everything I want my children to be: self-sufficient, responsible, adventurous, but still obedient, kind & loyal to each other. They have a lot of amazing adventures. I would recommend this to adults and to children EXCEPT...
There are situations that are not really in keeping with the world today. Throughout the book I was struck by how different the world is now; sometimes better and sometimes worse. There is a story told by an old woman about how she was kidnapped by gypsies and held for ransom for three weeks when she was a girl in Paris. There weren't many details, and she only says that they were sometimes "cruel" to her. But still... The children in this book are allowed to venture out into the city all by themselves, not even with siblings. And some interesting things happen to them, including a gas leak and a fire in their home, both of which turn out fine.
I think I would recommend a parent read this with a child under 8 or 9 or 10. A 10 year old I know thought nothing of the gypsy incident or any of the other situations. But it depends on the kid. I really enjoyed it myself.(less)
I wanted to get my hands on this book, but didn't want to spend my precious Christmas money on it - even though it's priced pretty low. But when I hea...moreI wanted to get my hands on this book, but didn't want to spend my precious Christmas money on it - even though it's priced pretty low. But when I heard I could get the Nook version for on $3 I jumped on it. And I'm so glad I did. I'm staying on the waiting list at the library though so I can check out the pretty version.
I am a fan of the Young House Love blog - John and Sherry have a nice writing style, conversational and informative. They are a little silly sometimes, but it's all good fun. I was worried that the book would just be a reincarnation of their blog, even though they said it included all new projects. And they were right! It was like a preview of the blog posts they have scheduled for the next 6 months. Good stuff.
One advantage of reading this on my Nook was the bookmark function. I have 5 or 6 projects marked that I'd like to do very soon. And one I wanted to do for Christmas but never got around to finishing... or starting.
If you are a fan of the Petersik's blog, or a good DIY project - check out this book!(less)
Hmmmm, I'm not sure what to say about this book. I will start with redeeming qualities first. The writing is good, and the time period and characters...moreHmmmm, I'm not sure what to say about this book. I will start with redeeming qualities first. The writing is good, and the time period and characters were interesting and mostly believable. I liked the love story and was quite satisfied with the ending. But...
This was a long and mostly boring book! I almost gave up several times, but I hate not finishing a book. I kept waiting for something to happen and for it to go somewhere. And it sort of did - in the last 5-10% of the book. This book is mostly about scrying, mediums, and seeing the future (facilitated by opium!) and I am just not interested in that kind of thing. This book was recommended to me by someone who usually matches with my tastes well, but this one just didn't do it, sorry Lynn.(less)
Had to pre-read this to see if it was ok for my 8yo. I read it in an hour or so and he finished it in a day too. It was pretty funny in some parts, bu...moreHad to pre-read this to see if it was ok for my 8yo. I read it in an hour or so and he finished it in a day too. It was pretty funny in some parts, but we discussed a few places where the kids were dishonest or didn't make the best decision or what would have been a better way to handle something. I liked the dry humor and there weren't many bad words (I'm talking about words that aren't really bad but that I don't want my 8yo to start saying, especially around his younger brothers.)(less)
3.5 stars but I was so thrilled to read something decent after a few stinkers, so I'm upgrading to 4 stars.
This is the 2nd book in this series and I r...more3.5 stars but I was so thrilled to read something decent after a few stinkers, so I'm upgrading to 4 stars.
This is the 2nd book in this series and I really like how it takes place during the war, but isn't exclusively about the war. I didn't realize that people went back and forth from the fighting in France to London. Bess is a nurse and goes through some intense WWI scenes, but then spends time back at home investigating a mystery she has been pulled into.
Bess is very earnest and always fulfills her duty and she is growing on me. I'd like to see her romantic story get started though.(less)
This book had less graphic, disturbing violence than the others, but still sort of an interesting mystery. These are not excellent literature, but it'...moreThis book had less graphic, disturbing violence than the others, but still sort of an interesting mystery. These are not excellent literature, but it's sometimes what I feel like.(less)
a quick, interesting read that hooked me on agatha christie when I was young. I hadn't read it in years but really enjoyed another go at this classic....morea quick, interesting read that hooked me on agatha christie when I was young. I hadn't read it in years but really enjoyed another go at this classic. I remembered the basic premise of how the murderer got away with it, but I couldn't remember "who done it." Which is always nice for a re-reading. I was just sad to miss the book club discussion on it.(less)
3.5 stars. This was a fairly satisfying ending to the trilogy. This book was similar to the others - a bit slow and steady for me, but picking up in t...more3.5 stars. This was a fairly satisfying ending to the trilogy. This book was similar to the others - a bit slow and steady for me, but picking up in the second half. I cared about the characters, but didn't fall for any of them completely. The writing is solid, and the plot intricate enough to keep things interesting. Not the best YA dystopian series I've read, but still enjoyable.(less)
Somehow I thought this was ghost story and wanted to read it for Halloween. It wasn't. But I still enjoyed it. I'd give it 3.5 stars. It was about how...moreSomehow I thought this was ghost story and wanted to read it for Halloween. It wasn't. But I still enjoyed it. I'd give it 3.5 stars. It was about how the ghosts of the past continue to affect families and even whole communities. The story takes place in a small area of Florida, in the deep South. Outsiders are pretty unwelcome, but when a young man comes to town and falls in love with the local darling, consequences are big.
I was interested in this book historically and regionally. Things are very different than I know. The characters were interesting, although the plot was pretty unbelievable, even though it makes for a good book.
I have to say first that I couldn't recommend this book to people due to some graphic sex scenes and some random language issues. The main characters...moreI have to say first that I couldn't recommend this book to people due to some graphic sex scenes and some random language issues. The main characters sexual relationships with several different men are important to the story line, but were too graphic for my taste. I though McEwan was a wonderful writer, but I won't read more of his novels because I assume it will be the same situations.
This was not the type of book I expected it to be - I thought it would be fluffier and more superficial and fun - a woman spy during WWII. It is not. Hopefully my jump-around review will clue you in to what it is.
On to the good! The story line was packed with detail, despite its meandering over several years. And it was all important - lots of foreshadowing, metaphors, etc. that you might not recognize until the conclusion, but which left me thinking about the book long after I finished it.
The pacing was a little slow, but building towards a bit more excitement at the end. It was far from boring, but was not a pageturner - I read it over a couple weeks rather than a couple days.
I am still not sure what I think about Serena, except that I somehow feel nostalgic and protective of her. She seems very foolish and naive in some parts, sad and boring in others, yet is described as a great beauty and with a good mind. I believed that, but didn't really see it in her actions. She seemed to choose men that held her in the shadow and shaped her, rather than the other way around. Yet you get the impression that as a reader you are only seeing her side and that really she is much more from her lovers' side. The men in the story were complex, mysterious and interesting. And they all liked Serena, so there must be more to her than the reader sees.
If you are into politics and (British) history during the 1970s, you would probably enjoy this. I am very much not, so I skimmed quite a lot about what was going on - it was certainly important to the story but I didn't feel like I missed much personally.(less)
Despite having heard plenty about Dave Ramsey, I didn't seek this book out. My parents both read it and loved it, and passed their copy on to me. Sinc...moreDespite having heard plenty about Dave Ramsey, I didn't seek this book out. My parents both read it and loved it, and passed their copy on to me. Since it had made such a big impact on them, I gave it a try and was completely hooked from the first few pages. I would even go as far as to say I felt some nudgings from The Spirit that I should pay attention to this book. I was totally in denial, thinking we were fine since we don't have credit card debt and have a bit saved up. But boy, were my eyes opened!
I thought The Total Money Makeover was well-written for the topic. It uses simple language and terminology, great inspirational stories, and wasn't boring or repetitive. I finished it in 2 days and am committed to a total money makeover. You know, right after trips to Utah and Disneyland in October. Good thing we had saved up for those. I'm so excited to become debt free, have a fully-funded emergency fund, and plan for fun and generosity in the future. I'll be picking up Ramsey's other books soon.(less)
I can not recommend this book to people I know because it was seriously dark, twisted, and somewhat violent, with plenty of offensive language and ref...moreI can not recommend this book to people I know because it was seriously dark, twisted, and somewhat violent, with plenty of offensive language and references to deviant sexual behavior.
I think I'd have to give this book four stars for the writing and the plot, probably five for characters (they were seriously sociopaths!) but one star for the darkness that was totally not uplifting. So, if you're into this type of book already, you'd probably enjoy it.
I thought it was a little slow moving for the first third of the book, but jumped to my attention after that. It is a psychological thriller and certainly kept me guessing, jumping from one crazy supposition to the next. And then the truth... ! Ugh! Crazytown.
I've read serial killer books that had some crazy stuff, but I knew they were going to. This book took me by surprise.(less)
An interesting, quick read for baseball fans. If you're not into baseball, just skip it. The narrator was interesting and the fictional baseball actio...moreAn interesting, quick read for baseball fans. If you're not into baseball, just skip it. The narrator was interesting and the fictional baseball action was amazing. The wrap up was a bit predictable and saccharin, but it didn't ruin it for me.(less)
I read this right on the heels of Austenland, so the same plot device wasn't exactly novel for me. I did like having a heroine that was quite a bit di...moreI read this right on the heels of Austenland, so the same plot device wasn't exactly novel for me. I did like having a heroine that was quite a bit different than the 1st, who was there for different reasons. The whole real mystery and nod to Northanger Abby was great (especially since I just read that one recently) and the happy ending wasn't so bad, since that's how I like them.(less)
I wanted to like this book as much as I liked the main character, but I just didn't. The plot was cliche but still has some potential. I really felt f...moreI wanted to like this book as much as I liked the main character, but I just didn't. The plot was cliche but still has some potential. I really felt for Jessie and some of the situations she ended up in. But the main conflict with Ben felt contrived and then wrapped up all too quickly. And despite the fact that Jacobson can obviously write decently, it was the writing that ruined this book for me. I rolled my eyes and practically threw the book down every time a million details of the setting came out. I really don't care about the colors of the walls, and the couch, and the accent pillows. Or the plates & flatware, the table runner, and on and on! Not to mention the clothes, which I don't mind quite as much, but are still a huge departure from the actual story. It was so distracting! (I was not surprised when I read Jacobson's bio & found out she was in the fashion industry.) The same thing happened with so many details of Jessie's work life. Even though it was a bit more important to the story, we still didn't need so much. But if all of the excess details had been taken out, it would have been a very short book.
Lds fiction is hard to write as any kind of decent literature. I hope Jacobson keeps it up and I'll try another of hers in a few more books.(less)
A cute, quick read with some good satire and great writing. I was charmed by the characters and the language in the 1st few pages. This is totally cle...moreA cute, quick read with some good satire and great writing. I was charmed by the characters and the language in the 1st few pages. This is totally clean and even elementary school kids (girls) would like it, although they might need a dictionary. I will look for more in the series.(less)
I might give this 2.5 stars. It was quick and kind of fun, in a spy mystery/all the bad guys are chasing her kind of way. There was some fun romance a...moreI might give this 2.5 stars. It was quick and kind of fun, in a spy mystery/all the bad guys are chasing her kind of way. There was some fun romance and I was a bit inspired by the heroine's drive to train for the St. George marathon. The plot wasn't original and the writing wasn't anything special. I did like the main character, even if I thought her reactions were unrealistic sometimes.
I got this as a 99 cents Kindle download from Amazon, and found it through the blog ldspublisher.com. I am participating in their Summer Book Trek to read books by LDS authors. The church isn't mentioned anywhere in the book, but it was completely free of language and sex. There is just kissing and mentions of violence. Not explicit or gory, or even scary.(less)
This book is like X-men for teenagers. The premise wasn't super original, but still very fun and exciting. The hero is very likable and his band of me...moreThis book is like X-men for teenagers. The premise wasn't super original, but still very fun and exciting. The hero is very likable and his band of merry men totally grows on you. The action was great, without being violent or gory at all. There was no langauge or sex - totally clean for pre-teens but adults will enjoy it too. I think I'll have my son read it in about a year when he turns 9. (The characters are 15 so it's a little old for him.) I really liked it, and sometimes Richard Paul Evans is a little hokey for me, so I was very pleased with Michael Vey. I will look for the next in the series soon.(less)
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