There are books that you put down and never pick back up. Then there are books that you can't seem to put down, and even when you have to, your though...moreThere are books that you put down and never pick back up. Then there are books that you can't seem to put down, and even when you have to, your thoughts are still somewhat consumed by them.
This book was neither. It was an enjoyable venture into beloved Austen characters, and an interesting plot line to begin with. But, halfway though it seemed to stall. There seemed to be no other characters or answers to who could possibly be the real murderer, and the story sagged as it wallowed in details about the British justice system. Then when the twist finally came at the end, it felt very sudden and out of left field.
I wanted to love this book. In the end, I merely liked it. It's still much better than most of the "twaddle" out there, but not nearly as good as I'd hoped. (less)
Diane Stanley has some of the best biographies out there for kids. They aren't so dumbed down so as to learn nothing, but they aren't so full of dry ...moreDiane Stanley has some of the best biographies out there for kids. They aren't so dumbed down so as to learn nothing, but they aren't so full of dry facts that you're bored to tears. My daughter and I both learned a lot about da Vinci and even were so intrigued that we went on to read more about him elsewhere. Very well done!(less)
We checked out the audio book on CD from our local library and listened to this fabulous story in the car over several weeks. Beverly Cleary does not...moreWe checked out the audio book on CD from our local library and listened to this fabulous story in the car over several weeks. Beverly Cleary does not disappoint and the kiddos were always quick to ask me to turn it on every time we got the in the car to go anywhere. We'll be looking for the other Ralph books soon!(less)
Gorgeous illustrations won this book it's Caldecott and with good reason. Since we are reading Aesop's Fables, this was a great addition to our rotat...moreGorgeous illustrations won this book it's Caldecott and with good reason. Since we are reading Aesop's Fables, this was a great addition to our rotation. No words in much of the book, but the illustrations tell the story well.(less)
Interesting as a follow-up to "Eat, Pray, Love", mainly because of the emotional investment into the "main characters". Also inter...moreInteresting as a follow-up to "Eat, Pray, Love", mainly because of the emotional investment into the "main characters". Also interesting as a commentary of the institution of marriage in Western civilization. Interesting as a memoir that gives more insight into Gilbert's zany brain. If none of that interests you, you might do well to skip this one. (less)
Jasper Fforde has such an AMAZING imagination. I always feel like I'm tripping around in the made-up world inside of his brain whenever I read anothe...moreJasper Fforde has such an AMAZING imagination. I always feel like I'm tripping around in the made-up world inside of his brain whenever I read another of his Thursday Next books. The clever asides never fail to amuse me and sometimes even laugh out loud. Of course, trying to explain the context of things like "Evade the Question Time" to my half-asleep husband in bed next to me proves to be a bit humorous in and of itself! :) (BTW, that particular aside was an incredibly humorous and insightful peek into our own political world! Can sooo see someone like Jon Stewart on the Daily Show doing a bit like this.)
Looking forward to picking up the next in the series!(less)
If you're a fan of "Jane Eyre" or any of Charlotte Brontë's or her sisters' works, you'll find this book spellbinding. Based on the true lif...moreIf you're a fan of "Jane Eyre" or any of Charlotte Brontë's or her sisters' works, you'll find this book spellbinding. Based on the true life story, Juliet Gael weaves a remarkable interpretation of how Charlotte's journey unfolded. Mesmerized, I didn't want this book to ever end. (less)
I was looking for a "spiritual" book to share ideas and virtues with my children, without weighing them down with too much religious ideolog...moreI was looking for a "spiritual" book to share ideas and virtues with my children, without weighing them down with too much religious ideology or dogma and this book came up. I've been reading the introductory chapters about how to parent and am finding myself saying, "YES!" and "Thank You!" and "wow! Great idea!" the whole time. But, that part aside, I was really excited to see how the author described each of the 52 virtues included and was thankful to see that she made it all very kid-friendly. I'm excited to start a "Family Circle" time with my kiddos during our new homeschooling year this fall and see how well these ideas take off.(less)
A great addition to our study of the American Revolution, this well-illustrated picture book is a perfect collection of some of Benjamin Franklin's sa...moreA great addition to our study of the American Revolution, this well-illustrated picture book is a perfect collection of some of Benjamin Franklin's sayings and their meanings. (less)
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