It would've been five stars had FIRE gone on with Katsa and Po. Seriously grieving that the story doesn't continue on with them. Character arc and plo...moreIt would've been five stars had FIRE gone on with Katsa and Po. Seriously grieving that the story doesn't continue on with them. Character arc and plot are fantastic in this book--loved it!(less)
This is a special book. Truth be told, I edited it, so I feel a unique kinship with the story and the author. This is not a literary read, but a popul...moreThis is a special book. Truth be told, I edited it, so I feel a unique kinship with the story and the author. This is not a literary read, but a popular one, accessible to all. I love that aspect of it; I can see myself handing it to a broad spectrum of friends and family and them all enjoying it.
THE REASON reminded me of THE SHACK, in its ability to bring a new spin to old, old subjects of faith and life and struggle and redemption...and yet this novel stays true to good theology. I loved the twists and turns, the way it encouraged me to remember the Giver of all miracles in a fresh way, and the hope we always have in tomorrow. It alternately made me giggle and then dissolve into tears. I'm talking SOBBING. While I was editing. Reading scenes for the third and fourth time. It was THAT moving.
And when I finished the book, I felt inspired and satisfied--which trust me, NEVER happens post-editing--because we writers and editors get seriously weary of a project by the time it goes to press. But not this one. Trust me when I say that THE REASON will be one that many, many readers insist all their friends pick up. Be one of the first--you won't regret it.(less)
3.5 stars -- I enjoyed this book from Melanie Dickerson. Fun and fresh play on a classic fairy tale, though I was itching to edit some sections (it's...more3.5 stars -- I enjoyed this book from Melanie Dickerson. Fun and fresh play on a classic fairy tale, though I was itching to edit some sections (it's hard for a writer to make me forget my editorial bent). I look forward to watching Melanie develop as a writer; she has a solid start here. Recommended for the 12 and up Christian YA reading crowd.(less)
*CAUTION: TRYING TO AVOID SPOILERS BUT CAN’T PROMISE SUCCESS*
I thought it was a good, strong novel, with an awesome, multi-layered heroine and mysteri...more*CAUTION: TRYING TO AVOID SPOILERS BUT CAN’T PROMISE SUCCESS*
I thought it was a good, strong novel, with an awesome, multi-layered heroine and mysterious hero. I loved that what Emerson saw weren’t really what she thought they were—but something else entirely; it was a terrific surprise. I loved the connection Emerson had with her older brother and sister-in-law, and the “freak family” she discovers later in the book. Add to that the expanding plot illuminated at the end (I adore a strong antagonist and the XMen) and I’m all-in…I’ll preorder the next book in the series.
What I didn’t like? The love triangle, which I didn’t think was necessary, at least in book one. It just seemed…pushed. And I didn’t understand why they could go and retrieve you-know-who, but not Emerson’s dead parents. Time travel logic makes my brain hurt—undoubtedly, some readers will have issues with River—but I’d be relieved if someone explained this to me. Myra? I’d welcome your explanation so I can stop trying to decipher it! Anyone? Anyone?(less)
Now that I finished TORRENT, book #3 in my time travel series, I'm allowing myself to read other time travel books. And OH, I thought this book was SO...moreNow that I finished TORRENT, book #3 in my time travel series, I'm allowing myself to read other time travel books. And OH, I thought this book was SO fun. I'm amazed at the skills of the translator--you'd never know it was originally written in German. I loved the characters and the complex family dynamics, the friends and the main character's special gift (that even she has not fully recognized). The only thing I thought was unbelievable was the romance...but I'm hoping that it's just a set-up and will make more sense with book #2, SAPPHIRE BLUE. Tried to preorder, but it's not yet available. But you better believe I'm on it as soon as it is!(less)
To be honest, I had a hard time getting into this book and almost set it aside. I haven’t read historical fiction—that felt like it was written in the...moreTo be honest, I had a hard time getting into this book and almost set it aside. I haven’t read historical fiction—that felt like it was written in the nineteenth century—since college. And therefore, it was a bit of a challenge to get into the cadence, settle into the rhythm of these character’s lives and the way they see things. But once you do…oh, once you do! Captivating, enthralling, deliciousness. So if you’re struggling up front, hang in there. It’ll be worth it, I promise.
The author’s gift when it comes to description (“Longing felt like a thread, slipping between us, sewing us together”) and snappy dialogue (“Do forgive me,” he said, eyes meeting mine as he brushed gloved fingers over my boot. “I’ve no reputation of my own, and I forget they matter”) made me literally, repeatedly pause, rereading a line, then two. It’s been a long time since a book has made me do that. I’ll be looking for the sequel, due out in 2012. (less)
This was a total escape read, delving back into a literal fairy tale in a fresh new way. Azalea, the protagonist, was mesmerizing, struggling with iss...moreThis was a total escape read, delving back into a literal fairy tale in a fresh new way. Azalea, the protagonist, was mesmerizing, struggling with issues of grief and anger in a believable way. The antagonist was fascinating, as magically attractive as Azalea first found him to be. And I loved the family dynamics so vividly described and drawn out...as well as the resolution in the end.
The only thing I found jarring were occasional modern phrases from the girls, yanking me out of the story. I wanted to stay submerged in this fairy tale land and their unique way of speaking only took me under further; when they broke from it, so did I.
All in all, a delightful read that's stuck with me for days after finishing the last page. Thanks, Heather!
Mama Bear Warnings: Few, if any! A little violence (fighting). VERY clean read!(less)
What I liked: A peek into a modern Mennonite's life, a woman who has left the community and examines how that foundation formed her. Some truly funny...moreWhat I liked: A peek into a modern Mennonite's life, a woman who has left the community and examines how that foundation formed her. Some truly funny moments. The author is insightful--to a certain measure--and puts herself 100% out there in terms of vulnerability, which I admire.
What I didn't like: I felt the author was mean and crass and disrespectful to her loving, and amazingly tolerant, parents. I can handle sarcasm and love dry wit, but it has to be balanced (a la Anne Lamott). I empathized with Janzen to a certain measure (she goes through a terrible time), but there was ultimately no redemption in the end, no closure, no true healing, no full circle--which was why I finished the book at all. When I turned the last page, I said aloud, "That's IT??" All that was left was a tongue-in-cheek "history" of the Mennonites section.
She didn't go home to heal--she appears to have returned home to gather enough fodder for her book.
P.S. Went to book club last night; 1 out of 8 loved it; 4 bailed on it partway through because of reasons outlined above; 3 of us finished it and had similar thoughts.(less)
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