Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey is an original look at the well-loved tale of Sleeping Beauty. What makes it original is its voice. The story is told in...moreBeauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey is an original look at the well-loved tale of Sleeping Beauty. What makes it original is its voice. The story is told in first person. I pictured Aurore as a grandmother telling the story of how she fell in love. At times, the voice became a bit distracting to me. The narrator breaks in often and speaks directly to the reader. This made it difficult for me to lose myself in the story.
I believe it is a personal preference that stopped me from loving this book. I enjoyed the originality brought to the tale by Cameron Dokey. The book is definitely a quick, easy read.
As you know, Aurore was cursed when she was born that at the age of 16, she would prick her finger and die. Luckily, Aurore's godmother was able to lesson the blow by promising Aurore that she wouldn't die, but would sleep 100 years.
As you can imagine, the curse made Aurore's mother a bit overprotective. Aurore was not allowed to be around anything sharp or even to go outside. One day, however, to Aurore's surprise, her cousin, Prince Charming (nicknamed as a joke, since he was anything but charming), convinced Aurore's mother that it would be beneficial to let her leave the palace. This was the start of a great, yet complicated love.
Aurore is a likeable character who wants to explore and fight her own battles. If you enjoy retold fairy tales told in first person, you may want to try out this quick read. (less)
Despite my love for fantasy lately, I couldn’t really get into this book. (Sorry, Dad.) I suppose I enjoyed the f...moreThe Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Despite my love for fantasy lately, I couldn’t really get into this book. (Sorry, Dad.) I suppose I enjoyed the first few hundred pages when things were happening, but am I wrong or did I spend the last 500 pages reading about a group journeying…journeying…journeying…journeying?
I’m afraid this book falls into the Lord of the Rings category for me. I realize a lot of people love the books (like the males I am related to) but something about the writing drags on and on. I suppose it is because they are written for adults instead of young adults. The great thing about YA is that the authors know they have to GET TO THE POINT or the readers will lose interest.
Anyway, the book was a clean read. If you are the kind of person who likes super long-winded fantasy, you might love these books like the millions of other readers who do.
This book doesn't come out for several months. In August, I'll be interviewing the author at http://cleanreads.blogspot.com/.
Water Keep, the first Fa...moreThis book doesn't come out for several months. In August, I'll be interviewing the author at http://cleanreads.blogspot.com/.
Water Keep, the first Farworld book was better than I expected, and I expected to enjoy it. It's full of non-stop adventure, evil creatures, real issues, and even a touch of romance.
Thirteen years ago, a baby boy survived the attack of the Dark Circle. The attack had been carried out for the purpose of getting rid of the one boy who could save Farworld from destruction. Only Marcus survived. Barely. He lived the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
Marcus realizes he has a few gifts. He is able to bend light to appear almost invisible. He tries to use his tricks when members of the Dark Circle come to Earth in search of him, but he ends up in Farworld, a place he thought was only in his dreams.
In Farworld, he meets Kyja. Kyja and Marcus travel back and forth between Earth and Farworld meeting all kinds of adventures.
This book may have been a five-star if I had just liked the ending a little bit more. It really is a cliff-hanger...definitely gearing up to be a series...but I wonder if this one could have ended a bit more satisfyingly.
I think the intended audience -middle-grade readers- will eat this series up.(less)
This retelling of Pride and Prejudice was an enjoyable read. Imagine a Pride and Prejudice where nothing goes wrong. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are free...moreThis retelling of Pride and Prejudice was an enjoyable read. Imagine a Pride and Prejudice where nothing goes wrong. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are free to fall in love without all the distractions. Okay, there were a few complications, but they were usually quickly resolved and we could get back to the developing love story. This was a fun read. My copy still has a lot of editing issues, but hopefully they'll get those straightened out.(less)
Here's what I want to ask this book...Where have you been all my life? I wonder how I never read this...moreThe Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
Book Review by Emily
Here's what I want to ask this book...Where have you been all my life? I wonder how I never read this classic until now. It's amazing.
Marcellus Gallio, a Roman Tribune, is ordered to crucify Jesus. Although he believes Jesus is innocent of any crime, he follows orders. During the crucifixion, he takes the Robe that Jesus wore.
That dark day nearly kills Marcellus. He is overwhelmed with guilt and curiosity. Marcellus travels to Galillee to learn more about this mysterious man who was crucified, taking the Robe along.
This historical fiction classic tells the story of one man's quest for the meaning of life. Full of faith, love, and adventure, this book has it all.
This is not a quick and easy read, by any means, but if you are in the mood for an inspiring Christian classic, this might be the one for you.
Recommended for adults and teens who enjoy classics. (less)
These books get better and better. I can't wait to read the final one. All I'm going to say about this particular book is...AAAHHH! I can't believe the...moreThese books get better and better. I can't wait to read the final one. All I'm going to say about this particular book is...AAAHHH! I can't believe the end!!! Okay. That's it.(less)
This book is like Little House on the Prairie for grown-ups...only maybe a little slower. I enjoyed it, but I thought it was going to be this great ro...moreThis book is like Little House on the Prairie for grown-ups...only maybe a little slower. I enjoyed it, but I thought it was going to be this great romance, and it wasn't. It's more of a life sketch of people in rural America.(less)
I just finished reading Heidi aloud to the kids. What a sweet story!
Heidi is a happy, optimistic girl. She loves nothing more than being on the mount...moreI just finished reading Heidi aloud to the kids. What a sweet story!
Heidi is a happy, optimistic girl. She loves nothing more than being on the mountain, enjoying the flowers and goats, as well as her beloved grandfather and neighbors.
When she is taken away to live in the city with a wealthy family, to keep Clara company, both Heidi and her grandfather are very unhappy. Still, Heidi is able to form a deep friendship with Clara, who is ill and cannot walk.
Soon enough, though, Heidi is able to return to her beloved mountain air.
This Pollyanna-type book is full of joyful raptures, references to God and why he sometimes doesn't answer our prayers right away, loving relationships, forgiveness, and the joy of simple living.
We loved this book. I have to say, it can get a little slow at times, so I recommend it for experiences listeners (whether young or old) who can delight in passages about beautiful flowers and such. (less)