It's easy to read and interesting to gain insight into how Darcy must have been thinking. And I do like that it's clean, as many Jane Austen book spin...moreIt's easy to read and interesting to gain insight into how Darcy must have been thinking. And I do like that it's clean, as many Jane Austen book spin offs are not. It's nothing amazing but it's an enjoyable light read.(less)
This is a quick, whimsical, delightful read. It's squeaky clean and very sweet and features a wonderfully intelligent, resourceful, and determined her...moreThis is a quick, whimsical, delightful read. It's squeaky clean and very sweet and features a wonderfully intelligent, resourceful, and determined heroine. Great for the pre-teen girl set.(less)
Definitely Twilightish, only not with vampires and werewolves. Like Twilight, it also sends mixed messages about relationships and what modern teenage...moreDefinitely Twilightish, only not with vampires and werewolves. Like Twilight, it also sends mixed messages about relationships and what modern teenage girls seem to define as okay when looking for acceptance from a boy. But none of that caught my eye while I was reading and honestly it is nowhere near as bad (in my opinion) as the disgustingly co-dependant relationship Bella and Edward have. Luce is a much less self-absorbed, much more likeable heroine. Of course she's still a teenage girl and she does teenage girl things (stalking, it happened to my high school boyfriend, not as uncommon as some reviewers seem to think and her way of stalking is so harmless) and she thinks about ways she can be pleasing to boys. All teenage girls do, no matter how we wish they wouldn't/we wouldn't have. Period. The end.
This was a page turner from the very beginning. If you liked Twilight or if you're just looking for a darkly romantic, unique from the typical werewolf/vampire fare these days you'll enjoy this. The cover art is stunning, the lore is interesting and I will definitely be reading the subsequent novels in this series to find out more about Daniel and Luce's story.
The title and cover of this book immediately caught my eye at the library. And after reading the summary I was even more intrigued. This is definitely...moreThe title and cover of this book immediately caught my eye at the library. And after reading the summary I was even more intrigued. This is definitely a more unique fantasy than I've read in awhile. I thought it was a very good read for youth and adults alike.
The author wastes no time in immersing the reader in action and curiosity. At times the story seemed slightly disjointed but I think the author intended it to be, so that we felt more like Annie does as she herself comes abruptly into new situations.
The entire story unfolds through the innocence of Annie's eyes and that tone never changes, which I think serves to make the darkness of Annie's surroundings all the more creepy and ominous. Very well done. From the very beginning of the first chapter, I didn't want to put this book down. It's a wonderfully dark fairytale.
I assume there is to be a sequel as this novel left more things unexplained than it gave answers too, but this was ultimately a riveting read. Very unique, imaginative and full of promise for future novels in the way of story and character development. (less)
This book is obviously best for young adults to read. But if you're a not so young adult looking for something light, feel good and fun (i.e. a vacati...moreThis book is obviously best for young adults to read. But if you're a not so young adult looking for something light, feel good and fun (i.e. a vacation read) this is perfect. (less)
Caroline Bingley, a character we all love to hate from P&P, is the protagonist of this wonderful novel. Her new love interest? Mr. Robert Darcy, F...moreCaroline Bingley, a character we all love to hate from P&P, is the protagonist of this wonderful novel. Her new love interest? Mr. Robert Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy's American cousin.
Let me start by saying that the Caroline Bingley in this novel, is not believable as the Caroline Bingley we are familiar with in Pride and Prejudice. From the beginning, she is nowhere near as severe as I think she ought to be. In spite of this, I give the novel five stars because it is an incredible romance and well written novel.
We see a cool, proper Caroline make a transformation into someone likeable, and honestly, you are hoping for her to have a truly happy ending from the very beginning.
The friendship that blossoms into love between her and Robert Darcy is completely believable and incredibly tender. Even after I finished I kept picking the book up and re-reading favorite passages again and again for the goosebumps they gave me each time.
Another things to add is that this novel is clean. There is nothing sexually explicit or graphic in this novel. I have picked up too many highly recommended P&P sequels only to have to put them immediately down because of the smut they contain. Thank you Ms. Fairview for writing something true to Austen's form. Also, the language, while making you feel as though you really are in the same time period Austen wrote of, is perfectly comfortable and easy to understand.
Also provided by the author are lots of laughs. Our old favorites, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are back. And Robert himself provides great comic relief throughout.
I LOVE this novel! It's the perfect blend of comedy and romance.
A truly riveting read. From the moment the first chapter ends through the rest of the book I could hardly put it down. What a terrible picture of a so...moreA truly riveting read. From the moment the first chapter ends through the rest of the book I could hardly put it down. What a terrible picture of a society it paints, all the more terrible because we may not be far from it. It raises many good questions. I can't wait to continue the series!(less)
Gaiman has created a vivid world, and such memorable characters. I really don't know what to say about this book other than that it's fantastic! Absol...moreGaiman has created a vivid world, and such memorable characters. I really don't know what to say about this book other than that it's fantastic! Absolutely a classic, one to own and read time and again. Well crafted, beautifully written and full of insight. I didn't want to the story to end.(less)
I never read this in High school which may have been a good thing since most kids don't enjoy anything they HAVE to read. I was surprised at how much...moreI never read this in High school which may have been a good thing since most kids don't enjoy anything they HAVE to read. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this considering it was all about real rabbits/hares and not about rabbits who are humanesque (like in Jacques Redwall series). I found the story compelling and the factual contact about how hares act very interesting. I really enjoyed this book and it's one I'll definitely read again.(less)
This is the first book I've read from Elisabeth Gaskell and it won't be the last. I picked up the book expecting an Austen like romance and was richly...moreThis is the first book I've read from Elisabeth Gaskell and it won't be the last. I picked up the book expecting an Austen like romance and was richly rewarded with more than that. Class interactions, turbulent events, differing opinions and complexity of character were all skillfully presented in a story that has and will continue to transcend time. Don't be surprised if Mrs. Gaskell's novel supersedes Ms. Austen's novels on your list of favorites.(less)
A super quick and charming read. Definitely a feel good book, great for a plane ride or a few hours of quiet time. This one doesn't have a whole lot o...moreA super quick and charming read. Definitely a feel good book, great for a plane ride or a few hours of quiet time. This one doesn't have a whole lot of depth but it brings plenty of smiles.(less)
After reading Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility time and again over the years, I thought I should finally delve into the other novels of Jane Austen.
Northanger Abbey was one of Jane Austen's earlier novels, having been written around 1798. It was ready for publication in the year 1803, but the publisher it was sold to, never published it. Austen was able to repurchase the manuscript in 1816 but it was not published until after her death in 1818.
I began this book without any prior knowledge of it's characters or plot. By the fourth chapter I found myself thoroughly interested in the life of Catherine Morland. Her innocent and cheerful manner seemed actually contagious. Many of the worries and drama she faced, though so obviously unimportant and silly, had me anxious for a speedy resolution. Of course credit for this must be given to the writer, for I am still more than a little surprised at how well I like Catherine Morland.
She has not the depth of feeling or character that some of Jane's other heroine's have and yet it is precisely this naivete that endears her character to me. There is much of Catherine Morland that I would like to be myself. To be a cheerful and innocent minded woman, yet able to speak up for herself when the situation truly demanded it (Catherine's prior engagment with Miss Tilney) was admirable indeed. I was very afraid of her allowing her so called friends to push her around and was in agony in the first instance when John refused to stop the carriage after he had lied to her about Mr. and Miss Tilney driving off. But where others could not physically prevent her from doing that which she knew to be right, she stood firm.
As to her imaginings about the General, I have myself imagined even grander schemes at times. Though I may not have been so quick to admit such a scheme to Mr. Tilney in her situation, once done I would have reacted the same way. There are many times I realize how silly my thoughts or actions have been through the perspective of another and I'm glad her mortification did not get in the way of her being sincerely sorry.
In this book Catherine ends a much more knowledgeable woman than when she was first introduced to us. Her perspective on human motivations has broadened considerably in a rather unfavorable manner, yet she seems the same generally cheerful Catherine she was at the start. Certainly she is sad and cries at times over supposed losses of acquaintance and affection but she is quick in recovery and continuation of life. And to retain cheer and hope in the face of affliction is something we should all strive towards.(less)
I started this book yesterday and finished it today. I love love LOVE it! Everything about it!
I saw the movie adaptation a while back, not even knowin...moreI started this book yesterday and finished it today. I love love LOVE it! Everything about it!
I saw the movie adaptation a while back, not even knowing it had been based on a book. I really enjoyed the movie, but once again, the book is so much better. Especially since I now know how loosely the movie is based on this.
Dianna Wynne Jones is a fantastic writer. The descriptions she renders paint a clear picture of this wonderful world. Her characters leap off the page with their unique personalities and quirks. Filled with charm, wit and warmth it will have you smiling all throughout!(less)
This was a very captivating book. From the very beginning it surges forward at a quick pace, never leaving one hanging for long.
I enjoyed it but I do...moreThis was a very captivating book. From the very beginning it surges forward at a quick pace, never leaving one hanging for long.
I enjoyed it but I don't think it was fantastic. The character associations and decision (especially at the end) are very contrived and the descriptions of how things work weren't detailed enough for my liking. I do plan to read the next story in this series however.(less)
I just finished this book and it was something else. The story is fast moving and unique. It's a bit dark, being that it paints a bleak picture of the...moreI just finished this book and it was something else. The story is fast moving and unique. It's a bit dark, being that it paints a bleak picture of the after life and of the dead roaming the earth, but Nix is an excellent story teller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on reading the rest of the trilogy.(less)
I am always reluctant to read holocaust stories, simply because they are so difficult to get through and so heart wrenching. I've visited Dachau and i...moreI am always reluctant to read holocaust stories, simply because they are so difficult to get through and so heart wrenching. I've visited Dachau and it was a sorrowful, unforgettable experience, even being the ghost of a concentration camp it once was.
But this book was beautiful. Of course the read had some very sad outcomes, but it was faith promoting, hope promoting and a book I think everyone should read. (less)
This is a tear jerker, but not one that leaves you feeling sad. Each of these women's stories is inspirational and triumphant. It's a great read and w...moreThis is a tear jerker, but not one that leaves you feeling sad. Each of these women's stories is inspirational and triumphant. It's a great read and was very educational, being in terms I could understand.(less)
All three stories in this collection are very sweet. They teach some of life's most important lessons in a very simple upfront manner. They're also th...moreAll three stories in this collection are very sweet. They teach some of life's most important lessons in a very simple upfront manner. They're also the perfect length if you're just beginning to read non picture books to younger children. (less)
This book was an astonishingly spiritual read. I hadn't felt such raw emotion when reading a story for quite some time before I read this book. I beli...moreThis book was an astonishingly spiritual read. I hadn't felt such raw emotion when reading a story for quite some time before I read this book. I believe it was an inspired work that will profoundly impact any soul who reads it in earnest.(less)
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