http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/967907 en-US Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:48 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 18348736 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:48 -0700 What surprised me was the depth of character development. I couldn't help compare it to my first-read and favorite classic Wuthering Heights. Whereas there it's so NOT about character development, this one is ALL about character development. And I loved it. It'll now be listed as a favorite novel! And one I must re-read at a future date.]]>
author: Charlotte Brontë
name: Laura
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1847
rating: 5
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/18/08
shelves: english-literature
review:
So I finally finished it last night. WOW! I had had one of the main "secrets" revealed to me because I read a Goodreads post on the book (my OWN fault :-), but the ending was unexpected. The plot was well conceived and well developed. The language was just as I like it.
What surprised me was the depth of character development. I couldn't help compare it to my first-read and favorite classic Wuthering Heights. Whereas there it's so NOT about character development, this one is ALL about character development. And I loved it. It'll now be listed as a favorite novel! And one I must re-read at a future date.
]]> 27179781 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:29:35 -0700
author: Jonathan Swift
name: Laura
average rating: 3.57
book published: 1726
rating: 4
read at: 03/97
date added: 07/13/08
shelves: english-literature
review:
One of 2 books I didn't finish in high school English, but reading it again (or should I say COMPLETELY) during British Lit in college was rewarding. It definitely helps to have a background in English history to really get the satire. (Although my FAVORITE satire is Swift's Modest Proposal - of course the solution is to eat the babies!)
]]> 19167602 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:28:39 -0700 ]]>
author: Dave Barry
name: Laura
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/11/08
shelves: humor
review:
Laugh out loud funny. I actually had to go into my room to read during SSR (silent sustained reading) time with my girls because my laughter was disturbing their attempts at reading. Not to mention my bursting into song regularly - a bit much for them. :-)

]]> 20356220 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:19:43 -0700 If I could, though, I'd give it 2.5 stars. While I liked the plot and didn't figure it all out at first, it did take me almost 9 weeks to read (it was my bathroom book but I never really got to the point where I HAD to take it out and finish it) Also, there's a few f-words and a semi-graphic rape scene both of which usually bring down my ratings. I'll probably read the others, but I'll wait until I can borrow them from a family member!]]>
author: Robert Ludlum
name: Laura
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1980
rating: 3
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/11/08
shelves:
review:
For those who like comparing books and the movies - my .sister-in-law says (and I agree!) that the only things the movie got right were the names of the characters and some of the settings! The book is a much more convoluted and intellectual read than I had anticipated.
If I could, though, I'd give it 2.5 stars. While I liked the plot and didn't figure it all out at first, it did take me almost 9 weeks to read (it was my bathroom book but I never really got to the point where I HAD to take it out and finish it) Also, there's a few f-words and a semi-graphic rape scene both of which usually bring down my ratings. I'll probably read the others, but I'll wait until I can borrow them from a family member!
]]> 26825893 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:24:43 -0700
author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
name: Laura
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1908
rating: 4
read at: 06/94
date added: 07/09/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:
Read this AFTER seein ghe movie BUT still very enjoyable. I should get it out and have my daughter read it!
]]> 26825381 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:14:52 -0700
author: Jon Stone
name: Laura
average rating: 4.67
book published: 1979
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 07/09/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:

]]> 26223143 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:40:33 -0700
author: Lois Duncan
name: Laura
average rating: 3.80
book published: 1982
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 07/03/08
shelves: young-adult-books
review:

]]> 26223046 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:39:20 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 07/03/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 18346674 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:33:02 -0700
author: Gerald N. Lund
name: Laura
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/27/08
shelves: church-books
review:

]]> 25623552 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:17:20 -0700
author: Jon Scieszka
name: Laura
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/26/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 24951715 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:28:57 -0700
author: William G., Jr. Perry
name: Laura
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 06/07
date added: 06/19/08
shelves: education, nonfiction
review:
Written by the Grandfather of epistemic belief research - William Perry (who incidentally taught ENGLISH at Harvard). Great new foreword by one of his students. Covers the 9 positions of post-Piagetian intellectual development. Springboard for SO many great researchers in higher ed and ed psych.
]]> 23963193 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:40:09 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 3.41
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/07/08
shelves:
review:
One of two Grisham's I'd let my students read for their outside reading in Am Lit. Different than his lawyer novels - and I really enjoyed it.
]]> 23851228 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:24:41 -0700
author: Judith Viorst
name: Laura
average rating: 4.40
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/06/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:

]]> 23830100 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:03:21 -0700
author: Kevin Henkes
name: Laura
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 06/05/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:

]]> 20940406 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:37:09 -0700
author: Brandon Mull
name: Laura
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/05/08
shelves: fantasy, series, young-adult-books
review:
Gripping third installment - but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two books. I love the light/dark contrast, and the "powers" developed by both Seth and Kendra. I loved the Chronometer angle and look forward to more from Gavin the dragon tamer!
]]> 19910529 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:25:32 -0700 This book was scarier than the first one, but still not terrifying - which is good for the young ones. I love how betrayal and choices are played out in the book. Can't wait to get and read book 3!]]>
author: Brandon Mull
name: Laura
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/01/08
shelves: fantasy, young-adult-books
review:
I love that my daughter is old enough to get books for her birthday that I want to read too!
This book was scarier than the first one, but still not terrifying - which is good for the young ones. I love how betrayal and choices are played out in the book. Can't wait to get and read book 3!
]]> 21422256 Mon, 26 May 2008 17:55:00 -0700
author: Diane Setterfield
name: Laura
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/26/08
shelves:
review:
Very enjoyable, as long as you can handle unlikable characters. Reminiscent of Wuthering Heights and (so I hear) Jane Eyre but with some great twists. I particularly liked how the author portrayed the aching heart.
]]> 22714593 Wed, 21 May 2008 16:59:22 -0700
author: Sandra Cisneros
name: Laura
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 05/21/08
shelves: american-literature, audio-books
review:
Really enjoyed this as an audio book. The story can be difficult to follow at times because it is not told chronologically. Cisneros paints an amazing and beautiful picture of three (I think) generations of a Mexican family.
]]> 22339957 Thu, 15 May 2008 19:32:24 -0700 I would use Proctor's line "But it is my NAME!" to impress upon my students the passion I felt towards my own and their honesty and integrity in my class.]]>
author: Arthur Miller
name: Laura
average rating: 3.57
book published: 1952
rating: 5
read at: 05/92
date added: 05/15/08
shelves: american-literature
review:
An all-time favorite. I love how Miller uses the Puritan setting and story of the Salem witch trials as a commentary on the (at the time) current state of the world (ie McCarthyism). It continues to have great parallels to modern life.
I would use Proctor's line "But it is my NAME!" to impress upon my students the passion I felt towards my own and their honesty and integrity in my class.
]]> 22328678 Thu, 15 May 2008 16:31:40 -0700
author: Michael McLean
name: Laura
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/15/08
shelves:
review:
I have loved Michael McLean's songs about adoption since From God's Arms to My Arms to Yours came out in 1990. This book comes with a CD that has the three songs I knew and three others I didn't. The book contains the song lyrics, the story of how he became involved in the circle of adoption, and brief comments before each set of lyrics. Great gift book for anyone who has been touched by adoption. (I bought it for my mom for mother's day and got myself a copy as well :-)
]]> 18262421 Mon, 12 May 2008 22:41:13 -0700 I like the continued complexity of the characters and the focus on CHOICES that lead to outcomes. I do, however, wish Percy would get a CLUE when it comes to girls....but he does turn 15 at the end of the book so I have to give him some slack for his age!]]>
author: Rick Riordan
name: Laura
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/12/08
shelves: fantasy, young-adult-books
review:
Not initially as compelling as book 3, but I was definitely enthralled towards the end. More serious tone - we are talking about the survival of Western Civilization - but still moments of humor.
I like the continued complexity of the characters and the focus on CHOICES that lead to outcomes. I do, however, wish Percy would get a CLUE when it comes to girls....but he does turn 15 at the end of the book so I have to give him some slack for his age!
]]> 21417993 Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:11 -0700
author: Orson Scott Card
name: Laura
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 05/01/08
shelves: church-books
review:

]]> 21416812 Thu, 01 May 2008 14:44:09 -0700
author: Orson Scott Card
name: Laura
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 05/01/08
shelves: church-books
review:
I really enjoyed how this was told from both of the women's perspectives. I especially liked how he handled the behind-the-scene whys and hows of Leah's marriage to Jacob.
]]> 21416304 Thu, 01 May 2008 14:38:43 -0700
author: Spencer W. Kimball
name: Laura
average rating: 4.49
book published: 1993
rating: 5
read at: 02/94
date added: 05/01/08
shelves: church-books, nonfiction
review:
Reading this book was an amazingly powerful experience. Certainly a rough read at first (kind of reminds me of King Benjamin's sermon in Mosiah)but has an incredibly redeeming quality.
]]> 21299371 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:28:03 -0700 Great examples of why punctuation is so important and some very funny misuses of it :-)]]>
author: Lynne Truss
name: Laura
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/29/08
shelves: nonfiction
review:
I asked for (and received) this for Christmas a few years ago. Very funny history/rant about the misuse of punctuation.
Great examples of why punctuation is so important and some very funny misuses of it :-)
]]> 21280163 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:47:59 -0700
author: Edith Wharton
name: Laura
average rating: 3.24
book published: 1911
rating: 4
read at: 03/02
date added: 04/29/08
shelves: american-literature
review:
Read this for the first time when I taught it. It's accessible to students because it's SHORT (gets them over the whole, How LONG is the book??? problem). It also does a good job of exploring a woman's psyche and internal conflict.
]]> 20946623 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:49:12 -0700
author: Toni Morrison
name: Laura
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1970
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/24/08
shelves: american-literature
review:
I adore her writing style! Lots of symbolism, beautiful prose. I love that you get the story from lots of perspectives. Warning for this one: the story involves incest and there's a disturbing scene in the book.
]]> 20946591 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:44:08 -0700
author: Shel Silverstein
name: Laura
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1981
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/24/08
shelves: childrens-lit, poetry
review:

]]> 20946569 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:43:18 -0700
author: Shel Silverstein
name: Laura
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/24/08
shelves: childrens-lit, poetry
review:

]]> 19910544 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:30:37 -0700 I'm excited to read the next ones!]]>
author: Brandon Mull
name: Laura
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/24/08
shelves: fantasy, young-adult-books
review:
A delightful world with good depth. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Seth and Kendra; neither were stereotypical. I liked that Seth didn't fall for the tricks of Muriel at the beginning, as so many in fairy tale lands do; however, I became frustrated with him, esp. after the "walrus" incident, that he DIDN'T learn and listen to his grandpa.....although is that really all that different from real life? On the other hand, I thought Kendra was often OVERLY cautious, although in the end that protected her.
I'm excited to read the next ones!
]]> 20850640 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:44:05 -0700
author: Nicholas Sparks
name: Laura
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2001
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/23/08
shelves: romance
review:
Not a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. I thought it was predictable but a decent romance. And clean for the most part.
]]> 20850392 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:38:38 -0700
author: Agatha Christie
name: Laura
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1926
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/23/08
shelves: mystery
review:
My first Hercule Poirot and, likely, my favorite. Loved the first person narration and the many unlikely twists.
]]> 20850243 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:37:46 -0700
author: Ronald D. Davis
name: Laura
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/23/08
shelves: education, nonfiction
review:
Read this to try to understand the way dyslexia functions. Really gave me a good perspective in that a "disability" can actually be a gift, especially if you learn to harness the possibilities of it.
]]> 20850198 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:35:15 -0700
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Laura
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/23/08
shelves: fantasy
review:

]]> 20846272 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:37:44 -0700
author: Douglas Adams
name: Laura
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1979
rating: 3
read at: 01/02
date added: 04/23/08
shelves: science-fiction
review:
Bizarre story. Enjoyed the bits of humor throughout.
]]> 20835906 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:43:00 -0700
author: Alexander McCall Smith
name: Laura
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 18406636 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:33:51 -0700
author: Robin McKinley
name: Laura
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/21/08
shelves: fantasy, young-adult-books
review:
Once I figured out that it was a collection of short stories and not one complete story I enjoyed it more! The stories were ones I was less familiar with, and McKinley does a nice job with them.
]]> 20660641 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:01:49 -0700 She came and spoke at the school where I taught and signed my copy. She read some of her poetry and she was amazing!]]>
author: Sandra Cisneros
name: Laura
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/21/08
shelves: american-literature
review:
Great collection of short stories centered around Mango Street, a Hispanic neighborhood.
She came and spoke at the school where I taught and signed my copy. She read some of her poetry and she was amazing!
]]> 20657804 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:29:41 -0700
author: Leif Enger
name: Laura
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/21/08
shelves:
review:
Loved the story and the writing.
]]> 20621712 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:57:44 -0700
author: Ernest J. Gaines
name: Laura
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: american-literature
review:
Read this for a class in college and I remember enjoying the story, the theme, and the setting.
]]> 20621701 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:56:37 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 3.47
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: mystery
review:

]]> 20621642 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:54:57 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 3.38
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves:
review:
Interesting lawyer story with focus on the death penalty.
]]> 20621616 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:53:57 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 2.67
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: mystery
review:
A bit predictable and too much sex/language.
]]> 20621117 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:40:17 -0700
author: Michael Crichton
name: Laura
average rating: 3.37
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: science-fiction
review:
Creepy story with enough surprises to keep you reading. Really makes you think about how far we should allow nanotechnology to go!
]]> 20614147 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:24:27 -0700
author: Douglas Adams
name: Laura
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1987
rating: 3
read at: 06/03
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: science-fiction
review:

]]> 20613549 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:13:53 -0700
author: Joseph Conrad
name: Laura
average rating: 3.53
book published: 1902
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: english-literature
review:

]]> 20508187 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:39:24 -0700
author: Gordon B. Hinckley
name: Laura
average rating: 4.75
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/18/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20506875 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:56:15 -0700
author: Audrey Wood
name: Laura
average rating: 4.36
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at: 08/99
date added: 04/18/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:
Another one my girls LOVE me to read to them. I read it to my youngest A LOT when she was in her "I Don't Need A Nap" phase!
]]> 20506385 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:38:17 -0700
author: P. D. Eastman
name: Laura
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/18/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:
My girls LOVE this book. Clever and an easy read when they're learning to read!
]]> 20505677 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:19:26 -0700
author: Frank McCourt
name: Laura
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/18/08
shelves: biography
review:

]]> 20435102 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:10:07 -0700
author: John Grisham
name: Laura
average rating: 3.53
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/17/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20430866 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:43:58 -0700
author: Gary Paulsen
name: Laura
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at: 11/94
date added: 04/17/08
shelves: young-adult-books
review:
Read it in a YA lit class in college. It was a good story (if you suspend your disbelief!) It's one I've always suggested to boys who don't like to read.
]]> 20347681 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:38:19 -0700
author: Agatha Christie
name: Laura
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1934
rating: 4
read at: 07/02
date added: 04/16/08
shelves: mystery
review:
The first Hercule Poirot I read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story - I did not guess the end!
]]> 18406666 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:37:29 -0700
author: Agatha Christie
name: Laura
average rating: 3.62
book published: 1923
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/16/08
shelves: mystery
review:
Another Hercule Poirot novel - with his method AND enough twists to keep me guessing to the end!
]]> 20193454 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:21:37 -0700
author: Stephen E. Robinson
name: Laura
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 02/95
date added: 04/14/08
shelves: church-books, nonfiction
review:
My mom sent me this book when I was having a really rough time my sophomore year of college. It gave me my first real conception of the scope of the power of the atonement.
]]> 20100275 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:43:32 -0700 I read it to my students on the last day of class nearly every year I taught. I especially love that it teaches there will be problems BUT they will also be able to face and overcome them.]]>
author: Dr. Seuss
name: Laura
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1990
rating: 5
read at: 05/94
date added: 04/13/08
shelves: childrens-lit
review:
A friend typed up the text of this book and sent it to me at the end of my freshman year of college. I've loved it ever since, and regularly give it as a graduation gift.
I read it to my students on the last day of class nearly every year I taught. I especially love that it teaches there will be problems BUT they will also be able to face and overcome them.
]]> 19977756 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:41:09 -0700